5.6.1 PC Software (Includes D6/D60 Ver 1.1.4) - August 2016

The Download is at the bottom of the page, after the instructions.

We made changes to the firmware update process starting with Version 5.1, especially if you are adding a Dynon Avionics Autopilot to your system. Please read this page in its entirety before installing newer firmware versions!

Note that versions 5.6.1 / 1.1.4 only have a few bug fixes compared to the versions that immediately preceed them. A full list of added features and fixed bugs can be found in your product's "release notes" link on the software download page. Be sure to download the latest Installation Guide and Pilot's User Guide for your product(s) under documentation in our website menu.

This update supercedes all previous versions and includes every feature update that we have previously released. You may upgrade directly to version 5.6.1 from any previous version of firmware. If you are updating from a version prior to 4.0, you may want to read these notes, as they introduce a few behaviors and improvements that were added for 4.0.

Unlike other Dynon products that are updated by a direct serial connection, the Autopilot Servos and the AP74 Dedicated Autopilot Interface Module are updated through the EFIS DSAB bus-master that they are connected to. Please continue reading for details on this process.

Disconnect Keep Alive from ALL units

Dynon has found that some products can have problems booting up with the Keep Alive line connected. Dynon Avionics strongly recommends disconnecting this wire from all models. On Dynon EMS products, the Keep Alive line is used only to keep the clock running. On EFIS products, the Keep Alive line is only used to keep the clock running if an internal battery is not installed; if the internal battery is installed, the Keep Alive recharges the internal battery even when master power is off (at the expense of pulling power from the aircraft battery); all other settings are stored in non-volatile storage. Because most Dynon customers synchronize their clocks a connected GPS, there are no adverse performance effects from removing Keep Alive.

Installing Firmware Version 5.6.1 (or 1.1.4 for D6/D60)

To ensure reliable operation, all Dynon devices that contain updateable firmware should be upgraded to the same version. Mismatched versions of firmware on different devices can cause unreliable operation when connected.

Additionally, having matched versions of firmware is a technical requirement for Dynon Avionics products that are connected together via DSAB. This includes EFIS, EMS (including those configured as backup/slave units), HS34, AP74, servos, and the EDC-D10A Remote Compass.

Updating EFIS, EMS, FlightDEK-D180, and HS34 Units

First, update each EFIS, EMS, FlightDEK-D180, and HS34 units individually via their individual serial ports connected to a PC and running the latest version of the Dynon Avionics Product Support Program below. Detailed instructions for performing firmware upgrades can be found by clicking the “Help” button on the Product Support Program.

Special note for HS34s

The instrument that is the DSAB "bus master" must be powered off for the HS34 to be able to receive firmware updates. When the bus master is powered off, both the magenta GPS and green NAV lights are illuminated to indicate that it is ready to be updated.

Configure DSAB

This step is required if you have more than one Dynon Avionics product in your panel and you want them to be able to communicate with each other via their connected DSAB wires. This step is also required if you have Dynon Avionics Autopilot servos/AP74 installed in your aircraft, and must be performed BEFORE updating the servos and AP74.

Note: If your system has more than one Dynon EFIS, you'll need to choose one as your DSAB "Bus Master". This is nominally your primary EFIS, but refer to your EFIS installation guide for more details on this topic.

Before proceeding, verify that power is ON for all EFIS, EMS, HS34, AP74 and servo(s), and that you have updated all EFIS, EMS, FlightDEK, and HS34 units as described above:

This step ensures that the EFIS can communicate with the servo(s), optional AP74, and any other Dynon products on the DSAB network.

On the EFIS you've chosen as your Bus Master (and Autopilot Controller), perform the following:
  1. Enter the EFIS > SETUP > DSAB > CONFIGURATION menu.
    ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO RE-CONFIGURE THE NETWORK?
  2. Press YES
    ARE ALL NETWORKED DEVICES POWERED ON?
  3. Press CONFIGURE NOW
    PLEASE WAIT DETECTING ALL NETWORK DEVICES
    Wait up to 1 minute
    (X) DEVICES FOUND NETWORK CONFIGURATION IS COMPLETE.
  4. Verify that this shows the correct number of devices (record this number for later). If not, check wiring and ensure that all expected devices are powered on. If necessary, repeat the DSAB Configuration step above.
  5. Press FINISH
  6. Press UP > and then SEL to select the STATUS menu. The Bus Master EFIS should be displayed, showing active roles and status. Verify that STATUS (at bottom) shows ACTIVE.
  7. Press DOWN once for each device in the network (noted in step 4). Verify that the STATUS for each device shows ACTIVE. If the status displays UPGRADE REQ, that instrument must be updated to the same version of firmware as the Bus Master EFIS.
  8. After the above verification, press BACK > EXIT
Important: If any the instruments displaying UPGRADE REQ above is one or more of your servos and/or AP74 (most commonly when these devices were purchased separately from your EFIS), you must continue below to update the servos/AP74 via the Bus Master EFIS, even if the EFIS is already at version 5.6 firmware.

Updating Servos and/or AP74 Modules

Autopilot servos/AP74 are upgraded by the DSAB Bus Master EFIS, but this is only possible once the servos have been discovered by the DSAB configuration process described above.

Before proceeding, verify that your Bus Master EFIS, servos, and AP74 are all powered ON.

Connect your laptop to the Bus Master EFIS that you previously configured DSAB from.

Update the product that you are connected to to the version, exactly as you have done previously.
  1. Back up your EFIS and servos when the EFIS prompts you to.
  2. The Support Program says that uploading to the EFIS device is canceled because it is already at 5.1 firmware. This is normal. Click OK to this prompt, and let it continue to upgrade the servos and AP74.
After the Product Support Program finishes updating your servos/AP74:
  1. Enter the EFIS > SETUP > DSAB > STATUS menu. Confirm that The Bus Master EFIS should be displayed, showing active roles and status. Verify that STATUS (at bottom) shows ACTIVE.
  2. At the top of the screen, confirm that the (X) NETWORK DEVICES line agrees with number you recorded earlier during DSAB Configuration.
  3. Press DOWN once for each device in the network. Verify that the STATUS for each device shows ACTIVE. This should include all servos and the AP74 if installed. If any device is still listed with a different status (UPGRADE REQ, INACTIVE, etc), call Dynon Technical Support for further assistance at 425-402-0433.
  4. After the above verification, press BACK > EXIT
Latest GPS Software Required

Finally, if you are using a GPS connected to your Dynon EFIS and will be using GPS as an input for the AP, please upgrade your GPS to the most current firmware available for it. Dynon's testing has revealed certain incompatibilities with older versions of GPS firmware that are corrected with current GPS firmware. Procedures for GPS firmware upgrades vary by manufacturer; consult your GPS manual for the firmware upgrade procedure.

Testing Your Autopilot

Dynon's autopilot is expected to be used in a wide variety of aircraft and performance can vary between different airframes. Whether you are installing the autopilot from scratch or updating the software with new features, it is important that you thoroughly test each autopilot mode, especially those that integrate data from external GPS or NAV radio sources. This will allow you to validate proper and safe operation before relying on those modes and considering the installation complete and ready for IFR flight.

Firmware Update Cautions PLEASE PERFORM A BACKUP OF EVERY INSTRUMENT BEFORE YOU UPDATE IT WHEN PROMPTED BY THE SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO BACK TO AN OLDER VERSION OF THE FIRMWARE IF YOU WISH TO DO SO.

If you have an EDC-D10A Remote Compass connected to your EFIS product, you MUST HAVE IT CONNECTED while performing this upgrade. This is important to proper post-upgrade operation.

Some users have experienced power loss on their laptops during firmware uploads. Before proceeding with a firmware update on your Dynon product, we highly recommend that you connect your laptop to an AC power source to avoid partial firmware loads. Should your computer lose power in the middle of a firmware update, please DO NOT power cycle the Dynon instrument. If your instrument seems stuck on the yellow loader screen, power your laptop back up and continue the firmware update WITHOUT restarting the Dynon instrument. Power cycling the Dynon instrument during a firmware update will result in a failure that will require factory service.


Download - Program 5.6.1 (and D6/D60 1.1.4)