SV Autopilot Priority

[lindsayj]

Not sure where the autopilot is on the priority list but I'd sure like to see VNAV high on that list. I find the heading modes, especially GPSS, to be really good and wish I could couple glideslopes as well. I know it's on the list. Can you give us an estimate of when it might happen? RV-8A, SV 1000 and GNS 430W. Hurry, I'm startin' to get old. Jack L.

 

[dynonsupport]

It's definitely going to happen, but we don't have it scheduled at the moment. Not super-short term though.

 

[lindsayj]

Can you be a little more specific in terms of schedule, please? Years? Months? I'm trying to live long enough to see it happen. Jack L.

 

[dynonsupport]

Not sooner than 6 months, but since it is not currently firmly scheduled, it's hard to say where it will fall beyond that. We're pretty dynamic with our project scheduling beyond the release we're actively working on, and sometimes the one after. It's currently in neither of those.

 

[lindsayj]

Thanks for that straight forward answer. I must say I'm disappointed. I was initially attracted to the Dynon name because of the autopilot promotion which promised VNAV in the "76" version which was discontinued. The future of VNAV coupling has been uncertain since and your reply does not yield any renewed confidence.
Is it a matter of priority or engineering? If it's priority, then, here's my request to bump it up a little -- oops -- I meant a lot. If it's engineering then I have confidence you'll find the answer in due time and wish you well. I don't mean to sound harsh. I think very highly of Skyview and am proud to have it in my panel and I think your service paradigm is second to none. Thanks. Jack L.

 

[dynonsupport]

Both.

VNAV is a technical challenge to do well well, and we want to be able to devote the resources we know we'll need to be able to to do it right.

Also, compared to mapping features, VNAV is definitely a lot lower in customers wishlists (ie, we get a lot more requests for map features like wx and better European data support).

But, THANK YOU for speaking up. Your voice matters, and helps tilt our perception of what is important to our customers.

 

[hmanvel]

Dynon, just to add another voice. I agree with Jack L, and hope that you will move the vnav up in priority. Also agree with him on the pride of ownership and service etc.

 

[splitty]

Thanks Dynon for recognizing that Mapping for your NON USA customers is a High priority we sure need it In Australia & Europe!
Thanks.

 

[bignose]

And South America ! :

 

[swaneymj]

Also, compared to mapping features, VNAV is definitely a lot lower in customers wishlists (ie, we get a lot more requests for map features like wx and better European data support).

I'm a bit curious about what the Skyview roadmap is since you removed the schedule from the website last year.  I compared a printed copy of it with your current capabilities and most of the "In Process" as well as a number of the "Future" capabilities have been incorporated. The Moving Map section lists North Up, Rivers, Political Boundaries, Cursor, Panning, GPS Status Fix, Water Names, Raster Charts, and Wx which have not been completed.  You've talked about Wx, but most of the others don't seem to be a missing capability like VNAV is.  Also, the top of your TOP SECRET list is: Coupled autopilot vertical navigation.   Maybe your international customers seem more vocal, but us homeboys still want VNAV.   Get on with it!!