The software in a number of Stratomaster instrument systems can be upgraded by users via the Airtalk to PC cable (optional accessory).

Where there is a later version of software than that shipped with an instrument system when it was first released - it will be listed below under the name of the instrument system. Only those instruments which have a later version of software available are listed below.

Downloading and installing new software is quite a simple operation. Instructions on doing so are set out below with each of the available upgrades.

Software for related programmes like the Flight Log Programme is also upgraded from time to time and users can download the latest version from this page (see below).

This upgrade provides the latest display presentation and some other software changes to make most earlier Ultra's identical in function and presentation to the current generation of Ultra's now coming off the production line.

Please note: This program must only be used for Ultra's as specified below - loading this programme into later model Ultra's will stop the unit from working.

Ultra's which are compatible with this upgrade are those that:

1. Have a green printed circuit board (PCB) as a back panel (along side the grey backing which covers the remaining approx. 2/5 of the back of the Ultra).

Note that: Any Ultra that has (was delivered with) the speed arc with settable markers Vs, Vf, Vno and Vne can be upgraded by means of the Airtalk link. Ultra's prior to that must be returned to us for reprogramming (there is a charge for this service).

Also Note that: If Ultra's with serial numbers LA30 and below, are upgraded with this software the automatic contrast (temperature related) adjustment is lost. Typically, the effect is hardly noticeable. So if this software is programmed into Ultra's with serial numbers LA30 and below - any adverse effect would probably be minimal.

So if you have determined that your Ultra is compatible with this software upgrade - double click on the link below to download the upgrade software and follow the upgrade instructions (below):

Software Upgrade Not Presently Available

Upgrading the software is simple!

1. Switch off the display unit - i.e. ensure no power is connected (RDAC is not required to be plugged into the display unit).

2. Start the upgrade program on your computer (PC).

3. Connect the Airtalk cable and select the relevant COM port on the upgrade program.

4. Switch on/connect power to the display unit.

5. The upgrade program should respond by showing the serial number of your Ultra unit and the "program" button enabled.

6. Click the "program" button and wait for the upgrade process to finish (a minute or two).

7. Remove Airtalk link from the display unit, restart display unit and verify its operation with the new software.

That's it ! you will now have the latest programming and features on your Ultra. It will be as good as the latest unit coming off the production line at Stratomaster !

This program requires an available serial port on your PC. It will work on all 32 bit versions of Windows. The current Flight Log Program software is version 1.5 and it replaces all earlier versions.

Download the latest version of the Flight Log Program by clicking on the link below:

 

This upgrade causes a message to display on the AV-1 screen if the maximum rate of turn (any axis) has been exceeded. The message remains on screen until either the "-" is pressed (instant righting of horizon) or the difference in attitude from the accelerometer and gyro has been corrected to an error of 3 degrees or less, for a short time interval.

Without this update installed, if the maximum rate of turn is exceeded, the display shows gyro-mode until the horizon is corrected - there is no indication that the maximum turn rate has been exceeded and that the display may be significantly in error.

During all the test flights of the revised software, Stratomaster was unable to exceed this rate, so it is something which you are not very likely to experience. It is however, a very useful new feature, as it makes clear if those parameters (max. rate[s] of turn) are exceeded and when the system comes back within those parameters (screen message disappears).

The AV-1 display units requiring this upgrade are those which (on start up) display the date '02/01/04. The AV-1 display units with the latest software already installed display the date 20/01/04.

If your AV-1 display units require this upgrade - double click on the link below to download the upgrade software and follow the instructions (below the link):

Double Click here - AV-1 Display Unit Upgrade Software

Upgrading the software is simple! (something belied by our detailed instructions)

1. Connect the 9 pin plug of your Airtalk/PC cable to an available COM port on your computer (noting the number of the COM port - eg COM 2).

2. Ensure no power is connected to the AV-1 display unit.

3. Start the upgrade program (Sysupdate.exe.) on your computer (PC) by double clicking on the update software icon.

Click left mouse button on ' Setup' (top left hand corner of the 'MGL Avionics update utility' window) and a drop down menu 'Communication Port' will appear.

Move your mouse cursor over that selection and click the left button of your mouse.

A 'Communications port selection' window will open -move your cursor to the number of the COM port your Airtalk cable is connected to and click (a black dot should appear in the white 'hole' beside the selected COM port [eg COM 2]).

Then left click 'OK'

4. Connect the video cable plug on the free end of your Airtalk cable to the Airtalk video socket on the rear of the AV-1 display unit.

5. Connect power to the AV-1 display unit. Try to connect it 'cleanly'

If power is not connected 'cleanly' the unit may not go into programming mode or only do so incorrectly. In such a case, simply disconnect power for a few seconds and try again.

6. The upgrade program should respond by showing the serial number of your display unit and the "Program device" button enabled (not greyed out).

Check that there is a tick in the box next to 'Write application program' and that the 'Write default settings' box is blank (no tick).

7. Left click the "Program device" button - a 'confirm' message will appear with the following text:

"This option will result in previous setting and data retained POSSIBLE exceptions. Are you sure?"

Left click confirm/Yes. The upgrade process will then start and run for about 20-30 seconds.

The upgrade process is then complete (although the progress bar display will show 99%).

8. Remove power and the Airtalk cable plug from the AV-1 display unit. Then re-apply power to the AV-1 display unit and verify its operation with the new software (also noting that the date displayed on start up should now be 20/01/04).

That's it ! Your AV-1 will now display the "rate exceeded" warning supported by the latest Artificial Horizon (AI-1) IMU software.