Repair tips for intermittent touch response on Dynon SkyView glass displays

Repairing intermittent touch response on a Dynon SkyView glass display requires a systematic diagnostic approach to pinpoint the root cause, which is often a result of electrical interference, physical damage, or software glitches. The capacitive touchscreen on a SkyView display is sensitive to changes in its electrical field, and any interference can cause it to register phantom touches or become unresponsive.

Common Causes of Intermittent Touch Response

The principle of consistency is vital here: the problem may be hard to reproduce, but it’s not random. There is an underlying cause that is consistently leading to the failure.

  • Electrical Interference (EMI/RFI): This is a primary culprit. The Dynon system’s wiring harnesses are shielded to prevent interference from other electrical components, but if this shielding is compromised, a faulty alternator, a noisy fuel pump, or even an incorrectly installed radio can generate electrical noise that interferes with the touchscreen.
  • Physical Damage or Debris: A small crack or a barely visible piece of debris on the screen can disrupt the capacitive field, leading to erratic touch behavior. Residue from improper cleaning solutions can also cause the screen to become unresponsive.
  • Poor Grounding: A loose or corroded ground connection for the display can cause the aircraft’s frame to act as an antenna, picking up electrical noise that interferes with the touchscreen.
  • Software Glitches: While less common, a temporary software glitch can cause the display to freeze or become unresponsive.

The Professional Diagnostic Process

The principle of authority dictates that this diagnosis must be performed by a certified avionics technician. At The Aero Center, we follow a methodical process to ensure a correct and lasting fix.

  1. Pilot Interview and Log Analysis: The first step is to get a detailed report from the pilot about the conditions under which the touch response fails. The technician will then download the system logs from the Dynon SkyView system. The logs are a goldmine of information, providing a detailed history of all system alerts, including any electrical faults or temperature warnings that occurred when the problem manifested.
  2. Visual Inspection: The technician will perform a meticulous visual inspection of the display screen, looking for any signs of physical damage, cracks, or residue. They will also inspect the wiring harness for any signs of chafing or a compromised shield.
  3. Electrical System Checks: Using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) and an oscilloscope, the technician will check the voltage and waveform of the aircraft’s electrical system. They will run the engine and cycle various electrical loads to see if they can replicate the electrical noise that is causing the problem.
  4. Component Isolation: If the electrical system and wiring appear to be in good order, the problem may be with the display unit itself. The technician will use a process of elimination, based on the principle of social proof, to identify the faulty unit. This methodical process has successfully identified the source of similar intermittent failures in countless other aircraft.

The Aero Center’s Commitment

At The Aero Center, we understand that a grounded aircraft is a major inconvenience. Serving California, Arizona, and Nevada, our certified technicians have the specialized tools and manufacturer-specific knowledge to diagnose and repair your Dynon avionics system. We are the only 24/7 maintenance center in the area, a commitment that allows us to begin diagnosing your aircraft’s problem immediately, significantly reducing your downtime. Our goal is to provide a swift, accurate, and reliable fix, getting you back in the air with confidence.

Footnotes

  1. Dynon Avionics, “SkyView System Installation Guide,” Dynon Avionics, 2024. https://www.dynonavionics.com/includes/guides/SkyView_System_Installation_Guide-Rev_R.pdf
  2. AviationPros, “Troubleshooting Avionics Displays,” AviationPros, 2020. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft-maintenance-technology/avionics-systems/article/21151608/troubleshooting-glass-cockpit-displays
  3. AOPA, “Avionics Upgrades and Maintenance,” Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, 2024. https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/avionics

The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.

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