New to avidyne navigators, how do you use yours?

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4RNB

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4RNB
I've only flown Garmin, have a contract to purchase a plane with an Avidyne 440 navigator. I am spending some time reading user manuals today. There are a couple neat features, not sure of usefulness. They seem offer a wireless keyboard, don't think one is included in the sale. First impression is that this is of limited utility. Have you ever used one and if so, what did/do you think of it? The other neat thing is the IFD 100 app wherein it seems like an iPad can serve as a full size screen and controller of the information on the limited size 440 screen. Have you used this feature and how do you like it?

One of the things I've enjoyed with my large Garmin screens is that I no longer have/need my iPad on the yoke or limiting my vision outside if window mounted. The new plane has a stick, so use of iPad needs to be thought through, perhaps thigh mounted or spouse mounted...

so, does anyone use the bluetooth keyboard or the IFD 100 iPad app while in flight?

Thanks.
 
I came from 430s to Avydine 440/540. My initial reaction was they were more complex, but after a short while, I saw they were much better than the 430s.
No need for the wireless keyboard IMHO.
 
MacFlier said:
I came from 430s to Avydine 440/540. My initial reaction was they were more complex, but after a short while, I saw they were much better than the 430s.
No need for the wireless keyboard IMHO.
Click to expand...
Do you use the iPad app in flight?
 
With a big-screen EFIS, I no longer use the iPad in flight. I use Firelight for flight planning, Weight & Balance calculations and logbook, but not in flight. The bluetooth keyboard is nice, but it is certainly not needed. I don't use one in either of my planes with the Avidyne navigators.
 
Jesse Saint said:
With a big-screen EFIS, I no longer use the iPad in flight. I use Firelight for flight planning, Weight & Balance calculations and logbook, but not in flight. The bluetooth keyboard is nice, but it is certainly not needed. I don't use one in either of my planes with the Avidyne navigators.
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Thanks. Is that a typo or is fireflight a service I have not heard of?
 
4RNB said:
Thanks. Is that a typo or is fireflight a service I have not heard of?
Click to expand...
I'm embarrassed that it took me as long as it did to figure out he meant foreflight.
 
Salty said:
I'm embarrassed that it took me as long as it did to figure out he meant foreflight.
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Coming from him, I had to google it for a bit, but can’t know.
I would love to get away from paying so much monthly to some providers
 
Foreflight. My computer auto-corrected.
 
Entering a fix in the flight plan page is very easy. An on-screen keyboard will come up and the unit will autocomplete the fix as you type. Pretty neat.
Also, you can enter victor airways. 430s don’t have that feature.
 
I have the IFD-540, so screen size is a factor in what I use and how.

Remote keyboard - I used it for creating and editing checklists. I had it Velcro mounted to my yoke center, but found that the onscreen keyboard entry is easy enough. I never used it so removed it.

IFD-100 app - I used it in IR training and for many IFR flights for different screen views. Ipad mounted on my yoke. My Jeppesen database subscription for the IFD includes downloads for 2 iPads ($299/yr). Your iPad IFD100 and IFD540 must have the same database download for the IFD100 app to work in the plane. If you update your plane but not the iPad, no worky.

I love my IFD.
 
I have only played with the IFD 100 app but not the keyboard.

I suspect using either is a matter of personal taste. Just input alternatives which will appeal to some more than others.

Transferring flight plans between EFB and IFD is as simple as with Garmin FlightStream, which kind of takes care of a big part of the 100 functionality

Our regular Cirrus folks can comment, but my impression was that the Perspective keyboard has been pretty well received.

Would I try the IFD 100 to see if I liked it. Sure. Would I buy the Bluetooth keyboard, probably not unless the IFD was in a panel location which made it a stretch.
 
I have 540 and 440. I don't see the need for the keyboard. But if I only had a 440 having the extra screen real-estate of the 100 app would be very welcome. It does work pretty seemless.
 
Flyxaos said:
I have 540 and 440. I don't see the need for the keyboard. But if I only had a 440 having the extra screen real-estate of the 100 app would be very welcome. It does work pretty seemless.
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That’s a good point about the 440.
 
I replaced my gns 530 with an ifs 550 2 years ago. The IFD is a great unit with the FMS and synthetic vision.
The usage gets easier with every flight.
 
I replaced my 430 with IFD440 and loving it! I don’t use IFD100 or iPad in the cockpit, as I have a dual screen Dynon setup. I just use FF on the phone to upload my flight plan into 440 (if IFR) or Dynon (if VFR).

I also like that everything touchscreen can be done with knobs/buttons too.

I have a Bluetooth keyboard but haven’t used it.
 
EugeneR said:
I replaced my 430 with IFD440 and loving it! I don’t use IFD100 or iPad in the cockpit, as I have a dual screen Dynon setup. I just use FF on the phone to upload my flight plan into 440 (if IFR) or Dynon (if VFR).

I also like that everything touchscreen can be done with knobs/buttons too.

I have a Bluetooth keyboard but haven’t used it.
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A lot of your love is probably the way the 440 integrates with the Dynon. They are awesome.
 
midlifeflyer said:
A lot of your love is probably the way the 440 integrates with the Dynon. They are awesome.
Click to expand...

Q: I’m assuming the IFD440 drives the Dynon AP; have you noticed if there’s any porpoising/oscillation when capturing an altitude pre-set?
 
I flew with a 440/540 about 5 years. Great system. I never used the separate keyboard in flight and almost never on the ground. Using the IFD100 in flight was a pain as I had to switch iPad apps, so I never used it.
 
TCABM said:
Q: I’m assuming the IFD440 drives the Dynon AP; have you noticed if there’s any porpoising/oscillation when capturing an altitude pre-set?
Click to expand...
Haven’t had a chance to fly that combo. I was referring to Dynon glass generally. I haven’t see too much about the Dynon certified AP, but yes, I have found the LSA AP to be sometimes funky with altitude pre-select.
 
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TCABM said:
Q: I’m assuming the IFD440 drives the Dynon AP; have you noticed if there’s any porpoising/oscillation when capturing an altitude pre-set?
Click to expand...

No, not really.

Dynon AP is driven by Dynon itself, Avidyne is just providing lateral/vertical guidance as a GPS/VOR/ILS unit. It integrates quite nicely though.

Also, Dynon has greatly improved autopilot stability in 16.4.6 update.
 
I use my bluetooth keyboard with my 440 regularly; honestly, most often to clear messages / alerts without having to reach over to the stack. I have a plan to mount an iPad Mini in the panel to run the IFD100 app, but the panel dock will not *quite* fit in the space allotted (mis-measuring by me), so I have not gotten that done. Still intend to, though!
 
I have the 540 and really like the keyboard especially on the very bumpy days.
 
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