Calibrating Remote Compass - D180

SammyQ2

Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2007
Messages
70
I am going to calibrate my D180 soon and have a question.  The installation manual says the D180 should warm up for at least 15 minutes prior to calibration.  Is is permissible to get it warmed up, taxi to the compass rose, then shut it down for a minute or two, then restart, or must I keep it on continuously?  

Out of curiosity, what needs warming up, the D180 itself, or the remote unit?

Thanks.

Sam
 

PhantomPholly

New Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
582
The consensus seems to be that you should run the calibration in the mode most approximating flight. Thus, engine and avionics should all be on.

Will it work if you don't? It will probably come close. The only question then is, is close good enough?
 

SammyQ2

Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2007
Messages
70
Thanks for your reply, but what I am asking is, must the Dynon be turned on for 15 minutes, without interruption, before I begin the calibration?

From the installation manual:

"Turn on the FlightDEK-D180 and allow it to warm up for at least 15 minutes before performing the calibration."

Yes, I understand that the plane should be in flying configuration while performing the calibration; engine running, pumps on, etc.

My D180 is hardwired to the master switch and it blanks out during engine start.  So, if I get the thing warmed up, and for some reason I have to do a restart before I start calibration, do I have to wait another 15 minutes?  

Thanks.

Sam
 

dynonsupport

Dynon Technical Support
Staff member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Messages
13,226
It can be turned off now and then during the 15 minutes.

All sensors in the EFIS are temperature compensated, but it's always harder and less accurate to compensate a device that is changing temperature. So by letting the unit be on for 15 minutes, we are trying to get everything to a basically stable temperature. Since we are looking for physical temperature, a reboot or being off for 30 seconds won't make much difference.
 
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