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tailBeaconX
TSO
User and Installation Guide
UAV-1004270-001
Rev A

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Summary of Contents for uAvionix tailBeaconX TSO

  • Page 1 tailBeaconX User and Installation Guide UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 2 retained.
  • Page 3: Revision History

    1 Revision History Revision Date Comments 1/22/2021 Initial release UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 4: Warnings / Disclaimers

    2 Warnings / Disclaimers All device operational procedures must be learned on the ground. uAvionix is not liable for damages arising from the use or misuse of this product. This equipment is classified by the United States Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 7A994.
  • Page 5: Limited Warranty

    For the duration of the warranty period, uAvionix, at its sole option, will repair or replace any product which fails in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    6.1 System Functionality ..................15 6.2 Aireon Compatibility ..................15 6.3 Wi-Fi ......................... 15 6.4 Call Sign ......................15 6.5 Suppression Input ..................... 16 6.6 tailBeaconX TSO Specifications ............... 17 6.6.1 Physical Specifications ................17 6.6.2 Mode S Transponder Specifications ............18 6.6.3...
  • Page 7 6.6.6 Wireless Configuration Interface Specifications ........19 6.6.7 System Interfaces ................... 19 Installation ......................20 7.1 Unpacking and Inspecting................. 20 7.2 Authorized Part Numbers ................. 20 7.2.1 tailBeaconX Universal Installation Kit UAV-1003793-001 ...... 21 7.3 Installation Materials and Tools ................ 22 7.4 Additional Required Equipment ................
  • Page 8: System Information

    5 System Information 5.1 Certification This installation manual provides mechanical and electrical information necessary to install tailBeaconX. It is not equivalent to an approved airframe-specific maintenance manual, installation design drawing, or installation data package. The content of this manual assumes use by competent and qualified personnel using standard maintenance procedures in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulation and other related accepted procedures.
  • Page 9: Tso Authorizations

    5.2 TSO Authorizations 5.2.1 tailBeaconX tailBeaconX complies with the following TSOs when properly installed and interfaced with equipment as detailed in this guide. Function TSO/RTCA/SAE Class/Type Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon Level 2els, TSO-C112e System/Mode Select (ATCRBS / Class 1 RTCA/DO-181E Mode S) Airborne Equipment Extended Squitter Automatic...
  • Page 10: System Functions

    TSO-C112e Paragraphs 3.e and 6.f to use RTCA/DO-178C in place of RTCA/DO-178B. C112e uAvionix was granted a deviation to not implement Utility Message (UM Field) support, consistent with anticipated RTCA/DO-181F and FAA/TSO-C112f Level 2 transponder requirements.
  • Page 11 TSO-C145e Paragraph 3.g to use RTCA/DO-160G in place of RTCA/DO-160E. C145e uAvionix was granted a deviation from RTCA/DO-229E section 2.1.1.10 to use a GPS antenna that meets uAvionix minimum performance specifications instead of RTCA/DO-301 qualified antennas. C30c uAvionix was granted a deviation from TSO-C30c Paragraph a.(2), TSO-C30c Paragraph c.(1).(viii), and SAE/AS8037...
  • Page 12: Fcc Id

    5.5 FCC ID Model FCC ID tailBeaconX TSO 2AFFTP200S Contains 2AC7Z-ESPWROOM02U 5.6 Device Marking 5.6.1 tailBeaconX Hardware 5.6.2 tailBeaconX Universal Installation Kit 5.6.3 tailBeaconX ADS-B Software The ADS-B software contained in the tailBeaconX is identified by electronic marking. Reference Section 9.6 for information on determining the software part number.
  • Page 13: Environmental Qualification Form

    5.7 Environmental Qualification Form DO-160G Conditions Description of Conducted Tests Section Temperature and Altitude Equipment tested to Category C4 Low temperature ground survival 4.5.1 -55°C Low Temperature Short-Time 4.5.1 -45°C Operating Low Temperature Operating 4.5.2 -45°C High Temperature Ground Survival 4.5.3 +85°C High Temperature Short-Time...
  • Page 14: Continued Airworthiness

    5.8 Continued Airworthiness Maintenance of the tailBeaconX is "on condition" only. Periodic regulatory function checks must be performed. The aircraft must be returned to service in a means acceptable to the appropriate aviation authority. Note: Transponders certified after January 1, 2020 must not respond to ATCRBS/Mode S All-Calls (Long P4 interrogation).
  • Page 15: System Specifications

    6 System Specifications 6.1 System Functionality tailBeaconX is a complete Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT transponder, integrated with an internal SBAS/WAAS GPS and all necessary antennas into an LED rear position light. tailBeaconX is designed to meet the transponder and ADS-B requirements for operating in controlled airspace worldwide, while minimizing installation costs.
  • Page 16: Suppression Input

    6.5 Suppression Input The external suppression input can be connected to the suppression output of other L-band equipment, such as DME. Driven high, tailBeaconX will suppress transmissions. The suppression input must be driven to an input voltage of at least 10 VDC. The input must be connected to ground when not in use.
  • Page 17: Tailbeaconx Tso Specifications

    6.6 tailBeaconX TSO Specifications 6.6.1 Physical Specifications Characteristics Specifications Width 43.43mm Height 110.38mm Depth 110.75mm Weight 4.9 oz (140 grams) Operating temperature range -45°C to +70°C Maximum pressure altitude 35,000ft Input voltage range 9 to 30.3 VDC 14V current 0.2A idle 0.25A typical...
  • Page 18: Mode S Transponder Specifications

    6.6.2 Mode S Transponder Specifications Characteristics Specifications Transmit frequency 1090 MHz Transmit power 54dBm (250W) Receive frequency 1030 MHz ATCRBS sensitivity -74 dBm Mode S sensitivity -74 dBm 6.6.3 GPS/SBAS Specifications Characteristics Specifications Number of channels 15 (12 GPS and 3 GPS/SBAS) Frequency 1575.42 MHz L1, C/A code Sensitivity...
  • Page 19: Wired Control Interface Specifications

    6.6.5 Wired Control Interface Specifications Characteristics Specifications Physical RS-232 Rate and properties 2400 bps 8N1 Protocols UCP, UCP-HD and Apollo Suppression Input 10 VDC minimum For more control interface details, see Appendix A. 6.6.6 Wireless Configuration Interface Specifications Characteristics Specifications Standard 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi Access Point Security...
  • Page 20: Installation

    7.2 Authorized Part Numbers tailBeaconX Item tailBeaconX Hardware UAV-1003648-( ) tailBeaconX / ping200X Software UAV-1002393-( ) tailBeaconX TSO Installation Kits Item tailBeaconX Universal Installation Kit UAV-1003793-( ) UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 21: Tailbeaconx Universal Installation Kit Uav-1003793-001

    7.2.1 tailBeaconX Universal Installation Kit UAV-1003793-001 The tailBeaconX Universal Installation Kit consists of the following parts: Item 1 Mounting Gasket, tailBeacon UAV-1001756-001 2 Mounting Plate, tailBeaconX UAV-1003125-001 3 Socket Head Cap Screw, M2 x 4, VT (2) UAV-1002820-003 4 Flat Head Phillips Screw, 4-40 x 1in (2) UAV-1002184-001 6 Dome Head Phillips Screw, #6 Coarse Thread (2) UAV-1003792-001 5 Flat Head Phillips Screw, 6-32 x 1in (2)
  • Page 22: Installation Materials And Tools

    7.3 Installation Materials and Tools In addition to the available installation kit(s), tailBeaconX may require standard aviation parts for installation. Parts may include: • Wire • Shielded wire (2 or 3 conductor) • Circuit breakers • Environmental splices • Ring terminals for grounding •...
  • Page 23: Mounting

    7.5 Mounting tailBeaconX is a rear, aft position light. Ensure that when mounted, the fins and the top of the assembly are free from obstructions. tailBeaconX requires a clear view of the sky for optimal GPS performance. It may not be suitable for installation on aircraft where aircraft elevators or other structures would block visibility to the sky.
  • Page 24 7.5.1.1 Direct Mounting Dimensions Direct mounting plate UAV-1003125-001 shown. 7.5.1.2 Mounting Plate Installation The mounting plate utilizes either the included #4-40 or #6-32 mounting hardware. The mounting plate can be installed with the screw pattern oriented either vertically or horizontally as shown above. Determine the orientation of the existing aft position light mounting hardware, and install the mounting plate accordingly.
  • Page 25: Spacer Mounting

    5. Temporarily align the Mounting Plate to the opening, and ensure the depth of the cavity is sufficient to fully contain the tailBeaconX body. If not, follow the Spacer Mounting installation procedure in Section 7.5.2. 6. Install the Mounting Plate, in the appropriate orientation for your aircraft, using either the supplied #4 or #6 hardware, or as defined below.
  • Page 26: Wiring

    Note: Installation of the tailBeaconX must be in accordance with AC 43.13- 2B, Chapter 1. 7.6 Wiring tailBeaconX requires connections to power, ground, and an RS-232 control interface. Color Type Function Power Aircraft Power Black Power Aircraft Ground Grey Output RS-232 Transmit (to control head) Orange Input...
  • Page 27 should install 3 conductor twisted pair cable. Installations not requiring suppression input require only 2 conductors. b. Install a ground wire from the aircraft airframe or battery ground. NOTE: Wires shown trimmed to an appropriate length UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 28 2. Connect the tailBeaconX red wire to the switched position light power wire using environmental splices or equivalent. 3. Connect the tailBeaconX black wire to the battery or airframe ground. 4. Connect the tailBeaconX orange and grey wires to the 2 twisted pair conductors connected to the control head or equivalent equipment.
  • Page 29: Unit Installation

    7.7 Unit Installation The tailBeaconX unit must be electrically connected, then installed into the Mounting Plate by aligning the mounting tabs on the tailBeaconX with the cut-outs in the Mounting Plate. This requires you to rotate the unit 5º Counter-Clockwise from vertical before inserting. Once inserted gently, rotate Clockwise to vertical and secure with M2 anti-rotation screws.
  • Page 30 Ensure that the tailBeaconX is oriented consistent with the installation direction indication on the labels. This ensures the GPS antenna is correctly oriented skyward. 2. Secure the tailBeaconX to the Mounting Plate using the two supplied M2 anti-rotation screws and the included 1.5mm hex driver. Ensure threads are fully coated in thread locking compound before installation.
  • Page 31: Control

    For details on the tailBeaconX control interface, refer to Appendix A. For details on compatible equipment and interconnections, refer to Appendix B. 9 System Configuration Download the “uAvionix skyBeacon Installer” app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Note: DO NOT use the “uAvionix Ping ® Installer” or “uAvionix Echo Installer”...
  • Page 32: Connect To Tailbeaconx Wi-Fi

    9.1 Connect to tailBeaconX Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is intended for on-ground configuration. Wi-Fi is only enabled in standby (STBY) mode and disabled when in ALT or ON mode. Launch the skyBeacon Installer app. Ensure tailBeaconX is in standby (STBY) mode and then follow the instructions to connect to the tailBeaconX for configuration.
  • Page 33: Configuration - Basic

    9.2 Configuration - Basic The “Configure” screen allows access to all configuration options. The “Basic” tab contains essential configuration items. Call Sign: The Call Sign can be up to an 8-character code that corresponds to the tail number of the aircraft (0-9, A-Z) or ATC assigned call sign.
  • Page 34: Configuration - Advanced

    9.3 Configuration - Advanced The “Advanced” tab contains required configuration items that are less likely to need modification from their default values. Emitter Type: To assist ATC tracking of aircraft, an aircraft category is transmitted. Select the aircraft category that most closely matches the aircraft.
  • Page 35: Post-Installation Checks - Configuration

    ±125 ft. Annually, confirm the displayed “ADS-B Version” and associated information is current per Service Bulletins listed at: https://uavionix.com/support/tailbeaconx/ If “ADS-B Version” is not current, apply Service Bulletins as appropriate to update the software. UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 36: Post-Installation Checks - Regulatory

    9.5 Post-Installation Checks - Regulatory Configure tailBeaconX before performing system checkouts. Tab to the “Monitor” screen on the Installer App. To aid in performance of regulatory compliance checks, Ground Test Mode forces the tailBeaconX into an airborne state until the device is power cycled.
  • Page 37: Software Part Number / Annual Checks

    9.6 Software Part Number / Annual Checks Annually, confirm the displayed “ADS-B P/N” and “ADS-B Version” is current per Service Bulletins listed at: https://uavionix.com/support/tailBeaconX/ If “ADS-B Version” is not current, apply Service Bulletins as appropriate to update ADS-B software. UAV-1004270-001...
  • Page 38: Normal Operation

    11 Maintenance The tailBeaconX is not a user serviceable product. All service must be performed either by uAvionix or an authorized uAvionix repair center. 12 Care and Cautions The tailBeaconX should be regularly cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth micro-fiber rag to remove accumulated contaminants.
  • Page 39: Appendix A Control Interface

    Transponder Configuration message. UCP or UCP-HD input is required to be enabled to allow device configuration. A.1 UCP-HD uAvionix Control Protocol (UCP) and uAvionix Control Protocol – Half Duplex (UCP-HD) are documented in uAvionix UCP Transponder Interface Control Document UAV-1002375-001. This document is made available to authorized parties, and may be obtained by contacting uAvionix.
  • Page 40 Mode To set the transponder operating mode, appropriate enable bits must be set in the Control message. The mapping of traditional transponder modes to required Control message enablement bits follows. Operating Mode Mode A Mode C Mode S 1090ES STBY ON (suppress altitude) Flight Identification...
  • Page 41 A.1.2 Transponder Status In UCP-HD, the Transponder Status is sent in response to each Control message, as documented in the ICD. The presence of a fault to annunciate is delivered by the “Fault or Failure Indicated” bit being set. To determine the specific fault, query the Heartbeat message using a Message Request.
  • Page 42: Apollo

    A.2 Apollo Apollo can be used to control and monitor status of the tailBeaconX. In its default configuration, tailBeaconX processes Apollo messages. Once an Apollo message is received, Apollo message output is enabled until device reset. A.2.1 Supported Input Messages The following input messages are supported: Mode (#MD) The Mode message configures the operating mode, Mode A (squawk)
  • Page 43: Appendix B Equipment Compatibility And Interconnect Drawings

    Appendix B Equipment Compatibility and Interconnect Drawings tailBeaconX can be controlled by uAvionix devices such as the AV-20-E, AV-30-E and AV-30-C. The AV-30 series is a 3-inch feature-rich primary display, and the AV-20 series is a 2-inch multi-function display. Learn more about each of these products and download the installation and operation manuals at www.uavionix.com.
  • Page 44 B.2.1 uAvionix AV-20-E B.2.2 uAvionix AV-30-E / AV-30-C UAV-1004270-001 Rev A...
  • Page 45: Third-Party Equipment

    B.3 Third-party Equipment The following devices are reported to be compatible with supported tailBeaconX protocols. tailBeaconX Manufacturer Model Controller Configuration Protocol [1] MINI-B MINI-AP Serial Output: SL70/STX175 MINI-X Apollo Serial Rate: 2400 Sport EX Horizon EX iEFIS Type: STX165(R) Apollo Serial Rate: 2400 Xtreme EFIS Proper operation of the interface and system, with the specific equipment...
  • Page 46 B.3.2 Interconnect Connect the tailBeaconX Orange (RXD) wire to the appropriate EFIS serial port transmit (TXD) line. Example pinout options for certain compatible EFIS displays are shown below. Please consult the EFIS installation manuals for additional options and information. GRT Mini-X Serial Serial / Mini-AP...

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