New Features for All Products - July 2006

New Features for All Products

July, 2006

After much hard work by the programmers and beta testers, Dynon is proud to release new firmware for all of our currently shipping products, including the EFIS-D100, EFIS-D10A, EMS-D120, EMS-D10, and FlightDEK-D180. With this free, in-field firmware update, Dynon continues to enhance our products' functionality while maintaining the stability and ease of use that you have come to expect from us.

The major functionality that this firmware release adds is a directional gyro display on our EFIS products. The DG looks like a standard mechanical DG with a full 360 degree heading circle, but as with all things Dynon, it's better. The numbers are always upright, it won't lead or lag in a turn, it never needs to be set, and it includes a settable bug and markers every 45 degrees. If you have a D100, you can bring this up next to a 2/3 EFIS display and use both at the same time. On a D10A, you'll need to switch between the EFIS and DG displays. As before, if you have a Dynon EMS and a Dynon EFIS, you can display EFIS information on the EMS , including the DG. It's totally up to you how you want the information displayed on the screens in your aircraft.

This firmware update also introduces the initial implementation of the Dynon Smart Avionics Bus (DSAB). This is a network between units that allows them to share information and screens across a simple two wire interface. The DSAB hardware is built into every Dynon instrument since the EFIS-D10A so you can enjoy the benefits of this network with a simple firmware update. This first implementation of DSAB allows you to see EMS information on your EFIS. Given our current support of the EFIS displayed on the EMS (via a standard RS-232 connection), you may now display an EMS on an EFIS, an EFIS on an EMS, or even an EMS and EFIS side-by-side on the same screen. The display configuration is totally up to you.

There are a few things we'd like you to know about this firmware update:

1. We don't have the manuals completed yet. In following with Dynon's design philosophy, we've done our absolute best to make everything on the product self-explanatory, but we're sure you'll have some questions. If you do, please ask them on our support forum in either the EFIS or EMS new features threads and we'll do our best to help. For now, this firmware is not being included in shipping products until the manuals are completed, so if you have a shiny, brand new Dynon product and want to see all the cool stuff, you'll need to update your firmware.
2. The behavior of the outer buttons on the EFIS-D100, EFIS-D10A, and EMS-D10 has changed. These buttons now scroll through pages if you tap them. The left button still powers down if you hold it. The right button, when held for two seconds, brings up the screen configuration menu. The four inner buttons bring up the menu just like you remember. If you have a D120 or D180, you are already familiar with this; if you don't you may want to look at the quick start guide. Note that the EMS-D10 combines the Aux and Times pages into one screen.
3. If you want to use the EMS on EFIS DSAB link, you may need to hook your products together. It's pretty simple- hook the “DSAB A” line on each product together and the “DSAB B” lines together. Don't cross A-B and B-A. If you have more than two products, just hook all of the “DSAB A” lines together and all of the “DSAB B” lines together. You can hook as many products up as you would like by just joining all the lines together. The EMS even makes this easy by having two “DSAB A” and two “DSAB B” ports.
4. You'll still need to hook the EFIS RS-232 TX line to the EMS RS-232 RX line if you wish to see the EFIS on the EMS . We'll be getting rid of this requirement in a future firmware update, but for now, you'll need to keep this jumper.

This version of Dynon product firmware has been superseded by a version released in October 2006. 

Changelog

• DG display (1/3 split-screen on 100 series, full-screen on 10 series)
• EMS screens on EFIS D100/D10A (with DSAB connection from EMS )
• Timers page on EFIS products
• Contact input displays on the EMS
• Audible AoA Alarm on all EFIS products
• Fast page switching on EFIS products
• EMS OAT can be used on EFIS products (over DSAB) for DA/TAS calculations
• Fuel remaining can go negative (in case you forget to reset)
• Altitude in feet or meters
• Better support for two cylinder engine measurements (EMS)
• Countdown timers stored between power cycles
• More reliable EFIS to EDC communications
• EMS will stay on during engine crank (down to about 8V)

2006 Sun 'N Fun Report

The 2006 SNF Airshow was another great experience and one we at Dynon truly enjoyed. The excellent weather, spectacular airshow and new aircraft on display all contributed to our excitement.

Our 3-person crew was kept quite busy throughout the entire show demonstrating our expanding product line and answering questions. Our revised demo instrument panels were equipped with all 5 instruments that we now offer. We are quite proud of the fact that we've shipped three new products (EFIS-D100, EMS-D120 and FlightDEK-D180) over the past 6 months. Our engineers and production workers have been extraordinarily busy and we see no rest ahead. We've come a long way from our first product and airshow.

It was also thrilling to see so many Dynon products installed in the aircraft on display throughout the airshow. Many visitors to our booth commented on this fact as well. The affordable nature of our glass cockpit avionics are attracting many aircraft designers and dealers towards offering our systems as upgrade options. While we might logically be driven to believe that our state-of-the-art avionics are only suited for modern aircraft, we are often amused to discover them in unexpected cockpits ranging from old biplanes, cubs and even a flying B25 bomber!

One of the highlights of the airshow was the truly spectacular performance of the F-22 Raptor fighter jets as they made their very first public debut. It was impossible to escape noticing the incredible power and noise as they made their high speed, low altitude passes. We all marched to the far end of the field to get a good look at these incredible aircraft. We'd, of course, hoped to peer into the cockpit to see what sort of nifty instrumentation they had on board but the armed guards persuaded us to keep back a comfortable distance. Nevertheless, they were pretty awe-inspiring and surprisingly large. They are especially large when compared to the P51 that they flew alongside during part of the airshow.

Competing for attention with the Raptors was another reptilian ground-based bird. This craft was clearly intended for those who just couldn't get enough cockpit time in the skies.

We want to express our appreciation to all those who dropped by our booth. We hope we answered all your questions and allowed some hands-on time with our instruments. Thanks too to all those we met with while we toured about the grounds and flight line.

It is often said of those attending airshows that they are simply the best people you could ever associate with. We'd have to agree and this year's group was no exception. The SNF air show is among our favorites and we look forward to 2007 and even more great memories ahead.

Dynon Begins Shipping the new FlightDEK-D180

Dynon began shipping its new FlightDEK-D180 on March 31, 2006. This instrument combines EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) and EMS (Engine Monitoring System) instrumentation into one seamlessly integrated instrument. The high-resolution screen, split screen capability, and easy-to-use menu system all combine to provide pilots with a powerful instrument that replaces a major part of their panel. The D180 is ideal wherever panel space is limited or for those looking to add a second EFIS for redundancy.

The FlightDEK-D180 is the third in a series of new instruments introduced and shipped within the last six months. This latest instrument in the D100 series fits well with Dynon's mission of supplying "Affordable Glass Cockpit Avionics" to Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft.

Given Dynon's accelerated development activities, many are asking what other new products might be expected in the near future. "We have several projects underway that will enhance and add value to our existing products that will be announced shortly," reports Ron Ulbrich, Dynon's Marketing Director. Ron further reports that Dynon has a lot of great ideas and is already well on the way towards developing them.

Dynon Launches New Website - March 2006

Dynon Launches New Website

Dynon is pleased to be releasing our all new website. The site better portrays Dynon's rapidly expanding product line. The addition of the complete D100 series has more than doubled Dynon's line of affordable glass cockpits.

New features this site now offers are:

• Improved menu/navigation system
• Better support section
• Improved product descriptions and capabilities
• Segmented FAQ section
• New customer instrument panels gallery

Dynon will continue to add more information and functionality throughout 2006. If you have any suggestions about our website, please feel free to contact us at info@dynonavionics.com.

EMS-D120 Now Shipping

Dynon Begins Shipping the new EMS-D120

Dynon began shipping its new EMS-D120 on February 10, 2006. Priced only $300 over the smaller EMS-D10, it is $100's to $1000's less than comparable engine monitors. The low price and feature set represent a great value that is rapidly gaining acceptance in the marketplace.

Dynon fully expects this will become a very popular addition to those already purchasing its EFIS-D100 due to the matching style, Dynon Smart Avionics Bus (DSAB) connection capability, and excellent value.

Three Year Limited Warranty - January 2006

Dynon announces a three-year limited warranty on its avionics product lines. Dynon's three-year limited warranty is a measure of its success and proven reliability. The three-year period begins on the date of shipment and covers all defects in materials and workmanship.

This warranty supersedes the previous one which was three years from the date of shipment, or two years from the date of first flight, whichever came first. All products purchased prior to this policy modification are automatically covered by this newer and expanded warranty.

Official Limited Warranty Statement

Dynon Avionics warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of shipment. Dynon Avionics will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, improper installation or unauthorized alteration or repairs.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE, AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL DYNON AVIONICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Dynon Flies in SpaceShipOne - Update

EFIS-D10 Flies in SpaceShipOne!

On June 21, 2004, the Paul Allen/Scaled Composites team successfully made it to space with their SpaceShipOne! What is not known by most is that the SpaceShipOne had an EFIS-D10 on board serving as a backup flight information system.

Shortly after the conclusion of this historic flight, we learned that during the descent phase, pilot/astronaut Mike Melville broadcasted to everyone "Love the Dynon." We first heard this from someone at Scaled Composites and it was later confirmed by a homebuilder who witnessed history unfolding at the Mojave Desert.

Dynon Avionics is pleased to be a part of the Paul Allen/Scaled Composites team in the development of the first private manned space capability, as a supplier of our EFIS-D10. Scaled selected our EFIS-D10 product to enhance their goal of developing a safe space vehicle at the minimum possible flight operating cost. We look forward to furthering our participation that will lead to a new industry of affordable space tourism.

“The Dynon EFIS-D10 met our specifications and allowed us to meet our goals”, said Burt Rutan, at the event that demonstrated the emergence of privately developed, manned space flight capability.

So whether you're aspiring to take flight into outer space or not, Dynon continues to believe that down to earth prices combined with true value has no limits!

We extend our congratulations to the outstanding group of experimenters at Scaled Composites whose pioneering spirit and dreams of flight fuel our imaginations and inspire us to achieve our own dreams.

Watch a 3-minute video of one of the flights. Look closely and you'll see the EFIS-D10 in action!

Update - Jan 2005

Since the initial attempt in June, Scaled Composites went on to win the X-Prize and has received considerable media coverage. Of great interest to us was the article in the November issue of EAA's Sport Aviation. This informative piece written by Bud Davisson covers this remarkable spacecraft from a homebuilders perspective and includes a great picture of our EFIS-D10 on page 39. The picture published in this article (shown on the right), reveals the removable nose cone of the SpaceShipOne spacecraft. The EFIS-D10 can be seen hanging from the top.

We also received some additional photos directly from Scaled Composites (see below) that reveal additional detail of this installation. Anyone who has built a Long Eze will certainly see some resemblance here.

Clearly this machine was built purely for functionality and performance.

Dynon wishes to express its gratitude to Scaled Composites and the EAA for use of these photos

Photo by EAA, Sport Aviation

If customers keep pushing the limit we may have to add this weightlessness indicator as an option! Photo by EAA Sport Aviation.

Update January 2006

SpaceShipOne now proudly hangs from the ceiling at the Air & Space Museum in Washington DC.