ForeFlight Sentry FAQs – uAvionix

Is the Sentry a "dual-band" ADS-B receiver?

Yes, Sentry has internal antennas for both UAT (978 MHz) and 1090ES (1090 MHz) frequency bands.

Will I see all nearby traffic while using Sentry?

The traffic received by ADS-B In receivers, such as the Sentry, and shown in ForeFlight Mobile, may not represent all nearby traffic, especially if an ADS-B Out transmitter is not installed in the aircraft being flown by you. See this article from iPad Pilot News for an explanation of how having ADS-B Out capability affects your traffic picture.

How can I maximize Sentry's inflight reception?

Reception is dependent on a number of factors, including Sentry’s location and orientation in the aircraft, aircraft configuration, and your aircraft’s location. Sentry’s Location & Orientation: Mounting Sentry upright on a side window will provide the best reception, but if no side window is available you can also mount Sentry on the dash with the status lights towards the front of the aircraft. Aircraft Configuration: All ADS-B receivers have poor reception through alternating current (AC) heated windshields, as the construction of such windshields tends to block ADS-B signals. Heated window solutions that utilize direct current (DC) do not block radio signals, by contrast. If your aircraft has an AC-heated front windshield, try mounting Sentry on any non-heated windows to see if reception improves. Aircraft Location: It is normal to receive little or no ADS-B tower reception below about 1,000 feet AGL since ADS-B signals depend on line of sight. If you are not in range of any ADS-B towers, you will not see any weather in ForeFlight and your traffic picture will be limited to nearby ADS-B Out equipped aircraft. See this article for an explanation of how ADS-B towers and ADS-B Out capability affects traffic picture.

Does Sentry have barometric pressure sensor?

Yes, using its built-in barometer, Sentry can display cabin pressure and pressure altitude in ForeFlight Mobile’s Instrument Panel on the Maps view.

How many device connections does Sentry support?

Sentry supports up to 5 simultaneous device connections to its Wi-Fi network.

What do the lights on the Sentry mean?

ADS-B Indicator: Green: Receiving from multiple towers Yellow: Receiving from one tower Red: No reception GPS Indicator: Green: Good fix Yellow: Weak fix Red: No fix Power Indicator: Green: Battery good (greater than 30%) Yellow: Battery low (less than 30%)

What Apps does the Sentry work with?

Sentry works with ForeFlight Mobile version 10.2 and above, and also works with OzRunways. Sentry purchased after November 2023 works with any iOS device that can run ForeFlight Mobile version 15.8 or later. This means that older iOS devices that cannot upgrade to ForeFlight 15.8 or later will not work with Sentry purchased after November 2023.

What Wi-Fi Security settings does Sentry provide?

ForeFlight allows you to set a WPA2 password for Sentry’s Wi-Fi in the “Wi-Fi Settings” menu at the bottom of More Devices Sentry. You can also disable SSID broadcast, requiring someone to know the name of Sentry’s Wi-Fi network to connect to it. You can also change the Wi-Fi network’s name.

Can I use my own mount?

Yes, Sentry can be used with any mount that has a ¼”-20 bolt (same as a standard camera tripod). To do this, use a 4mm hex key to remove the quick release adapter from Sentry and then you can screw in any other ¼”-20 bolt.

Does the Sentry provide GPS data?

Yes, Sentry has a built-in WAAS GPS for the display GPS data in ForeFlight Mobile, including aircraft position, altitude, ground speed, and more.

Does the Sentry provide AHRS (backup attitude) capability?

Yes, Sentry and Sentry Plus have built-in digital AHRS to enhance the Synthetic Vision feature in ForeFlight Mobile. (The Sentry Mini does not have AHRS data)

Can I charge and run Sentry at the same time?

Yes, in most cases you can charge and run Sentry at the same time. If Sentry has been fully discharged and left unused for a long period of time, then you may have to charge Sentry before it can be used. In that case, you will see the PWR LED flash slowly 3 times and Sentry will power off. The PWR LED will turn blue to indicate that Sentry is charging. Exactly how much charging is needed before you can run the Sentry and charge will depend on how long Sentry has been left unused and the health of the battery, but 10-15 minutes of initial charging is typical.

How do I charge a Sentry?

Sentry purchased after November 2023 comes with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and can be charged using any USB-C charger, including smart chargers with Power Delivery. Additionally, the updated charging system supports charging with a USB-C to USB-C cable, allowing users to charge Sentry Mk2 using a compatible USB-C charger, such as an Apple USB-C to USB-C cable, similar to Sentry Plus. Sentry purchased prior to November 2023 came with a high-quality USB-A to USB-C charging cable in the case. These units should be charged using any 5V USB-A port or charger capable of delivering 2A. Sentry purchased prior to November 2023 does not support charging from USB-C to USB-C chargers.

How do I maximize battery life?

Sentry is built to maximize battery life. We streamlined and compressed the communications between ForeFlight Mobile and Sentry, which results in the more efficient use of Sentry’s processors and extended battery life. The biggest factor affecting battery life is LED brightness. Lowering the LED brightness as much as possible will extend Sentry’s battery life even more. Sentry’s Wi-Fi power is dynamically adjusted and does not require user control.

What capabilities does Sentry provide?

Sentry receives traffic information on both UAT (978 MHz) and 1090ES (1090 MHz). When in proximity to a ground station, Sentry also receives FIS-B weather, NOTAMS, and TFR information. ADS-B ground station reception will usually not be available until airborne. Sentry can also receive air-to-air traffic information from ADS-B Out equipped aircraft and re-broadcast traffic information (ADS-R and TIS-B) from FAA ground towers. Keep in mind that if your aircraft is not equipped with ADS-B Out, then you will have a limited view of traffic on ForeFlight.Additionally, Sentry has a dual-band ADS-B receiver, built-in WAAS GPS, onboard memory for Weather Replay™, Foreflight Firmware updates, and supports up to 5 devices.

Does Sentry provide weather replay?

Yes, Sentry has onboard memory to support animating up to 30 minutes of radar in ForeFlight Mobile.

Does Sentry include a flight data recorder?

No, but you can use Sentry’s GPS to record Track Logs within ForeFlight.

What devices does Sentry work with?

Sentry purchased after November 2023 works with any iOS device that can run ForeFlight Mobile version 15.8 or later. This means that older iOS devices that cannot upgrade to ForeFlight 15.8 or later will not work with Sentry purchased after November 2023.

How do I calibrate Sentry's AHRS?

Sentry AHRS can be calibrated automatically or manually. Calibrating Sentry AHRS ensures the backup attitude indicator displays a level horizon when straight and level. The recommended method is to calibrate AHRS automatically. Learn more about how to calibrate your Sentry here.

How do I reset Sentry to factory settings?

You can reset Sentry to factory settings by powering on the device and then press and hold the power button until the LEDs flash white. If you have forgotten your WPA2 password, you can use a factory reset to reset this password.

What is the lifespan of Sentry's CO sensor?

The expected lifespan for the CO sensor is 10 years. Sentry is covered by a two-year manufacturer warranty.

How can I hear what the Sentry or Sentry Plus carbon monoxide alarm sounds like?

The CO Alarm can be triggered for testing purposes via the “Test CO Alarm” button on the Device Status page. The LED will not change color, but the high-pitched alarm will sound. To turn off the alarm either press the power button or press the “Mute Sentry for 5m” button on the Device Status page.

I still have questions. Where do I go for customer support?

For additional customer support, please submit a Support Ticket to the uAvionix customer support team.

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