FORANE
Well Known Member
IFD440 Issues with GPS Lock
So I bought an avidyne IFD440, new on vaf classifieds, and installed it in my lancair. Slid out the 430W, slid in the IFD 440 and configured it. 1st flight after installation it lost GPS lock intermittently through the flight for a total of about 1/2 of the 2 hour flight.
Same GA-35 GPS antenna that worked fine for the 430W. Avidyne tech support said the antenna is required to be mounted outside, not on the shelf in the empennage under the composite fuselage like mine has been for years. They didn't answer why it worked for the 430W but not the IFD440.
I also noticed the IFD440 runs terribly hot to the touch. I can't touch it for longer than about 5 seconds without burning my fingers. No answer from tech support on this either.
Love the features but I am beginning to question the purchase.
Questions:
Have you seen issues with IFD 440/540 GPS lock failure?
Have you had success with mounting a GA-35 for use with an IFD under the cowling? or on the turtle deck? or only mounted outside as Avidyne says is mandatory?
Are you using a GA-35 antenna or another antenna?
Is it normal for an IFD to run hot?
Do GPS antennas such as GA-35's either work or not, or does their function degrade with age?
I would have pics of the 430w locked onto many satellites but I left it at home after installing the IFD. Now, I am out of state and possibly grounded depending on if conditions are IFR when it comes time to go home.
So I bought an avidyne IFD440, new on vaf classifieds, and installed it in my lancair. Slid out the 430W, slid in the IFD 440 and configured it. 1st flight after installation it lost GPS lock intermittently through the flight for a total of about 1/2 of the 2 hour flight.
Same GA-35 GPS antenna that worked fine for the 430W. Avidyne tech support said the antenna is required to be mounted outside, not on the shelf in the empennage under the composite fuselage like mine has been for years. They didn't answer why it worked for the 430W but not the IFD440.
I also noticed the IFD440 runs terribly hot to the touch. I can't touch it for longer than about 5 seconds without burning my fingers. No answer from tech support on this either.
Love the features but I am beginning to question the purchase.
Questions:
Have you seen issues with IFD 440/540 GPS lock failure?
Have you had success with mounting a GA-35 for use with an IFD under the cowling? or on the turtle deck? or only mounted outside as Avidyne says is mandatory?
Are you using a GA-35 antenna or another antenna?
Is it normal for an IFD to run hot?
Do GPS antennas such as GA-35's either work or not, or does their function degrade with age?
I would have pics of the 430w locked onto many satellites but I left it at home after installing the IFD. Now, I am out of state and possibly grounded depending on if conditions are IFR when it comes time to go home.
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