Seattle Avionics ChartData file issues

[Bud_Keil]

I recently have problems while updating my charts on my SkyView HDX system with Seattle Avionics. SkyView's displays an error when I try to load the November 2025 data. It says that it can't read the USB drive, however, prior updates still load correctly. There seems to be an error with the recent file I got from ChartData. I'm almost certain the updated data is not only 7 KB when all prior updates have been over 8,000 KB (see the attached screen shot).

I've read the posts about Seattle Avionics going out of business. My issues only began with the November 2025 update.

Is anyone having issues with updated data from SA?

 

[swatson999]

For one thing, the current cycle is av2511_ob2506. Not 2505. For another, these are Dynon files, not Seattle Avionics data.

Much as I hate SA's app, this looks more like you messed up the download of the current Dynon .duc file.

 

[Bud_Keil]

Interesting. I have used the SA ChartData Manager (6.6.0.2) to download all of the files in the past. I will go back an look at my settings but I don't see how I could have screwed it up, but I am sure I am capable of doing so.

 

[airguy]

I had the same issue, and another local pilot did as well. Seattle Avionics will now download the Dynon database onto your USB stick as well as your normal subscription - but this latest cycle it was corrupted. If you'll download that file direct from Dynons site it will work fine.

 

[swatson999]

Well, that figures...SA can't make their own app that's worth a crap, so why not add the functionality to screw up a perfectly good Dynon database instead?

If it weren't for the fact that the data is excellent and cheap....

 

[airguy]

I have 5 USB's each cycle for 3 airplanes with the SA charts and Dynon databases. When I plugged the first USB in and got the "Cannot read USB" error, I naturally assumed a USB failure. Then the next one, and the next. 5 out of 5 failed and I knew I wasn't looking at all my USB's going bad all at once. That's when I started digging.

 

[TimMcD]

I had the same problem and went to Dynon's website to download the .duc file. I think the SA file is corrupted.

 

[Bud_Keil]

Thanks guys. I downloaded the correct .duc file from the Dynon website. This is the first time I had an issue with SA. Now I know!

 

[swatson999]

Yep. Just checked the downloaded files on my computer, and it's both old and waaaaaaay too small. Current version is
FAA_av2511_ob2506.duc
8.65 MB

The SA downloaded version is
FAA_av2511_ob2505.duc
6.36 KB

I've never used the Dynon database that SA downloads (didn't even know it did that, actually), but get it straight from Dynon at

Dynon Avionics | US Aviation / Obstacles

Dynon Avionics' offers Aviation and Obstacle data for FREE and is released on the FAA standard 28 day cycle.

dynonavionics.com

 

[wrPA28]

So are youll downloading all the charts from SA and this file from Dynon?

 

[GatorsR1]

Since Day One I haven't known any better so I have always downloaded both separately (SA updates via DM & aviation/obstacles from Dynon website).
I should become more knowledgeable and find out if that's necessary. Are the SA charts on same 28 day cycle as aviation & obstacle data and does DM update both? I would imagine the obstacles are in the SA but didn't "see" those files in the DM batch of files so I download both to USB and upload to HDX.

 

[GatorsR1]

OK I have found (vis SA website) that ChartData updates follow the same 28 Day Cycle as the FAA. Still searching to verify that FAA Av/Obs data is in that package and auto updates the HDX via the USB

 

[swatson999]

Since Day One I haven't known any better so I have always downloaded both separately (SA updates via DM & aviation/obstacles from Dynon website).
I should become more knowledgeable and find out if that's necessary. Are the SA charts on same 28 day cycle as aviation & obstacle data and does DM update both? I would imagine the obstacles are in the SA but didn't "see" those files in the DM batch of files so I download both to USB and upload to HDX.

Same here. I had no idea that DataManager was trying (apparently not always successfully) to download the Dynon .duc file. So, like you, I just downloaded it myself, from the Dynon website. Know what? It's always been good, never corrupted (something we can't say for SA's tool).

In addition, unless I'm missing something, all DataManager does is download it to the download folder on the computer, but it doesn't actually copy it over to the USB stick. I'm grateful for small things.

 

[Johnh38]

IF SA knew that the data was corrupt. A). Why hasn't it been fixed and B), Why weren't we notified? I've spent 2 days thinking I've got bad USB sticks going back and forth to the hangar, reformatting and redownloading corrupt data. Insane. Thanks to swatson999 for showing us other options. I too didn't know this was an option.

 

[swatson999]

IF SA knew that the data was corrupt. A). Why hasn't it been fixed and B), Why weren't we notified?

Because DM is virtually an orphaned product.

 

[airguy]

Because DM is virtually an orphaned product.

And was mostly worthless even prior to that.

 

[kaber56]

The only reason you would subscribe to SA Data Manager or AIRMATE is to get "geo referenced" airport charts and approach plates. The data you pull off the Dynon site will not give you geo referenced charts of any kind.

 

[jnmeade]

I am totally confused. I have HDX on one plane that is flown VFR and two (2) HDX on another plane that is IFR capable. I've always downloaded the Seattle files on three USB and also, separately, the Dynon obstacle files from the Dynon site for addition to the same three USB. (I get IFR data separately for a different device and that is not part of this question.)
I've been under the impression that for even VFR I need both Seattle and Dynon files. What do I need? (I'd give a lot to not have to use SA.)

 

[swatson999]

Dynon supplies the aviation and obstacle data needed for the Map functionality, and that alone would be sufficient for VFR flight. SA provides *georeferenced* sectionals, airport diagrams, instrument approach and departure procedure plates. Their data is great, their app considerably less so.

 

[jnmeade]

Dynon supplies the aviation and obstacle data needed for the Map functionality, and that alone would be sufficient for VFR flight. SA provides *georeferenced* sectionals, airport diagrams, instrument approach and departure procedure plates. Their data is great, their app considerably less so.

Thank you for the explanation. It is helpful.