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Resolving Software Mismatches: Repaired, Replaced, or New Modules

  • Updated
ℹ️ OVERVIEW: Software mismatches occur when network modules have different software versions than your SkyView displays. This guide explains how to identify and resolve version conflicts for repaired, replaced, or newly purchased modules.

Understanding Software Mismatches

Software mismatches in SkyView systems can exist in three different scenarios:

  1. Older module software: A module has an older software version that requires an update to match the display
  2. Newer module software: A module has a newer software version than what is currently running on the display (common with new purchases or repaired units returned from Dynon)
  3. Display version mismatches: Multiple displays in the system are running different software versions
⚠️ IMPORTANT: All SkyView displays must be updated individually. The software update process for displays does not sync over the network. Each display maintains its own software version independently.

Prerequisites

  • All SkyView network devices must be powered on and online
  • Autopilot servos must be powered (AP switch ON)
  • For display updates: USB flash drive with software file in root directory
  • Access to SETUP MENU (hold buttons 7+8 simultaneously)

Step 1: Detecting New or Replacement Modules

If a new, repaired, or exchanged module is not showing in your network device list, you must first detect it:

SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > CONFIGURE...

Press the DETECT button to scan for all network devices. Once detected, the module will appear in the network status list with one of three software conditions:

  • Same version: No action needed
  • Older version: Highlighted in yellow with "NEEDS UPDATE" status
  • Newer version: Requires Force Network Load procedure

Step 2: Updating Modules with OLDER Software

When a module has older software than your display, the process is straightforward:

2A. Check Network Status

SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > NETWORK STATUS

Modules requiring updates will be highlighted in yellow with a status message: NEEDS UPDATE.

2B. Initiate Update

Simply press the UPDATE button next to the module that needs updating. The system will automatically transfer the current display software version to the module.

2C. Wait for Completion

Do not power off the system or disconnect devices during the update process. The module will restart automatically when the update completes.

✓ TIP: The update process for older module software typically completes in 2-5 minutes. You can monitor progress on the Network Status screen.

Step 3: Updating Modules with NEWER Software

When a module has newer software than your display (common with new purchases or recently repaired units), you need to use the Force Network Load function to synchronize versions.

⚠️ CAUTION: Force Network Load will overwrite the software on ALL network modules with the version currently running on the display. Ensure you are using the display with the software version you want to standardize across your entire system.

3A. Access Force Network Load

From the Network Status screen or main display:

SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > FORCE NETWORK LOAD

3B. Confirm the Action

The system will display a confirmation message:

"FORCE A SOFTWARE LOAD OF ALL NETWORK MODULES – ARE YOU SURE?"

Select YES to proceed.

3C. Monitor the Process

The network load process will begin and transfer the display's current software version to all connected network devices. This process may take several minutes depending on the number of modules.

🚫 CRITICAL: Do not power off the system or disconnect any devices during Force Network Load. Interrupting this process can corrupt module software and may require factory service to restore functionality.

Step 4: Resolving Display Software Mismatches

If you have multiple displays and have purchased a new screen or received a repaired display, each display must be updated individually to match software versions.

4A. Check Current Display Versions

On each display, navigate to:

SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION

Note the Software Version displayed for each screen.

4B. Download Latest Software

  1. Visit dynon.com
  2. Navigate to SUPPORT SOFTWARE UPDATES
  3. Select the appropriate product (SkyView Classic, SkyView HDX, etc.)
  4. Download the software file for your region and hardware version

4C. Prepare USB Flash Drive

Copy the downloaded software file to the root directory of your USB flash drive. The file must not be in a subdirectory or folder.

✓ TIP: Format the USB flash drive as FAT32 if you encounter issues. Dynon recommends using name-brand USB drives and dedicating separate drives for different purposes (one for software updates, one for settings exports, etc.).

4D. Update Each Display

For each display that needs updating:

  1. Insert the USB flash drive into the display's USB port
  2. Navigate to: SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SOFTWARE > UPGRADE SYSTEM SOFTWARE...
  3. Press the right button one more time to confirm
  4. If all network modules are online, the update will begin
  5. Wait for the update to complete (display will restart automatically)
⚠️ NOTE: If you see a warning that some network devices are not online, ensure all modules and autopilot servos are powered on. The most common cause is the AP switch not being in the ON position or communication radios not being powered with Avionics master switch.

4E. Verify Settings After Update

After updating display software:

  • Review all settings in SETUP MENU as new options may be available
  • Check the Revision History in the SkyView System Installation Guide to understand changes between versions
  • Verify network status shows all devices with matching software versions

Troubleshooting Software Mismatches

Issue Solution
New module not appearing in network device list Run DETECT from SETUP MENU SYSTEM SETUP SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP CONFIGURE... to scan for all devices
Warning: "Some network devices not online" Check that autopilot servos are powered (AP switch ON) and all radios are powered. Verify all network cables are connected securely.
Update process fails or stalls Ensure aircraft is powered by external mains power (not battery alone). Verify USB flash drive is FAT32 formatted and file is in root directory.
Module shows newer software but Force Network Load doesn't resolve it First update the display to the latest software version, then use Force Network Load to sync all modules to that version.
Multiple displays still showing different versions after individual updates Verify you downloaded the correct software file for each display model. SkyView Classic and SkyView HDX use different software files.

Special Considerations

Repaired Displays Returning from Dynon

When reinstalling a display that was sent to Dynon for repair:

  1. Before reinstalling the repaired display, check that your OTHER displays are running the latest software by comparing the version at dynon.com/docs with SETUP MENU LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION
  2. If needed, update the displays that remained in the aircraft to the latest version
  3. Reinstall the repaired display and reconnect all harnesses
  4. Power up the entire system
  5. From a display that never left the aircraft, export settings to USB: SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SOFTWARE > EXPORT SETTINGS...
  6. Move the USB drive to the repaired display and load both .dfg and .sfg files: SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SOFTWARE > LOAD FILES...
  7. Temporarily set the repaired display's tail number to "DYNON AVIONICS": SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
  8. From the display that stayed in the aircraft (with correct tail number), reconfigure network: SETUP MENU SYSTEM SETUP > SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP > CONFIGURE...
🚫 CRITICAL: Always perform network configuration from a display that remained in the aircraft. Configuring from the repaired display can overwrite correct settings with factory defaults.

Devices Not on SkyView Network

Note that some devices connect via serial ports rather than the SkyView Network and will not appear in network status:

  • SV-ADSB-470/472 (ADS-B receivers)
  • SV-XPNDR-261/262/263 (Transponders)
  • SV-GPS-250/SV-GPS-2020 (GPS receivers)

These devices have their own software update procedures covered in separate support guides.

Verification

After completing software synchronization:

  1. Navigate to SETUP MENU SYSTEM SETUP SKYVIEW NETWORK SETUP NETWORK STATUS
  2. Verify all modules show the same software version
  3. Confirm no devices are highlighted in yellow
  4. Check that all expected modules appear in the list
  5. Perform a functional test of all systems to ensure proper operation

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