IFD 5 Series & IFD 4 Series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM

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IFD 540 reception

Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: IFD 5 Series & IFD 4 Series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM
Forum Description: Topics on Avidyne's IFD 5 Series and IFD 4 Series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM
URL: http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1351
Printed Date: 13 May 2025 at 6:53am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: IFD 540 reception

Posted By: brou0040
Subject: IFD 540 reception
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 9:25am

What was the resolution of the reports of poor IFD reception? I see that there was a SIL that was posted where it could have been due to calibration on early units.

It seems like my reception range is getting shorter, to the point that I'm no longer using the IFD as my primary radio and instead using my KX155A. I'm hearing calls on the KX155A when the IFD doesn't even break the squelch. I wrote down positions and frequencies of some of the times I noticed this in case it would help in troubleshooting.

Is the IFD reception squelch based on some sort of received power vs noise threshold? I have an ignition noise issue that is getting worse and I'm wondering if that is what is causing the IFD to have issues receiving. The noise goes away when I turn off the right mag and as I type this I'm now realizing I can test the range issue by turning off the mag when I'm having reception issues and see if it gets better. I'll test that next time I have an issue - any other thoughts?

Replies:

Posted By: brou0040
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2017 at 10:22pm

As an update, we were able to fix my ignition noise issue today (replaced mag capacitors and recrimped p-lead shields). I test flew it to verify the noise was gone, but didn't fly far enough to hand off between centers to see if I still had a reception issue so I'd still like to know if reduced reception range could be due to noise.

Posted By: skitheo
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 5:31pm

Ignition noise can definitely be the problem. Been there, done that. Mag-fired plug on Cyl 1 shielding separated from connector. IFD auto-squelches.

Posted By: helojunkie
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2017 at 2:13pm

I too am having issues with reception, but it comes and goes. I fly the same ~400-mile route twice weekly (for years) and every once-in-a-while I will have reception issues with my 540s. My problem is that I have two of them and nothing else to compare them to at this point.

The plane is in for annual and 10.2 upgrades, I am having them recheck all of the wiring and antennas for loose connection, etc...

-------------
Richard J. Sears
ATP ASMEL/Rotor
G-V, CE525S, CE500

Posted By: brou0040
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2017 at 10:30am

My reception issue is gone, I had no problem flying between socal and Oregon.