My new plane, Pink Thunder, could use a glass update. Any tips or tricks on changing out a D-180 for a newer Skyview?
Van's Air Force
The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!
Upgrading from D-180 to Skyview
- Thread starter jmiller007
- Start date
You can reuse your AP servos and DSAB network wires going to them. You can also reuse your engine monitor wiring/probes. You just need to repin the connector and buy the engine monitor module for Skyview.
Jeeeeesus. I will NOT be attempting this. I'd need someone to do this for me for sure.
I'm definitely going to look into this. Still sounds a little challenging.....are there people who do this for $$?
Yes there are, but the plane will be out of service for a while as updating from the earlier Dynon systems (D10, D100/120. D180) to Skyview does not have much reuse except for the servos (if you are driving the Dynon autopilot) and some sensors (even the oil pressure and temp sensors have been upgraded). You will have to change the magnetometer, the OAT sensor, and possibly other items depending on what other systems are interfaced with the D180. The value proposition somewhat depends on your use case goals as this will determine what specific Skyview modules you will need.
Figs
Did exactly this upgrade in January. Wiring on the Skyview HDX system is super easy compared to the D180, with their new network cables. Your EMS is plug and play identical to the D180 so no changes to any of your engine monitor wiring. The rest depends on what modules you're getting. Dynon has a nice D10/D100 Series to SkyView Conversion Guide on their website under "installation guides".
The magnetometer for the D180 is not compatible with the HDX so you'll have to change that. If you have an autopilot, the extra two wires on each servo that the original D180 instructions said "don't cut, for future use", will be used with the HDX.
Last edited:
I'm about to do similar with our RV12. I got the CAD files for the panel from another member here. I'm planning to move to a standard circuit breaker layout instead of the fuses. Ours will be IFR... If one of my co-owners wasn't planning on doing instrument training in it, I'd probably go VFR-only for simplicity. It's a small panel to pack much into, and the default alternator doesn't put out much.
I'd be happy to facilitate the switch. I'll PM my number. There's no reason it should take 3 months of downtime. The key to limiting this is to have the panel entirely installed on the bench, ready to drop in with just connecting power leads. Of course, that's MUCH easier to do if you don't re-use anything from the previous panel.
You are making this sound easier and me feel dumber! LOL I'll PM you on this....
