Ethernet requirements

[nigelspeedy]

G'day Dynon,

I am building an RV-8 with a three screen D-700 set up. Two screens in the front cockpit and a third in the back.

1. Do I need to use an ethernet cable between all three screens?
2. Can I just use one cable between the front two screens and update the rear screen databases seperately?
3. If the only issue is ease of updating can I elect not to use the ethernet cable altogether?
4. If I need to connect all three screens what is the best way to do this?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Cheers

Nigel

 

[dynonsupport]

1. You don't need to, and if you did, you'd actually need an ethernet switch in the aircraft.
2. Yep, we'd recommend that for now. There's a chance that eventually the ethernet will be a required connection, but for now it's only used for db sharing, as a convenience.
3. Yep, for now.
4. An ethernet switch, although not all work. If you want a rec for one I can dig one out (it exists, I just don't have it handy).

 

[dabear]

So I'm interested in the recommendation for ethernet switch that deals with 28v and the temp extremes. I have 3 screens (2 in front) and would like to connect them.

BTW, I'd request that you NOT make it mandatory for the ethernet connection due to the switch requirements for more than 2 screens.

 

[dynonsupport]

I mis-spoke, it turns out. We don't have a recommendation for a switch at the moment.

We thought we had a source for a switch that's been tested for aircraft use and works over 10-35 VDC; however it does not currently work with SkyView.

This consumer switch has worked 100% reliably with SkyView database synching here at the office, but has not been aircraft-tested and can only accept 12V DC. At this point, we're not comfortable green-lighting this switch unless you know and accept that it hasn't been tested.

For now, then, we recommend:

1) Load databases for all 3 or 4 screens via USB.
or
2) Connect 2 screens via Ethernet and have the 3rd/4th be loaded via USB. You will need to load databases via USB on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th screens.