Installation manual

Avidyne | DFC90, 100 FAQs (Last updated: 26 June 2012)

(DFC90, 100) Do I still need to use the AP and FD buttons on the instrument panel?

No, those buttons become non-functional in DFC90 and DFC100 integrations. In fact, as

part of the installation for those aircraft that had them, those buttons are removed and

replaced by a cover plate. Your installer has the option of either ordering a cover plate

from Avidyne as part of the initial order (for black or beige Cirrus instrument panels) or

building their own cover plate. (updated 27 Feb 2012)

(DFC90) Is there anything else in Avidyne PFD Release 8? No, Release 8 PFD is a

point release designed solely to integrate with the DFC90 autopilot. There were some

internal wiring modifications performed on the hardware in order to take advantage of the

existing aircraft wiring and some associated software modifications to drive the DFC90

and that is all.

(DFC90) What is Avidyne PFD Release 8.0.1 and 8.0.2 and 8.0.3 and 8.0.4 and 8.0.5?

PFD Release 8.0.1 was the first version of PFD code that was released in conjunction

with the DFC90. 8.0.1 did not support the Underspeed portion of Envelope Protection.

PFD Release 8.0.2 was the first version of PFD code that allows the Underspeed function

to be enabled but this was an installer function. PFD Release 8.0.3 is considered a

mandatory update and automatically enables underspeed, thereby eliminating any chance

it was not properly enabled. PFD Release 8.0.3 was granted TSO approval in August,

2010. PFD Release 8.0.4 was an interim release designed to help certify DFC90 Release

2. PFD Release 8.0.5 accompanies, and is required to take full advantage of, DFC90

Release 2. We’ve been colloquially calling them all “Release 8”. (updated 19 Dec 2011)

(DFC90) What is in DFC90 Release 2? DFC90 Release 2 was certified in December

2011 and includes the following additions or changes:

• Adds support for the Entegra PFD equipped PA46 Matrix and Mirage aircraft;

• Added support to take flap position input to increase the accuracy of Envelope

Protection alerts and behaviors (flap position wiring is optional for Cirrus aircraft

but highly recommended and mandatory for all other airframe types);

• Added full-time Envelope Alerting. This feature provides underspeed, overspeed,

excessive bank, and flap overspeed alerting in Flight Director mode and when the

autopilot is in standby (AP Ready);

• Changed system behavior such that if an AHRS-Turn Coordinator Miscompare is

observed in-flight, the autopilot will no longer disconnect. The aural and text

alerting remain but the autopilot stays connected;

• Replaced the computer synthesized voice alerts with an actual human recording

(her name is Charlotte);

• Added support for the aftermarket roll servo modification in Cirrus aircraft;

• Added an alert to notify the pilot if the autopilot has detected that the roll axis

servo has reached its maximum limit (“SERVO LIMIT”);

• Added an alert to notify the pilot if the flaps are being oversped per POH airspeed

limits. This comes in the form of an aural alert (“Caution, Flap Overspeed”).

This feature requires the optional flap wiring modification;