Garmin G-5 vs UAvionics AV-30-C

[DCarlton]

Discovered during AV30 installation that the Uavionix software is already out of date.  AV30 purchased in Mar.  New software released in Feb.  Ggggggrrrrrr.  I had hoped to fly with this thing for while without having to touch it.  Now I’m trying to decide how best to plan for updates; take it out and deal with breaking the pitot static system every time, modify the original harness, go with the new AV link.  It’s nearly impossible to see or get to the screws on the connector with it mounted.  Am I the only person on M/S that this sort of thing bothers?  Are these digital devices really better?  Verdict is still out for me.  &$#@ing software updates.  

[OR75]

58 minutes ago, DCarlton said:

Discovered during AV30 installation that the Uavionix software is already out of date.  AV30 purchased in Mar.  New software released in Feb.  Ggggggrrrrrr.  I had hoped to fly with this thing for while without having to touch it.  Now I’m trying to decide how best to plan for updates; take it out and deal with breaking the pitot static system every time, modify the original harness, go with the new AV link.  It’s nearly impossible to see or get to the screws on the connector with it mounted.  Am I the only person on M/S that this sort of thing bothers?  Are these digital devices really better?  Verdict is still out for me.  &$#@ing software updates.  

is it a requirement / a must to update the software (AD or added functionality you need ?)

Otherwise , just make the update every 2 years, a few hours before getting your pitot static check !

  

[EricJ]

59 minutes ago, DCarlton said:

Discovered during AV30 installation that the Uavionix software is already out of date.  AV30 purchased in Mar.  New software released in Feb.  Ggggggrrrrrr.  I had hoped to fly with this thing for while without having to touch it.  Now I’m trying to decide how best to plan for updates; take it out and deal with breaking the pitot static system every time, modify the original harness, go with the new AV link.  It’s nearly impossible to see or get to the screws on the connector with it mounted.  Am I the only person on M/S that this sort of thing bothers?  Are these digital devices really better?  Verdict is still out for me.  &$#@ing software updates.  

Is it not updateable without removal?    I think my G5s have gotten updated three or four times since installation.   I don't think all of them were improvements, but overall not bad.

 

[ShuRugal]

If you want to use the AV link, check that the software already in the unit supports it. I tried to use it to update mine, only to find out that it didn't, and trying wiped the operating system on the AV-30.

Fortunately, I'm used to working with Cisco and Juniper network appliances, which also shit out their OS at the first sign of trouble, so I was able to get the uAvionix tech support guys to walk me through putting it into bootloader mode and putting the OS back into it with the serial cable.

I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself if you're not already quite comfortable with getting into the angry ones and zeros.

Sent from my Pixel 5a using Tapatalk

[laytonl]

I’ve found the av-link works well for upgrades.  Very painless software upgrades.  
 

I’ve also installed the AVMag and the DG is amazing accurate.  I haven’t needed to reset set the DG since about three flights prior.  
 

Concerning the lag on rollout, I’ve found that, as long is the ball is centered, the av30 recovers quickly, even with a fast aileron roll.  I haven’t tried in thru loops. I’ll ask my son about that.

btw, this is in the Citabria.  My Mooney is addicted to Garmin stuff.

lee

 

[DCarlton]

9 hours ago, EricJ said:

Is it not updateable without removal?    I think my G5s have gotten updated three or four times since installation.   I don't think all of them were improvements, but overall not bad.

 

Not now.  There is an option to add wires to the harness to support a computer interface (requires rework).  AV Link is not certified yet so it’s not available for the AV30C.  IMO Uavionix should suspend sales and recall any AV30s at distributors if an update is characterized as “mandatory”.  With that said, most of the improvements for this update appear to be associated with DG installations but a couple address improved AI functionality.  I’ll probably get on the wait list for AV Link, fly for a while and kick the can down the road before any changes are made.  If I had known the software needed updating before powering it up and seeing the software version, I wouldn’t have installed it.  Live and learn to be more paranoid and vigilante than usual.  

[DCarlton]

9 hours ago, ShuRugal said:

If you want to use the AV link, check that the software already in the unit supports it. I tried to use it to update mine, only to find out that it didn't, and trying wiped the operating system on the AV-30.

Fortunately, I'm used to working with Cisco and Juniper network appliances, which also shit out their OS at the first sign of trouble, so I was able to get the uAvionix tech support guys to walk me through putting it into bootloader mode and putting the OS back into it with the serial cable.

I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself if you're not already quite comfortable with getting into the angry ones and zeros.

Sent from my Pixel 5a using Tapatalk
 

AV Link is not blessed for the certified version yet.  Will definitely wait.  

[DCarlton]

1 hour ago, bluehighwayflyer said:

Just build a firmware update harness, per uAvionix’s YouTube channel, and update your AV-30C in situ with your laptop using your cell phone as a hotspot for Internet access.   No rework is required.  I’m just grateful that uAvionix is continuing to update and add meaningful features to their product rather than trying to sell me their newer model.   
 

I’ll have to get a Windows laptop.  I’m an Apple user.  I like the idea of a separate harness but not sure I’ll be able to get to the small screws on the connector without removing the AV30.  Wish they had used a sliding clip similar to Garmin to hold the connector on or long thumbscrews; something you can feel and don’t need to see. 

[ShuRugal]

AV Link is not blessed for the certified version yet.  Will definitely wait.  

Not for permanent installation, no. You have to remove it before flight.

Sent from my Pixel 5a using Tapatalk

[laytonl]

There are rumors that some owners have loaded the experimental version of the software on their Av30c’s and leave the AC-link installed to get traffic.   Not sure that’s a good plan but one guy told me ,”I would rather be safe than legal”. Lee

[DCarlton]

2 hours ago, laytonl said:

There are rumors that some owners have loaded the experimental version of the software on their Av30c’s and leave the AC-link installed to get traffic.   Not sure that’s a good plan but one guy told me ,”I would rather be safe than legal”. Lee

After spending more for the C, I think I can wait… now the DG configuration is something I’d like to experiment with.  

[Joshua Blackh4t]

I really like my av-30, I have the tailbeaconx so I also use it as a transponder control.

But now I also need to update software.

So AV link, can be bought and installed temporarily or 'temporarily'. However, since it will soon be certified (apparently this year) its a bit of a bad time to buy one.

So I just ordered the D subs to make the cable. I probably should have got the upgrade plug fitted, but not hard to unplug/replug occasionally. Yay for avionics access panel on E models

Have definitely considered leaving an experimental Avlink in place, but instead I will be legal and fiddle with plugs and every time increase chances of not tightening properly or something.

[DCarlton]

According to a response I received from Uavionix, the latest software update is not "required" if you aren't having any issues.  I've now asked why they use the term "mandatory" in the service bulletin if it's not required.  Seems like it would have been recommended instead of advertised as being mandatory.  Lawyers?  

[EricJ]

10 minutes ago, DCarlton said:

According to a response I received from Uavionix, the latest software update is not "required" if you aren't having any issues.  I've now asked why they use the term "mandatory" in the service bulletin if it's not required.  Seems like it would have been recommended instead of advertised as being mandatory.  Lawyers?  

It's the same as "mandatory" service bulletins from factories.    They are not required for Part 91 unless they're included in an AD.

[DCarlton]

10 hours ago, EricJ said:

It's the same as "mandatory" service bulletins from factories.    They are not required for Part 91 unless they're included in an AD.

A friend explained it to me last night exactly the same way.  It’s an interesting use of terminology.  I’d like to hear how that’s taught in the classroom.  Guessing…. It doesn’t have to make sense; it’s the government.  But it does make sure it gets read.  

[EricJ]

1 hour ago, DCarlton said:

A friend explained it to me last night exactly the same way.  It’s an interesting use of terminology.  I’d like to hear how that’s taught in the classroom.  Guessing…. It doesn’t have to make sense; it’s the government.  But it does make sure it gets read.  

Manufacturer "mandatory" service bulletins aren't mandatory for Part 91, but they generally are for Part 135 and 121 operators.   We're the "special" kids so they lighten up on us a bit.   

[DCarlton]

Update.   According to Uavionix, approval for the certified version of AV Link is down to a few weeks.  I'll probably put down a deposit.  

[DCarlton]

On 11/29/2021 at 6:41 PM, laytonl said:

 

 

I have an AV-30C as an attitude indicator in my Citabria and it works great. Installation is minimal;  I did it in a day and I’m slow.  A lot of my install time was removing and re-installing the front seat.  Attached video shows the unit in action. Lee

Wanted to circle back to this post.  It took me about three months (with appropriate oversight), instead of a day.  One thing leads to another and another.  :>  But very pleased with the results.  This AV thingy is nice.  Now I'm trying to figure out how to optimally configure the three screens for various phases of flight.    

Side note...   Anyone have a pic of an AV MAG mounted in the wing of a Mooney?  Thanks.