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N16 behavior questions

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 4:27 pm
by jrrenegar
Hi MGL,

I was very excited to acquire an N16 radio and Vega control head to include in a recent avionics upgrade to my Vans RV6. After installing and doing some basic testing, I have a couple questions on behaviors I've observed.

1) The morse code decoding feature seems a little hit or miss. Today, while tuned to the CVI VOR and flying 2000-4500 ft AGL within 30 nm of the VOR, I could quite clearly hear the "CVI" myself, however about 45% of the time I had nothing from the decoder, 45% of the time I had "E" or "EE", and 10% of the time I had the expected "CVI". Is there anything related to the installation that might be contributing to this behavior?

2) A couple times I have been trying to change the standby frequency, and after tuning the last two digits (the 00 in 114.600) and pressing the rotary knob in, the new frequency just disappeared, leaving the previous standby frequency. This behavior persisted over several attempts to change the frequency. I power cycled the N16 only, and was then able to change the standby frequency as expected.

I do have 120 ohm resistors across the pins at both ends of the CAN bus wires connecting the N16 to the Vega, and I measure 60 ohms across those pins. Do you have any thoughts or advice for troubleshooting these issues. Also FYI, I am using an "Archer" type antenna in the left wingtip. I really appreciate your help!

Jackson

Re: N16 behavior questions

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2022 10:16 am
by rainier
If you are able to update your N16 (i.e. you have a PC with RS232 port (which can be a USB dongle)) - contact me directly.
We have noticed some of the VOR stations use a faster symbol rate than shown in the certification requirements. The N16 is pretty strict on enforcing the 100-160mS limit. I made a version that will lower the lower bounds to about 85mS - would be great if you can check that for us.
I don't have an answer on the frequency change - except that it does time out if you do not complete the entry in a given amount of time.