New Stratus 2 firmware available
The new firmware for Stratus 2 contains several bug fixes and performance improvements.
The second generation Stratus portable weather receiver for ForeFlight has been a big hit with iPad pilots, providing subscription free ADS-B weather in the cockpit. Appareo, the manufacturer of Stratus, has been hard at work fine-tuning the device and has released a free firmware update (firmware is simply the software that is installed on a piece of hardware). This new firmware provides the following bug fixes and performance enhancements to Stratus 2:
- Fixed a bug that caused uncommanded power-offs when the battery is low
- Improve accuracy of reported battery percentage; a full charge – discharge cycle must be performed for this improvement to take effect
- Improved battery life
- Fixed a bug where devices occasionally lose their Wi-Fi connection to Stratus 2
- Fixed a bug where Stratus 2 incorrectly shows a red flashing charging light when a USB cable is plugged in slowly
Because Stratus is tightly integrated with ForeFlight, installing the firmware is a breeze. First you’ll want to update your ForeFlight Mobile app to the latest version using the update feature of the App Store (ForeFlight v5.2.1, released July 8). Next make sure both devices have sufficient power to run for at least 15 minutes and follow these instructions:
- Connect your iPad to the Stratus wifi network, and launch ForeFlight.
- Select the More tab at the bottom right, then Devices from the list at the left, and then the green box to view Stratus details.
- In the Firmware field you’ll see “1.0 – Tap to Update”. Tap this firmware row, and follow the prompts to finish the update (you’ll now have firmware v1.1 when the process is finished).
It’s really important that neither device is turned off during this process and that ForeFlight Mobile is kept running and visible throughout the update cycle. Plugging both the iPad and Stratus into a power supply is recommended. It’s also a good idea to keep the devices fairly close to each other to avoid network problems.
Check out this video for detailed instructions on updating the firmware:
I like the idea of the New Stratus but won’t purchase it until it is compatible with XAVION. I have found this to be a most interesting app and would prefer to not clutter up the cockpit with several devices when one like the Stratus would cover both. However, since Stratus has determined to not be compatible, I will have to look for other options.
Stratus….of little value, when it works. Nice toy, if that is what you want in the cockpit. Get XM aviation weather, if you are serious about having good weather info avail.
If you enjoy feeding WX and garmin money go for it. I have been there.
I purchased the first Stratus when it first came out, did not like it,sent it back and got a full refund. Bought the Stratus 2 and Foreflight Pro and cannot ask for anything better.
Stratus II and Horizon is great if you use your iPad in the landscape mode. Due to cockpit limitations a lot us use the iPad in the portrait orientation.
Status Horizon AHRS does not work in the portrait mode. Please fix.
Can Stratus 2 be connected to more than 1 ipad
in the cockpit??
Yes, we’ve tested it with 5 at the same time.
Stratus II and Horizon NEEDS portrait mode! WingX works in portrait mode with the Ilevel. This is a big problem for many people. Why is this so difficult?
We hear you Sam. Stay tuned.
I strongly agree that portrait mode is necessary and have been told to “hold on” by Customer Service since this summer. What can be so difficult about this? It is obvious by many of the comments on the boards that a portrait mode would improve the usability immensely. Great product but useless to me and many others until this can be done. “Stand by” is great, but what it the scheduled date?
Aviation is littered with companies who promise products by a firm date but never hit that date. Our philosophy is to do it as fast as we can do it right, but not give false hopes.
Having said that, we are in the home stretch here and you should see something in the next month. It will be good.
Thank you, John. I do believe you will do this well based on the current version which is pretty slick.