SOLIDFX | FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

What if I receive an error message when opening FXVIEW or the chart data appears to not have been updated after running JSUM?
Do I need a paper back-up if I have the FX10 or FX8?
How do I update the Jeppesen data?
I don't see my eChart Reader Service on JSUM. What do I do?
Can I buy just the FXview software without the FX10 or FX8?
Why is there no color?
Why does the screen flash?
Do you support connections and updating from the Mac?
What are those extra pieces that are included in the package with my professional stylus?

FX8 Questions

Why won't my FX8 start?
How do I reset my FX8?
How long does the battery last?
I have charged my FX8 for more than 12 hours, why is the LED light still orange?
How do I get a new battery for the FX8?
Why don't I see my FXVIEW icon?
Why does the screen of my FX8 stay locked when I perform a safe eject?
How come my FX8 will not respond to the flip bar, menu key, or the stylus?

FX10 Questions

Why won't my FX10 start?
How do I reset my FX10?
How long does the FX10 battery last?
What is the best procedure to extend the battery life during use and in terms of years going forward?
How do I get a new battery for the FX10?
Why can't I get a connection established between my PC and the FX10?

General FAQs

1. What if I receive an error message when opening FXVIEW or the chart data appears to not have been updated after running JSUM?

If you are receiving an error when you attempt to open the FXview program, if you are having trouble with updating the Jeppesen data via JSUM for your FX8, or if you are experiencing an issue where you update the Jeppesen data in your FX8 and the old data still appears to be available, please follow the process outlined below. The process is simple, but it will require you to run JSUM again and reload the data into your unit, the time for this will depend on your internet connection.

The error you saw is due likely due to a bad data transfer of the Jeppesen data, either due to connectivity, a corrupt piece or data, etc… The issue is easy to resolve by following the process outlined below. This process should get the JSUM data into the FX8 correctly, and get the unit running normally:

FX8 Unit:

- Start with your FX8 NOT connected to the PC

Computer:

- In Windows XP there is a directory likely found at C:\Jeppesen\JSUM (in Windows 7 you can find it by starting at %programdata% in file explorer)
- Look at a “details” view of this directory, sort by type, and locate any directories with random names similar to: 13QARMUZUFMRJ. This is just a sample name – it will be different but similar collection of letters and digits. You can delete ALL folders with long-names of random letters/numbers.

- Next you can connect the FX8 (confirm it is powered up first) to the computer and then follow these steps:

1. Once your FX8 is connected to your PC, open the “(My) Computer” window to see what letter drive the FX8/DR800 is (typically it is letter E) assigned.
2. Go to the Start menu in your PC and select “Run”, once the Run box opens type in cmd and select “OK” (if you are using Windows 7 or Vista you can simply type cmd into the search box and hit enter).
3. A black Microsoft Dos box will launch.
4. Type in: chkdsk E:/f (the capital E should be replaced with the proper letter designation for the FX8 drive) also confirm there is a space between chkdsk and the letter of the drive, once you have typed this, hit enter and the computer will go through a process. (If the longest line of text when the process completes says ‘Windows found no problems’ skip to step 6).
5. If you are given a Y/N question select Y and hit enter, once this process finishes do step 4 over again looking for the ‘Windows found no problems’ line of text.
6. Next go back to the “My Computer” window and open the FX8 drive. There should be a folder called “Charts”, you can go into this folder and delete all of the contents. Then back up to the main level of the drive and go into the “SOLIDFX” folder. In the “SOLIDFX” folder go into the data folder and delete all of its contents except a file called: FXVIEW_g (if it exists- this file will only exist if you were subscribed to the AC-U-KWIK service).

- Then you can close the (My) Computer window and open & run JSUM. It will take a while for JSUM to complete as it will have to download the initial service not just the updates since you will have deleted the cached data before to flush out any corrupt pieces.

Once JSUM finishes, you can perform a “Safe Eject” of the FX8. Once the FX8 is safely ejected from the computer, open FXview and confirm that the process has worked successfully.

2. Do I need a paper back-up if I have the FX10 or FX8?

If you are flying under Part 91 (most general aviation and business operations), then you don't need paper charts when you use the FX10 or FX8. However, it is always advisable to have a back-up. The back-up could be a panel-mounted solution, paper charts, or perhaps a second FX10 or FX8. Go to Jeppesen's website www.flyelectronic.net for more info.

Part 135 and 121 pilots may also be able to fly paperless after meeting certain FAA guidelines. Please review FAA document AC-120-76A and AC-91-78 for more information.

3. How do I update the Jeppesen data?

Review the instructions found in the FX10 or FX8 Owner's manuals. Use this link to download the Jeppesen Service Update Manager (JSUM) software. http://www.jeppesen.com/jsum/download . For additional JSUM help, go to http://jsum.jeppesen.com/jsum/help/JSUM.htm.

4. I don't see my eChart Reader Service on JSUM. What do I do?

First, verify that you are using the latest version of JSUM. Previous versions of JSUM do not support the eChart Reader Services. To download the latest version, go to http://www.jeppesen.com/jsum/download . For additional JSUM help, go to http://jsum.jeppesen.com/jsum/help/JSUM.htm.

5. Can I buy just the FXview software without the FX10 or FX8?

Yes, if you already have the iRex hardware (DR1000 or DR800). Contact sales at +1 (508) 316-8078 x1 or sales@solidfx.com for more info.

6. Why is there no color?

Electronic paper, otherwise known as electrophoretic displays, are currently limited to shades of gray. Ultra low power color technologies, including those based on electrophoretic techniques are in development. As technology advances, SOLIDFX will advance with it. We have deep ties into the display industry and are committed to bringing the best possible solutions to the market.

7. Why does the screen flash?

Electrophoretic displays "flash" when doing screen updates. Some updates can be made without flashing but some artifacts may remain. The highest image quality is attained with flashing updates.

8. Do you support connections and updating from the Mac?

Not at this time. Currently, the Jeppesen Services Update Manager (JSUM) is targeted to the Windows operating system only. But, we have received reports from customers that JSUM can be run on a Mac using parallels.

9. What are those extra pieces that are included in the package with my professional stylus?

Eventually the tip on your stylus may become worn down from use. Replacement tips (nibs) and a tool for removing the old tip are included with the professional stylus. Here's how to use them:

FX8 FAQ's

1. Why won't my FX8 start?

Make sure the unit is charged, after a couple of weeks the battery may be drained even if the unit was stored with a full charge. If the battery is completely drained, it may need to be charged for some time before it can be powered on. If the FX8 has charged for an hour or more and still does not power up, reset the device by sliding the power switch on the bottom of the unit to left and holding. While holding the switch to the left count 1...2...3... up to ...7 and then release the switch back to the middle position. After a few seconds the unit will begin to do a full start up and you will see the iRex screen with circle images at first. If you still have problems, contact us at support@solidfx.com.

2. How do I reset my FX8?

To reset the FX8 slide the power on switch to the left position and hold. Count 1...2...3... up to 7 and then release the switch back to the middle position. After a few seconds the unit will begin the start up procedure.

3. How long does the battery last?

The unit lasts more than 24 hours on a full charge. The actual time varies depending on how many times the screen is refreshed.

4. I have charged my FX8 for more than 12 hours, why is the LED light still orange?

It takes up to five battery cycles to completely calibrate the battery. Typically a few are done during the testing and break-in at SOLIDFX. Thus, initially you may not see the green light as the unit will only charge to 95 - 99%, this is a full charge, and after a few more battery cycles you will see the unit reach 100% as the battery meter aligns.

If the unit is in hibernate mode and left to charge overnight or for many hours the light will stay orange to indicate the unit is charging. The FX8 may make it to 100% but the light will not turn green until the unit is no longer in hibernate mode.

5. How do I get a new battery for the FX8?

If the battery capacity has been significantly degraded, contact support@solidfx.com to arrange for a replacement.

6. Why don't I see my FXVIEW icon?

The FXVIEW icon is located in the Personal Documents folder. You can get to the icon by using the stylus or the flipbar to enter the Personal Documents folder.

7. Why does the screen of my FX8 stay locked when I perform a safe eject?

If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7 and you perform the safe eject the "connect" screen with the image of circles and the USB cable will not leave the screen of the FX8. Confirm you have safely ejected the FX8 by going into your My Computer folder and checking to make sure the DR800 does not still appear as a drive. If the DR800 is no longer there, it is safe to remove the cable. If the DR800 is still listed, right click and select "eject".

8. How come my FX8 will not respond to the flip bar, menu key, or the stylus?

If the power switch (located on the bottom of the unit) is in the far right position the unit is locked. In this state the unit will display what is on the screen but not respond to any use inputs. Simply slide the power switch back to the middle position and the unit will respond normally.

FX10 FAQ's

1. Why won't my FX10 start?

Make sure the unit is charged, after many weeks the battery may be drained even after no use. If the battery is completely drained, it may need to be charged for some time before it can be powered on. If it has charged for an hour or more and still does not power up, reset the device by gently inserting the stylus tip in the reset hole at the base of the unit. If you still have problems, contact us at support@solidfx.com.

2. How do I reset my FX10?

You can reset the device by gently inserting the stylus tip in the reset hole at the base of the unit, to the right of the mini USB port. Hold the reset button for 5 seconds and then release.

3. How long does the FX10 battery last?

The unit lasts around 10 hours on a full charge. The actual time varies depending on how many times the screen is refreshed.

4. What is the best procedure to extend the battery life during use and in terms of years going forward?

The best procedure is to complete a battery charge cycle at least once every three weeks. This includes starting from a charged condition (more than 90%) and running the battery down to less than 50%, then charging the battery back up to a fully charged level. This will help the battery endurance of the lithium ion battery for use and in terms of battery life in years.

5. How do I get a new battery for the FX10?

Properly cared for, the battery should give years of useful life. Just like your airplane, it likes to get used - so get out there and use it. It is a good idea to cycle the battery, so don't leave it plugged in all the time. Let the unit draw the battery down but try to avoid "deep discharges" where the battery is near or completely exhausted. Do not store the FX10 in really hot places and if you are not going to use it for some time, make sure the battery maintains a charge of around 50%.

If the battery capacity has been significantly degraded, contact support@solidfx.com to arrange for a replacement.

6. Why can't I get a connection established between my PC and the FX10?

Sometimes it may help to disconnect the USB cable for at least a few seconds, then reconnect it. If unsuccessful, make sure the PC is responding to other USB devices. Finally, try restarting the Windows PC and the FX10 (separately) and then make the connection again. If you still have trouble, please contact us at support@solidfx.com.

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