July 29, 2010

Dynon Avionics Announces Jeppesen Partnership

Dynon Avionics is excited to announce a partnership with Jeppesen that will bring worldwide aviation and obstacle data to Dynon's SkyView system.The availability of worldwide, regionalized Jeppesen data will allow Dynon's customers all over the world to use the SkyView navigation capabilities.

Starting with SkyView version 3.0 - currently in development - all customers worldwide will have the option to purchase the SV-MAP-270 Navigation Mapping Software module ($500) to enable navigation functionality on SkyView. Once navigation mapping features are enabled, non-US customers will be able to purchase single updates or subscriptions directly from Jeppesen for use with their SkyView. US-based customers will be able to choose between Jeppesen data and the existing free FAA-derived data that is available from the Dynon website.

Dynon's US-based SkyView customers can currently enable a free trial version of the upcoming SV-MAP-270 Navigation Mapping Software product using free FAA-derived data that is available from the Dynon website.

Pricing and release dates for Jeppesen subscriptions and single updates will be published at a later date. 

July 23, 2010

Making sense of ADS-B and TIS


With the recent announcement that we'll soon be offering a pair of mode S transponders that can receive TIS traffic, you might have questions about different traffic sources, as well as how ADS-B fits into the mix. Here's a primer on those topics.

ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependant Surveillance – Broadcast. This means it is an automatic system that requires no pilot interaction for the aircraft to broadcast or receive data. It’s dependent on the aircraft being equipped, unlike primary radar which requires no equipment on your aircraft.  And finally, it is a surveillance system because it broadcasts your 3D position and motion vector, allowing ATC and other planes to know the location of your aircraft.

The goal of the ADS-B system is for everyone in the system, pilots and air traffic control alike, to have better knowledge about traffic. You may have heard that ADS-B also supports weather. This is true only in some cases, and is a side benefit of the ADS-B system, not one of the primary goals.
There are two directions of ADS-B: 

ADS-B OUT
  1. ADS-B OUT refers to aircraft broadcasting its position OUT of the airplane.
  2. This is what ATC cares about. It allows them to see airplanes with more accuracy.
  3. Other aircraft can also receive this position even if in an area with no radar coverage.
  4. Can be transmitted via a Mode-S transponder that supports 1090ES in USA and Europe or, via a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) in the USA only.
  5. Transmitted position is derived from a GPS receiver on the aircraft.
  6. Current regulations require a fully certified, WAAS GPS for ATC to believe the broadcast position.
  7. All aircraft must be equipped by 2015 in Europe and 2020 in USA.
ADS-B IN
  1. ADS-B IN is what pilots care about. It allows pilots to see other aircraft on in-cockpit traffic displays.
  2. There are ADS-B data products that are potentially available to an aircraft, depending on how it is equipped:
    1. TIS-B is ADS-B traffic
      1. It can be received by aircraft equipped with either a 1090ES receiver or a UAT. TIS-B is not the same as the TIS traffic service that is supported by the Dynon and other available mode S transponders.
    2. FIS-B is ADS-B weather.  
      1. It can only be received by a UAT-equipped aircraft, assuming ground service is available.
  3. When in a radar service area (RSA), the user can see all traffic that ATC can via specialized ADS-B ground stations that transmit this information on both the 1090ES and UAT frequencies.
  4. When not in a RSA, pilot can see ADS-B OUT equipped traffic that is also using the same link type (1090ES or UAT).
An airplane doesn’t need to have both ADS-B IN and ADS-B OUT. A device can support ADS-B IN and ADS-B OUT, but many devices only support one of these functions.

TIS vs TIS-B Traffic

There are other standards such as TIS (Traffic Information Service) which provide ADS-B-like services to pilots, but are NOT part of the ADS-B system. TIS is a USA-only system that requires the aircraft to be in an Radar Service Area (RSA) that also has the right equipment. This is many USA class B and Class C airports.  

What Dynon Supports 

The Dynon SV-XPNDR-261 and SV-XPNDR-262 support ADS-B OUT via 1090ES, as well as TIS. They do not support any ADS-B IN services. They support the display of traffic in the USA via the TIS system. If connected to TSO-C146a certified GPS, they will meet the FAA and European ADS-B OUT requirements.

Dynon's ADS-B Plans

As previously mentioned, the Dynon Transponder modules can support ADS-B OUT via 1090ES, but neither TIS-B nor FIS-B. ADS-B's US coverage is just starting to ramp up, and 2013 is the year that we'll really start seeing national coverage. While we don't have firm plans or anything specific to announce at the moment, do know that it's "on our radar" (sorry). Dynon will support the full suite of ADS-B services in the future.

New SkyView Products at Oshkosh


OSHKOSH NEWS - Three new SkyView hardware modules! Visit us in Building D, Booths 4053-4054-4055 to see them first-hand.

First are two Mode-S transponders. The new SV-XPNDR-261 and SV-XPNDR-262 show traffic information
displayed on the SkyView map and synthetic vision displays. They fully integrate into the SkyView System, with no additional panel space required for a separate control panel. At less than 1 pound, these small and power efficient hardware modules can be mounted anywhere in the airplane.

We are also introducing the SkyView SV-ARINC-429 Adapter Module, which delivers on the promise to make SkyView compatible with certified GPS receivers, integrating with radios such as the Garmin 430/530.
These three new SkyView Modules will be available for delivery in the Fall of 2010. Download the brochure for these new products here.

July 7, 2010

SkyView 2.5 Update Released

We're really excited to have SkyView version 2.5 available for download. Included in Version 2.5 are the following major features:

   1. A free preview trial of the upcoming Navigation Mapping Software
   2. Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision
   3. Fuel Computer
   4. Lean Mode
   5. Timers
   6. Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvement
   7. User Waypoint Feature for Power Users

Free Trial Navigation Mapping Software: SkyView Version 2.5 adds a free trial preview version of the upcoming purchasable Navigation Mapping Software. It provides the ability to navigate “direct to” airports and aviation navaids. It also can display basic information about airports, runways, and navaids. Due to current aviation data availability, this feature is only available for US customers. The full version of the Navigation Mapping Software ($500, with a free trial period available) will be available for all customers later this year in version 3.0.

Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision: Obstacles are shown at their actual heights, to make it apparent whether you will clear them on-screen. Runways are drawn to scale as well, so what you see out the window looks remarkably like the screen. Due to current aviation data availability, this feature is only available for US customers at the moment.

Fuel Computer: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module and the optional fuel flow sensor, SkyView 2.5 can display Fuel Remaining, Fuel Used, Time Remaining, Fuel Efficiency (mpg), Fuel at Waypoint, and Fuel Range (distance to empty).

Lean Mode: Whether you prefer rich or lean of peak, SkyView’s new Lean Mode can show you how many degrees cooler your EGTs are off of their peak temperatures to help you run your engine optimally.

Timers: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module, the Engine page can display a variety of new timers in addition to the existing Tach and Hobbs timers. These include: Engine Run Timer, Engine Trip Timer, Total Flight Timer, and Flight Trip Timer.

Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvements: Dynon continues to upgrade its autopilot to provide the best possible ride in every aircraft. In SkyView version 2.5, the pitch axis control algorithm receives substantial updates that improve just about every aspect of its performance. It sports improved altitude hold, better control in turbulence, and improved level offs after climbs and descents.

User Waypoint feature for Power Users: Since we snuck this in at the last minute, it's not in the user guides. But see http://wiki.dynonavionics.com/SkyView_User_Waypoints for details!


Full update instructions and downloads available here.

Version 2.5 Software for SkyView System - July 2010

Dynon Releases Version 2.5 Software 
for SkyView System

July 7th, 2010
Woodinville, WA, USA, July 07, 2010 – Dynon Avionics has released Version 2.5 Software for the SkyView System.
Included in Version 2.5 are the following major features:
  • A free preview trial of the upcoming Navigation Mapping Software
  • Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision
  • Fuel Computer
  • Lean Mode
  • Timers
  • Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvement
Free Trial Navigation Mapping Software: SkyView Version 2.5 adds a free trial preview version of the upcoming purchasable Navigation Mapping Software. It provides the ability to navigate “direct to” airports and aviation navaids. It also can display basic information about airports, runways, and navaids. Due to current aviation data availability, this feature is only available for US customers. The full version of the Navigation Mapping Software ($500, with a free trial period available) will be available for all customers later this year in version 3.0.

Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision: Obstacles are shown at their actual heights, to make it apparent whether you will clear them on-screen. Runways are drawn to scale as well, so what you see out the window looks remarkably like the screen. Due to aviation data availability, this feature is currently only available for US customers. Non-US data will be available later in 2010.

Fuel Computer: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module and the optional fuel flow sensor, SkyView 2.5 can display Fuel Remaining, Fuel Used, Time Remaining, Fuel Efficiency (mpg), Fuel at Waypoint, and Fuel Range (distance to empty).

Lean Mode: Whether you prefer rich or lean of peak, SkyView’s new Lean Mode can show you how many degrees cooler your EGTs are off of their peak temperatures to help you run your engine optimally.

Timers: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module, the Engine page can display a variety of new timers in addition to the existing Tach and Hobbs timers. These include: Engine Run Timer, Engine Trip Timer, Total Flight Timer, and Flight Trip Timer.

Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvements: Dynon continues to upgrade its autopilot to provide the best possible ride in every aircraft. In SkyView version 2.5, the pitch axis control algorithm receives substantial updates that improve just about every aspect of its performance. It sports improved altitude hold, better control in turbulence, and improved level offs after climbs and descents.
User Waypoint feature for power users: Since we snuck this in at the last minute, it's not in the user guides. But see http://wiki.dynonavionics.com/SkyView_User_Waypoints for details!

Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System “glass panel”, Dynon is committed to developing innovative and high-quality avionics at affordable prices for all pilots.  

For more information about Dynon Avionics Inc., please contact Robert Hamilton, Sales and Marketing Manager, at 425-402-0433 or Robert@DynonAvionics.com.