MGL Avionics ALT-2 Operating Manual

Precision encoding altimeter and vertical speed indicator (vsi) with a serial rs232 transponder output

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Introduction
The ALT-2 is a 2 1/4" instrument that contains a precision encoding altimeter and a wide range vertical speed indicator.
The altimeter conforms to ANSI standard atmosphere rules from –700 ft up to a maximum of 30 000 ft. The ALT-2 outputs
various formatted RS232 serial data protocols compatible with serial input transponders such as that from Garmin,
Magellan, Northstar, Trimble, Microair etc. The altimeter can display altitude in feet or meters, local pressure can be set in
millibars or inches of mercury
The onboard VSI indicator is altitude compensated and can be displayed in either feet/minute (ft/min) or meters/second
(m/s). It also offers a digital readout with a wide range from +/-20 ft/min to as high as +/-10 000 ft/min, it also offers a
logarithmic analog display with a +/-2000 ft range. The VSI can be calibrated by the user once the instrument has been
installed in the aircraft.
In addition the ALT-2 provides an OAT sender which is used in determining the density altitude of the aircraft. The ALT-2
can also be used to measure relative altitude and it has a facility for the pilot to enter a reference altitude and deviation
band that has to be kept.
1 Features
Precision altimeter from –700 ft up to a maximum of 30 000 ft (-213m to 9144m)
The ALT-2 outputs various formatted RS232 serial data protocols compatible with serial input
transponders such as that from Garmin, Magellan, Northstar, Trimble, Microair etc.
The altimeter can display altitude in feet or meters, local pressure can be set in millibars or inches of
mercury
Contains a wide range VSI indicator from +/-20 ft/min to as high as +/-10 000 ft/min
VSI units can be in feet/minute (ft/min) or in meters/second (m/s)
Records the maximum and minimum OAT (outside air temperature) and maximum altitude reached in
permanent memory
Records maximum and minimum OAT in temporary memory since instrument power up
Standard 2 1/4" aircraft enclosure (can be front or rear mounted)
Rotary control plus 2 independent buttons for easy menu navigation and user input
Alarm output as well as a red LED illuminates when the alarm has been activated
Large backlit graphic LCD with adjustable contrast
Wide input supply voltage range of 8 to 30V DC with built in voltage reversal and over voltage protection
for harsh electrical environments
Light weight design
Field upgradeable firmware
1 year limited warranty
ALT-2
Precision Encoding Altimeter and
Vertical speed indicator (VSI) with a
serial RS232 transponder output
Operating Manual – English 1.04

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Summary of Contents for MGL Avionics ALT-2

  • Page 1 The ALT-2 is a 2 1/4” instrument that contains a precision encoding altimeter and a wide range vertical speed indicator. The altimeter conforms to ANSI standard atmosphere rules from –700 ft up to a maximum of 30 000 ft. The ALT-2 outputs various formatted RS232 serial data protocols compatible with serial input transponders such as that from Garmin, Magellan, Northstar, Trimble, Microair etc.
  • Page 2: Main Display

    ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 2 2 ALT-2 Layout LED Alarm: The red LED will illuminate if the deviation band has been exceeded when using the deviation altitude mode Backlit Graphic LCD Display: Contrast and backlight can be adjusted Pressure Ports:...
  • Page 3 ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 3 3.2 Altitude relative to sea level display This is the standard display for the ALT-2. Use the rotary control to adjust the local pressure setting. Altitude relative to Digital VSI readout, mean sea level can be turned off in...
  • Page 4 ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 4 Use the rotary control to adjust the local pressure setting. Pressing the F1/up key will allow the pilot to enter a reference altitude and the deviation band. Adjust the reference altitude using the rotary control. This is the altitude that the pilot wants to maintain.
  • Page 5: Menu System

    OAT reading Temperature unit 4 Menu System Pressing the rotary control button during the normal display mode will cause the ALT-2 to enter the menu system. Use the up/down keys or the rotary control to navigate through the menu system.
  • Page 6: Maximum Values

    4.1 Exit Menu Pressing the rotary control on this menu item will cause the ALT-2 to exit the menu system. All changes made during navigation of the menu system will be saved in non-volatile memory on exiting the menu system.
  • Page 7 Select if you want the barometer to be displayed on the altitude screens or not. Select the protocol of the RS232 output message. The protocol can be selected between GARMIN AT, Magellan, Northstar/Garmin, Trimble/Garmin, MGL Avionics and Microair UAV. Please see section 5 for more information.
  • Page 8: Adc Values

    ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 8 Move the highlight over the “DONE” menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu. This function is used to set your VSI to read exactly 0ft/min. This is similar to setting the needle on a mechanical VSI to point to zero by turning the adjustment knob on such a VSI.
  • Page 9 Move the highlight over the “DONE” menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu. On the back of the ALT-2 you will find the calibration number that has been determined to ensure the most accurate reading of your altimeter. This is the value that should be entered here. Should you have access to an accurate reference you may use this function to calibrate your altimeter.
  • Page 10: Loading Factory Default Settings

    ETX=0x03 CR=0x0D 6 Loading factory default settings Pressing and holding the F1 and F2 simultaneously on power up will cause the ALT-2 to load preprogrammed factory default settings. The following screen will be displayed: 7 Operating the alarms If the alarm is activated, the corresponding item on the display will flash. At the same time the externally available alarm switch will close.
  • Page 11: Installation

    10.1 Connecting the ALT-2 to your transponder: The ALT-2 has a RS232 serial output. Connect the RS232 output wire (DB9 pin 3 - green) to the transponders RX input pin. Make sure that the ALT-2 ground is connected to the transponders minus terminal or to the RS232 ground if available.
  • Page 12: Connection Diagram

    ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 12 10.2 Connection Diagram 10.3 ALT-2 DB9 Cable connections DB 9 Pin Color Function Black Ground Orange OAT Sensor Green RS232 Output to transponder Airtalk communication (Not connected) Used for firmware upgrading 8-30Vdc power White Alarm Output 10.4 Pressure Port Dimensions...
  • Page 13: Warranty

    ALT-2 Operating Manual Page 13 11 Warranty This product carries a warranty for a period of one year from date of purchase against faulty workmanship or defective materials, provided there is no evidence that the unit has been mishandled or misused. Warranty is limited to the replacement of faulty components and includes the cost of labour.

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