Well done Martin. Not a pilot but the way you explain things makes perfect sense to me. Hope you get your plane back soon. New engine and prop...very cool.
No worries, George. But kidding aside, that is one important reason why the GPS navigator should be intuitive and easy to understand - so you DON'T get fixated on it. - Martin
Martin, Well done presentation and analysis, as always. You now have me thinking about my dual 430W’s. Avidyne should give you a sponsorship. Your perspective from a pilot’s point-of-view is spot on, thank you!
This is super well done. It's interesting to see how the software is developing to allow more customization. I'm a Garmin relic, but it's cool to see what else is out there.
With the large display, the touch screen, and the configurable I/O, it's amazing what all can be customized still with software upgrades on these units. I'll be excited to see what the next few years bring in terms of additional capabilities. - Martin
Love your content Martin. Hopefully I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a Bonanza of my own. Your experiences have definitely helped me make a more informed decision. Keep up the great work.
Great presentation as usual Martin but this old steam gauge pilot is excited to hear about the new engine and prop. I'm positive you're going to love them. Best of luck...
Thanks, Mike. The new engine is working well; I have about four hours on it now, and the next video will talk about it in detail. Working on It already. Best, Martin
Wonderful presentation, it is great to have a project work out so well for your needs. Glad you are enjoying the avionics upgrade, I'm excited to hear about the new engine!
Awesome video. I did create the waypoint and hold DPK with the Avidyne 550. Like you said, it takes some time and know how. Thank you for this great video. Also Gary Reeves sell a great DVD.
Nice video as always, Martin. Unfortunately the IFD is not 100 % compatible with the GNS 530W in all installations, something their advertisements don't mention. For example, it will not work with the Garmin GDL 88D ADS-B box, which would require me to eliminate that unit as well as buy a new transponder since my current unit is mode-C only. It would also eliminate my FS-210 which permits the same flight plan upload as for the IFD, and iPad synthetic vision and AHRS. BTW...the GNS will populate airways from Foreflight quite nicely without having to add waypoints along the airway as you mentioned in the video. So new things are nice but they come with a price beyond the glossy brochure! Until something breaks irrepairably I am comfortable putting $$ into gasoline rather than labor and new boxes.
Hi Jim, thanks for the feedback. Regarding airways, my understanding is the GNS with the addition of FlightStream and Foreflight can do that, yes. I dit not have the optional FlightStream in my airplane. Regards, Martin
Hi Jim, GDL-88D and FlightStream add-ons came out for the GNS after the introduction of the IFD series. GDL-88 compatibility was added in IFD R10.2 software a couple years ago. FlightStream-210 compatibility was never added since the IFDs provide integrated WiFi compatibility. You would need an IFD550 for ARS attitude to the iPad. cheers Tom
One feature I'd like is a dedicated traffic page. Could be one of the map selections. I'd use it while nearing airports especially where there is a lot of clutter. Now I approximate this by turning nav and land features to their lowest setting. The 530/430 has the separate page.
Hi Bill. A dedicated traffic-only page probably wouldn't be too hard to do - though I always thought the main reason the 530/430 had that feature is that its low-resolution display had a hard time showing clear traffic information on top of the regular map. I don't see that problem with the IFD. You workaround - decluttering the nav and land features - is a great idea! Regards, Martin
Wow, I am always amazed how advanced my Apollo CNX80 is. It had most of those functions 15 years ago. It's nice to see another vender finally copying their system.
Hi Vincent, I agree the CNX80 was a fantastic product. Now, Apollo didn't exactly invent the wheel there - what they did was already available in the FMS of the airline and bizjet world. But they did it with GPS and WAAS and thus made it compact and affordable, which was a big achievement, no doubt. Now, would you really still want to the have that CNX80 in your panel today? In terms of processing speed and display quality, the IFDs are quite a ways ahead. - Martin
I'm leaning towards Avidyne in my Comanche. I have used 2 iPads, one running IFD100 and the other using the IFD540 simulator and the IFD100 looks like a great app. But I can't find a straight answer to exactly what you can CONTROL from the app. For example, can you change frequencies from the IFD100? Can you set squawk codes from it, assuming the IFD540 is configured to allow that? Thanks for your videos - I love watching them.
Hi Martin, the IFD100 app allows tuning of the stand-by frequency for the COM and NAV radio. You'll have to toggle the standby and active frequencies using the toggle button on the panel-mount unit. This is no doubt due to regulatory limitations as to what an uncertified product (like an iPad) can and cannot change within the certified radio. I do not know if you can set the transponder code from the IFD100. Best regards, Martin
Hmm.... that's something I had never thought of before. But why not? Actually, on second thought: I don't believe there is a way for GPS (IFR-approved) to be uncertified/experimental. Even Garmin, who has some products with separate versions for the experimental and certified market, doesn't do that with the GNS and GTN products. - Martin
The G-1000 is right up there with it Ron. Of course everyone has their personal preferences and I don't mean to start the great debate about which one is better or worse here. Each person has to make their own choices and pick what works best for them. I can go either way. And everything keeps improving based on the competition in the market. Without competition there is no progress.
Two things I'd add to the list of things I love about the Avidyne. 1. Predictive flight plan inputs. It's rare I have to type in anything other than the destination airport. I knows all the available airways from a fix and predicts what you'll need. You can add a flight plan almost quicker on the IFD than in ForeFlight. 2. Buttons. If you've ever flown with the new Garmin boxes, the 750 and 650, you know how much you miss buttons in anything but the smoothest air. Touch screens are nice and the IFD's are nice, but here in the Rocky Mountain turbulence, buttons are so much better, the IFD has them, the Garmin's don't.
Those are two very good additions to my list, Paul. I have recently come to appreciate the buttons/knobs even more as I have started to give instrument training to a pilot in an airplane with the GTN650. It's a very capable navigator as well, but in turbulence I find myself looking for the knobs and buttons, which the GTN of course doesn't have.
Very good list Martin. If I had to pick a favorite thing about my IFD it'd be the IFD100 app. I only have 1 IFD440, so adding an ipad mini running the IFD100 app is a poor man's dual IFD setup. My biggest wish list item is VFR approaches, it'd be nice to have an advisory glide slope when going into airports on VFR days.
Makes perfect sense. With a single IFD440, the IFD100 app is a fantastic addition. And while most runways these days have an RNAV approach of some sort, every now and then you find one that doesn't - so I can see that being a good addition. Best, Martin
Would love to see a video showing user map configuration options and how you have fine tuned your configuration after a few years of using the Avidyne. The IFD’s are so intuitive and I learn something new on every flight. Only had it a week!
Nicely done! I know the IFD can connect to an iPad with WiFi - can it also connect via bluetooth? I am now flying a plane with an but I used to fly a G1000 plane with Flightstream and really liked the fact that my wifi-only iPad received ADS-B data from the GDL52 and also connected to the G1000 (to exchange flight plans) via bluetooth so the iPad could connect to my phone hotspot using wifi for internet access. Thanks.
Yes, the IFD also has Bluetooth - though I must admit I have not tried using Bluetooth personally, so I can't speak from experience how that compares with using WIFI. - Martin
Great video Martin! You didn’t list my favorite feature which is the way the IFD predicts fixes cutting down on data entry. The GNS always tried but it was wrong, thenIFD is always right. I also like auto sequencing of VOR frequencies and how it pops the ILS freq in for you too.
Very professionally done video. Our panels are similar. Just ordered my IFD550 and have been flying the simulator to prepare. Out with the 530WAAS and FlightStream 210. Your top 12 was helpful. I didn’t get so far as customizing data blocks, but just practiced multiple airports and approaches in one flight plan. On a side note, your videos put mine to shame, so I plan to copy your style a bit and try to improve.
Do you know if the IFD 540 has the option to tune in XM radio station. The GNS 550 has a screen under AUX that shows the XM stations and allow you to scroll and select a station to listen to that music station
@@martinpauly it does, I orders a user manual to get more familiar with the unit. I found the instructions in their. As you might expect, it had more features to scan channels, etc than the Garmin 530.
Great video Martin, I'm flying the garmin perspective+, it does amazing things, but that IFD is a great system. Enroute VNAV is a great thing, but ATC invariably screws that up in my experience. Hope Avidyne gives you your wish list.
We'll see. I have to admit, it's easy to fly without coupled enroute VNAV - still, knowing that all the hardware is there between the IFD and the autopilot to do it, and there are "just a few lines of code missing" to do it. I am sure I am oversimplifying things, but still I hope this can be completed one day. - Martin
Answered here: ua-cam.com/video/hI_7r6OBCGE/v-deo.html The Garmin GTNs have very similar capabilities, but I much prefer the streamlines, simpler user interface of the Avidyne IFDs over the new Garmin GTNs. Regards, Martin
Copied over from the other video, Steve: the clarity of radio reception was one of the first things I noticed on my first flight with the IFDs, compared with the 530W and 430W they replaced. I'm very happy in that regard. - Martin
Nice talk through of the features of the IFD . its nice that one can be keyboard to input to the other , can you edit info on the iPad keyboard and then upload to the IFD ??? . if so that would be great . As far as the holding waypoint goes , on the cirrus and the garmin perspective , there is a " hold at waypoint " and " hold at present position " feature which is great . Good luck with the new engine and IFDs . Happy and safe skies ahead ..
Thank you, Aidan. You can create or edit a flight plan on the iPad and upload it to the IFD. Is that what you were asking? Or just using the iPad as a keyboard for the IFD? - Martin
Hi Martin. Interesting video! I'm looking at an aircraft that already has a GTN-750 and wondered if adding an AVIDYNE unit would be cost effective, if there's a decent trade in program or is it a good enough unit to just leave as is? It still has a mechanical 6 pack with an HSI and an old autopilot the plane came with in 1977. I'm instrument rated but prefer fair weather flying.
Hi Peter. As much as I love the Avidyne IFDs and see an edge over Garmin's GTNs, the difference isn't large enough in my opinion to justify the cost of taking out a working GTN and replacing it with an IFD. Having both an IFD and a GTN in the same panel might be useful for an avionics dealer wanting to demonstrate both side by side to potential customers, or possibly an instrument trainer where students may want to use one or the other. But in most cases, I believe mixing the two has more downsides than upsides. My recommendation might be different for someone who already has an IFD-equipped aircraft and is acquiring an ADDITIONAl airplane - then it could make a lot of sense to ensure commonality between the two airplanes. I hope this answers your question. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably fly the new plane as is for a year or so, in order to really understand what I like and what I don't like, and THEN think about changes. Best of luck! - Martin
@@martinpauly , Hi Martin. Well, the plane I went to look at with the GTN 750 turned out to have a coroded spar! (He said it wasn't an issue because it wasn't an AD yet but it turns out so much metal was removed from the spar to clean it up it was beyond limits! It pays to read the paperwork) So, another one that I hope to buy has the IFD 440 AND 540 already installed so I'll be looking at your videos much more carefully! Thanks again for a great series of videos(:-D)
Jose, I understand they did one of the three things I suggested in software version 10.3 which is due later this year: the VNAV autopilot interface. Though as of today I do not know which autopilots it is compatible with. Regards, Martin
Awesome video, my only problem is that with my fuel flow displayed, my IFD 550 does not calculate the remaining fuel, it shows the total full fuel and the fuel burn and that’s it. I’m I missing something Martin?
Which engine monitor/fuel totalizer do you have? The IFD doesn't compute "fuel remaining" - the engine monitor should do that. In fact, my JPI shows "fuel remaining" on its own display. Without that, the IFD won't be able to know how to draw the range rings. You could play with the config options on the IFD and see if different device settings for the connected fuel information help. Mine is set to Shadin, and that works great with my JPI engine monitor. Best regards, Martin
Martin, great video. I have an IFD 440 Which I am unable to get a Jeppeson chart subscription for this unit simply because of the small screen which I understand but I would like to get Jepp charts on the IFD 100. Jeppesen has not returned any of my inquiries about getting Jepp charts on the IFD 100. Would you know how I would go about doing this?
Ralph, Jeppesen makes great charts and databases, but their customer support and website are not all that great. I would call Avidyne and check if Jeppesen's "IFD500/IFD400 Series Aircraft Bundle" can be loaded on your IFD440 and IFD100. The website says "Includes NavData, Obstacles, Terrain, and Charts for all Avidyne IFD and EX series equipment in your aircraft". pilotsupport.avidyne.com/kb/article/353-jeppesen-pricing-for-avidyne-equipment/ Good luck! - Martin
Hi Martin, Can I ask what headset you use? I light the appearance as they look light-weight and appear to live up to the task of ATC communications. Thanks, and be well.
Hi Frankie. The headset is called "Halo", it's from QuietTechnologies. I like it a lot. Very light weight, and no pressure at all on my ears. And the sound quality is very good. - Martin
Love your video and the great explanations. I’m installing 540 with a L3-9000. I see that you don’t need an antenna for the L3 ? RS 232 connector instead ?
My L-3 Lynx has THREE antennas: a GPS antenna on top, an L-band antenna on the bottom, and the directional TCAS antenna on top. I believe it's possible to feed GPS position into the Lynx from a GPS, but I prefer the Lynx being autonomous - that way if I ever want to get a different GPS in the future, there are no dependencies. The TCAS antenna is optional for sure. But at the very least you need an L-band antenna. - Martin
I would really recommend to keep the old gauges, they are build to take some beating and rely on a completely different source of energy. So if you have for example a burning smell in the cockpit you could turn off all avionics and still have a horizon and an altitude indication and an airspeed. I've seen one case where the full glass cockpit had outages because there was a short in the electronics - just one point and nothing major. But all panels did go dark multiple times for several seconds. Scary.
That's certainly worth considering, Ruben - though I cannot say I have heard of a case where an independently-powered electronic standby instrument system failed along with the primary EFIS. - Martin
Thanks, Frans. Though Garmin is still a strong player, and their GTN units are a step up from the old GNS as well - though personally I favor the IFD over the GTNs. I think Avidyne nailed it with the user interface for the IFD. - Martin
Nice. The GTN650 we have is nice, but the FlightStream connector (an extra $1000) is unreliable, and I still haven't gotten database updates to work with my Mac laptop (which I need to bring to the airport, because of the non-standard cards). It's nice to know how to use the old Garmin 430 (because they're in so many planes), but if I was to upgrade a panel now, I would look very seriously at those IFDs.
You bring up a good point - it's very helpful to know how to use the GNS units, because they are so widely used, especially in the rental and club fleet. - Martin
Manny, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) what you are referring to with single vs. dual cue is the flight director, and the Avidyne IFD doesn't show that. The triangle you see in the center of the attitude indicator is not a flight director.
Martin Pauly Yes, I know. What I am asking is: Can the triangle (Collins) display be configured to a horizontal bar (Sperry) configuration with the top sky pointer instead of a ground pointer? It probably can’t, since it isn’t a real ADI, so no problem on the answer. The reason I ask is because at some point I may want to replace my 530W with an IFD and I would want it to match the display of my G5 ADI/PFD. I am not a fan of the Collins triangle display and prefer a sky pointer type of ADI, because that was common in the airplanes I flew before retirement. Thanks.
As always great video - I fly with G500 and GTN 750, not of choice but that's what was in the plane. But I certainly envy your engine monitor. JDI-Envy :) Liebe Gruesse aus KSGJ
Thanks Martin I look forward to flying with you one day in USA Actually I’m flying overseas Challenger looking forward to buy Bonanza that’s why I love you channel and the way how you treat your aeroplane and invest on it thanks again
I'm curious Martin, I know Kris (Baron Pilot) also loves his Avidyne stuff, but the GNS navigators are really old. How does the IFD 550/540/440 compare to the newer Garmin GTN and GTNxi navigators. I know you haven't flown with them, but I'd love to see someone with expertise in those go flying with you and then have you go flying with them to compare the two. Next upgrade is a Dynon display and autopilot for you!
Hi Gary, I don't have enough experience with the GTNs to do a thorough comparison, though from what I have seen it looks like the user interfaces follow completely different concepts - e.g. GTNs have a more nested menu structure. An EFIS like the Dynon would be nice, but I just got a new engine, and the piggy bank is empty. 😁 - Martin
Gary, the GTN650 suffers from some of the sample problems: SD cards, but proprietary, and proprietary update software that is very, very buggy. Our FlightStream is overpriced for what's in it, and it's not even working reliably.
Don't quote me on this, but Kris (Baron Pilot) said the information was derived from GPS data and not an actual AHARS. I just checked Avidynes web site, and they said the 550 DOES have a MEMS unit for roll and pitch, but I guess it's not enough for a full blown EFIS display.
Several reasons - starting with the fact that the IFD is typically not mounted in the direct field of view in front of the pilot, which rules it out as a primary attitude source (and maybe even as a backup). The IFD has solid-state gyros, which I assume are cross-checked with GPS fo integrity. That's pretty common; some primary AIs do the same thing. I don't know what specific cert requirements for attitude indicators the IFD doesn't meet, but again, with the installation position in mind, it's really not that important. The IFD is not meant to replace your AI. - Martin
You mentioned the IFD is cheaper to update data so I looked not why. Turns out buying direct from Garmin (I fly Garmin) is just as cheap. Jeppesen charges more !
Not to be a "stickler" but you keep saying the GNS could not..... One thing to not is that the GNS-480 model did Air Routes, Holds and had a Backup HSI built in. Oh and Com Monitor ability which made it like having a second Com for picking up the ATIS or monitoring a close by UniCom. The 480 was really sweat :)
Hi Les, the CNX80/GNS480 was phenomenal when it came out - FMS technology for light GA aircraft, based on GPS. If you like those units, you'l LOVE the IFD and find many of the IFD's operational concepts similar. With the large high-resolution screen, the IFDs present those concepts much better than the CNX80 could - no surprise, given the advancement of displays technology during that time. The IFDs can monitor a 2nd COM frequency as well if you wire it to the audio panel. Regards, Martin
@@martinpauly Yes the IFD is high up on the list for replacement selection. One thing that would be great is if Avidyne had a slim line of Nav/Com units like the old SL40s.....the Sierra does not have much Space in the Stack. The 540 or 550 would be ideal but then need also update the old Com and Nav to a new unit....
Why is everybody so hooked on garmin. This thing looks like it blows garmin away. If my 530 ever pukes, I won't even think about getting another garmin. I'll be getting an IFD540. From what I hear, it will drop right into the 530 tray and synch up with my G5s.
Well done Martin. Not a pilot but the way you explain things makes perfect sense to me. Hope you get your plane back soon. New engine and prop...very cool.
Thanks, Bill. And I am happy to report the Bonanza is back in the air, as of last Friday, with a new engine and improved performance! 👍
- Martin
Nice review Martin. The Avidyne is certainly a top contender in my book for anything on the market today. Glad you enjoy using it.
I'm loving mine, Preston!
Best,
Martin
Sweet Martin! Don’t forget to look out the window every now and then! 😀
No worries, George. But kidding aside, that is one important reason why the GPS navigator should be intuitive and easy to understand - so you DON'T get fixated on it.
- Martin
Martin, Well done presentation and analysis, as always. You now have me thinking about my dual 430W’s. Avidyne should give you a sponsorship. Your perspective from a pilot’s point-of-view is spot on, thank you!
Thanks for the kind words!
- Martin
Thanks Martin, I’m looking at a Duke this week with the 550 installed. Appreciate the time you took to make this video
Thanks, John, and good luck with the Duke - they are beautiful airplanes!
- Martin
@@martinpauly thanks so much, I’ve never owned an aircraft before so this is a new adventure!!
This is super well done. It's interesting to see how the software is developing to allow more customization. I'm a Garmin relic, but it's cool to see what else is out there.
With the large display, the touch screen, and the configurable I/O, it's amazing what all can be customized still with software upgrades on these units. I'll be excited to see what the next few years bring in terms of additional capabilities.
- Martin
Love your content Martin. Hopefully I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a Bonanza of my own. Your experiences have definitely helped me make a more informed decision. Keep up the great work.
Glad to hear, and good luck for finding your own Bonanza!
- Martin
Great presentation as usual Martin but this old steam gauge pilot is excited to hear about the new engine and prop. I'm positive you're going to love them.
Best of luck...
Thanks, Mike. The new engine is working well; I have about four hours on it now, and the next video will talk about it in detail. Working on It already.
Best,
Martin
@@martinpauly Great to hear Martin...very much looking forward to your impressions.
@@martinpauly In your engine video can you discuss any changes in weight and balance with the new engine? Thanks!
@@ronburn Yes, I'll try to work that in.
- Martin
I'm a GTN user but I believe the IFD's are a great product as well. Martin, always enjoy your videos.
Thank you, Richard.
- Martin
Wonderful presentation, it is great to have a project work out so well for your needs. Glad you are enjoying the avionics upgrade, I'm excited to hear about the new engine!
Thanks, Russ. The new engine is working great so far - a video will be out soon.
- Martin
Nice. In negotiation on a plane with a 550/440 combo. This vid makes me drool a little. Can't wait to try it.
Good luck for closing on that airplane, Scott!
- Martin
heard you around MSN today. Nice weather!
Yes, I had a craving for Eggs Benedict, and we also had run out of Spotted Cow. Two good reasons for Beckey and me to fly to KMSN! 😁
- Martin
Good information Martin, hope the bad weather out there skipped by you!
Awesome video. I did create the waypoint and hold DPK with the Avidyne 550. Like you said, it takes some time and know how. Thank you for this great video. Also Gary Reeves sell a great DVD.
Nice video as always, Martin. Unfortunately the IFD is not 100 % compatible with the GNS 530W in all installations, something their advertisements don't mention. For example, it will not work with the Garmin GDL 88D ADS-B box, which would require me to eliminate that unit as well as buy a new transponder since my current unit is mode-C only. It would also eliminate my FS-210 which permits the same flight plan upload as for the IFD, and iPad synthetic vision and AHRS. BTW...the GNS will populate airways from Foreflight quite nicely without having to add waypoints along the airway as you mentioned in the video. So new things are nice but they come with a price beyond the glossy brochure! Until something breaks irrepairably I am comfortable putting $$ into gasoline rather than labor and new boxes.
Hi Jim, thanks for the feedback. Regarding airways, my understanding is the GNS with the addition of FlightStream and Foreflight can do that, yes. I dit not have the optional FlightStream in my airplane.
Regards,
Martin
Hi Jim, GDL-88D and FlightStream add-ons came out for the GNS after the introduction of the IFD series. GDL-88 compatibility was added in IFD R10.2 software a couple years ago. FlightStream-210 compatibility was never added since the IFDs provide integrated WiFi compatibility. You would need an IFD550 for ARS attitude to the iPad. cheers Tom
Great overview. thanks for sharing.
Well thought out! Thanks Martin for all your posts.
Emil
Thank you, Emil!
- Martin
One feature I'd like is a dedicated traffic page. Could be one of the map selections. I'd use it while nearing airports
especially where there is a lot of clutter. Now I approximate this by turning nav and land features to their lowest setting.
The 530/430 has the separate page.
Hi Bill. A dedicated traffic-only page probably wouldn't be too hard to do - though I always thought the main reason the 530/430 had that feature is that its low-resolution display had a hard time showing clear traffic information on top of the regular map. I don't see that problem with the IFD. You workaround - decluttering the nav and land features - is a great idea!
Regards, Martin
Wow, I am always amazed how advanced my Apollo CNX80 is. It had most of those functions 15 years ago. It's nice to see another vender finally copying their system.
Hi Vincent, I agree the CNX80 was a fantastic product. Now, Apollo didn't exactly invent the wheel there - what they did was already available in the FMS of the airline and bizjet world. But they did it with GPS and WAAS and thus made it compact and affordable, which was a big achievement, no doubt.
Now, would you really still want to the have that CNX80 in your panel today? In terms of processing speed and display quality, the IFDs are quite a ways ahead.
- Martin
Great job! Keep the great videos coming, they are top notch.
Thank you, Dan!
- Martin
Ok Martin ya sold me.
Happy to hear that, Mike! All the best!
- Martin
I'm leaning towards Avidyne in my Comanche. I have used 2 iPads, one running IFD100 and the other using the IFD540 simulator and the IFD100 looks like a great app. But I can't find a straight answer to exactly what you can CONTROL from the app. For example, can you change frequencies from the IFD100? Can you set squawk codes from it, assuming the IFD540 is configured to allow that?
Thanks for your videos - I love watching them.
Hi Martin, the IFD100 app allows tuning of the stand-by frequency for the COM and NAV radio. You'll have to toggle the standby and active frequencies using the toggle button on the panel-mount unit. This is no doubt due to regulatory limitations as to what an uncertified product (like an iPad) can and cannot change within the certified radio. I do not know if you can set the transponder code from the IFD100.
Best regards,
Martin
Thanks, Martin! Very informative. I'd add one extra ask for Avidyne: I'd love to see experimental pricing like Garmin has.
Hmm.... that's something I had never thought of before. But why not? Actually, on second thought: I don't believe there is a way for GPS (IFR-approved) to be uncertified/experimental. Even Garmin, who has some products with separate versions for the experimental and certified market, doesn't do that with the GNS and GTN products.
- Martin
Nice overview, even though I fly with a G1000, its always nice to see features of other products . . .
The G-1000 is right up there with it Ron. Of course everyone has their personal preferences and I don't mean to start the great debate about which one is better or worse here. Each person has to make their own choices and pick what works best for them. I can go either way. And everything keeps improving based on the competition in the market. Without competition there is no progress.
Two things I'd add to the list of things I love about the Avidyne. 1. Predictive flight plan inputs. It's rare I have to type in anything other than the destination airport. I knows all the available airways from a fix and predicts what you'll need. You can add a flight plan almost quicker on the IFD than in ForeFlight. 2. Buttons. If you've ever flown with the new Garmin boxes, the 750 and 650, you know how much you miss buttons in anything but the smoothest air. Touch screens are nice and the IFD's are nice, but here in the Rocky Mountain turbulence, buttons are so much better, the IFD has them, the Garmin's don't.
Those are two very good additions to my list, Paul. I have recently come to appreciate the buttons/knobs even more as I have started to give instrument training to a pilot in an airplane with the GTN650. It's a very capable navigator as well, but in turbulence I find myself looking for the knobs and buttons, which the GTN of course doesn't have.
Very good list Martin. If I had to pick a favorite thing about my IFD it'd be the IFD100 app. I only have 1 IFD440, so adding an ipad mini running the IFD100 app is a poor man's dual IFD setup. My biggest wish list item is VFR approaches, it'd be nice to have an advisory glide slope when going into airports on VFR days.
Makes perfect sense. With a single IFD440, the IFD100 app is a fantastic addition. And while most runways these days have an RNAV approach of some sort, every now and then you find one that doesn't - so I can see that being a good addition.
Best,
Martin
I believe the next software update, 10.3, coming out this winter will have visual approaches
Would love to see a video showing user map configuration options and how you have fine tuned your configuration after a few years of using the Avidyne. The IFD’s are so intuitive and I learn something new on every flight. Only had it a week!
Great analysis. Thank you.
Our Cardinal needs this. As does our 310.
Good video and info Martin! Good to see you to, just thinking about you the other day and hoping things were well!! 8) --gary
Thanks, Gary!
All the best!
- Martin
Nicely done! I know the IFD can connect to an iPad with WiFi - can it also connect via bluetooth? I am now flying a plane with an but I used to fly a G1000 plane with Flightstream and really liked the fact that my wifi-only iPad received ADS-B data from the GDL52 and also connected to the G1000 (to exchange flight plans) via bluetooth so the iPad could connect to my phone hotspot using wifi for internet access. Thanks.
Yes, the IFD also has Bluetooth - though I must admit I have not tried using Bluetooth personally, so I can't speak from experience how that compares with using WIFI.
- Martin
@@martinpauly Thanks.
Great video Martin! You didn’t list my favorite feature which is the way the IFD predicts fixes cutting down on data entry. The GNS always tried but it was wrong, thenIFD is always right. I also like auto sequencing of VOR frequencies and how it pops the ILS freq in for you too.
Very professionally done video. Our panels are similar. Just ordered my IFD550 and have been flying the simulator to prepare. Out with the 530WAAS and FlightStream 210. Your top 12 was helpful. I didn’t get so far as customizing data blocks, but just practiced multiple airports and approaches in one flight plan. On a side note, your videos put mine to shame, so I plan to copy your style a bit and try to improve.
Thank you, Frank. I hope you will love your IFD550 as much as I love mine!
- Martin
Do you know if the IFD 540 has the option to tune in XM radio station. The GNS 550 has a screen under AUX that shows the XM stations and allow you to scroll and select a station to listen to that music station
I do not know if the IFD has that capability.
- Martin
@@martinpauly it does, I orders a user manual to get more familiar with the unit. I found the instructions in their. As you might expect, it had more features to scan channels, etc than the Garmin 530.
How did you enable the convenience keyboard? I can’t seem the find the how to do it !
It's in the user settings.
- Martin
Great job Martin thanks. I have Dual G5’s and heard Avidyne may soon have something along that line to replace your 6 pack? Have you heard anything?
Thank you, Bob. No immediate plans for replacing my six pack - the piggy bank is empty from my recent engine upgrade. Maybe next year...
- Martin
Great video Martin, I'm flying the garmin perspective+, it does amazing things, but that IFD is a great system. Enroute VNAV is a great thing, but ATC invariably screws that up in my experience. Hope Avidyne gives you your wish list.
We'll see. I have to admit, it's easy to fly without coupled enroute VNAV - still, knowing that all the hardware is there between the IFD and the autopilot to do it, and there are "just a few lines of code missing" to do it. I am sure I am oversimplifying things, but still I hope this can be completed one day.
- Martin
Does the AHRS feature only come on the IFD 550? Or is it on the IFD 540 and IFD 440's too
Paul, to my knowledge, only the IFD550 has an AHRS.
- Martin
How does it compare to GTN750? Since the old Garmins were installed, what was the drive force behind the decision to switch to another provider?
Answered here: ua-cam.com/video/hI_7r6OBCGE/v-deo.html
The Garmin GTNs have very similar capabilities, but I much prefer the streamlines, simpler user interface of the Avidyne IFDs over the new Garmin GTNs.
Regards,
Martin
Thanks, some really great info you mention, thanks for doing this, and is your new engine close to being done.
Thanks, Mike - I'm happy to report the new engine is installed and flying!
- Martin
Martin.......how is the radio reception ? I’ve heard they have issues with that on the IFDs
Copied over from the other video, Steve: the clarity of radio reception was one of the first things I noticed on my first flight with the IFDs, compared with the 530W and 430W they replaced. I'm very happy in that regard.
- Martin
Nice talk through of the features of the IFD . its nice that one can be keyboard to input to the other , can you edit info on the iPad keyboard and then upload to the IFD ??? . if so that would be great . As far as the holding waypoint goes , on the cirrus and the garmin perspective , there is a " hold at waypoint " and " hold at present position " feature which is great . Good luck with the new engine and IFDs . Happy and safe skies ahead ..
Thank you, Aidan. You can create or edit a flight plan on the iPad and upload it to the IFD. Is that what you were asking? Or just using the iPad as a keyboard for the IFD?
- Martin
@@martinpauly can you use the iPad as a keyboard ?
Hi Martin. Interesting video! I'm looking at an aircraft that already has a GTN-750 and wondered if adding an AVIDYNE unit would be cost effective, if there's a decent trade in program or is it a good enough unit to just leave as is? It still has a mechanical 6 pack with an HSI and an old autopilot the plane came with in 1977. I'm instrument rated but prefer fair weather flying.
Hi Peter. As much as I love the Avidyne IFDs and see an edge over Garmin's GTNs, the difference isn't large enough in my opinion to justify the cost of taking out a working GTN and replacing it with an IFD. Having both an IFD and a GTN in the same panel might be useful for an avionics dealer wanting to demonstrate both side by side to potential customers, or possibly an instrument trainer where students may want to use one or the other. But in most cases, I believe mixing the two has more downsides than upsides. My recommendation might be different for someone who already has an IFD-equipped aircraft and is acquiring an ADDITIONAl airplane - then it could make a lot of sense to ensure commonality between the two airplanes.
I hope this answers your question. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably fly the new plane as is for a year or so, in order to really understand what I like and what I don't like, and THEN think about changes.
Best of luck!
- Martin
@@martinpauly , Hi Martin. Well, the plane I went to look at with the GTN 750 turned out to have a coroded spar! (He said it wasn't an issue because it wasn't an AD yet but it turns out so much metal was removed from the spar to clean it up it was beyond limits! It pays to read the paperwork) So, another one that I hope to buy has the IFD 440 AND 540 already installed so I'll be looking at your videos much more carefully!
Thanks again for a great series of videos(:-D)
Martin, has Avidyne taken your suggestions and updated the software?
Jose, I understand they did one of the three things I suggested in software version 10.3 which is due later this year: the VNAV autopilot interface. Though as of today I do not know which autopilots it is compatible with.
Regards,
Martin
Awesome video, my only problem is that with my fuel flow displayed, my IFD 550 does not calculate the remaining fuel, it shows the total full fuel and the fuel burn and that’s it. I’m I missing something Martin?
Which engine monitor/fuel totalizer do you have? The IFD doesn't compute "fuel remaining" - the engine monitor should do that. In fact, my JPI shows "fuel remaining" on its own display. Without that, the IFD won't be able to know how to draw the range rings.
You could play with the config options on the IFD and see if different device settings for the connected fuel information help. Mine is set to Shadin, and that works great with my JPI engine monitor.
Best regards,
Martin
Martin Pauly I have the JPI 830 and it does shows the amount of hours I can fly but does not subtract from the fuel burn
Martin, great video. I have an IFD 440 Which I am unable to get a Jeppeson chart subscription for this unit simply because of the small screen which I understand but I would like to get Jepp charts on the IFD 100. Jeppesen has not returned any of my inquiries about getting Jepp charts on the IFD 100. Would you know how I would go about doing this?
Ralph, Jeppesen makes great charts and databases, but their customer support and website are not all that great. I would call Avidyne and check if Jeppesen's "IFD500/IFD400 Series Aircraft Bundle" can be loaded on your IFD440 and IFD100. The website says "Includes NavData, Obstacles, Terrain, and Charts for all Avidyne IFD and EX series equipment in your aircraft".
pilotsupport.avidyne.com/kb/article/353-jeppesen-pricing-for-avidyne-equipment/
Good luck!
- Martin
Great vid! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Peter.
- Martin
Hi Martin, Can I ask what headset you use? I light the appearance as they look light-weight and appear to live up to the task of ATC communications. Thanks, and be well.
Hi Frankie. The headset is called "Halo", it's from QuietTechnologies. I like it a lot. Very light weight, and no pressure at all on my ears. And the sound quality is very good.
- Martin
Great video Martin 👍💯👌
Thanks 👍
Love your video and the great explanations. I’m installing 540 with a L3-9000. I see that you don’t need an antenna for the L3 ? RS 232 connector instead ?
My L-3 Lynx has THREE antennas: a GPS antenna on top, an L-band antenna on the bottom, and the directional TCAS antenna on top.
I believe it's possible to feed GPS position into the Lynx from a GPS, but I prefer the Lynx being autonomous - that way if I ever want to get a different GPS in the future, there are no dependencies. The TCAS antenna is optional for sure. But at the very least you need an L-band antenna.
- Martin
I would really recommend to keep the old gauges, they are build to take some beating and rely on a completely different source of energy. So if you have for example a burning smell in the cockpit you could turn off all avionics and still have a horizon and an altitude indication and an airspeed.
I've seen one case where the full glass cockpit had outages because there was a short in the electronics - just one point and nothing major. But all panels did go dark multiple times for several seconds. Scary.
That's certainly worth considering, Ruben - though I cannot say I have heard of a case where an independently-powered electronic standby instrument system failed along with the primary EFIS.
- Martin
@@martinpauly well, here's an example:
ua-cam.com/video/fZtpLFICLec/v-deo.html
Very impressive. And strange to see how Garmin seems to lose ground in aviation, at least in this niche.
Thanks, Frans.
Though Garmin is still a strong player, and their GTN units are a step up from the old GNS as well - though personally I favor the IFD over the GTNs. I think Avidyne nailed it with the user interface for the IFD.
- Martin
Nice. The GTN650 we have is nice, but the FlightStream connector (an extra $1000) is unreliable, and I still haven't gotten database updates to work with my Mac laptop (which I need to bring to the airport, because of the non-standard cards). It's nice to know how to use the old Garmin 430 (because they're in so many planes), but if I was to upgrade a panel now, I would look very seriously at those IFDs.
You bring up a good point - it's very helpful to know how to use the GNS units, because they are so widely used, especially in the rental and club fleet.
- Martin
Can you change the ADI view from a single cue Collins type to a dual cue Sperry type of display with a sky pointer instead of a ground pointer?
Manny, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) what you are referring to with single vs. dual cue is the flight director, and the Avidyne IFD doesn't show that. The triangle you see in the center of the attitude indicator is not a flight director.
Martin Pauly Yes, I know.
What I am asking is: Can the triangle (Collins) display be configured to a horizontal bar (Sperry) configuration with the top sky pointer instead of a ground pointer? It probably can’t, since it isn’t a real ADI, so no problem on the answer.
The reason I ask is because at some point I may want to replace my 530W with an IFD and I would want it to match the display of my G5 ADI/PFD. I am not a fan of the Collins triangle display and prefer a sky pointer type of ADI, because that was common in the airplanes I flew before retirement. Thanks.
@@mannypuerta5086 Ah, OK - I see what you are asking now. I'm afraid I don't know if it can be changed.
- Martin
As always great video - I fly with G500 and GTN 750, not of choice but that's what was in the plane. But I certainly envy your engine monitor. JDI-Envy :) Liebe Gruesse aus KSGJ
Vielen Dank - und herzliche Grüsse zurück!
- Martin
This unit does so much more than the Garmin GPS's.
Would love one of these for the RV-6 I'm building
thanks so much are really helpful information fly Safe
You are welcome!
- Martin
Thanks Martin I look forward to flying with you one day in USA Actually I’m flying overseas Challenger looking forward to buy Bonanza that’s why I love you channel and the way how you treat your aeroplane and invest on it thanks again
I'm curious Martin, I know Kris (Baron Pilot) also loves his Avidyne stuff, but the GNS navigators are really old.
How does the IFD 550/540/440 compare to the newer Garmin GTN and GTNxi navigators.
I know you haven't flown with them, but I'd love to see someone with expertise in those go flying with you and then have you go flying with them to compare the two.
Next upgrade is a Dynon display and autopilot for you!
Hi Gary, I don't have enough experience with the GTNs to do a thorough comparison, though from what I have seen it looks like the user interfaces follow completely different concepts - e.g. GTNs have a more nested menu structure.
An EFIS like the Dynon would be nice, but I just got a new engine, and the piggy bank is empty. 😁
- Martin
Gary, the GTN650 suffers from some of the sample problems: SD cards, but proprietary, and proprietary update software that is very, very buggy. Our FlightStream is overpriced for what's in it, and it's not even working reliably.
@@martinpauly yeah, New engines are expensive. Besides, if I want a Dynon in your panel, I should pay for it, right? 😂😁😋🤣
@@GaryMCurran That would be very generous of you, Gary! 😁
Though I suspect you have better things to do with your money, of course.
- Martin
@@martinpauly yeah, like rebuilding my life. Still, it's the thought that counts, right? 🤔😊
Martin ~ why isn't the IFD AHARS certified for IFR use?
Don't quote me on this, but Kris (Baron Pilot) said the information was derived from GPS data and not an actual AHARS.
I just checked Avidynes web site, and they said the 550 DOES have a MEMS unit for roll and pitch, but I guess it's not enough for a full blown EFIS display.
Several reasons - starting with the fact that the IFD is typically not mounted in the direct field of view in front of the pilot, which rules it out as a primary attitude source (and maybe even as a backup).
The IFD has solid-state gyros, which I assume are cross-checked with GPS fo integrity. That's pretty common; some primary AIs do the same thing.
I don't know what specific cert requirements for attitude indicators the IFD doesn't meet, but again, with the installation position in mind, it's really not that important. The IFD is not meant to replace your AI.
- Martin
@@martinpauly That makes sense, thank's Martin.
I think you need a dynon certified system beside those avidynes.
That would be a sweet addition, Gabe, but I just got a new engine & prop, so the piggy bank is empty. 😁
- Martin
@@martinpauly I hear ya. I'm in same situation. Gonna sit back and watch the avionics wars
Can you use the arrow keys of a Bluetooth keyboard to go around? I'd just fly with a Bluetooth Thinkad keyboard then lol!
Concur with your recommendations love my IFDs!
Glad to hear, Ed.
- Martin
How much can I expect to spend ?
How did Charles Lindbergh ever post the airmail?
Needs a better air traffic controller interface.
You mentioned the IFD is cheaper to update data so I looked not why. Turns out buying direct from Garmin (I fly Garmin) is just as cheap. Jeppesen charges more !
Not to be a "stickler" but you keep saying the GNS could not..... One thing to not is that the GNS-480 model did Air Routes, Holds and had a Backup HSI built in. Oh and Com Monitor ability which made it like having a second Com for picking up the ATIS or monitoring a close by UniCom. The 480 was really sweat :)
Hi Les, the CNX80/GNS480 was phenomenal when it came out - FMS technology for light GA aircraft, based on GPS. If you like those units, you'l LOVE the IFD and find many of the IFD's operational concepts similar. With the large high-resolution screen, the IFDs present those concepts much better than the CNX80 could - no surprise, given the advancement of displays technology during that time.
The IFDs can monitor a 2nd COM frequency as well if you wire it to the audio panel.
Regards, Martin
@@martinpauly Yes the IFD is high up on the list for replacement selection. One thing that would be great is if Avidyne had a slim line of Nav/Com units like the old SL40s.....the Sierra does not have much Space in the Stack. The 540 or 550 would be ideal but then need also update the old Com and Nav to a new unit....
Sounds like a add for avidyne
Why is everybody so hooked on garmin. This thing looks like it blows garmin away. If my 530 ever pukes, I won't even think about getting another garmin. I'll be getting an IFD540. From what I hear, it will drop right into the 530 tray and synch up with my G5s.
Well, didn't know you spoke Greek 😉
I didn't know that either. 😁
- Martin
Good info , but the music is too loud, distracting, just loose it all together. Stopped the video half way, looking for another without the music.
Too hard to listen to voice with the computer-generated noise.
In reality is trash at its best. Go for gtns and throw even the idea for this not intuitive devices
The jello starting at 8 mins is making a little nauseous. 🤢