While we always thought the uAvionix AV-30 electronic flight instrument packed a big punch at a fair price point ($2499), it lacked important capabilities that are must-have for IFR flying. This includes IFR GPS and ILS approach course guidance, plus an interface with legacy autopilots.
While these capabilities were available for experimental applications, new FAA approval brings the capabilities to certified aircraft.
Start with software
This is software version 3.0.1 for the AV-30-C (C means certified) and it encompasses the FAA approval for connecting the display to the uAvionix AV-HSI and AV-APA external converter units.
The software revision also adds an onscreen turn coordinator, rate-of-climb, a high/low bus voltage indicator, a vertical speed indicator on the unit’s traffic display, plus G-force data. uAvionix says the software also improves altitude accuracy during high-pitch maneuvers, fixes calculation errors when using MPH airspeed units, plus adds a transponder IDENT function to the unit’s non-reversionary data pages. Note that the AV-30 can be used as a primary attitude instrument or a primary directional gyro instrument with EHSI and acts a reversionary display if the primary attitude instrument goes down. The software can be added in the field and picks up where version 2.5.0 left off. The no-charge software update is part of uAvionix Service Bulletin 3.0.1 UAV-1005689-007, Rev A.
AV-series smart boxes
The remote AV-APA PMA (shown in the lower right) and AV-HSI smart boxes are packaged in identical form. The AV-HSI analog/digital converter is an integral component for interfacing the AV-30 with IFR GPS navigators and VHF nav radios, plus has support for essentially all Avidyne IFD and Garmin GTN/GNS GPS navigators. It will work with the GPS-only Garmin GPS 175/GNC 355/GNX 375 navigators, plus the legacy GPS 155XL. The converter also works with Garmin’s GNC 255 navcomm, Garmin/Apollo SL30 navcomm, Trig’s TX56/57 navcomms and the Val Avionics NAV 2000 navigation radio. It even works with the long-discontinued GNS 480 GPS.
The small AV-HSI accessory bridges the interface gap with three ARINC 429 channels (the AV-30 only accepts serial data) for direct interfacing with the GPS units, plus four serial ports for interfacing with VHF nav radios. Plus, one AV-HSI converter can work with multiple AV-30 displays for navigation guidance, plus synchronized baro setting, heading bug and OAT data.
A second adapter (AV-APA) is used for communicating with S-TEC rate-based autopilots—which includes nearly all S-TEC analog autopilots. It enables GPS track hold, GPS desired track, GPS bearing and GPSS digital steering when using the AV-HSI. There’s also support for the Trio Pro Pilot, Tru Trak Vizion 385 and BendixKing Aerocruze 100/xCruze 100 autopilot systems.
Last, the AV-HSI PMA requires the AV-Mag PMA magnetometer.
For more, visit Montana-based uAvionix at www.uavionix.com.