ChartData Manager

[swatson999]

This g-d Seattle Avionics Chartdata Manager tool...I just can't describe how freaking kludgy and buggy it is. Once again, trying to download the upcoming cycle's data onto the USB drive (one that I know for a fact works fine), it only downloaded the Airport Diagrams, shows the Approach Plates and N/A, and didn't even try to download the Scanned Charts. Trying to restart the process now, but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD would someone at SA hire a *real* software engineer to redesign this piece of trash?

And as a software guy, I don't say that lightly, but really...this thing has been junky for *years* and they just don't seem to care.

 

[Steveden]

I don't disagree, its a crap shoot every time I update

 

[WmInce]

I gave up on it . . . canceled the subscription.
They are still operating like it was Windows 95 environment.

 

[Raymo]

Have you tried running the app in compatibility mode? You can go as far back as XP, I believe.

 

[airguy]

I love the data. I have a lot of hate for the coders of the delivery vehicle.

 

[WmInce]

I love the data. I want to murder, in a particularly and spectacularly messy manner, the idiot that wrote the code for the delivery vehicle.

Does that mean you don't approve?

 

[BMW_X6M]

Strange because I find it works perfectly while updating two Sandisk Cruzer Fit devices. I have four so I keep two in my work computer getting the updates, then just swap them out at the hangar. I have a lifetime subscription. I am using Windows 7 right now at work. I get every state and all the levels including IFR.

 

[preid]

Yes, I’ve had the symptoms that it doesn’t quite update, but a simple “update“ Again resolves it. I also think Steve is the programmer for the online, EFB and data manager. They have support, tell them about it, maybe They can share how to resolve this, or provide a update.
squekly wheels get the oil

 

[jnmeade]

I'm brand new to this and find it hard to believe that to download charts I can't just click on US, I have to select each state. Is that right?

 

[preid]

Yep each state individually

 

[HFMan]

What I have found is that it seems to indicate is is done on the GUI, when it fact it is still writing some 20K+ files to the disk. Some of these USB drives have a very dim LED, and it's hard to tell if it is writing. For USB 2.0 drives it takes a LONG LONG time, like more than an hour. I've never had it fail, but I get so frustrated on their so-called "only updates the files it needs to". Right... I believe that.

 

[kellym]

What I have found is that it seems to indicate is is done on the GUI, when it fact it is still writing some 20K+ files to the disk. Some of these USB drives have a very dim LED, and it's hard to tell if it is writing. For USB 2.0 drives it takes a LONG LONG time, like more than an hour. I've never had it fail, but I get so frustrated on their so-called "only updates the files it needs to". Right... I believe that.

Suggest upgrading to USB 3.0 if you want more than regional coverage. Last I looked, Ultra Fit Sandisk is around $10 ea from Amazon or equivalent.
Just don't get bigger than 32 GB, as there can be problems on the bigger flash drives.

 

[HFMan]

Suggest upgrading to USB 3.0 if you want more than regional coverage. Last I looked, Ultra Fit Sandisk is around $10 ea from Amazon or equivalent.
Just don't get bigger than 32 GB, as there can be problems on the bigger flash drives.

I have USB 3.0 drives- just pointing out that some are using USB 2.0. The thing is... even USB 3.0 aren't all that fast- it still takes quite a long time to update them.

 

[preid]

I just put the usb3 in the computer at night and let it install while I rest, next morning the whole update is complete. I have had an issue where the install didn’t work so I did it again before leaving for work. It’s a really slow process, especially with a slower internet speed.

 

[swatson999]

I have USB 3.0 drives- just pointing out that some are using USB 2.0. The thing is... even USB 3.0 aren't all that fast- it still takes quite a long time to update them.

At least in part because at least one of those sets, it's downloading and copying WAY more files than necessary (like, all of them, instead of only ones that changed). Some 22,000 or something like that.

But the program *as a whole* stinks. It's got an interface that follows no standard or preferred style, it tends to get confused about whether or not the files on a stick are valid (or even present), it stops installing files partway through and just indicates that it's "Done", etc. It flat-out *sucks*.

 

[jnmeade]

I'm brand new to this and paid my money, but I'm looking for an alternative. I'm having trouble downloading. What are the options?

 

[JohnBoy]

Why wont Dynon engage with Seattle Avionics to improve chart data product user friendlyness. It is in Dynon's best interest with Certified SV now.

 

[Walt]

After many attempts and trying 3 different USB drives, I was able to download chart data, plug them into Skyview and everything was good. Kept two USB drives in my computer at home, each month the new data would automatically be downloaded. On the appropriate date, I would swap them out with the drives in the Skyview and it would work fine. This lasted only two months. Now, after the app downloads the new data, I verify that the files have been updated; then install them into Skyview .... I get the “map data is expired” message! Pretty much have given up as I have an iPad mini on my panel with current charts in ForeFlight.

 

[airguy]

"Map data expired" on the Skyview is in reference to the single downloaded file that you must get from Dynon's support site, with the current terrain and obstacle data. It needs to be downloaded to the USB, then in the Dynon Setup screen you select "Load File" and select that filename. That is completely separate from the Seattle Avionics data process, but they operate on the same time schedule.

 

[porterjames]

There are plans to eventually allow data to be transferred from your IPAD to the Skyview via the WIFI module(s) on the Skyview(s).
Using FlyQ I update my IPAD in minutes over WiFi. It is the "slingshot" feature that will eventually allow the map/approach plates/etc. to be uploaded from your IPAD to the Dynon Skyview via WiFi (the same as currently available for flight plans).
Currently that feature is offered with Bendix installations.
I verified with Seattle Avionics that they are still pursuing this with Dynon equipment and hope to have it done by the end of 2020.