Skyview update... CRASH

I was installing a software update to my Skyview system and it ended up bricking my unit... YIKES.  After investigation on the cause it appears that the backup battery did not have enough charge to satisfy the initial cycle.  Lesson here is to always initiate updates using ship power.

I took the 'opportunity' of having the whole Skyview off line to test fly using the Garmin 696 as my only panel source... defiantly not ideal but it was okay for VFR flight.  The lack of engine and fuel instrumentation was a bit disconcerting though.

Skyview bricked during a BIOS update 

test flying the 696 as the only instrument

New GPS puck antenna works great

I decided to research the remote antenna solution and came up with an alternate brand that had very good reviews including technical evaluation of the performance as superior to the Garmin unit at less cost.  Go figure.  I give the Gilsson antenna a big thumbs up!  The magnets were removable with a couple of screws and the satellite lock up is quicker than ever with stronger signal strength reported by the 696.  My only complaint is the black finish is a bit glossy and the white lettering adds to the reflection off of the windshield.  I have a plan to scuff the finish, remove the white lettering, and paint it with some flat black but it is wired and tied up nice and neat so I have ignored it.  Works great though!

Garmin XM and Gilsson GPS puck on the dash

rapid lock up of satellites with the Gilsson GPS puck

Dynon remote transponder wiring

I wired up a Dynon remote transponder and tucked it up behind the sub panel on the left support rib to the firewall.  Pretty easy access here once you crawl into position... The wiring is pretty straight forward and does not involve a lot of rework.  I used the 5A power line from the old transponder, a new ground, a couple of data lines, and two loop back connections on the transponder I left all of the other connections for the 330 in place incase I need to switch back and will remove them after proving out the new system.

this is 'easy' access!

I have the serial connection to the SkyView documented in my installation notes making it a snap to keep all of the connectors straight.

SkyView serial port pinout

For serial connections I now have:
Serial 1 old out to the 330
Serial 2 Garmin 696 GPS
Serial 3 Dynon transponder transmit and receive on Serial 3
Serial 4 is available
Serial 5 is dedicated to the Dynon GPS

serial connection to the SkyView harness