Dynon Avionics Previews its Next Generation EFIS Technology at AirVenture 2008

July 28, 2008

Dynon Avionics – the leading provider of "glass cockpit" avionics for homebuilt and Light Sport Aircraft – is excited to provide an early glimpse of its next generation glass-cockpit EFIS technology at AirVenture 2008. This new system is slated to be released in phases starting next year. It will offer the complete, full-panel integration that has formerly only been found in the most expensive "glass cockpit" solutions.

"From the start, our vision has been to provide an integrated avionics solution that can do it all. There are high-end solutions that exist today, but they are simply out of reach for most homebuilders and Light Sport Aircraft customers. This new product line will make fully-integrated glass cockpit technology affordable," says John Torode, President of Dynon Avionics.

This next generation platform leverages the avionics design expertise Dynon has gained through thousands of its field-proven EFIS and EMS systems. From there, Dynon took a fresh look at what today's homebuilders and sport pilots are looking for and is building a next generation platform that is powerful, comprehensive, expandable, and affordable.

Modular Design

In contrast to its current line of self-contained products, Dynon's next generation system will be modular in design. Separating the displays from the other components of the system will allow customers to start with the number of screens of their choosing. From there, they can build a custom system by adding the modules that are right for their aircraft and budget.

For example, different sized screens can be mixed and matched. Other possibilities include using multiple ADAHRS (Air Data, Attitude, and Heading Reference System) modules for flight instrument redundancy. Similarly, multiple engine monitoring modules will eventually be supported for use in twin-engine aircraft.

Configurations similar to Dynon Avionics’ current product line will of course continue to be possible. Stand-alone primary flight displays, engine monitors, and moving maps are all products which can be configured with this modular system. Additionally, this distributed architecture will improve field-serviceability of Dynon Avionics products by allowing modules to be replaced and serviced individually.

Incredibly Thin and Bright LED-backlit Screens, Available in 7" and 10"

Another advantage of a modular design is the ability for Dynon to offer screens that will be less than 3" deep (final dimensions to be determined). This will improve installation options for customers with tandem-seat aircraft, as well as for customers that have minimal space behind their instrument panels.

LED-backlit screens will be available in both 7" and 10" versions. They will be the brightest screens that Dynon has ever offered, improving on the superbright, sunlight-readable screens available in its current best-selling product line.

Just like Dynon’s current line of products, these new displays will offer class-leading resolution. The 10” screen is 1024x640, while the 7” version is 800x480.

Moving Map

Dynon Avionics has always sought to offer a GPS-based moving map, but realized that a viable product needed to compete with the graphics and usability of the various portable handheld GPS units on the market.

In the next generation system, a dedicated 3D graphics processor built into each screen will provide the horsepower needed to draw a large map smoothly at a high frame rate. Dual joystick knobs will let pilots pan and zoom the map, a key feature which is cumbersome or missing in many other panel-mounted maps.

The map will initially feature terrain, aviation, and obstruction data. Further down the road, the moving map will be expanded to include other data sources such as traffic and weather.

Synthetic Vision with Highway-in-the-Sky (HITS)

The dedicated 3D graphics processor will also enable forward-looking synthetic vision at a high frame rate. This will allow pilots to see the terrain and obstructions in front of them. When using the Dynon moving map to navigate, a "highway-in-the-sky" depiction of the desired path will guide pilots visually through the air.

Redundant, Simplified Wiring

All modules and screens will interconnect using a single cable design that features dual data and power connections. This will allow the system to detect and notify the pilot of many wiring and electrical problems without product interruption.

Autopilot

The next generation system will be an autopilot too. This capability will use the same Dynon servos as the upcoming autopilot addition to Dynon's current line of products. This will ensure that customers already planning on adding Dynon’s autopilot to their existing products can upgrade to the next generation seamlessly.

Engine Monitoring

The engine monitoring module will receive all of the various engine inputs to a dedicated, external module. This will allow it to be mounted in an area that is most convenient for the aircraft builder.

Radio / Transponder Interface

The next generation Dynon Avionics system will be able to send frequencies to radios and will set discrete transponder codes. Initially, this will require compatible third-party radios and transponders. Further down the product roadmap, Dynon plans on producing its own radio and transponder modules.

Battery Backup

With the EFIS-D10, Dynon Avionics pioneered the availability of on-board backup battery power to protect against aircraft electrical failure. Naturally, Li-Ion backup battery options will continue to be a featured option in Dynon’s next generation system.

Availability and Rollout

The displays being shown at AirVenture are early prototypes, and so naturally details are subject to change. Starting in 2009, different elements of the system will come to market progressively. Initially, Dynon expects to have both the 7" and 10" screens available, along with the ADAHRS module that provides all of the primary flight instruments. This will enable a system that has a complete PFD with synthetic vision and moving map. Engine monitor, autopilot, radio, and transponder integration will follow after the initial release.

Trade-in Credit for Current Dynon Avionics Customers

Dynon Avionics knows that many of its current customers will want to upgrade to this system as it is made available. To thank them for their business, Dynon will be implementing a factory-direct program that will provide trade-in credit for current products. Details of this program have yet to be determined, and some limitations will apply.

Images

10” Screen

7” Screen

More Info

Not making it to Oshkosh? Download a copy of the next generation cards being given handed out! As always, it has real size cut-outs (exact dimensions subject to change) that you can use to plan your next generation Dynon Avionics panel.

We also have set up a new forum to answer questions about the upcoming system.

Also, be sure to check out (and contribute!) to our Frequently Asked Questions.