On Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:34:49 AM UTC-7, BobWa43 wrote:
On Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 1:47:17 PM UTC-4, Tim Taylor wrote:
On Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 9:13:31 AM UTC-6, John DeRosa OHM Ω http://aviation.derosaweb.net wrote:
Updating files/firmware on my avionics should be easy. Then why is it so hard?

Heck, I am an electrical engineer. I have been around computers since high school (early 70's). I was in Information Technology for MANY years and still do this on a volunteer basis. I should be able to handle this!

I think that the answer is in several parts;

- There are multiple files for each device to upload/download; firmware, waypoint databases, FLARM databases, obstacle databases, SUA databases, IGC files, etc, etc.
- What is the URL to find these much needed files?
- Each device seems to need its own specifically formatted file - just look at the turnpoint database! Some instruments are mentioned there by name but others use a "generic" format of a file - but which one to use?
- There are multiple methods to upload/download. With a cable? Via a memory stick? Then where does the file go on the stick (root or a folder)? Does the install happen when the device is booted or when the device is already on? Does the install happen automatically or do you have to manually do something?
- While the avionics manufacturers create wonderful devices it is a fact of life that their manuals seem woefully inadequate for the task at hand and/or become obsolete from lack of updating.
- Is my recorder's re-calibration due so I don't miss getting credit for my epic flight?
- And critically, I only perform this task about once a year and I FORGET the magic steps of what to do!

HELP!

As my own panel evolved from "steam gauges" to a "glass cockpit" I kept my sanity by creating a spreadsheet of the how-tos, where-froms and the tricks-of-the-trade.

BOTTOM LINE: If you are interested in using my spreadsheet as a template for your own cockpit it can be found here = http://aviation.derosaweb.net/forms/

Comments welcome.

Best of Luck,
John OHM Ω

Thanks John!

I didn't use a spreadsheet, but I did create a word processing document that has a full set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for each update. This includes the steps involved and links to relevant webpages for updates. An import last page for the document is the date of the last update and current versions you have. This helps to check where you are each year.

Once a year is too far apart to remember all the steps involved in all the software and firmware updates without good documentation.

Would it be possible for you to post a copy of your word processing document?

Send me an e-mail at ttaylor07 at gmail