SkyView Backup Battery - Information, Charging and Testing – Dynon Avionics

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ℹ️ OVERVIEW: This guide covers charging procedures, battery status monitoring, testing requirements, and troubleshooting for the SV-BAT-320 backup battery. The SV-BAT-320 is designed to power a SkyView display and connected devices for at least 60 minutes during electrical failure. This guide includes initial testing procedures for new installations, annual testing requirements, ground charging procedures, and interpreting battery status indicators.

Prerequisites

SkyView display with SV-BAT-320 installed and connected via SV-HARNESS-D37
Access to aircraft electrical system and master switch
Aircraft battery charger, or external power option (for ground charging, if required)
SkyView software v15.0 or later (recommended for optimal charging algorithm)

Understanding SV-BAT-320 Charging Requirements

Automatic Charging Voltage Threshold

The SV-BAT-320 requires a minimum input voltage of 12.25V at the SkyView display to initiate and maintain charging. This threshold ensures the backup battery only charges when adequate power is available:

Above 12.25V: Battery charges normally (typical during engine operation with alternator/generator running)
Below 12.25V: Battery does not charge (prevents excessive aircraft battery discharge when engine is not running)
Full charge voltage: Battery is fully charged when it reaches 12.25V
Charging time: Up to 4 hours to fully charge a completely discharged battery

Automatic In-Flight Charging

During normal flight operations, the SV-BAT-320 charges automatically when the engine is running and the alternator or generator is active. The SkyView display manages charging automatically with no pilot intervention required. Typical input voltage during engine operation is approximately 14V (12V systems) or 28V (24V systems).

🚫 CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: NEVER attempt to charge the SV-BAT-320 using any external charging device or battery charger. The SV-BAT-320 must ONLY be charged by the SkyView display to which it is connected. External charging can destroy the battery or cause it to explode. The SkyView display contains specialized charging circuitry and monitoring software specifically designed for the SV-BAT-320 lithium-ion chemistry.

Monitoring Battery Charging Status

Method 1: Display Hardware Information (Recommended for Monitoring Input Voltage)

SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION

This page displays:

VOLTAGE: Current input voltage directly to the SkyView display input (must be >12.25V for charging)
BATTERY STATUS: Current battery voltage (e.g., 11.84V)
CHARGE STATUS: Current charging state (CHARGING, DISCHARGING, CHARGED, STANDBY, MISSING/FAULT)

Figure 1: Display Hardware Information - Not Charging Example

Display Input Voltage and Charge Status Reference

Note: When VOLTAGE shows below 12.25V, CHARGE STATUS will display STANDBY instead of CHARGING when external power is still present.

Method 2: Battery Backup (SV-BAT-320) Status (Recommended for Test History and Detailed Status)

SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > BATTERY BACKUP (SV-BAT-320) STATUS

This page provides comprehensive battery status including:

BATTERY CONNECTED (BATTERY DETECTED): YES / NO (automatically set when battery is installed)
LAST BATTERY SHUTDOWN: NORMAL / ABNORMAL / WEAK BATTERY
DATE OF LAST TEST: UNTESTED / MM-DD-YYYY
TEST RESULT: PASS / FAIL status with details
BATTERY STATUS: Current voltage
CHARGE STATUS: CHARGING | DISCHARGING | CHARGED | STANDBY | FAULT/MISSING

⚠️ LAST BATTERY SHUTDOWN STATUS MEANINGS:

NORMAL: Last shutdown occurred properly
ABNORMAL: Last shutdown did not happen normally (investigate cause)
WEAK BATTERY: SkyView detected low battery voltage during last shutdown. Battery may be discharged or require replacement. If this occurs repeatedly, SkyView will annunciate a warning.

Battery Status Icons

Battery status is indicated by icons displayed immediately to the left of the clock in the center of the top bar. Each display in a multi-display system has its own individual battery status icon.

No Icon Displayed

Indicates normal battery status with all of the following conditions met:

Battery is connected and has completed initial testing
Annual test is not yet due
Last three automatic battery self-checks were normal (performed during 30-second power-down countdown)

Figure 2: Battery Status Icons

Needs Test Icon (Yellow Battery Icon with White Exclamation Point)

SkyView has determined the battery requires manual testing because:

It has been one year since last battery test (annual test due), OR
The 30-second automatic battery self-check failed to complete properly at least 3 consecutive times

Fault/Test Failed Icon (Grey Battery with Red X)

A battery fault has been detected due to one of the following:

Battery is no longer connected
Battery test has failed (see Test Result Failure Codes below)

Charging the SV-BAT-320 on the Ground

When Ground Charging is Required

Ground charging may be necessary in the following situations:

Initial installation of new SV-BAT-320
After battery has been in storage for extended periods
Battery has entered protection mode due to very low state of charge
After conducting battery tests
Aircraft will not be flown for extended periods
During aircraft construction before first flight

ℹ️ PROTECTION MODE AND SOFTWARE v15.0: All lithium-ion batteries, including the SV-BAT-320, incorporate internal safety circuitry that enters "protection mode" when state of charge becomes very low. This disconnects the load (SkyView display) to prevent total discharge. Prior to software v15.0, SkyView displays could not detect or charge batteries in protection mode. Software v15.0 and later includes improved charging algorithms that can detect and charge SV-BAT-320 batteries in protection mode. Updating to v15.0 or later is highly recommended.

Ground Charging Requirements

To charge an SV-BAT-320 on the ground, the following conditions must be met:

Aircraft Battery Charger Capacity (12V systems):
- Minimum 5 amps (5A) per SkyView display being charged
- +10A total if charging two or more displays with SV-BAT-320s simultaneously
Aircraft Battery Charger Capacity (24V systems):
- Minimum 2.5 amps per SkyView display being charged
- +5A total if charging two or more displays simultaneously
Voltage Under Load:
- Battery charger must maintain at least 13V to the aircraft electrical system under full load (5A draw)
- This ensures the SkyView display receives at least 12.25V after voltage drops in the electrical system
SkyView Display Status:
- Display must be powered ON and fully booted up
- SkyView software actively monitors and controls charging
- Battery will NOT charge if display is powered off
Charging Duration:
- May require up to 4 hours to fully charge a completely discharged battery
- Monitor CHARGE STATUS in Display Hardware Information to track progress

Ground Charging Procedure

Connect aircraft battery charger to aircraft battery (ensure charger meets capacity and voltage requirements above)
Or connect aircraft to external power source if available
Turn aircraft master switch ON
Power up SkyView display and allow it to fully boot

Verify charging is occurring:

SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > DISPLAY HARDWARE INFORMATION
Verify: VOLTAGE shows greater than 12.25V
Verify: CHARGE STATUS shows CHARGING (not STANDBY)

Leave system powered on for up to 4 hours or until CHARGE STATUS shows CHARGED
Monitor BATTERY STATUS voltage - fully charged when voltage reaches 12.25V

⚠️ TROUBLESHOOTING GROUND CHARGING: If CHARGE STATUS shows STANDBY instead of CHARGING during ground charging, verify that VOLTAGE in Display Hardware Information shows greater than 12.25V. If voltage is below 12.25V, your battery charger is either undersized, not providing adequate voltage under load, or there are excessive voltage drops in the aircraft electrical system wiring. Use a multimeter to verify actual voltage at the SkyView display connector if questioning on screen voltage input reading.

Battery Testing Requirements and Procedures

When Battery Testing is Required

Initial Test: Required after first installation of SV-BAT-320
Annual Test: Required every 12 months from date of last successful test
After Repeated Self-Check Failures: When automatic 30-second self-checks fail 3 consecutive times
BATTERY TEST NEEDED Alert: When SkyView displays the alert message or battery icon

Figure 3: Battery Test Needed Alert Message

Note: This alert appears both on startup and in the Alerts section (Button 8)

Pre-Test Requirements

🚫 CRITICAL: The SV-BAT-320 MUST be fully charged before commencing any battery test. Testing a partially charged battery will result in test failure and inaccurate assessment of battery health. Verify CHARGE STATUS shows CHARGED and BATTERY STATUS shows approximately 12.25V before beginning test.

Battery Test Procedure (Initial and Annual)

This procedure applies to both initial testing after installation and annual testing. If your system has multiple SkyView displays with SV-BAT-320 batteries, perform this test individually on each display.

Ensure Battery is Fully Charged: Reference the charging procedures above and verify CHARGE STATUS shows CHARGED before proceeding
Power Up Display Being Tested:
- Apply aircraft power via master switch
- If multiple displays share a single power switch/breaker, power down other displays by pressing and holding Button 1 (HOLD TO POWER DOWN) on displays NOT being tested
Remove Power to Display Being Tested:
- Turn OFF aircraft master switch, or
- If other displays need to remain powered, pull the circuit breaker on the displayed needing test
- The 30-second power-down countdown will begin
Initiate Battery Test:
- During the 30-second countdown, press the TEST BAT button above Button 8 (far right)
- The BATTERY TEST screen will appear

Figure 4: TEST BAT Button Location

External power turned off - Shut down timer and Test Bat option

Note: TEST BAT button only appears during the 30-second power-down countdown after removing power

Figure 5: Battery Test in Progress

Monitor Test Progress:
- The BATTERY TEST screen displays elapsed time and battery voltage
- Test must run for minimum of 45 minutes to pass
- Do not interfere with the display during testing
- Test can be aborted by pressing PWR OFF button if necessary
Test Completion:
- Display will automatically power off when test completes (pass or fail)
- Total test duration is typically 60+ minutes for healthy battery

Verify Test Results:

Power up the display
SETUP MENU > LOCAL DISPLAY SETUP > BATTERY BACKUP (SV-BAT-320) STATUS
Review: TEST RESULT field
Verify: TEST RESULT shows "PASS BATT LIFE  45 MIN"
Note: DATE OF LAST TEST will be updated to current date

Recharge Battery After Test:
- Battery test fully discharges the SV-BAT-320
- Recharge immediately after test completion
- Charge by flying approximately 4 hours with engine running, OR
- Use ground charging procedure described above
Repeat for Additional Displays: If you have multiple displays with SV-BAT-320 batteries, repeat entire procedure for each display individually (You can test each display simultaneously)

Understanding Test Results

Passing Test Results

PASS BATT LIFE 45 MIN: Battery successfully powered the display for more than 45 minutes and is functioning properly
DATE OF LAST TEST updates to current date
Battery test needed icon/alert will be cleared
Next annual test due in 12 months

Failing Test Results

Test Result	Meaning	Action Required
FAIL: VOLTAGE DROP TOO HIGH	Battery voltage dropped excessively during test, indicating internal resistance or cell degradation	Battery likely needs replacement. Contact Dynon Technical Support.
FAIL: LASTED xx MINS	Battery depleted before reaching 45-minute minimum (where xx is actual time lasted)	Battery not fully charged before test, or battery capacity insufficient. Contact Dynon Technical Support.

⚠️ WARRANTY INFORMATION: If an SV-BAT-320 fails testing and is within warranty period, contact Dynon Technical Support for replacement authorization. Have the battery serial number (S/N printed on product label) available. Under warranty replacement, the defective SV-BAT-320 must be returned to Dynon (at customer expense) to avoid being charged full purchase price for the replacement. See dynon.com/warranty for current warranty terms and conditions.

Out-of-Warranty Test Failures

If an SV-BAT-320 fails testing and is no longer under warranty:

Purchase a new SV-BAT-320 from Dynon or authorized dealer
SV-BAT-320 batteries cannot be repaired or rebuilt
Dispose of failed battery responsibly (see Disposal Guidelines below)

Automatic Battery Self-Checks

SkyView performs automatic 30-second battery self-checks every time master power is removed on the ground (after flight) during the normal power-down countdown. These self-checks:

Verify battery connection and basic functionality
Do not fully discharge the battery (unlike manual tests)
Occur automatically with no pilot action required
Results are stored and monitored by SkyView

If automatic self-checks fail 3 consecutive times, SkyView will display the battery test needed icon and require a manual battery test to be performed.

Troubleshooting Battery and Testing Issues

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
TEST BAT button greyed out	Airspeed reading is present on system, display believes its in motion	This is a common issue if the ZERO PRESSURE IAS/AOA CALIBRATION needs to be run to reset the zero airspeed calibration.
TEST BAT button is pressed and screen goes blank with small [x]	Reversion mode bug with multiple displays	Battery test never actually begins. Display continues to run and drain power until battery is depleted. Follow steps outlined in section below.
CHARGE STATUS shows DISCHARGING during flight with engine running	Aircraft alternator/generator not producing adequate voltage, or excessive voltage drop in wiring	Check Display Hardware Information VOLTAGE field. Must show 12.25V for charging. Verify alternator/generator operation. Check for voltage drops in power wiring to display.
CHARGE STATUS shows FAULT/MISSING	Battery not connected, poor connection, or battery in deep protection mode	Verify SV-BAT-320 connector is fully seated on SV-HARNESS-D37. Check connector pins for damage. Update to software v15.0+ if battery may be in protection mode.
Battery test fails immediately after starting	Battery was not fully charged before test initiation	Fully charge battery (CHARGE STATUS = CHARGED, BATTERY STATUS ≈12.25V) before attempting test again.
LAST BATTERY SHUTDOWN shows WEAK BATTERY repeatedly	Battery not maintaining adequate charge, or nearing end of life	Verify battery is charging properly during flight (12.25V input). Perform manual battery test. If test passes but issue repeats, battery may need replacement.
LAST BATTERY SHUTDOWN shows ABNORMAL	Display did not shut down normally (power interrupted, crash, etc.)	Investigate cause of abnormal shutdown. Verify battery charges properly. Perform battery test if concerned about battery health.
Ground charging not working with battery charger connected	Battery charger undersized, or not maintaining 13V under 5A load	Verify charger meets minimum capacity (5A for 12V system). Measure actual voltage at SkyView display connector under load - must be 12.25V. Upgrade charger if necessary.
Battery appears completely dead (FAULT/MISSING status) after long storage	Battery in deep protection mode due to very low state of charge	Update to software v15.0 or later (includes improved charging algorithm for protection mode). Follow ground charging procedure with adequate battery charger (13V, 5A minimum).

Battery Test Unavailable - TEST BAT Button Greyed Out

Occasionally, the battery test cannot be initiated because the TEST BAT button appears greyed out during what would normally be the 30-second power-down countdown. User may even be presented with AIRCRAFT POWER LOST message. This occurs when the ADAHRS module is still detecting airspeed, even though the PFD airspeed indicator shows dashed lines (no registered airspeed).

Cause

The ADAHRS module retains residual pressure readings that prevent the battery test from starting. This is a protective measure to prevent battery testing while the aircraft may still be in motion.

Resolution Procedure

Access ADAHRS Calibration Menu:

SETUP MENU > HARDWARE CALIBRATION > ADAHRS CALIBRATION
> ZERO PRESSURE IAS /AOA CALIBRATION

Follow On-Screen Instructions: The right column of the menu displays the conditions that must be met for calibration
Acquire Zero Pressure Reading: Once the displayed conditions are satisfied, press the ACQUIRE button
Save Calibration: After acquisition completes, press the SAVE button
Exit Calibration Menu: Press BACK, then press EXIT to return to the main screen
Retry Battery Test: Power down the system and attempt the battery test procedure again - the TEST BAT button should now be active

✓ TIP: Performing this zero pressure calibration resets the ADAHRS pressure baseline and should resolve the greyed-out TEST BAT button issue. Ensure all pitot/static ports are open to ambient pressure and the aircraft is stationary before performing this calibration.

Battery Test Blank Screen Issue (Reversion Mode Bug)

In systems with multiple displays, a known reversion mode bug can cause the battery test screen to flash and then display only a blank screen with a small X. This is a critical issue because the battery test is NOT actually running, but the display remains powered on and will drain the battery below safe operating voltage.

🚫 CRITICAL: If you see a blank screen with a small X after initiating a battery test, the test is NOT running. The display will remain powered on and completely discharge the battery if not immediately shut down. Take action to prevent battery from depleting unnecessarily.

Immediate Action Required

Power Down Immediately: Press the PWR OFF button or restore aircraft power and perform normal shutdown to prevent complete battery discharge
Power System Back On: Turn aircraft master switch back on to boot system into normal operation

Permanent Resolution Procedure

Disable Reversion Mode:

SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > SCREEN LAYOUT SETUP > REVERSION MODE ENABLED
Set to: NO

Fully Charge Battery: Follow the charging procedures described earlier in this guide to ensure battery is fully charged (CHARGE STATUS = CHARGED, BATTERY STATUS ≈12.25V)
Perform Battery Test: Follow the standard battery test procedure described in the "Battery Test Procedure" section above. The test should now proceed normally without the blank screen issue
Complete Testing on All Displays: If you have multiple displays with SV-BAT-320 batteries, complete the battery test on each display individually before re-enabling reversion mode

Re-enable Reversion Mode (After All Tests Complete):

SETUP MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > SCREEN LAYOUT SETUP > REVERSION MODE ENABLED
Set to: YES

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This bug only affects battery testing procedures and does not impact reversion mode functionality during normal flight operations. Reversion mode can and should be re-enabled after all battery tests are successfully completed. If you continue to experience this issue after disabling reversion mode, contact Dynon Technical Support.

Important Safety and Operational Notes

🚫 CRITICAL BATTERY SAFETY:

NEVER attempt external charging of SV-BAT-320 - can cause battery explosion
SkyView displays are ONLY compatible with Dynon SV-BAT-320 batteries
Do NOT connect lead-acid batteries or any other battery type to SV-BAT-320 connector
Charging algorithm and voltages are optimized specifically for SV-BAT-320 lithium-ion chemistry
Connecting unauthorized batteries may cause damage not covered by warranty
Do NOT cut off factory connector - warranty will be void
SkyView display must be powered ON for charging to occur (software monitors charging process)

⚠️ IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL NOTES:

Each display in multi-display systems has independent battery status and testing requirements
SV-BAT-320 does NOT provide backup power to: autopilot servos, heated pitot/AOA probes, SV-ADSB-470/472, SV-COM-760/T25/T8/425, SV-XPNDR-261/262/263, trim servos, or any non-Dynon devices
A fully charged SV-BAT-320 can power most SkyView systems for at least 60 minutes
Battery status and test requirements are display-specific in multi-display installations
Annual testing is required to maintain optimal battery health and performance
Battery test needed alerts will appear one year after last successful test

Physical Installation Considerations

Mounting Location Guidelines

Install within 24" of associated SkyView display (cable length limitation)
Do NOT extend the 24" cable included on SV-HARNESS-D37
Avoid locations subject to severe vibration
Avoid extended temperature extremes (SV-BAT-320 has narrower temperature range than other modules)
Avoid areas with extreme humidity
Ensure adequate room for electrical connections

Mounting Hardware Notes

Mounting hardware not included with SV-BAT-320
Mounting tabs accept #8 fasteners
Button head AN hardware recommended (limited tool clearance)
DO NOT OVER-TORQUE - plastic enclosure may crack
Apply sufficient torque to prevent self-loosening, but not excessive stress on tabs
Ferrous fasteners acceptable in this location
Do NOT rivet battery to aircraft (prevents future removal)

⚠️ CONNECTOR MODIFICATION WARNING: SV-BAT-320 batteries received at Dynon with modified or replaced connectors are NOT eligible for warranty replacement. Never cut off the factory-installed connector. If building custom harnesses (non-Dynon), reference Appendix C of the Installation Guide for proper mating connector specifications.

SV-BAT-320 Specifications

Specification	Value
Battery Type	Lithium-Ion
Nominal Voltage	12V
Full Charge Voltage	12.25V
Minimum Input for Charging	12.25V at display
Charging Current	Up to 5A (12V system)
Full Charge Time	Up to 4 hours (fully discharged)
Backup Power Duration	Minimum 60 minutes (typical system)
Cable Length	24" (do not extend)
Mounting	#8 fasteners in mounting tabs
Test Interval	Annual (12 months from last test)

Battery Disposal Guidelines

✓ RESPONSIBLE DISPOSAL: The SV-BAT-320 is a lithium-ion battery similar to cordless tool or laptop batteries. Dispose of non-functional batteries responsibly through proper recycling channels. In the USA, lithium-ion battery recycling is available at many retail locations and municipal recycling centers. For recycling locations, call 1-800-8-BATTERY or visit the Call2Recycle website at http://www.rbrc.org.

Quick Reference: Charging and Testing Checklist

Pre-Flight Battery Check

Verify no battery fault icons displayed on startup
Check that battery test is not overdue (no test needed icon)
If battery test needed alert appears, schedule testing before next flight

Post-Installation Initial Test

Fully charge battery (verify CHARGE STATUS = CHARGED)
Initiate TEST BAT during power-down countdown
Allow test to run to completion (minimum 45 minutes)
Verify PASS result in Battery Backup Status page
Recharge battery after test completion

Annual Testing

Respond to BATTERY TEST NEEDED alert within reasonable timeframe
Follow same procedure as initial test
Document test date and results
Recharge battery after test completion
Schedule next annual test for 12 months from test date

Ground Charging Setup

Connect battery charger (minimum 13V, 5A for 12V systems)
Turn aircraft master ON
Power up SkyView display
Verify VOLTAGE 12.25V and CHARGE STATUS = CHARGING
Leave powered for up to 4 hours until fully charged

Reference Documents

SkyView System Installation Guide - Section 9: SV-BAT-320 Backup Battery Installation
SkyView System Installation Guide - Appendix A: Maintenance and Troubleshooting (Annual Battery Test)
SkyView System Installation Guide - Appendix C: Wiring and Electrical Connections (for custom harness builders)
Dynon Warranty Information - dynon.com/warranty

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