Avidyne IFD 540 Disconnects From iPad

Discussion in 'Avionics and Upgrades' started by SoCal 182 Driver, Aug 14, 2022.

  1. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    I have an IFD 540 that I use with an iPad running Foreflight and a Stratus 2s.

    For the last few flights, I've been getting a notification on the iPad that the IFD has disconnected. It seems that the IFD then reconnects, but later disconnects. Rinse, repeat. I'm also running a Stratus 2S.

    Is there anything I or my avionics shop can do locally, or does the IFD need to be shipped back to Avidyne for repair?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. A1Topgun

    A1Topgun Cleared for Takeoff

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    Start trouble shooting with the iPad first. Wifi? etc.
     
  3. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    iPad works fine on my home WiFi network. Rock solid.
     
  4. 455 Bravo Uniform

    455 Bravo Uniform En-Route

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    If you’re running FF, run it concurrently on your phone and see if you get a disconnect on the phone as well at the same time.

    I run 2 iPads when on long XCs and one sometimes disconnects while the other doesn’t.

    Also, how do you have the IFD and Stratus set up? Are you losing Stratus or actually losing IFD WiFi? I should have asked this first.
     
  5. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    I don't have an iPhone, but I do have a second iPad. I'll try testing running both to see if one drops and the other doesn't.

    Foreflight has informed me a couple of times that it has disconnected, but not the last few flights.
     
  6. 455 Bravo Uniform

    455 Bravo Uniform En-Route

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    Is your IFD set up to act as a server (local mode), or as a client (remote mode) where Stratus is the server? Maybe trace your issue down further to see if the Stratus is the culprit if the iPad is not.
     
  7. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    I’m 99% certain the IFD is in local mode. It’s been working fine for 2 years. I haven’t changed any settings, but lately there’s been a problem.
     
  8. 455 Bravo Uniform

    455 Bravo Uniform En-Route

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    From FF re local vs remote:
    https://support.foreflight.com/hc/e...yne-IFD440-540-550-to-Sentry-or-Stratus-WiFi-

    I’ve done both and actually like using my Stratux as a server. Just a personal preference.

    I learned that when Avidyne OS 10.3 comes out it will allow ADSB-In of a portable like Stratus to be displayed on the unit. I actually like the FF display on my my iPad so as to allow for less clutter on my IFD.
     
    SoCal 182 Driver likes this.
  9. David

    David Pre-takeoff checklist

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    SoCal 182 - did you get a resolution on this problem? My 540 has been behaving as yours but it only does it after about 2 hours or so inflight. I first noticed on my return flight from KOSH. It did it again on my flights to and from Bar Harbor over the weekend. I've tested with both my iphone and ipad, same problem.
    Thanks
    Dave
     
  10. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    Nope. The best that was suggested to me by Avidyne Pilot Support was that it was an issue related to my Stratus 2s. I sent them my Avidyne logs, and after reviewing the logs that was their conclusion. They suggested buying a Stratus 3. If I understand correctly, they said the architecture of the Stratus 3 works better with the IFD 540.
     
  11. David

    David Pre-takeoff checklist

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    I'm not using a Stratus at all and having the same problem. Do you always get the problem or only after some amount of time?

    I'm wondering if it's an internal component overheating inside the 540.

    Dave
     
  12. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    According to Avidyne Pilot Support, the IFD is working as it should, with no errors. They've identified the Stratus as the issue.
     
  13. David

    David Pre-takeoff checklist

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    I haven't contacted them yet. I'll download the logs first.
     
  14. SoCal 182 Driver

    SoCal 182 Driver Line Up and Wait

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    They were very responsive.
     
  15. Rico Burgos

    Rico Burgos Pre-Flight

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    I just downloaded the 10.3 and I want to get my skyview or stratus connected to it. I guess I need to find some YouTube videos