I recently updated my Dynon Skyview classic system from version 15.4.7.5568 of the software to the latest release, version 16.7.4.14058. For the most part, things went smoothly, except when it comes to the autopilot. Now, neither autopilot servo is detected on the network. The control panels are, but not the servos, meaning I have no autopilot. My gut is the servos are still on the older version of the software. I am in limited communication with dynon technical support (email only, no phone), but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem and has a solution? Also, maybe somone out there has an older version of the software they could share so I can get my system communicating again?
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Dynon Software Update-No AP Servos
- Thread starter F18Sailor
- Start date
I have a similar issue. Running 16.7.4 I had to send a roll ap in because of age and not connecting. The pitch was working fine. Now all of a sudden I will get a pitch ap disconnected... It intermittent. Wondering if my pitch servo has a problem or its a fw change. Please update if you get info from Dynon. Cycling the Master sometimes resolves it or sometimes it will come online in flight.
AZSteve053
Well Known Member
From Systems Overview - Skyview Classic Manual
SkyView Network
Modules such as the SV-ADAHRS-200/201 (flight instruments), SV-EMS-220/221 (engine instruments), SV-ARINC-429 (for communication with IFR GPS/NAV/COM devices), SV-COM-C25 (COM Radio), SV-KNOB-PANEL, SV-AP-PANEL and Autopilot servos use Dynon Avionics’ redundant SkyView Network to communicate with SkyView’s displays.
Generally, from Advanced Flight systems experience, the 2nd step of loading new system software is to update the SV Network components - this literally updates the s/w in each line replaceable unit (LRU) such as an a/p servo to match the new system software. Did you do that ???
I attached a procedural updates from Advanced Flight (MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS DYNON) which talks to updating the SV Bus. Your Dynon Manuals should provide exact info & instructions for installing the software updates should have included this info.
Hope this helps.
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In the case of the Dynon system, it automatically updates all the component module software during a system update. You can also manually force a network load, which I did several times.
Fortunately in my case the problem was relatively simple-the autopilot servos (along with the transponder, ADS-B in module and radio stack) are powered by the avionics bus, while both Dynon displays are powered by the main bus (to provide engine instrumentation during start). I was updating the software on my GTN650 at the same time, so fortunately had the entire system powered during the initial software load. I failed to power the avionics bus during a network scan, so the system wasn't locating my autopilot servos. Turning that on corrected that issue, fortunately!
Fortunately in my case the problem was relatively simple-the autopilot servos (along with the transponder, ADS-B in module and radio stack) are powered by the avionics bus, while both Dynon displays are powered by the main bus (to provide engine instrumentation during start). I was updating the software on my GTN650 at the same time, so fortunately had the entire system powered during the initial software load. I failed to power the avionics bus during a network scan, so the system wasn't locating my autopilot servos. Turning that on corrected that issue, fortunately!
AZSteve053
Well Known Member
Glad you figured that out - For what it' worth - Adv Flt & I believe Dynon have been recommending that the AP servo's be powered from the same source as screens, in your case the master bus, this prevents the possibility of glitches between screens & servos as the components are powering up... the glitches have been known to turn perfectly good servo's into "bricks" that must be returned to the factory for corrective software updates.
Good to know. This makes sense to me-I'll look at re-wiring the circuit.
Are you using an advanced control module ?
Both my servos have the latest software. Yesterday I went to do my phase 1 acro sign off and the pitch servo was offline upon initial start up. After flying for about 45 minutes it randomly came back on line. I did 2 other flights non acro and used the AP with no issues?
I don’t believe I am using an advanced control module, but I didn’t build the plane or panel.
That is strange on your servo disconnect; I would start with double checking the servo wiring/connection at the servo. Mine are 9 pin DSUBS with non-locking thumb screws, which could work loose. I would also do a SETUP MENUS > SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > CONFIGURE with everything powered up on the ground. I’ll admit it was strange for my Dynon system to not recognize the AP servos after the update, with everything powered, but I didn’t run a network config after the update with all systems powered.
That is strange on your servo disconnect; I would start with double checking the servo wiring/connection at the servo. Mine are 9 pin DSUBS with non-locking thumb screws, which could work loose. I would also do a SETUP MENUS > SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > CONFIGURE with everything powered up on the ground. I’ll admit it was strange for my Dynon system to not recognize the AP servos after the update, with everything powered, but I didn’t run a network config after the update with all systems powered.
Any progress on this? Yesterday during a flight home in IMC, but fortunately during the VMC portion of the flight, the pitch servo appeared to momentarily drop from the Dynon network entirely. It worked fine before and after. Also, on the latest software I am getting more "servo disconnect" messages, yet the AP indicator stays green and no actual disconnect occurs.
Best,
Sam
I found my issue this weekend. Something is loose inside the servo. I finally got the servo to go offline and started checking power. All wiring is fine. After scratching my head for any other things to check I gently tapped on the servo with my hand a few times. Wallah it connected. Probably a loose power or ground internal. Waiting on Dynon to get back to me on what they want to do. Hoping they give me the ok to open up and see if a wire just needs to be resoldiered. Will keep you posted with my findings. Like you mine would work just fine. Flew 2 of the last 3 hours with the AP to and from sun n fun. Never quit while we were flying.
This thread is very interesting.
Daddyman58
Daddyman58
