MGL Avionics User Forum

Hi Rainier,

I have a V16 radio with a Vega control head. The V16 has the latest firmware (Rel12 dated 30 April 2020). The Vega control head has the latest firmware (dated 08 July 2020).

The issue I am having is the active frequency is occasionally changing to 121.5 MHz when I press the Freq knob even though I am pressing the knob for much less than a second. I estimate this is happening about once every 10 times I press the Freq knob. According to the user manual, this should happen when I press and hold the Freq knob for about 4 seconds. I estimate I am pressing the knob for about a quarter of a second and then releasing it. When this issue happens, there is no delay. As soon as I press the Freq knob, the active frequency immediately changes to 121.5 MHz.

Thank you in advance for taking a look at this.

Tom

Hi Rainier,

I believe I know what is going on. It takes three presses of the frequency knob to change or enter a frequency. It takes a fourth press of the frequency knob to make that frequency active. If you make those four presses of the frequency knob in too short of a time span, the radio interprets this as a command to change the active frequency to 121.5.

Suggest you consider making the time period that is required to make the four frequency knob presses in order to make 121.5 the active frequency much shorter than it is now so normal operation of the radio does not unintentionally take the user to 121.5.

Thank you very much,
Tom.

I had that problem also, it is disconcerting when it unexpectedly flips freq to 121.5. I don't think there is much that can be done about it as it seems to be part of the design. I talked to the dealer about it and there is nothing they can do either.

I have 2 customers reporting the same issue. Their Vega Control heads worked fine for a long period, then started to exhibit this problem.
Given the significant period when things worked fine, I suspect it is related to wear and changes in the frequency knob microswitch.
I am doing a swap-out for one of the customers and will experiment with the faulty head and probably replace the actuator to see if it is a hardware issue.

I have returned my Vega head operating V16 twice for erratic frequency control switch. The first return indicated software updated. Lasted briefly then repeated same issues. Returned again and received new unit which worked until recently with same issues. It seems related to temperature in bubble canopy cockpit. It sometimes won’t transfer standby/active selections, sometimes switch is non functioning. Today in cool hanger it worked normally.

So new ticket submitted to MGL for suggestions. I would consider changing to Razor head if it is more reliable in warmer conditions. Down side would be enlarging panel hole to fit Razor.

Tnhelm
OneX 0137