A series of test versions of version 14.0 were released for SkyView pilots willing to assist Dynon Avionics to identify this issue by installing test software, flying the test software, and providing feedback and diagnostic logs. From the feedback and diagnostic logs, Dynon Avionics was able to reproduce and resolve the issue.

A secondary issue with version 14.0 was also identified - “brief interruptions in communications” with SkyView devices, such as AP going offline, COM radio going offline briefly, and PFD displayed a Red X briefly. From the feedback and diagnostic logs submitted for this issue, Dynon Avionics was also able to reproduce and resolve the issue.

Both issues were resolved in version 14.0.7.3621, which was released March 10, 2016. All pilots providing feedback for both issues were advised to install that version, and there have no further reports of either issue.

The fixes in version 14.0.7.3621 will be incorporated with other fixes and updates into version 14.1.0.xxxx, which is expected to be released within two weeks.

Original Bulletin: Feb 25, 2016

Description

Some Dynon Avionics pilots have experienced unresponsive SkyView displays in flight after their system has been upgraded to version 14.0.0.3486.

The root cause of this issue has not been identified at this time. Evidence indicates that this software issue only affects earlier SkyView displays. Even though only certain hardware is affected, this is fundamentally a software issue. In other words, displays identified in the “Applicability and Affected Equipment” section below are not defective.

Although a software fix is not currently available, updated public test versions of 14.0 are available that both improve the behavior and allow willing customers to help Dynon isolate and fix the issue through better diagnostic capabilities.

You may also opt to revert to SkyView software version 13, which does not have this issue.

Applicability and Affected Equipment

Based on the data Dynon has collected to date, it appears that only the following SkyView displays are affected:

1. SV-D1000 displays with a serial numbers lower than 6000.
2. SV-D700 displays with serial numbers lower than 4000.
3. In addition to the above, the display must be running SkyView version 14.0.0.3486 to be affected by this unresponsiveness issue. (Subsequent public test versions of 14.0.X improve, but do not completely fix this behavior. Instead of becoming unresponsive, they may experience reboots.

Serial number can be identified by going to SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION. Customers can also identify whether their display is affected by checking the HARDWARE VERSION” in this menu. If “HARDWARE VERSION : 1”, your display may be affected by this issue. This status check corresponds to the serial number range above.

Unaffected Equipment

Dynon believes that SV-D1000 display serial number 6000 and higher, SV-D700 displays serial number 4000 and higher, and all SkyView Touch displays are NOT affected by this issue

Interim Operating Recommendations

It is up to each pilot to determine how this vulnerability affects the way the way they fly. Dynon recommends that affected systems not be flown in IMC if the unavailability of SkyView would jeopardize safety of flight. This would be particularly true for customers who have redundant SkyView systems that do not have independent backup - such as an EFIS-D10A or EFIS-D6 - in the aircraft.

If a SkyView display becomes unresponsive in flight, it can be restarted by pressing buttons 1,2, and 5 simultaneously. Note that you may have to restart all displays in the aircraft for the system to become operable again.

Current Status and Options

The following only applies to affected displays. Displays outside of the serial number ranges described above are not expected to be affected by this issue.

If you have an affected display, and your current software version listed under SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION > FIRMWARE VERSION is EXACTLY 14.0.0.3486, you should do one of the following:

1. Update to the latest public test version of SkyView version 14. These test versions will improve the behavior but may not completely fix it. They also contain additional diagnostics that allow Dynon to drive this issue to root cause. Read the change log for details about the status of the latest test version. Once you are running a public test version, please Contact Dynon Avionics Technical Support if a display restarts or if you receive a SYSTEM EVENT message, or
2. Downgrade to 13.0. Special instructions are available for this procedure. Note that 13.0 is not compatible with the SV-GPS-2020.

Solution / Method of Compliance

Dynon Avionics expects to have a version of SkyView version 14 software available shortly that identifies and fixes the root cause of this issue. A revised bulletin will be published when this version is available.

Time in Effect

This technical service bulletin is in effect indefinitely or until supersceded by a future bulletin..

Notice to Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) and Other Non-experimental Customers

You are solely responsible for ensuring that your aircraft is airworthy. In the case of S-LSA aircraft, owners may need special authorization to service the aircraft if such operations are not permitted in the maintenance manual. Please refer to your aircraft maintenance manual or contact your aircraft manufacturer concerning changing the software on your SkyView system.

Additional Questions?

Contact Dynon Avionics Technical Support via phone (425-402-0433) or email support@dynonavionics.com