No NAV mode on AP MODE-X menu

[jdpainter]

I flew my Dynon autopilot for the first time tonight.  I am impressed with the autopilot thus far, but I do have a couple of issues.

When I hit the 'MODE-X' button I only saw HDG and TRK; NAV was not there even though a waypoint was active on my Garmin 496.

I see the full HSI screen display all of the pertinent GPS data, so I'm curious why this is not working.

I read in the documentation to try upgrading the GPS firmware but it's quite a hassle (very long drive) to get out to the airport to upgrade firmware just to find out it didn't fix the problem.  So basically, I'm asking if this is the type of thing that has been seen with the 496s.  

If not the firmware, are there any other ideas to try?

Also, while flying in TRK mode, eventually the Dynon barked at me that it lost the TRK navigation source (paraphrasing the error).  

Thanks in advance,
Jamie

RV-7A, N22JP: Dynon EFIS-D10A, EMS-D10 and Dynon 2-axis autopilot.

 

[dynonsupport]

Jamie,

Is the 496 plugged into the EMS or the EFIS? It does work both ways, just wondering.

If you see everything on the HSI screen, I'm at a bit of a loss. It should just work. Are you actually seeing a CDI needle on the HSI, or just the other info like ground speed and track?

Do you have your 496 set to "normal" instead of "fast" in the advanced serial setup?

That being said, if you are losing TRK at times, the connection to your GPS in general is not great. I really would make sure the 496 is up to date. We have seen some issues with old 496 firmware for sure.

Of course, to upgrade the 496, just take it home with you next time, since you have to plug it into the computer anyway.

We can test NAV on the ground, so if you're ever at the airport during business hours, please call us so we can troubleshoot.

 

[jdpainter]

Wow...thanks for the Sunday evening reply!

Let's see..the 496 is plugged into the EMS.  

RE: The HSI.  I get everything -- all the data.  Needle, etc.  

The interesting thing about loosing the TRK source is I will still see all of the data on the HSI after seeing the error -- so apparently the GPS is still sending data.  If I go back to the 496, hit the direct button, then enter (to re-activiate the waypoint) I can go back to the Dynon AP menu and re-nable TRK mode.  

I upgraded the 496 firmware last night to the latest version so I will give it another try the next time I can make it out there.

I'm not sure about the normal vs. fast mode on the 496.  I do know that I have it set to output the COM frequency data too, and the 496 serial connection is split between the EMS and my SL-40 COM, so maybe that has something to do with it.  

 

[dynonsupport]

Jamie,
The AP is more sensitive to just one packet of data lost. So we may just be missing one packet, and that may not be visible on the HSI page.

After you upgrade the 496, if you still have problems, if it's possible, please hook the 496 to the EFIS just as a test.

Please do make sure the 496 serial setup is set to "normal." This is on page 125 of the 496 pilot's guide.

 

[jdpainter]

Ok, I will do all the above and give it a try. I will report my findings either way.

Thanks!

 

[jdpainter]

I updated the firmware on the 496 and set the NMEA mode from FAST to NORMAL and I now get the NAV item on the AP menu.

Thanks for the help,
Jamie