Troubleshooting
SkyDemon is no longer transmitting a frequency?
Frequency transfer from SkyDemon to the radio worked flawlessly for a long time – and suddenly nothing happens anymore? When you tap on a frequency, SkyDemon only shows which station it belongs to, but doesn't report a transfer to the radio or any error message? In the vast majority of cases, this isn't a hardware defect: The cause almost always lies in the app's setup. This checklist will restore the connection step by step.
First aid
The most common reason first
SD-Link adapters are Bluetooth Low Energy devices. The adapter is configured exclusively in SkyDemon, not in the Bluetooth settings of your tablet or smartphone. This applies equally to iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. If the adapter has also been paired in the system's Bluetooth settings, this will block the connection to the app. This is by far the most common reason why a previously working connection suddenly stops.
The second most common reason is also not related to the hardware: the adapter is connected to something else. It only communicates with one app on one device at a time. If a second navigation app is running simultaneously, or if your companion's tablet is maintaining the connection, it won't even appear in the device list in SkyDemon.
The adapter must only be configured in SkyDemon. It's best to completely remove any additional pairing in the system settings.
checklist
Seven steps back to the transfer
Go through the points one by one – experience shows that the frequency transmission will then be restored.
- Disconnect other apps and devices The adapter only communicates with one app on a single device at a time. First, close any other navigation apps that might still be connected, and then disconnect the adapter on a second tablet or phone. As long as another connection is active, it won't even appear in SkyDemon.
- Remove SkyDemon setup Completely delete the existing adapter setup in SkyDemon so you can start fresh.
- Check system Bluetooth Open your device's Bluetooth settings. Here's how: Settings › Bluetooth On iPad and iPhone. On Android devices: Settings › Connected devices If the adapter appears there as a paired device, remove it completely – it does not belong in the system settings.
- Starting from scratch Restart your tablet or smartphone and briefly disconnect the adapter or radio from power. A cold start reliably resolves any stuck connection issues.
- New setup only in SkyDemon The setup process now takes place exclusively directly in SkyDemon and not via the device's Bluetooth settings.
- Select the correct protocol An incorrect protocol is a common, easily overlooked cause. Therefore, check the selected radio and protocol in SkyDemon and compare it to your adapter. For the ATR833 adapter, the correct entry is: Funke ATR833
- Test in flight or simulation mode Activate a route and start "Go Flying" or simulation mode. Without active flight/sim mode, SkyDemon may not transmit anything depending on the situation – then it may incorrectly appear to be malfunctioning.
These steps apply exactly the same to Android devices. Additionally, check that the app has the necessary permissions – especially location and "nearby devices" – otherwise it won't be able to find the Bluetooth Low Energy adapter.
Our illustrated installation and operating instructions for each radio and navigation app show the complete initial setup – for SkyDemon and every other app.
Hardware or setup?
When it is indeed due to the hardware
The simplest test is via the visibility in SkyDemon after a complete reconfiguration.
Visible and connectable
If the adapter can be seen and connected in SkyDemon after this procedure, it is usually working correctly. The problem then lies with the app setup, the selected protocol, or the operating mode.
No longer visible at all
If the adapter still doesn't appear in SkyDemon after a complete reconfiguration, a hardware problem is more likely. In that case, simply contact us – we'll be happy to help.
Also applies to
Sky-Map, EasyVFR, VFRnav & XCSoar
The principle is the same everywhere: set up the adapter only in the respective app, not in the Bluetooth system settings, and select the protocol that matches your radio. The page on sending frequencies to the radio explains how the interaction works in general; the compatibility overview shows which app is compatible with which radio.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about frequency transmission
Why is SkyDemon suddenly no longer transmitting a frequency?
The problem usually lies with the app setup, not the hardware. The most common causes are: the adapter was additionally paired in the tablet or smartphone's system Bluetooth settings, the wrong protocol is selected in SkyDemon, or no active flight or simulation mode is running. The checklist above goes through these points one by one.
Do I need to pair the SD-Link adapter in the Bluetooth settings of my iPhone, iPad, or Android device?
No. The adapter is a Bluetooth Low Energy device and is set up exclusively directly within SkyDemon. You should remove any additional pairing in your system's Bluetooth settings, as it can block the connection to the app – this applies to iPhones and iPads as well as Android devices. This is the most common reason why a previously working connection suddenly stops working.
Can the SD-Link adapter be connected to two apps or two devices simultaneously?
No. The adapter can only be connected to one app on one device at a time. As long as one app maintains the connection, it won't even appear in the device list of other apps, and the second app will report that no device was found. The same applies to two phones or tablets: your device and your companion's device cannot both be connected to the adapter simultaneously. This is normal behavior for Bluetooth Low Energy and not a defect. To switch, disconnect the connection in the app that is maintaining it, or close that app completely – then search for the adapter again in the new app or on the other device.
When tapped, SkyDemon only shows the station but doesn't transmit anything – why is that?
The active operating mode is often missing. Activate a route in SkyDemon and start "Go Flying" or simulation mode. Without an active flight or simulation mode, SkyDemon may not transmit a frequency, even if the adapter is working correctly.
How can I tell if the adapter is defective?
If the adapter is visible in SkyDemon and connects, it's usually working correctly – the issue then lies with the app setup, the protocol, or the operating mode. If it's still not visible in SkyDemon even after a complete reconfiguration, a hardware problem is more likely. In that case, please contact us at info@sdlink.de.
Does this guide also apply to Sky-Map, EasyVFR, VFRnav or XCSoar?
Yes. The principle is the same everywhere: set up the adapter only in the respective app, not in the Bluetooth system settings, and select the protocol that matches the radio. The compatibility overview shows which app is compatible with which radio.
Does the checklist also apply to Android?
Yes, the steps are exactly the same for Android devices: only configure the adapter in SkyDemon, not in the system Bluetooth settings. On Android, you should also check whether the app has the necessary permissions – especially location and "Nearby Devices" – otherwise it won't be able to find the Bluetooth Low Energy adapter.
Don't have an adapter yet?
Use the adapter finder to find the right SD-Link version for your radio in just a few steps.