IFD540/440 Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM : GPS failure - even with 10.1

I did however call tech support yesterday and they are sending a 10.1 conversion kit to Exec autopilots in Sacramento. Exec Autopilots is also submitting an RMA for an advance exchange but there is apparently a queue for these so could be a few weeks before one is available. My unit is in the block of serial numbers with known potential problems. (sigh) so I want to get the exchange regardless of how it does with 10.1.

One thing folks might want to know is that when I was talking to tech support there was some discussion of a "high gain" hardware mod that I have not seen any mention of in these forums. My guess is they tweaked the GPS receiver for greater output, so its not a ferrite bead problem, its a receiver problem and if so certainly worth fixing if the unit you have did not get this done. The statement was that "not every box in this block has a problem". I suspect its more likely that not every install in this block has a problem. If the antenna and wiring is good enough, the gain is sufficient. If not, then you get these dropouts. My impression is this change to a higher gain front end is being done sort of under the covers along with the standby comms mod if a box goes in for service.

I would say that the tech support was very responsive, which is good. I would also say that they were somewhat evasive on the matter of the high gain mod. I am not sure why. As an engineer I appreciate an attitude of here's the issue we need to fix, and just dealing with it. I really like the box, and made a conscious decision to buy rev 1.0 of a product knowing what I was probably getting into so I am not overly upset with problems, but would like honesty and a proactive approach, meaning maybe they contact me instead of me contacting them, to deal with the bumps in the road.