uAvionix sky-tail/Beacon firmware upgrade

[Domenick]

Here is the email announcement:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1lu43kzwp20swdn/tailBeacon and skyBeacon Service Bulletin 1.5.pdf?dl=1

Links for sky and tail versions:
https://uavionix.com/skybeacon-software-upgrade-to-ads-b-1-5-1/
https://uavionix.com/tailbeacon-software-upgrade-to-ads-b-1-5-1/

Prior to this update, per FAA regs (?), Beacon systems operating outside of radar coverage would stop transmitting Mode 3/A or squawk. This update maintains the last squawk when moving through areas outside radar coverage.

 

[asicer]

Uh, what's the difference between the "before" and "after" pictures?

 

[Matthew Rogers]

Those pictures are moving GIFs, so you need to view them on the site to see the whole picture. When the aircraft passes into the center section, the top picture shows the squawk goes to ———. On the bottom picture, the plane continues to squawk 1200 in the center section.

 

[pmanton]

I've been using a iPhone to program them. For the update they require a Windows computer. Bah Humbug!
I don't have a portable Windows machine.

 

[Eric Lehto]

I just jumped through all the hoops to get Windows To Go installed on a USB thumb drive so I can run it on my Macbook without wasting any of my HDD space. Kinda slow, but it'll do the job.

 

[Domenick]

Response from uAvionix on lack of IOS support for firmware update.

We understand the disappointment. We are working on an alternative. There are certain limitations and expectations with respect to regulators for approved means by which you update certified avionics. We're working to improve the experience, but making a solution available was the priority. We'll send out an update when we have the approval of an alternative update path.