SkyTrax FAQ's
Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: SkyTrax Series ADS-B Receivers & Transceivers
Forum Description: Topics on the Avidyne SkyTrax 978 MHz Receivers & Transceivers
URL: http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=663
Printed Date: 25 Dec 2024 at 1:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: SkyTrax FAQ's
Posted By: AviSimpson
Subject: SkyTrax FAQ's
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 1:54pm
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Please use this topic for any questions you have regarding the "ML" series. Below is a comparison between the different products:  ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
Replies:
Posted By: roltman
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 2:20pm
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Simpson, What concerns me about the chart there is MLX products list a RS232 & A429 Display port. I assume this is in reference to FIS-B data only? As I understand it the MLB-100 uses A429 for the traffic information (TIS-B) and RS232 for FIS-B data. Maybe I'm missing something obvious when I look a the table (i.e. Is display port some odd protocol I've never heard of?). Either way that table could be cleared up a bit. |
Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 2:42pm
This is correct all of the "ML" (MLB100 & MLX200/210) products use Arinc 429 to display traffic and RS232 for weather. ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
roltman wrote:Posted By: flybikeski
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 3:52pm
Interesting. I wasn't aware ADS-B In required a GPS. Is that RS-232 or Arinc 429?
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Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 4:13pm
ADS-B IN does not, however, the MLX210 has an internal WAAS GPS for ADS-B OUT. ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
Posted By: flybikeski
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 4:26pm
OK, thanks. I think your chart is confusing on that point as it says "Requires External GPS" for the MLB100 which I interpreted as needing to connect to one. |
Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 4:31pm
You're absolutely right, I didn't even notice that on the first go around...I will clean this up and repost as well as fix it on the site. Thanks for catching it. ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
Posted By: drapo
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 3:53pm
| The MLX200 looks like the ADSB- in/out solution for my IFD540 KT76A, since I don't fly in the flight levels. Have any idea of the availability and price? |
Posted By: Gary T
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 9:00pm
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From the Avidyne press release: Pricing and Availability The MLX200 Transceiver has a retail price of $3,495. The MLX210 Transceiver with embedded GPS receiver is $4,995. The MLB100 Receiver is $2,495. Prices include connector kit. Antennas are sold separately. These systems are expected to be certified and available in the May 2015 time frame. Release 10.1 software for the IFD540/IFD440 will be certified and available in the May 2015 time frame. ------------- Gary-T |
Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 9:14pm
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May, 2015 is almost over. Sure wish these deadlines meant something. Tom Wolf |
Posted By: drapo
Date Posted: 25 May 2015 at 10:10pm
| Thanks Gary T |
Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 3:04pm
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MLB100 received today for (pre-wired) install! With TAS605 and Aspen PFD/MFD in place installer believes that prior to the 605"A" upgrade, I must now choose which traffic I wish to display on 540 & Aspens - TAS interrogated or MLB ADS-B, but with ARINC 429 input to 540, can't do both!
Is this accurate? Thanks in advance. Tom Wolf. |
Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 3:09pm
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Tom: I'll bet that is true prior to getting "a" upgrade, whose date I understand has slipped again. ------------- David Gates |
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 3:22pm
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I didn't realize the MLB100 was shipping. Thought that was on hold pending 10.1.0.0 software cert? Is there limited distribution going on, or is it in general release now?
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Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 4:06pm
That is correct, regardless of the databus the info comes in on, you can only display one type of data, from one source. Integrating the data from two sources is pretty complicated, and incidentally that is what the 605A will do. Until then, you pick the source. I still don't understand how you got an MLB100, unless your aircraft is experimental? * Orest |
Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 4:38pm
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No experimental here. Confirmed by phone, MLB (x2) in his hands. My installer is high volume Avidyne, and a squeaky wheel too. Tom
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Posted By: tony
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 7:14pm
| Simpson, referring your response to flybikeski, I don't think the chart is wrong: doesn't the ADSB-in receiver need to know the current aircraft position so it can center the display and orient the data with respect tot the position of the aircraft? |
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2015 at 11:57pm
Why would the ADSB-in receiver need to know anything of the sort? ADSB-out needs to know position so it can include it in its broadcast. ADSB-in receiver doesn't need to know anything...it's just going to pass Wx info and traffic targets to some display device, and it's the display device that will have to figure out how to plot the Wx radar and traffic targets on a moving map, along with the ownship icon.
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Posted By: TurboPA30
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2015 at 12:03am
I thought the -A TAS does not need a separate source of ADS-B traffic, but receives it itself and gives a combined active & ADS-B picture? Otherwise, why should I get the -A?
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Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2015 at 12:16am
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In this scenario, when the TAS-A is operational, the MLB100 will serve as a ADS-B source for Wx, displayed on the 540.
Tom Wolf
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Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2015 at 8:27am
Yes, that is precisely correct. The -A will pick up direct 1090 traffic and ADS-R on 1090, on its own antenna. All the data, including the active traffic it picks up now, will be merged for a single picture. The -A does not receive, nor does it need, traffic data from other units, like an MLB100. If you have an MLB100 and 605A, only the MLB100's weather output will be of any use to you. The one excpetion might be to feed 605A traffic to one device, say the 540, and then for some reason to feed ADS-B (TIS-B) only traffic from the MLB100 to the ASPEN, for example. That would be kind of an odd ball setup. * Orest |
Posted By: Paul
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2015 at 3:53pm
That oddball setup would not be good. The ADS-B transponder tells the ground stations what ADS-B in capabilities you have. The choices are none, 1090, UAT, and both. Both means that traffic information can be received on either frequency, not that it must be received on both frequencies. So at least one of the ADS-B receivers would not see all traffic. |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2015 at 4:04pm
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Yes, given the current setup, no way to move traffic data reliably to both IN frequency. You'd have to rely on in-aircraft distro to portable devices (if they are 978 only), if you needed 1090 on the panel. Would be cool if the 540 did the distro, some day.
* Orest |
Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 4:48pm
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Well, my early bird MLB100 is installed/configured, but here's a NEWS FLASH! Avidyne confirms with my installer that the MLB will not display Wx or Traffic on 540 software is upgraded to v10.1!! Very dissappointing (again) timing on Avidyne's part - releasing costly hardware, not functional at all until free software upgrade 10.1 is released at some undisclosed future time! Tom Wolf
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Posted By: Paul
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 5:18pm
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Avidyne's relationship with the FAA regarding certification reminds me a lot of Charlie Brown's relationship with Lucy regarding a football. |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 5:34pm
Tom, LOL. The hardware is NOT actually released! As you related, you got an advance box. In any case, you should be happy, as that let you install everything now, otherwise you'd be in there twice. * Orest |
Posted By: n7ifr
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 6:07pm
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Well, being optimistic as well... I plan on doing my own upgrade to v10.1 via thumb-drive on 540, to avoid the extra trip. Will the software upgrade need an A&P signed log entry though? Tom
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Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 6:11pm
It is my understanding that you need an A&P (although not necessarily an avionics shop) for a sign off. I'm lucky, my shop is right on the field. They slip over to my hanger and do the work so I don't have to worry about it. * Orest |
Posted By: Dlesh123
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2015 at 8:50pm
Well it is actually worse than what you think. The traffic symbology was pulled from the 10.1 software due to difference of opinion with FAA, so all you will get will be weather until the next software release after 10.1. I think the wifi and Bluetooth were also postponed. |
Posted By: BobsV35B
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 9:19am
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Orest Said: "It is my understanding that you need an A&P (although not necessarily an avionics shop) for a sign off. I'm lucky, my shop is right on the field. They slip over to my hanger and do the work so I don't have to worry about it." Not sure how the A&P would work, but if it is an installation via STC it needs to have a 337 filed and that can be done by a mechanic who holds an IA. Old Bob ------------- Old Bob, Ancient Aviator |
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 10:57am
| Avionics software upgrades don't typically require an STC. |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 3:59pm
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I am installing an IFD-540 in my Cessna 172 and at the same time I am installing wire provisions for an MLX200. The installation part is done and the airplane is mostly closed up, but I just learned something that I didn't know. I thought that all of the data from the MLX200 would go to the IFD as serial data. If I am reading this thread correctly, only the weather (FIS-B) data will flow as serial data (at least initially), and the traffic (TIS-B) data must flow over a 429 bus. So the problem is that I did not provision 429 wiring, since I thought it would all be on the single serial data port. It's my mistake, and if it means I have to wait for the traffic data until a future software release, then I am okay with that. Please tell me that Avidyne at least intends to process all of the data through the serial port at some point? I understand waiting, and I don't have a problem with that. |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 4:20pm
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Technically they do, but they get approved as a data amendment to the STC that installed the equipment originally. |
Posted By: nvpatentlawyer
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 2:50pm
| I am expecting my IFP440 soon (supposedly this month) to replace my Garmin 430W. I also have a Garmin GMX200 display and an Aspen Evolution unit. The question is, can I get an MLB100 or MLX200 to display on any devices besides the Avidyne IPF440? |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 4:04pm
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The UAT hardware is capable of those interface options, but I do not know if the Avidyne version of the software supports those outputs. It will be an easier question to answer once Avidyne finishes the traffic interface and publishes that data. David Bunin |
Posted By: wbennett3
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2015 at 7:04am
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I had my Archer pre-wired for the MLB100 when my IFD540 was installed in April. Checking with my avionics shop, my MLB is in, but he indicates it is not STC'd. Can anyone from Avidyne confirm this? I want to make one stop for the 10.x upgrade and MLB install since the shop is not local. Thanks in advance for any input you have. ------------- Bennett |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2015 at 8:00am
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My understanding is the MLB/MLX installations are done in accordance with the existing NavWorx STC, since the physical hardware is the same. All of the approved data relevant to the installation work is the same. The difference is in the software, setup, and electronic configuration. David Bunin |
Posted By: mkellock
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2015 at 11:02am
We have had our MLB100 sitting on a shelf for a few months now basically with the same issue. We are hoping to get 10.1 installed in the IFD540 next week, as well as the MLB100. Our avionics shop was concerned about the STC as well, but they informed me they had since spoken with Avidyne and would be using the Navworx STC to go ahead. Thought I might relay our experience in hopes it helps. If all goes well, our Archer will be on 10.1 next week and have the MLB100 installed and at least displaying weather information. ------------- Piper Archer II PA28-181 Tampa, FL |
Posted By: wbennett3
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2015 at 2:41pm
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Thank you mkellock. Good to hear I'm not the only one with the issue. I will update my post when I hear about the STC. fly safe ------------- Bennett |
Posted By: SB Jim
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 9:37am
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Does the MLB100 provide aural traffic alerts? If so, what are they like? E.g., "Traffic, 12 o'clock, 3 miles"? Or? |
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 7:33am
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The MLB100 has no audio interfaces at all, so it doens't provide any aural alerts directly. Currently, the IFDs do not provide any traffic-related aural alerts, either.
However, a long time ago there was discussion on this forum where Avidyne said they included a whole bunch of aural alert recordings in the IFDx40 code that were currently unused but could potentially be enabled one day, and some of them were traffic-related. Whether that ever happens is dependent on Avidyne upgrade plans, FAA cert, etc. |
Posted By: Cyanmini
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 3:14pm
| I have been told that I will get aural alerts from my MLB100 and AMX240 com panel in my IFD540 system with the next version of updated software. I have 10.1.1 now. I did have to have a wire installed between the comm panel and IFD 540. FWIW my bluetooth phone stopped working with that last software update. I know it wasn't supposed to be working yet, but mine did without any attempt to pair it. It just connected the first time I tried it. |
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 6:26am
I'll be curious to hear what Steve or Simpson have to say about that. I don't remember that being announced, and Steve's said more than once he's not going to say what's in 10.2 until it's ready to roll out.
This statement is very confusing, for multiple reasons. 1) BT devices must be manually paired before they will subsequently automatically link up. 2) There is no mechanism now, nor has there been in the past, for anything other than the BT keyboard to link to the IFD540, and the keyboard only came online with 10.1.1. Steve has hinted that will change when 10.2 is released. My guess is that your phone used to be paired to the AMX240 (a function which has worked since the 240 was originally released), and somewhere along the way that linkage was erased. I bet if you go through the steps to re-pair your phone with your 240, it will behave the way you remember.
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Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 10:16am
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Correct, we don't yet supply aural alerts for the MLB100 Traffic. It's currently slated for 10.2. ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
Posted By: flybikeski
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 10:54am
The previous poster said "an additional wire was run" to get ready for that. Just to confirm, that would be normal audio output from the 540, not the TAWS traffic aural output? Thanks!
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Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 1:55pm
Yes, the audio output from the IFD540 to the audio panel. ------------- Simpson Bennett Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 10:31am
Almost true. The MLB100 does not produce any aural alerts directly, but it DOES have provisions for an audio interface (pins 1 & 20 on the connector). I went ahead and wired those pins up to a switched input at my audio panel just in case they ever develop MLB software for audio alerts. (I opted to employ a switched input for the MLB audio because I also expected that there would be traffic alerts eventually in the IFD audio. So I needed to be able to turn off the MLB.) In other words, I am provisioned in wiring for both, even though I presently have neither. (I do get the terrain alerts and other alert audio from the IFD.) David Bunin |
Posted By: Risky52
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 9:29am
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I have just had my MLB-100 connected to the IFD-540 with 10.1.1 and 4.09 (MLB-100) software updates. Initial flight has ghosting right under the aircraft which keeps the Aux button yellow since this other(ghost) aircraft is so close. I see the same thing on my IPAD with Foreflight. Is anyone else having a similar ghosting situation and is there a way to get rid of the ghost aircraft. Thanks in advance ------------- Wayne T. |
Posted By: TomH
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 10:12am
I'm no expert but I know there's an "Own Ship" configuration in both Foreflight and the MLB100 Console that might help. Your transponder is obviously working (have you contacted and received the FAA report?) but maybe the two receiving devices (Stratus, MLB100) don't know enough to prevent the ghosting.
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Posted By: petersk
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 9:46pm
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I've been chasing an issue which I just traced to the MLB100. I have dual 540s, MLB100 and also an Aera 560 GPS in the right side panel inside an AirGizmo doc... quite cool how the 540 outputs the flight plan to the 560. However recently the 560 stopped working. I use it for XM weather, flight logging and airport data, so it is sorely missed. I chased several potential reasons, but just today sorted out the issue. Turns out it stopped working when the MLB100 was installed. The GPS signal strength bars now die when the MLB100 is turned on. Pull that breaker and it works fine. The MLB100 is mounted about 3-4 inches from the back of the Aera, which is using its internal GPS antenna, otherwise successfully. Have there been any studies of spurious emissions from the MLB100? Any other indications of GPS signal blocking? This could become an issue for other in-cabin portable units. I'm planning to experiment with a remote antenna but would appreciate any thoughts on why the MLB100 has this effect. ------------- Keith Peterson Cardinal Flyers Cardinal RG N177KP |
Posted By: petersk
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2016 at 11:28pm
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Followup on the MLB100 GPS interference issue... I added an external GPS antenna to the Aera so I could 'sniff' for interference around the panel. There is a circle of 12 inch radius around the MLB100 where the GPS signal goes to zero and a slightly larger circle where the signal is degraded. Pulling the MLB100 breaker stops the GPS blanking effect. I'm wondering if there is a GPS chip on board the MLB100 and by chance does the Avidyne software turn on that GPS? The case seems to have two BNC connectors and one appears to be capped... I wonder if there's a signal coming from that capped port? While things are as they are, my wire free panel will unfortunately have at least one visible wire, to the deck top remote antenna to keep that thing working. ------------- Keith Peterson Cardinal Flyers Cardinal RG N177KP |
Posted By: teeth6
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2016 at 10:07am
I have seen this on just one flight since my MLB 100 was installed. It lasted the entire flight but was gone on the next flight. I used to occasionally see this on my old TIS traffic when turning but it would only last a few seconds then. |
Posted By: kgrant
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 8:18am
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Any word on timing for the 200? |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 11:22am
I can't say why you would be having this specific issue (I have an MLB unit in my airplane and two Garmin portables that don't seem to mind) but just as a logical reasoning exercise... The MLB100 gets its GPS position from the IFD. So if there is a GPS chip inside, it stands to reason that Avidyne software would be turning it off, not on. Beyond that, GPS chips usually output a DC power level to supply a pre-amplifier that resides within the antenna, but they don't actually transmit a GPS signal. So there is no signal that would be coming from that capped connector. (If you took the connector off, you might see a DC bias there at the center pin, if the unit does have a chip.) Bottom line: This theory has a lot of IF upon IF. While the MLB100 may indeed be the source of your symptoms, I don't think it's for the reason or method that you postulate. David Bunin |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2016 at 8:23am
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I am thrilled to report that I met Petersk at the Sun 'n Fun airshow in Florida. He said they replaced his MLB100 with another unit and the problem vanished. So there is no inherent design flaw with the product, there was simply some defect in his specific unit.
My guess is that one of the RF shields on the circuit board was not tight or not on straight. Probably an easy thing to fix if we had access to the insides of these things.
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Posted By: chflyer
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2016 at 12:55pm
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According to petersk's post on Mar 29, the issue arose immediately upon installation of the MLB100, which suggests that the problem existed when unit left the factory. When my new IFD440 arrived, it needed to be returned even before installation because the lower left knob did not work. This is perhaps a long stretch statement from just 2 units that wouldn't pass QC on arrival at the customer, but I wonder how many other issues are related to QC. I suppose that Avidyne tracks this, but perhaps it is an area for them to take a look as for possible improvement? QC issues with new units leaving the factory are expensive all around, but especially for Avidyne due to unrecoverable RMA handling and shipping costs, not to mention image and installer/customer impact (costs, delays) of a faulty new unit from the factory. ------------- Vince |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2016 at 2:38pm
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I see what you're saying, but I don't know if your theory has much in the way of legs to stand on. For one thing, the MLB units are manufactured in a completely different facility than the IFD units. And the fault in Petersk's unit could have been damage unduced in shipping due to harsh handling. We will never know. In any case, I can't say that two points of data are a trend. My IFD and my MLB arrived in flawless condition. |
Posted By: petersk
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 4:42pm
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Did you really meet me, David? If so I'm glad you were thrilled! However, you are incorrect in your understanding that my MLB100 was replaced. My receiver was not replaced, I solved the GPS interference problem by using an external GPS antenna on my Aera. I would not expect a new MLB100 to resolve the issue. My understanding remains that the MLB100 wiring transmits a GPS interference signal which will blank out any nearby GPS unless you shield the wiring and perhaps trap the RF signal with a ferrite core of some sort. I have not tried that solution... my wires are bundled up pretty tightly so I'm still using the remote antenna, but that's the theory. I would expect this to be an issue with any MLB100 until they choose to add some internal shielding. Keith Peterson Cardinal Flyers ------------- Keith Peterson Cardinal Flyers Cardinal RG N177KP |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 4:06pm
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Must have been an impostor. :( |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2017 at 8:04pm
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I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 10.2 update like everyone else. When I did my panel install, the MLB100, now the SkyTrax100 was not certified, so I had the wiring run for when it did become available. The rest of the panel consisted of: IFD540 AXP340 Aspen EFD1000 Pro STec System 30 Autopilot PSE PMA450 Audio panel Garmin GNC255A Nav/Com JPI EDM900 engine monitor Unfortunately we found out the the initial wiring diagram for the MLB100 was incorrect. Avidyne did pay to rewire it while I was having 10.1.2 installed. Now that 10.2 is out, I am trying to schedule installation for it and the SkyTrax100. My questions now with 10.2 in mind are: Will all of the data from the SkyTrax100 be displayed on the IFD? Can I get that same data on my Aspen PFD? Once my flight plan or approach is loaded in the IFD, I rarely look at the IFD. Course guidance and a map underlay are available on the Aspen. Will there be aural traffic alerts derived from the SkyTrax100 on the IFD? If so, do I need any additional wiring from any of the equipment to the audio panel? Initially I was missing a connection from the IFD to the audio panel for the 500 foot call out. Works now. Thanks, ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: mkellock
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 11:53am
Thanks for this post. I look forward to hearing the answer to some of these questions. We had the MLB100 (now SkyTrax100) prewired back in 2015 before the unit was available for install similar to you. I am finally getting it installed this week, and may encounter a similar problem with the wiring. ------------- Piper Archer II PA28-181 Tampa, FL |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 6:28pm
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Found out today that there has to be a converter inline between either the IFD or SkyTrax and the Aspen. Still don't know if Aspen will want a ransom to allow the ADS-B data to display on the Aspen EFIS. Hope not. They also said that Aspen is still charging $2K for the AOA update to the EFIS. I understand that Aspen needs to recoup it's development costs and make a profit, but come on, two grand for a software update that they don't even have to physically do? That's just absurd. If it was $400, I would jump on it and maybe a lot of other pilots too, but $2K, ridiculous, not going to happen. I love the Aspen EFIS and the way it works. Fabulous with the IFD540 and the STec30 as a single pilot platform, but Aspen needs to rethink their unlock fee program. Totally out of line. It is definitely affecting my desire for additional Aspen displays. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 6:38pm
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Not definitive. The below is my experience. Aspen told me that the ADS-B unlock for the MFD would be $795. BUT - I don't know if you already have the the "hazard unlock". I did for active traffic. The hook is that nobody can tell you that the MLB100 wx will play on the Aspen MFD. I have heard it was tried and DOES NOT, Capstone or no Capstone. Nothing official on this, mind you. One of Aspen's service engineers told me officially, the following devices play ADS-B on the Aspen MFD, x, y, z, but no Avidyne product. I have active traffic playing on the PFD and MFD, I do believe the "hazard unlock" which IIRC was also $795 covered this, but active traffic may be different than ADS-B or TIS-B. I'd really like to have wx on the MFD, I have lobbied both Avidyne and Aspen in this regard, and there doesn't seem to be any movement or interest in this. EDIT: I have AOA in the form of the Alphasystems Eagle product; it has sensor and converter box, and at the end of the project I probably had ~$2700 in it, just for price reference. ------------- David Gates |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 7:00pm
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In that case, I 'm not sure how much use I'll get out of installing the SkyTrax100. The IFD is center stack mounted and I fly mainly off of the Aspen. I have two iPads running Foreflight along with a Stratus2. I can already look to my iPad for Wx and traffic, why do I want to have to look to the center stack to see the same. The only advantage seems to be that when the IFD100 comes out, I will be able to see Wx and traffic there. I use my iPad mostly for approach plates when in the terminal environment. My wife has her own iPad and looks for traffic and Wx. Don't know where I would fit another tablet although I do have a third one, a mini for backup. I have RAM ball mounts in all four corners of my panel. In the pic below, the left iPad is a mini but has since been replaced with a iPad Pro 9.7". The 9.7" iPads are mounted to the top ones with long arms. I could possibly mount the mini on the bottom mount with a short arm. That should position the mini immediately to the left of the Aspen. Sounds like an interesting experiment. http://s663.photobucket.com/user/imflying/media/91223399-0e88-4d39-8c2d-ebc5469f80da_zpsviiiw239.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 7:15pm
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The plus, though, is that with an MLB you will see traffic and wx on the IFD; the value I see in this though is being able to look ahead at METARS for whevever you are going. I haven't seen how it looks on 10.2, but on 10.1.x, the representation is nice for both, and I understand it is better with more products being displayed with 10.2. EDIT: No diss intended, really, I just personally like the noncluttered approach. BWTHDIK?
------------- David Gates |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 7:25pm
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We'll see how it works out. My bird is supposed to go under the knife next week. For what it's worth, I already see METARS on Foreflight. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 6:57pm
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Here we go again. I delivered the plane to the shop to have the SkyTrax100 and 10.2 update installed. In a previous post I told how we had the airplane pre-wired for the SkyTrax100 only to find out that the diagram supplied by Avidyne was wrong. Avidyne actually paid to have it rewired. The shop that I'm using just underwent a hostile takeover by another FBO and the avionics techs quit and went somewhere else. When the new tech attempted to install the SkyTrax100, he found that the job that Avidyne had paid to have redone, didn't finish the job. None of the wires in the back where the tray goes on the equipment rack were labeled. There was no mounting tray there at all, just coiled up wires. In the front behind the panel, only about half of the pin-outs were properly installed so that almost the entire panel had to come out to find the wires and terminate them. I was told by the original installer that my old DME antenna was the same type as for the ADS-B and would be usable, but now I find out that not only do they have to replace the antenna, but also the antenna cable. I could not test any of this out before now because I just now am having the SkyTrax installed. I have no recourse as far as I know because the FBO changed hands and the techs that actually did the work moved on to other jobs. I have made note of where they went so that they will never touch my airplane again. Avidyne and I both paid good money to have the job done correctly and now I have to pay for it again. Not happy at all. My only good thing about this is that I can tell people about what happened and make sure that people have my opinion and experiences about them. I am in a position in my area where a lot of people communicate with me to get my opinion on IFR equipment and the people to do the work. I put a lot of effort into learning all I could about what I wanted in a panel and I don't mind sharing. I spent a lot of time reading specs, talking to technicians, talking to other pilots, watching YouTube videos, and even using the simulators. As far as Avidyne was concerned, I spent a lot of time comparing the IFD540 to the GTN750, and in the end, for me, I felt that it was more user friendly, had better support, and came in at a lower price point. I couldn't be happier with my selection in equipment. Not so much with techs. Avidyne, if you are listening, if a certain avionics shop calls you to become an authorized dealer for you and they happen to be at a southern Indiana airport, do yourself and us a favor and just say no. That's where the people that screwed me over went to. Besides, you already have one dealer on the field already. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 7:52pm
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I hear your frustration, and I sympathize. It _seems_ like this falls into 2 categories: shops that care about longitudnal relationships, and shops that don't. It also appears to me that at least larger shops are having trouble keeping stable staffs of technicians, i.e., it appears that the tech who did your work 8 months ago, and whose work you liked, is no longer to be found. The last work I had done at a major shop in the PHX area was very poorly done, large scratches on a new panel, scratch on a new display unit, a handful of tools in the cockpit, sockets in the bottom of the engine compartment, etc. Asked shop manager about this, he rolls his eyes, "he's no longer with us". My question about how long they had observed his work before turning him loose on my Bonanza - no response. I am having an issue with a shop in PHX which is well chronicled in another thread and won't repeat here. My plan is to go look for a small shop of the owner-operator type and see if there can't be some stability with someone who knows my airplane. .....at least that is a goal. Good luck, sir. ------------- David Gates |
Posted By: gherb
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 5:18pm
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Beyond the purchase of the SkyTrax100, what are the appx. labor hours to install, and are there any other costs like an installation kit? I have an IFD540 and APX340 already. Thanks. |
Posted By: Dlesh123
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 6:14pm
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It will depend on where the unit is mounted and the amount of wire that have to run to the radio stack and how much do they have to take apart to run the wire? Ours in a Piper Lance, the unit sits behind the baggage area, they had to build a shelf to mount it and run wire then all the way up to the radio stack. But we had it prewired when we were installing everything else, including a new ELT that uses the GPS signal from the 540 so it was all apart, it was nothing to run an extra wire or two. So kind of hard to break down exactly what the MLB by itself would have cost to install. |
Posted By: flybikeski
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 6:18pm
You can get the dimensions, its about half the size of a transponder. Mine fit above my glove compartment on the co-pilot side so very short cable runs. But if you need to install it in the rear that could be more costly. The problem is, that little guy needs to know a lot of information. It needs pressure altitude so it can compare your altitude to a mode C target, and it needs ADS-B GPS altitude/position so it can compare your GPS altitude/position to an ADSB target. It also needs a RS232 data connection to the IFD540. Prior to 10.2 it needed ARINC429 connection to the 540 for traffic, but now that comes across on the RS232 connection. You'll have to find out from Avidyne if you should wire up the 429 ports anyway for future use. It also needs an external antennae similar or same as a transponder antennae, but you can also reuse an old DME antennae which is what I did. Another reason to get it to fit up front. Anyway, not complicated but it wires up to both the 540 and 340 and that takes some labor.
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Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 10:04pm
Thanks, Gulf Coast Avionics in LAL did the initial install. They did beautiful work. They cut and powder coat the panels in house. They quoted me six weeks for the work and actually took eight weeks to complete. To be fair, I kept adding stuff while they had it. That got expensive in a hurry. You are correct though, I called back there last week to find some paperwork and the two main people that I dealt with are gone. Fortunately they keep good records. In contrast to that there is a local avionics guy at my airport that has had a Baron panel overhaul that's not any more extensive than mine and he has been working on it since September. We are almost into May now. I would be a bit peeved if it were mine. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 10:10pm
In my case they said the old DME antenna would work for the Skytrax100 but when they pulled it off, the numbers didn't match what the manual said would work. Another $85 for a short little stubby antenna. If you still have one of the old ELTs, now would be a great time to replace it with one of the new 406mhz ones. The install was minimal since they already had everything apart and had to run cables to the IFD for other things already. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: gsxrpilot
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 5:24pm
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I have a SkyTrax100 and AXP322 both talking to an IFD540. The install was all just completed a few weeks ago and came out of the shop with the IFD540 running 10.2. I've flown about 20 hours since and am still working out the bugs. But one issue I'm having is No weather showing up on the IFD540 and Traffic is very intermittent. I keep getting an Alert about the DataLink failed or disconnected. I'll have to get the text of the Alert. I also get an Alert about ADS-B error of some sort. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else is having these type of issues. And one final question, will the SkyTrax100 feed Traffic and/or Weather to ForeFlight on the iPad? The iPad connects to the IFD540 just fine and I can move flight plans both directions. ------------- Paul Mooney M20K 252 KHYI - San Marcos, TX |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 6:16pm
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Specifics to the errors will help. A call to Tech support will probably be most productive. It is up to foreflight to use the ADSB data. * Orest |
Posted By: DavidBunin
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2017 at 6:44pm
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The system gives a "Datalink Data Not Received" message when individual pieces of data have expired without fresh data being received to replace it. This is "the dreaded DDNR" message. This happens when you are flying on the edge of ADS-B coverage or you are out of coverage. I often see it on the ground at big airports like KDAL because I'm not in contact with a ground station until I get airborne, and it is not unusual to have a long wait to take off. But you can get the same thing by flying at lower levels in rural areas. You can go to the Datalink screen in the AUX pages and see which pieces of data have been downloaded, and how old each one is. A flight leg of more than 15 minutes above about 7000 feet should get every piece of data possible. Not that you need to fly like that every time, but it would be a good test flight to eliminate network problems from aircraft problems in your troubleshooting. David |
Posted By: Don
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 9:49am
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Did avidyne shelf the MLX 200 idea ??? I am looking for ads in and out have 540-440 and garmin transponder the mlx 200 would be perfect for me |
Posted By: arkvet
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 3:32pm
Just gonna bump this question. My understanding was that it was foreflight's interface that prevented it from importing and displaying traffic / weather from the skytrax. I too, am annoyed that I have brand new ADS-B in/out and foreflight can't/won't display it. For now I still have the stratus 2 in the plane simply to drive traffic and weather on foreflight. The fact that foreflight can get it's position source from the IFD does me little good if it won't display that ADS-B info. ------------- Brent PA32-301 IFD550 / AXP322 / SkyTrax100 / Dual G5's / GFC 500 / JPI 830 |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 4:35pm
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Put in a request ticket to FF, they are pretty responsive generally. Apparently the data is there, they just have to make use it. * Orest |
Posted By: dkallen
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 10:04pm
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I purchased the IFD540 a few years ago and got the MLB100 to go with it. I think it was a promotional thing. The MLB was never installed. I now see a Skytrax. I am not wanting to install something that is maybe "obsolete" and am on the fence about getting the Skytrax or the L2 NGT-9000 which I have seen Avidyne also promoting and skip the MLB all together. I guess my questions are: 1. What is the difference between the MLB and the Skytrax? Name only or something else. 2. Any advantages getting the NGT-9000 to install at this point? I am putting an NGT in another plane I own (PA28-180). It is going in the shop after the 310 comes out. Thanks ahead for the response... ------------- DK Allen C-310Q |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 10:09pm
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The original MLB100 was renamed to Skytrax, no change in hardware. Then the original supplier went under, and Avidyne has a new relationship with Freeflight. Their Ranger is now OEM'd for Avidyne, and still called a Skytrax. The NGT-9000 is a very nice unit, that works well with the IFD, and most other hardware. It has a lot more features than the Skytrax (new or old), including dual-band, in/out, wifi output, front panel display, and even optional expansion for active traffic. It also is diversity antenna capable, potentially critical for flight outside the US. * Orest
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Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2019 at 12:21am
Like Orest says, the L3 NGT9000 is a really nice unit with a lot more capabilities. As far as I'm concerned, the SkyTrax is dead. In my next upcoming upgrade, I plan to pull both my AXP340 and SkyTrax100 and replace them with the NGT9000. The SkyTrax has already caused issues and doesn't play well with the ADS-B unlock for the Aspen, so I had to use the Hazard Awareness unlock instead. In addition, the symbology on the hazard awareness unlock is somewhat primitive. Another bonus with the NGT9000 is that it has wireless capabilities and can feed my Foreflight on both of my iPads. Now I will be able to get rid of the Stratus II too. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: AZ Flyer
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2019 at 12:58pm
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I have had both (original Skytrax with AXP340 and now the NGT9000) and greatly prefer the NGT9000 for all of the reasons mentioned, including the dual-band in. A few potential issues to be aware of: 1) The NGT9000 does not function reliably as a WIFI server for the IFD series (unlike the Stratus II, for instance), so if you want ADS-B weather and traffic to show on both the IFD and Foreflight, and be able to transfer flight plans to/from the IFD, then you have to hardwire the NGT9000 to the IFD (through the RS422/RS232 ports), install 10.2.3.1 on the IFD, and use the IFD as the WIFI server. The NGT9000 can be simultaneously wired to an Aspen to show ADS-B weather and traffic, as well. (The connections information for the IFD and the Aspen is in the latest NGT9000 install manual.) 2) The NGT9000 touch screen is not as easy to use as the dedicated buttons were on the AXP340 for setting transponder codes. Not a huge deal but a reality nevertheless. 3) Make sure that an Aspen is at the correct software level to accommodate ADS-B in (see this Aspen press release and the associated AD: https://aspenavionics.com/news/media-alert-aspen-avionics-releases-software-update-addressing-airworthines" rel="nofollow - https://aspenavionics.com/news/media-alert-aspen-avionics-releases-software-update-addressing-airworthines ). 4) The NGT9000 will not show traffic, weather, or metars on its display unless its software has been updated to deal with the GPS date rollover issue. Stan |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2019 at 1:21pm
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Great info AZ Flyer, thanks. I may be installing an NGT9000R, if forced to by NavCanada, and the whole diversity antenna mess. * Orest
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Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2019 at 4:25pm
Good to know. Carpenter Avionics will be doing my install this time. I do have 10.2.3.1 on the IFD and my current Aspen has the rollover patch but it will be replaced with the Max update. Once I pull the trigger on what autopilot to upgrade to, that will determine whether I have room for the NGT9000 or have to go with the remote version. ------------- Woo Hoo!!! |
Posted By: dkallen
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2019 at 8:16pm
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Thanks for all the input. I was thinking the Skytrax wasn't exactly what I was wanting to go with. I guess I will be ordering the NGT tomorrow. ------------- DK Allen C-310Q |