FreeFlight Systems FDL978XXXX UAT Transceiver User Manual FreeFlight FCC Application

FreeFlight Systems UAT Transceiver FreeFlight FCC Application

Manual

FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   This document contains FreeFlight Systems proprietary information. It is loaned for limited purposes only and remains the property of FreeFlight Systems. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of FreeFlight Systems and must not be disclosed to persons not having need of such disclosure consistent with the purpose of the loan. The document is to be returned to FreeFlight Systems upon request and/or upon completion of the use for which it was loaned  September 1, 2011     EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL For the FreeFlight Systems FDL-978-TX Transmitter (P/N 85595-00)    Document No: 86960 Revision A  FreeFlight Systems 3700 Interstate 35 S. Waco, TX 76706
 86960, Revision A September 1, 2011    History of Revisions   Dates of Original and Change pages are:   Revision   …..  A  ……………  September 1, 2011  Page Description  Page no.  Date
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   iTable of Contents SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION .........................................................................................I-1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................I-1 1.2 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................I-1 1.2.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter........................................................................................................I-2 1.2.2 TC-978 Front Panel Controller..............................................................................................I-3 1.2.3 UAT Antenna Requirements ...................................................................................................I-4 1.3 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS....................................................................................................I-5 1.3.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter........................................................................................................I-5 1.3.2 TC-978 Front Panel Controller..............................................................................................I-6 1.4 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT...............................................................................................................I-7 1.4.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter Items..............................................................................................I-7 1.4.2 TC-978 Front Panel Controller Items ....................................................................................I-7 1.4.3 Installation Kits ......................................................................................................................I-7 1.5 MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT SUPPLIED ................................................................................I-8 SECTION II INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................II-1 2.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... II-1 2.2 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT ................................................................................ II-1 2.3 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING............................................................................................................. II-1 2.3.1 TC-978 Mounting .................................................................................................................II-1 2.3.2 FDL-978-TX Mounting......................................................................................................... II-1 2.4 COOLING REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................... II-2 2.5 FDL-978-TX UAT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS........................................................................ II-3 2.5.1 FDL-978-TX Interface – Pinout ........................................................................................... II-3 2.6 FDL-978-TX UAT INTERFACE DETAILS ................................................................................... II-4 2.6.1 Power Input .......................................................................................................................... II-4 2.6.2 Personality Module............................................................................................................... II-4 2.6.3 Status LEDs .......................................................................................................................... II-5 2.6.4 Controller Interface.............................................................................................................. II-5 2.6.5 Physical Serial Interfaces..................................................................................................... II-5 2.6.6 Discrete Inputs...................................................................................................................... II-8 2.6.7 Discrete Output..................................................................................................................... II-9 2.6.8 TX Suppression Output......................................................................................................... II-9 2.6.9 Time Mark Input (PPS)......................................................................................................... II-9 2.6.10 Maintenance Interface...................................................................................................... II-9 2.7 TC-978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ..................................................................II-11 2.7.1 TC-978 Connection – Pinout...............................................................................................II-11 2.8 TC-978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE DETAILS..............................................................................II-11 2.8.1 Power...................................................................................................................................II-11 2.8.2 Remote ON...........................................................................................................................II-11 2.8.3 TMAP Bus............................................................................................................................II-11 2.8.4 Altitude Out .........................................................................................................................II-11 2.9 PERSONALITY MODULE INSTALLATION ....................................................................................II-11 2.10 WIRING CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................II-13 2.11 UAT ANTENNA INSTALLATION ................................................................................................II-13 2.11.1 UAT Antenna Ground Plane ...........................................................................................II-13 2.11.2 UAT Antenna Cable ........................................................................................................II-14 2.12 STATIC PRESSURE CONNECTION ...............................................................................................II-15 2.13 EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS .........................................................................................................II-15 SECTION III CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT................................................................III-1 3.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................. III-1 3.1.1 Continued Airworthiness Requirements .............................................................................. III-1
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   ii3.1.2 Normal Controller Operation.............................................................................................. III-1 3.2 PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT......................................................................................................... III-4 3.3 INSTALLATION SETUP AND CONFIGURATION ............................................................................ III-5 3.3.1 Configuration Item Summary ..............................................................................................III-5 3.4 CONFIGURATION MODE ............................................................................................................ III-6 3.4.1 Entering Configuration Mode.............................................................................................. III-6 3.5 CONFIGURATION MODE SETUP ................................................................................................. III-6 3.5.1 Aircraft Modes S (or ICAO) Address................................................................................... III-7 3.5.2 VFR Squawk Code............................................................................................................... III-7 3.5.3 Call Sign/VFR Flight ID...................................................................................................... III-7 3.5.4 Maximum Airspeed.............................................................................................................. III-8 3.5.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category................................................................................................. III-9 3.5.6 Squat Switch Type................................................................................................................ III-9 3.5.7 Serial IN Channel X Data Type......................................................................................... III-10 3.5.8 Serial IN Channel X Line Speed........................................................................................ III-10 3.5.9 Serial OUT Channel X Data Type..................................................................................... III-11 3.5.10 Serial OUT Channel X Line Speed................................................................................ III-11 3.5.11 ARINC IN Channel X Data Type................................................................................... III-12 3.5.12 ARINC IN Channel X Interface Speed........................................................................... III-12 3.5.13 GPS Certification.......................................................................................................... III-13 3.5.14 GPS NAC Velocity......................................................................................................... III-13 3.5.15 Aircraft Length.............................................................................................................. III-14 3.5.16 Aircraft Width................................................................................................................ III-14 3.5.17 GPS Reference Position Offset...................................................................................... III-14 3.5.18 1090 MHz Receiver Installed ........................................................................................ III-16 3.5.19 UAT Receiver Installed ................................................................................................. III-16 3.5.20 UAT Antenna Diversity ................................................................................................. III-16 3.5.21 Check Ground on UAT Antenna.................................................................................... III-17 3.6 TEST AND CALIBRATION......................................................................................................... III-17 3.6.1 Local Voltage Supply Test................................................................................................. III-17 3.6.2 Calibrate Altitude Encoder................................................................................................ III-18 3.6.3 Pressure Altitude Reported................................................................................................ III-20 SECTION IV TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................IV-1 4.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................................IV-1 4.2 FDL-978-TX LED TROUBLSHOOTING PROCEDURE ..................................................................IV-1 4.2.1 UAT Status LED/Discrete Fault Indications ....................................................................... IV-2 4.3 WARNING MESSAGES ...............................................................................................................IV-3 4.3.1 TC-978 Warning Message Troubleshooting........................................................................ IV-3 SECTION V RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATION FORMS ..................... V-1 5.1 FDL-978-TX UAT DO-160 QUALIFICATION ............................................................................ V-1 5.2 TC-978 CONTROLLER DO-160 QUALIFICATION ................................................................... V-2 SECTION VI SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ..........................................................VI-1 6.1 ALTITUDE ENCODER FORMAT......................................................................................... VI-1 6.2 AIR DATA COMPUTER FORMAT....................................................................................... VI-1 SECTION VII ADS-B COMPLIANCE.......................................................................................... VII-1 SECTION VIII INSTALLATION DRAWINGS.......................................................................VIII-1 8.1 FDL-978-TX TRANSMITTER DIMENSIONS............................................................................. VIII-1 8.2 TC-978 CONTROLLER DIMENSIONS....................................................................................... VIII-2 8.3 FRONT PANEL CUT-OUT OPTIONS.......................................................................................... VIII-2 SECTION IX INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS.............................................................................IX-1
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   iii9.1 FDL-978-TX INTERCONNECT DIAGRAM WITH 1201 GPS/SBAS SENSOR................................IX-1 9.2 FDL-978-TX INTERCONNECT DIAGRAM WITH 1203/1203C GPS/SBAS SENSOR .................... IX-2
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   iv Table of Figures FIGURE 1. TYPICAL FDL-978-TX INSTALLATION ........................................................................................... 3 FIGURE 2. FD-978-TX TRANSMITTER ...........................................................................................................I-3 FIGURE 3. TC-978 CONTROLLER...................................................................................................................I-3 FIGURE 4. TC-978-TX DIMENSIONS ........................................................................................................... II-1 FIGURE 5. FDL-978-TX MOUNTING DIMENSIONS ...................................................................................... II-2 FIGURE 6. PERSONALITY MODULE ASSEMBLY ...........................................................................................II-12
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-1SECTION I    GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 INTRODUCTION This document contains installation data and specifications about the FreeFlight Systems FDL-978-TX Universal Access Transmitter (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Transmitter and associated TC-978 Controller for interfacing to the FDL-978-TX.  The FDL-978-TX is a UAT equipment class B1/B1S 978MHz Transmitter that meets TSO-C154c requirements and the minimum operational performance standards in RTCA/DO-282B. 1.2  GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The FDL-978-TX is designed to share aircraft position, velocity, and other flight data with other aircraft and ground station equipment. The FDL-978-TX satisfies the TSO-C154c requirements and the RTCA/DO-282B MOPS for UAT ADS-B class B1/B1S equipment.  The FDL-978-TX collects position, velocity, and other aircraft information from an aircraft GPS, pressure altitude sensor, and pilot interface controller and transmits this data out once per second. The GPS data, pressure altitude data, and pilot control inputs are received by the FDL-978-TX through configurable RS-232/422/485 serial, ARINC 429 serial, and/or discrete interfaces. Status information about the FDL-978-TX health and state are output on the configured serial links and/or discrete signals for display to the pilot.   Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a typical FDL-978-TX installation. This installation shows the TC-978 Front Panel Controller, the FDL-978-TX Transmitter, two UAT antennas, a GPS/WAAS sensor, and a GPS antenna. The GPS sensor can be an existing aircraft GPS source if it meets the interface requirements of the FDL-978-TX (ARINC 743A (ARINC 429) or FFS Navigation Interface Protocol (RS-232 or RS-422)).  The TC-978 Controller contains an ETSO-C88a certified pressure altitude encoder and a RS-232 serial output to share the altitude encoder data with other devices such as a transponder. Additionally, an Air Data System or Pressure Altitude Sensor can optionally be interfaced to the FDL-978-TX to provide pressure altitude, altitude rate, and true airspeed if it meets the interface requirements of the FDL-978-TX. If an optional ADS or Altitude Sensor is configured with the FDL-978-TX, the TC-978 Controller will display the optional sensor altitude and output the optional altitude data on its RS-232 serial output. Note that the Transponder and the FDL-978-TX must share the same pressure altitude sensor data.  The installation diagram also shows an optional diplexer installation so that antennas can be shared between a Transponder (1090MHz) and the FDL-978-TX Transmitter.  The system can also be installed with a single UAT antenna in installations where the FAA does not require antenna diversity.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-2 Figure 3. Typical FDL-978-TX Installation 1.2.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-3Figure 4. FD-978-TX Transmitter The FDL-978-TX is the main component of the FreeFlight UAT ADS-B Transmitter System. The FDL-978-TX has a DB-44 female connector, a USB micro-AB maintenance connector, and two TNC UAT antenna connectors. The FDL-978-TX contains a UAT Transmitter with top and bottom antenna outputs, four status LEDs, a controller interface, configurable GPS input interface, configurable Air Data/Altitude input interface, configurable Display output interface, Discrete inputs/outputs, Maintenance interface, and a Personality Module interface.  A. UAT Transmitter The transmitter has top and bottom antenna outputs that can be configured to use the top only, bottom only, or both (diversity). B. Status LEDs Four status LEDs (UAT, GPS, UAT TX, and UAT RX(future use)) indicate the operational status of the FDL-978-TX. C. Controller Interface The FDL-978-TX has a TC-978 controller interface that provides low voltage power, system on/off discrete control, and a communication interface on serial port 3. The system can be configured through the controller interface. D. GPS Input The FDL-978-TX can connect to a FFS navigation protocol GPS (1201) through an RS-232 serial port or ARINC 743A compatible GPS (1203) through an ARINC 429 bus.  E. Altitude/Air Data Input The FDL-978-TX can connect to an Altitude/Air Data Sensor through an RS-232 serial port or ARINC 429 bus and/or output encoded altitude on a serial output. F. Display Output The FDL-978-TX can provide ownship traffic data through a RS-232/RS-422 serial port. G. Discrete Inputs/Outputs The FDL-978-TX has six discrete inputs and two discrete outputs. H. Maintenance Interface The FDL-978-TX has a USB micro-AB serial port connector that can be used to update system software, check status, test the system, and configure the system. I. Personality Module Interface The FDL-978-TX has a personality module interface to retrieve configuration settings if the FDL-978-TX is replaced in the aircraft. 1.2.2  TC-978 Front Panel Controller  Figure 5. TC-978 Controller
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-4The TC-978 Controller is the FDL-978-TX control and status interface.  The controller has a DB-9 connector for electrical interface and a static pressure port. The TC-978 contains a LCD display with controls, a built in Altitude Encoder, low voltage input power interface, FDL-978-TX serial interface, remote on/off power control, and serial altitude output.  A. Display and Controls The controller has an LCD status display, an Ident button, a VFR button, FN (function) button, ENT (enter) button, Mode knob, and Code entry knob. B. Altitude Encoder The controller has a built-in altitude encoder to measure pressure altitude. C. Input Power The controller receives low-voltage power from the FDL-978-TX. D. Serial Interface A two-wire data link is used to connect the TC-978 to the FDL-978-TX. E. Remote On/Off System on/off power is controlled with the mode knob. F. Altitude Output Pressure altitude data is output on an RS-232 serial port. 1.2.3  UAT Antenna Requirements The FDL-978-TX requires a TSO-C66, C74, C112, or C154 UHF antenna. Ensure that the antenna is a 50Ω antenna with a VSWR < 1.7:1 at 978 MHz. The Comant CI-101 and RA Miller AV-22 ball antennas and the Comant CI-105 blade antenna meet these requirements. In Class B1 ADS-B equipment (TSO-C154c) installations, antenna diversity (meaning a top and bottom antenna) is required. In Class B1S (single antenna) installations only one antenna (top or bottom) is used.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-51.3 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 1.3.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter FDL-978-TX Transmitter (P/N 85995-00)  ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE  See Appendix  TSO COMPLIANCE  C154c (B1/B1S)  FCC IDENTIFICATION    SOFTWARE  RTCA/DO-178B Level C  PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS    Height  1.37 in (34.8 mm)  Width  5.0 in (127 mm)  Depth  5.75 in (146.05 mm)  WEIGHT  0.8 lbs (364 g)  OPERATING TEMPERATURE  -40°C to +70°C  STORAGE TEMPERATURE  -55°C to +85°C  ALTITUDE 50,000 feet  POWER REQUIREMENTS  10 – 40 Volts DC, Typical 0.1 A @ 28 VDC  TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY  978 MHz  TRANSMITTER POWER  40 Watts max at antenna after 3dB connector/cable loses  Avionics Interfaces: TYPE  I/O  Description  Controller Input/ Output  7 VDC power output, remote on/off discrete input, RS-485 serial interface to the TC-978  GPS Input  Input  Serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) or ARINC 429 (ARINC 743A) and PPS (RS-422)  ADS/Altitude Input  Input  Serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) or ARINC 429  Display Output  Output  Serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485)  Discrete Inputs  Input  6 (Air/Grnd, Anon Mode, CDTI Oper, TCAS RA Active, Traf Test, & Traf Stdby)  Discrete Outputs  Output  2 (Transmit Suppression and UAT Status)
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-61.3.2  TC-978 Front Panel Controller TC-978 Controller (P/N 86941)  ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE  See Appendix  TSO COMPLIANCE  C154c, C88a  SOFTWARE  RTCA/DO-178B Level B  PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS    Height  1.8 in (44 mm)  Width  2.4 in (63 mm)  Depth  2.1 in (54 mm)  WEIGHT  .11 lbs (90 g)  OPERATING TEMPERATURE  -20°C to +55°C  ALTITUDE 35,000 feet  POWER REQUIREMENTS  5.5 – 10 Volts DC, 0.3A max @ 6.5VDC, powered by FDL-978-TX  Interfaces: TYPE  I/O  Description  Controller Input/ Output  7 VDC power input, remote on/off discrete output, RS-485 serial interface to the FDL-978-TX  Altitude Output  Output  RS-232 serial altitude encoder
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-71.4 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT 1.4.1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter Items The FDL-978-TX Transmitter and optional installation kit part numbers are listed below:  Part Number  Qty  Description 85595-XX-XXXX 1 FDL-978-TX Transmitter 85935-00 1 FDL-978-TX Installation Kit 1.4.2  TC-978 Front Panel Controller Items The TC-978 Controller and optional installation kit part numbers are listed below: Part Number  Qty  Description 85941 1 TC-978 Controller 86964-00  1  TC-978 Installation Kit 1.4.3 Installation Kits The items included in the FDL-978-TX Installation Kit (p/n 85935-00) are listed below: Part Number  Qty  Description 86960  1  FDL-978-TX Installation Manual 85945-00-A 1 Personality Module 86945  1  DB-44 Male Crimp Connector 85942 1 DB-44 Backshell 86967  44  Crimp Pin 24-28 AWG 84192  1  DB-9 Female Crimp Connector 84193 1 DB-9 Backshell 84194  9  Crimp Pin female 9-Dsub 16172  1  Double-sided Adhesive Tape 85937  2  Ball UAT Antenna 0129-0017-00 2 TNC Connector 0123-0012-00  50 ft  RG-142 Coax Cable 86966  2  BNC RG142 Male Crimp Connector The items included in the TC-978 Installation Kit (p/n 86964-00) are listed below: Item  Qty  Description 1 1  Mounting Adapter (circular hole adapter) 2 1  Static Tubing, EPDM 5mm ID 3 1  Hose T piece 4 2 Hose Adapter 5 6  Hose clip, small 6 2  Hose clip, large 7  4  Long mounting screws, 4-40
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   I-88  4  Short mounting screws, 4-40 1.5  MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT SUPPLIED The following items are required for proper installation but not supplied: • Wire and shielded wire • Circuit Breaker • Ground terminals • A GPS receiver with appropriate serial or ARINC 743 interface such as the FFS 1201, 1203, or 1203C is required for the ADS-B Transmitter
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-1SECTION II    INSTALLATION 2.1 GENERAL This section provides general information for installing the FDL-978-TX and TC-978 into an aircraft. This section contains mounting dimensions, pin outs, and interface details pertaining to installation. Adherence to these installation procedures and information will assure satisfactory system performance. 2.2  UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT Exercise care when unpacking each item. Visually inspect each item for evidence of damage incurred during shipment. If a damage claim must be filed, save the shipping container to substantiate the claim. When all equipment and the installation kit have been inspected, save the packing material and container in case the unit is to be stored or reshipped. See paragraph 1.4 for equipment and optional parts supplied. 2.3 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING 2.3.1 TC-978 Mounting The TC-978 controller must be mounted rigidly in the aircraft panel. The controller can be mounted in the ultra compact mounting hole or in a conventional 57mm (2¼ inch) instrument cut-out.  The following installation procedure should be followed, remembering to allow adequate space for installation of cables and connectors.  • Select a position in the panel that is not too close to any high external heat source. (The TC-978 is not a significant heat source itself).  • Avoid sharp bends and placing the cables too near to the aircraft control cables.  If using a 57mm instrument cut-out, first clip the two mounting adapters to the controller. The controller should then be mounted using the four LONG screws provided. If using the FFS compact cutout, you do not need the mounting adapters. The controller should be mounted using the four SHORT screws provided. If alternate screws are required, please note that the mounting thread in each case is 4-40.  Figure 6. TC-978-TX Dimensions  2.3.2 FDL-978-TX Mounting The FDL-978-TX Transmitter is designed to be mounted in any convenient location in the cockpit, the cabin, or an avionics bay.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-2The following installation procedure should be followed, remembering to allow adequate space for installation of cables and connectors.  • Select a position in the aircraft that is not too close to any high external heat source. (The FDL-978-TX is not a significant heat source itself).  • Avoid sharp bends and placing the cables too near to the aircraft control cables.  • Secure the FDL-978-TX on a flat surface according to the FDL-978-TX mounting requirements illustrated below in Figure 7 and in the installation drawing in Appendix D.  Figure 7. FDL-978-TX Mounting Dimensions  2.4 COOLING REQUIREMENTS The FDL-978-TX and TC-978 meet all TSO requirements without forced air cooling. While each individual unit does not require forced air cooling, the combined heat load of several units operating in a typical avionics location may significantly degrade the reliability of avionics if provisions for cooling are not incorporated in the initial installation. Failure to provide adequate cooling may lead to increased avionics maintenance costs and may void the FreeFlight Systems Warranty.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-32.5 FDL-978-TX UAT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 2.5.1  FDL-978-TX Interface – Pinout J1 - Power and I/O Connector (DB-44) PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION 1  Vin  10-40 VDC  Pwr  Aircraft Power Input 2  GND  Ground  Gnd  TC-978 Controller Power Return 3  232 RxD2  RS-232  I  Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data In 4  TRxD2+  RS-485  I  Serial Port 2 RS-422/RS-485 Data+ 5  TRxD2-  RS-485  I  Serial Port 2 RS-422/RS-485 Data- 6  429 IN 2A  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 2A 7  RxD6+  RS-422  I  Serial Port 6 Data In+ 8  RxD6-  RS-422  I  Serial Port 6 Data In- 9  SGND4  Serial Ground  Gnd  Serial Port Ground 10  429 OUT 1A  ARINC 429  O  ARINC 429 Output Channel 1A 11  429 OUT 1B  ARINC 429  O  ARINC 429 Output Channel 1B 12  TRAF STDBY  Open/Ground  I  Traffic Standby 13  ANON MODE  Open/Ground  I  Anonymous Mode 14  Vpm  3.0 -3.6 VDC  O  Personality Module Power Output 15 TRAF TEST  Open/Ground  I  Traffic Test 16  Vin  10-40 VDC  Pwr  Aircraft Power Input 17  RTRN  Ground  Gnd  Aircraft Power Return 18  Vcp  5.5-10 VDC  O  TC-978 Controller Power Output 19  SGND2  Serial Ground  Gnd  Serial Port Ground 20  TRxD3+  RS-485  I/O  Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data+ 21  TRxD3-  RS-485  I/O  Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data- 22 GND  Gnd  Gnd Ground Reference 23  232 RxD3  RS-232  I  Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data In (Not used with TC-978) 24  232 TxD3  RS-232  O  Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data Out  (Not used with TC-978) 25  232 RxD4  RS-232  I  Serial Port 4 RS-232 Data In 26  TCAS RA ACT  Open/Ground  I  TCAS Resolution Advisory Active In (Active low) 27  AIR/GRND  Open/Ground  I  Air/Ground In (Squat Switch - configurable) 28  TX SUPPRESS  Vin -1.5V  O  L-Band Suppression Bus 29 Reserved  -  -  - 30  GND  Ground  Gnd  Personality Module Power Return 31  RTRN  Ground  Gnd  Aircraft Power Return 32 REM ON  Open/Ground  I  Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF) 33  232 TxD2  RS-232  O  Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data Out 34  429 IN 1A  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 1A 35  429 IN 1B  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 1B 36  429 IN 2B  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 2B 37  TxD6+  RS-422  O  Serial Port 6 Data Out+ 38  TxD6-  RS-422  O  Serial Port 6 Data Out- 39  PPS IO+  ARINC 743A  I/O  Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In+ 40  PPS IO-  ARINC 743A  I/O  Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In- 41 UAT STATUS  Open/Ground  O  ADS-B Status 42  CDTI OPER  Open/Ground  I  CDTI Operational 43 CLK_PM  I2C I Personality Module Clock 44 DATA_PM  I2C I/O Personality Module Data
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-42.6  FDL-978-TX UAT INTERFACE DETAILS 2.6.1 Power Input Aircraft power is provided to the FDL-978-TX through the J1 Power and I/O connector. The power supply input can be 10 – 40 Volts DC. Use a 2 Amp circuit breaker for power supply protection. Power input resides on the following pins:  Power Input PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-1  Vin  10-40 VDC  Pwr  Aircraft Power Input J1-16  Vin  10-40 VDC  Pwr  Aircraft Power Input J1-17  RTRN  Ground  Gnd  Aircraft Power Return J1-31  RTRN  Ground  Gnd  Aircraft Power Return  2.6.2 Personality Module Installation specific configuration information is stored in three separate non-volatile memories in a properly installed system: • The Personality Module (PM), which is connected to the aircraft connector mated with J1 of the FDL-978-TX, contains the Master configuration that is used by the FDL-978-TX to configure the system. • The TC-978 Controller contains a Back-up configuration that is used by the FDL-978-TX to configure the system only when the Personality Module is not installed. • The FDL-978-TX Transmitter contains a Local  configuration copy that is used immediately after power-up to start the system and is synchronized with the PM Master configuration or the controller Back-up configuration if the PM is not installed.  The Personality Module (PM) eliminates the need to set-up the installation configuration again if a new FDL-978-TX transmitter or a new TC-978 controller is installed. The Master configuration in the PM is extracted by the FDL-978-TX and used to update the TC-978 Controller Back-up configuration and FDL-978-TX Local configuration if different than the PM Master configuration.  The PM should be installed in the aircraft but the system will continue to function correctly if the PM malfunctions. If the PM malfunctions, the TC-978 Back-up installation configuration will be transferred to the FDL-978-TX and the FDL-978-TX will update its Local configuration if different. If a new TC-978 controller is installed in a system with a malfunctioning PM then the configuration information must be re-configured.  The PM has no lightning protection so the wire length between the PM and the Power and I/O connector must be less than 4”. The PM connection is on the following pins:  Personality Module Interface PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-14  Vpm  3.0 -3.6 VDC  O  Personality Module Power Output J1-30 GND  Ground  Gnd Personality Module Power Return J1-43 CLK_PM  I2C I Personality Module Clock J1-44 DATA_PM  I2C I/O Personality Module Data
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-52.6.3 Status LEDs Four external LEDs on the front of the enclosure indicate system status to the installer. The following table describes the LED states that can be observed:  NAME  DESCRIPTION STATUS   UAT System Status (RED) ON             UAT failure. Troubleshoot system.  OFF           UAT is operating normally. GPS   GPS Status (GREEN) Flashing    GPS is acquiring satellites and determining position. ON             GPS has acquired satellites and is operating normally. OFF           GPS is not communicating or has failed. TX  UAT Transmit (GREEN) Blink ON   Blinks ON when ADS-B data is transmitted (once per second) OFF           No UAT transmissions RX  UAT Receive (GREEN) OFF         No UAT receptions (UAT transmitter has no receiver so this is the normal condition)   2.6.4 Controller Interface Low voltage power (+7 Volts DC), a system ON/OFF discrete control, and serial communication (RS-485 or RS-232) on serial port 3 is provided through the J1 Power and I/O connector as the controller interface. Serial port 3 is a single communication port that can be electrically interfaced via RS-232 or RS-485. For the current FDL-978-TX this interface is intended for use with the TC-978 Controller. The TC-978 Controller uses the serial port 3 RS-485 pins (J1-20 & J1-28) and does not use serial port 3 RS-232 pins (J1-23 & J1-24). Future controllers may use the serial port 3 RS-232 pin interface rather than the RS-485 interface.  The controller interface connections are as follows:  Controller Interface PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-18  Vcp  +7 VDC  O  TC-978 Controller Power Output J1-2  GND  Ground  Gnd  TC-978 Controller Power Return J1-32 REM ON  Open/Ground  I  Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF) J1-20  TRxD3+  RS-485  I/O  Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data+ J1-21  TRxD3-  RS-485  I/O  Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data- J1-23  232 RxD3  RS-232  I  Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data In (Not used with TC-978) J1-24  232 TxD3  RS-232  O  Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data Out  (Not used with TC-978)  2.6.5 Physical Serial Interfaces There are a total of five physical serial interfaces available on the FDL-978-TX: Three UART style Serial Port interfaces and two ARINC 429 Input interfaces. These physical serial interfaces are available for connecting to four different functional interfaces: • GPS Input o Serial Port: “GPS-FreeFlight” or
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-6o ARINC: “GPS” • Altitude/Air Data Input o Serial Port: “Altitude Encoder” or “ADC” o ARINC: “ADC” • Altitude Encoder Output o Serial Port: “Encoded Altitude” • Display Output o Serial Port: “TIS/FIS” or “ADS-B Pass Thru” Each of the four functional interfaces can be configured to one and only one physical serial interface. Only one of each of the functional interfaces is handled by the FDL-978-TX All physical serial interfaces are configured to functional interfaces in Configuration Mode. If two or more physical serial interfaces are configured to the same functional interface only one physical serial interface is programmed by the FDL-978-TX to use the functional interface and all other configurations of the same functional interface are ignored. The order of precedence used by the FDL-978-TX for a functional interface is as follows: • ARINC 429 physical interface takes precedence over UART physical interface • Lowest port/channel number takes precedence over higher port/channel number For example, if Serial Port 2 Input is configured to “GPS-FreeFlight” and ARINC 429 Input Channel 1 is configured to “GPS” then the FDL-978-TX uses ARINC 429 Input Channel 1 as the GPS Input functional interface and the Serial Port 2 Input configuration is ignored. As another example, if ARINC 429 Input Channel 2 and ARINC 429 Input Channel 1 are both configured to “GPS” then the FDL-978-TX uses ARINC 429 Input Channel 1 for the GPS Input functional interface and the ARINC 429 Input Channel 2 configuration is ignored.  Additionally, only one functional interface type can be configured for each of the two UART style Serial Port (2 & 6) physical serial interfaces that have bi-directional capability. If both the input and the output of Serial Port 2 or 6 are configured then the order of precedence is as follows: • GPS Input • Altitude/Air Data Input • Altitude Encoder Output • Display Output For example, if Serial Port 2 Input is configured to ”GPS-FreeFlight” and Serial Port 2 Output is configured to “TIS/FIS” then the FDL-978-TX uses Serial Port 2 as the GPS  Input functional interface and the Serial Port 2 Output configuration is ignored. 2.6.5.1 Serial Ports - RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485 Three UART style (Serial Port) physical serial interfaces are available on the FDL-978-TX. The three Serial Ports available are described below: • Serial Port 2 – Bi-directional (transmit and receive) capability and can interface via either RS-232 or RS-485. Typically configured as the GPS Input functional interface but can also be configured as a Display Output, Altitude/Air Data Input, Altitude Encoder Output • Serial Port 4 – RS-232 receive-only capability. Typically configured as the Altitude/Air Data Input functional interface but can also be configured as a GPS Input. • Serial Port 6 – RS-422 bi-directional (transmit and receive) capability. Typically configured as the Display Output functional interface but can also be configured as a GPS Input, Altitude/Air Data Input, or Altitude Encoder Output.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-7The UART style physical serial interface pin connections are as follows:  Serial Ports PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-3  232 RxD2  RS-232  I  Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data In J1-33  232 TxD2  RS-232  O  Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data Out J1-19  SGND2  Serial Ground  Gnd  Serial Port Ground J1-4  TRxD2+  RS-485  I  Serial Port 2 RS-422/RS-485 Data+ J1-5  TRxD2-  RS-485  I  Serial Port 2 RS-422/RS-485 Data- J1-25  232 RxD4  RS-232  I  Serial Port 4 RS-232 Data In J1-9  SGND4  Serial Ground  Gnd  Serial Port Ground J1-7  RxD6+  RS-422  I  Serial Port 6 Data In+ J1-8  RxD6-  RS-422  I  Serial Port 6 Data In- J1-37  TxD6+  RS-422  O  Serial Port 6 Data Out+ J1-38  TxD6-  RS-422  O  Serial Port 6 Data Out-  2.6.5.2 ARINC 429 Channels Two ARINC 429 Input physical serial interfaces are available on the FDL-978-TX. The ARINC 429 Input channels are 429 IN 1 and 429 IN 2. The FDL-978-TX has one ARINC 429 Output that is reserved for future use and is not currently configurable. Both ARINC channels can be configured as either high-speed or low-speed. The ARINC output channel is reserved for future use.  The ARINC 429 Input channels can be configured as either of the following: • Air Data Computer Input – accepts the following ARINC labels: LABEL  DESCRIPTION 203 Pressure Altitude 210 Airspeed 212 Altitude Rate  • GPS Input – accepts the following ARINC 743A labels: LABEL  DESCRIPTION 110 Latitude Coarse 120 Latitude Fine 111 Longitude Coarse 121 Longitude Fine 370 Altitude (HAE) 166 North/South Velocity 174 East/West Velocity 112 Groundspeed 103 True Track Angle 165 Vertical Speed 260 Date 150 UTC 130  Horizontal Integrity Limit (HIL) 133  Vertical integrity Limit (VIL) 247  Horizontal Figure of Merit (HFOM) 136  Vertical Figure of Merit (VFOM) 273 Sensor Status
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-8The ARINC 429 physical serial interface pin connections are as follows: ARINC 429 Ports PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-34  429 IN 1A  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 1A J1-35  429 IN 1B  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 1B J1-6  429 IN 2A  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 2A J1-36  429 IN 2B  ARINC 429  I  ARINC 429 Input Channel 2B J1-10  429 OUT 1A  ARINC 429  O  ARINC 429 Output Channel 1A J1-11  429 OUT 1B  ARINC 429  O  ARINC 429 Output Channel 1B  2.6.6 Discrete Inputs Six discrete inputs are available on the FDL-978-TX for specific purposes (current or future). All six discrete inputs are intended to be connected to open/ground type switches if used. All discrete inputs default to the open condition if not connected. The discrete input pin connections are as follows:   Discrete Inputs PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-12  TRAF STDBY  Open/Ground  I  Traffic Standby J1-13  ANON MODE  Open/Ground  I  Anonymous Mode J1-15 TRAF TEST  Open/Ground  I  Traffic Test J1-22 GND  Ground  Gnd Ground Reference J1-26  TCAS RA ACT  Open/Ground  I  TCAS Resolution Advisory Active In (Active low) J1-27  AIR/GRND  Open/Ground  I  Air/Ground In (Squat Switch - configurable) J1-42  CDTI OPER  Open/Ground  I  CDTI Operational  2.6.6.1 Air/Ground Input The Air/Ground discrete input can be connected to an open/ground squat switch or other Air/Ground discrete indication. The Air/Ground discrete is configurable to be either Not Connected, High when Airborne, or Low (ground) when Airborne. The FDL-978-TX automatically determines air/ground state based on several factors: Emitter Category type, Airspeed (if available), groundspeed, and Air/Ground discrete input.  2.6.6.2 Anonymous Mode Input The anonymous mode discrete input determines if the FDL-978-TX is in anonymous address mode. If the anonymous mode input is tied to ground the FDL-78-TX will be in anonymous mode and transmit a randomly generated anonymous address in the ADS-B message in place of the ICAO address. Even if anonymous mode is set, the FDL-978-TX will transmit the configured Mode S (ICAO) address under the following conditions:  • During the first two minutes after initial power-up • When the squawk code is set to anything other than 1200 2.6.6.3 CDTI Operational Input The CDTI Operational Input is reserved for future use to indicate the operational status of an on-board TCAS. A ground will indicate the TCAS is installed and operational, while an open will indicate the TCAS is not installed or operational. This discrete should be left open. 2.6.6.4 TCAS Resolution Advisory Active Input The TCAS Resolution Advisory Active Input is reserved for future use to indicate the status of any resolution advisories from an on-board TCAS. A ground will indicate a TCAS resolution advisory is active, while an open will indicate no TCAS resolution advisories are active. This discrete should be left open.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-92.6.6.5 Traffic Standby Input The Traffic Standby Input is reserved for future use to indicate the traffic standby status of a 429 traffic display. This discrete should be left open. 2.6.6.6 Traffic Test Input The Traffic Test Input is reserved for future use to indicate the traffic test status of a 429 traffic display. This discrete should be left open. 2.6.7 Discrete Output Two discrete outputs are available to provide UAT status and operational information to other equipment. The two discrete output connection pins are as follows:  Discrete Outputs PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-28  TX SUPPRESS  Vin -1.5V  O  L-Band Suppression Bus J1-41 UAT STATUS  Open/Ground  O  ADS-B Status  2.6.7.1 UAT Status Output The UAT Status output is an active low, open collector output capable of sinking a maximum of 100 mA. The UAT status output indicates a UAT system failure when grounded. Note that UAT system failure includes the loss of valid GPS data from the external GPS. 2.6.8  TX Suppression Output The TX Suppress output is for suppressing other L-band equipment during UAT transmissions. TX Suppress outputs a high (Vin – 1.5 V) only during UAT ADS-B message transmissions and is low otherwise. The TX Suppress output is typically connected to the transponder suppression bus. 2.6.9  Time Mark Input (PPS) The Time Mark Input is an RS-422 differential pair for the one pulse-per-second (PPS) input from a GPS like the FFS 1201 or FFS 1203/1203C. The Time Mark input from a GPS provides the timing synchronization for sending ADS-B messages. The Time Mark input pin connections are as follows:  Time Mark Input PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J1-39  PPS IO+  ARINC 743A  I/O  Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In+ J1-40  PPS IO-  ARINC 743A  I/O  Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In-  2.6.10 Maintenance Interface The Maintenance interface is used to communicate with a PC using a special Maintenance Interface Cable (p/n 85595-00-TC) from FreeFlight Systems. This interface can be used to configure the system, provide additional status information, and update system software. The Maintenance interface is reserved for use by qualified FreeFlight Systems personnel. The Maintenance interface pin connections are as follows:  J4 – Maintenance Port (USB Micro-AB) PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION J4-1 VBUS  +5V DC  O  +5V DC Power Out J4-2  TTL RxD5  TTL Serial  I  Serial Port 5 TTL (3.3V) Data In J4-3  TTL TxD5  TTL Serial  O  Serial Port 5 TTL (3.3V) Data Out J4-4  SERVICE ID  Open/Ground  I  Maintenance Control (Ground: ON, Open: DISABLED)
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-10J4-5  GND  Ground  Gnd  Ground Reference / Power Return
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-112.7  TC-978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 2.7.1  TC-978 Connection – Pinout TC-978 Connections (DB-9) PIN  SIGNAL  ELECTRICAL  I/O  DESCRIPTION 1 GND  Ground  Gnd Signal Common 2  TMAPA  RS-485  I/O  Controller Serial Bus (+) 3  TMAPB  RS-485  I/O  Controller Serial Bus (-) 4  ALT_OUT  RS-232  O  Pressure Altitude Out 5 Reserved  -  - - 6 GND  Ground  Gnd Signal Common 7 REM ON  Open/Gnd  O Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF) 8  POWER  6 – 10 VDC  Pwr  Controller Power 9 CLK_PM  Ground  Gnd Controller Power Common  2.8  TC-978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE DETAILS 2.8.1 Power The TC-978 uses 5.5 – 10 volts from the FDL-978-TX (typically ~7 volts). Do NOT connect to aircraft input power. 2.8.2 Remote ON The Remote ON output controls the ON/OFF power to the FDL-978-TX. This output is connected directly to the Power/Mode switch on the TC-978 and should be connected to the REM ON input (J1-32) of the FDL-978-TX. 2.8.3 TMAP Bus TMAP is a proprietary bus using RS-485 serial communication. TMAP is a bi-directional interface between the TC-978 and the FDL-978-TX. The TMAP differential lines (TMAPA & TMAPB) on the TC-978 must be connected to the corresponding differential lines (TRxD3+ and TRxD3-) on the FDL-978-TX. 2.8.4 Altitude Out The TC-978 outputs pressure altitude data on this RS-232 serial output pin (ALT_OUT) at 9600 baud using the commonly called “Icarus” format. The pressure altitude data that is output depends on the Altitude input configuration. If an Altitude/Air Data functional interface is configured on a FDL-978-TX physical interface, then the pressure altitude data output will be from the configured interface. If no Altitude/Air Data functional interface is configured, then the pressure output defaults to the TC-978 built-in altitude encoder. This output should feed the transponder so they share the same altitude source unless the altitude sensor has multiple outputs to feed both the FDL-978-TX and the transponder. 2.9  PERSONALITY MODULE INSTALLATION The Personality Module is intended to be installed inside the DB-44 connector backshell of the cable harness in the aircraft. The Personality Module allows the FDL-978-TX and the TC-978 to be removed and replaced without having to re-configure the system.  The following install kit parts from the FDL-978-TX install kit (p/n 85935-00) are used to install the personality module in the backshell: Item  Qty  Description
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-121  1  Personality Module (p/n 85945-00-A) 2  4  Pin Contact, Crimp (p/n 86967) 3  1  Double-sided Adhesive Tape (p/n 16172)  The following table shows the Personality Module (PM) wire color connections to the DB-44 connector: Personality Module Interface DB-44 PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION PM WIRE COLOR J1-14  Vpm  3.0 -3.6 VDC  O  Personality Module Power  Red J1-30 GND  Ground  Gnd Personality Module Power Return  Black J1-43 CLK_PM  I2C I Personality Module Clock  Blue J1-44 DATA_PM  I2C I/O Personality Module Data  White  The Personality Module should be assembled into the backshell of the DB-44 male connector in the aircraft wiring harness as follows: 1. Strip 1/8” of the insulation from each of the four wires of the Personality Module. 2. Crimp pin contacts onto each of the four wire of the Personality module. 3. Insert crimped pins into the DB-44 connector housing according to the table above. 4. Adhere one side of the double-sided tape pad to the Personality Module as shown in Figure 8 and the other side should be adhered to one side of the connector backshell as the connector and backshell are assembled together.   Figure 8. Personality Module Assembly
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-13 2.10 WIRING  CONSIDERATIONS The connection from the FDL-978-TX transmitter to the TC-978 controller uses a minimum of six (6) signal lines; the TMAP pair, the Power and Ground pair, and the Remote On discrete line plus associated ground line. In a certified installation, MIL-W-16878E/4 or equivalent wire should be used. Wire gauge should be 24 AWG for all wires. Shielded, twisted wiring is recommended for the TMAP pair (and all serial data communication pairs) to improved electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility – one twist per 1 to 2 inches is adequate. Other pairs in the bundle can also be twisted but are not required.   The distance between the FDL-978-TX transmitter and the TC-978 controller is limited by the impedance of the wire between them. The TC-978 is powered from the FDL-978-TX, not from aircraft power, and therefore the acceptable voltage drop in the power line limits the wire length. The TC-978 needs an impedance of less than 1.0 ohm in the power line for satisfactory operation. The following table gives guidelines for typical aircraft hook-up wire. Note that different brands may vary – check your supplier for details.  GAUGE  MILIOHM/FT  LENGTH FOR 0.5 OHM 24 AWG  30.2  33.2 ft  An alternative to a harness built from individual wires, particularly for a long cable run, is to use a multi-core cable. Aviation grade cable with 6 or more cores is often more expensive than the individual wires.   Note that not all data cable is suitable for this application. Cables with solid cores should not be used, and cables should be selected based on the wear characteristics of their insulation material, including temperature rating, resistance to solvents and oils, and flammability. Most inexpensive commercial data cables have poor flammability properties. 2.11 UAT  ANTENNA  INSTALLATION The antenna should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Selecting appropriate UAT antenna locations is critical to the proper performance of the FDL-978-TX. The following considerations should be taken into account when selecting the Antenna location.  • The antennas should be well removed from any projections, the engine(s) and propeller(s). It should also be well removed from landing gear doors, access doors or others openings which will break the ground plane for the antenna. • The antenna should be mounted on the bottom and or top surface of the aircraft and in a vertical position when the aircraft is in level flight. • Avoid mounting the antenna within 3 feet of the ADF sense antenna or any COMM antenna and 6 feet from the transponder and DME antennas. • Where practical, plan the antenna location to keep the cable lengths as short as possible and avoid sharp bends in the cable to minimize the VSWR.  Electrical connection to the antenna should be protected to avoid loss of efficiency as a result of the presence of liquids or moisture. All antenna feeders shall be installed in such a way that a minimum of RF energy is radiated inside the aircraft. 2.11.1  UAT Antenna Ground Plane When a conventional aircraft monopole antenna is used it relies on a ground plane for correct operation. For ideal performance the ground plane should be very large compared to the wavelength of the transmission, which is ~12in. In a metal skinned aircraft this is usually easy to accomplish, but is more difficult in a composite or fabric skinned aircraft. In these cases a metallic ground plane should be fabricated and fitted under the antenna.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-14As the ground plane is made smaller, the actual dimensions of the ground plane become more critical, and small multiples of the wavelength should be avoided, as should circles. Rectangles or squares are much less likely to create a critical dimension that resonates with the transmissions. The smallest practical ground plane is a square around 5.25 in per side; as the size increases the performance may actually get worse, but will be better by the time the ground plane is 30.5 in on each side. Anything much larger than that size is unlikely to show significant further improvement.  The thickness of the material used to construct the ground plane is not critical, providing it is sufficiently conductive. A variety of proprietary mesh and grid solutions are available. 2.11.2  UAT Antenna Cable The FDL-978-TX is designed to meet Class B1/B1S requirements with an allowance of 2.5 – 6.5 dB for loss in the connectors and cable used to connect it to the antenna. Excessive loss degrades transmitter output power so it is recommended that the installation cable loss be limited to the loss minimum of 2.5dB. Allowing 0.25dB loss for the connector at each end of the antenna cable assembly leaves an allowance of 2.0 – 6.0 dB loss for the cable itself.  An acceptable cable then has:  • A minimum of 2.0dB loss for the run length but no greater than 6.0dB loss • A characteristic impedance of 50 Ohms • Double braid screens or has a foil and braid screen  Once the cable run length is determined, a cable type with the proper attenuation (loss) per foot that meets the above requirements can be chosen. Longer runs require lower loss cable. Consider moving the FDL-978-TX closer to the antenna to minimize the losses in the antenna cable subject to the limits identified above. The following table is a guide to the minimum and maximum usable lengths of some common cable types. Actual cable loss varies between manufacturers and the table is based on typical data. Use the table as a guide only and refer to the manufacturer’s data sheet for the specific cable chosen to calculate the minimum and maximum lengths.  CABLE  ATTENUATION (dB/100 ft @ 1 GHz)MIN LENGTH (ft)  MAX LENGTH (ft) RG-174 27.1  7.4  22.1 RG-316 25.8  7.75  23.25 RG-400 14.5  13.8  41.3 RG-142 12.8  15.6  46.9 RG-393 7.5  26.7  80  When routing the cable, ensure the following:  • Route the cable away from sources of heat. • Route the cable away from potential interference sources such as ignition wiring, 400Hz generators, fluorescent lighting, and electric motors.  • Allow a minimum separation of 12 inches (300mm) from an ADF antenna cable. • Keep the cable run as short as possible. • Avoid routing the cable around tight bends. • Avoid kinking the cable even temporarily during installation. • Secure the cable so that it cannot interfere with other systems.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   II-152.12 STATIC PRESSURE CONNECTION The TC-978 controller includes an altitude encoder which must be connected to the same source of static pressure as the primary altimeter on the aircraft. The TC-978 static pressure port provides a mounting spigot intended for nominal 5mm or 3/16 inch inside diameter tubing. A length of 5mm EPDM rubber tubing is included in the installation kit to facilitate connection to the aircraft static system.  Choose a point in the existing static pressure line that is as close as practical to the TC-978. Cut the static pressure line, and use the supplied T fitting to connect the altitude encoder. Take care not to contaminate the inside of the static line when cutting or inserting the connectors. The following diagram shows the general arrangement, although other combinations may be used:   For aircraft with ¼ inch static lines, two adapters are provided which can convert from ¼ inch inside diameter hoses to the 5 mm hose in the install kit.  In all cases, the static line should include drainage provisions and should be routed in accordance with CS 23.1325 or other applicable airworthiness provisions for the aircraft.  2.13 EQUIPMENT  LIMITATIONS For a compliant installation in accordance with the Technical Standard Order (TSO) and the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), the FDL-978-TX installation must meet the following requirements:   “The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum performance standards.  It is the responsibility of those desiring to install this article, either on or within a specific type or class of aircraft, to determine that the article, when installed, performs in accordance with the design specifications that meet this TSO.  The article may be installed only if further evaluation by the applicant documents an acceptable installation and is approved by the Administrator.”   The antenna installation must comply with the specifications in Section 2.11.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-1SECTION III    CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT 3.1 GENERAL This section contains installation configuration, checkout, and basic operating procedures. More detailed operating procedures are contained in the Pilot Guide. 3.1.1  Continued Airworthiness Requirements The FreeFlight FDL-978-TX and TC-978 requires no periodic maintenance or calibration. Maintenance is performed on an on-condition basis only. The FreeFlight FDL-978-TX does a power on self test (POST) and is continually tested periodically using a Built-In Test (PBIT) when the system is in operation. This method of testing will notify the operator of a failure. System software updates are accomplished using the Maintenance Interface. 3.1.2  Normal Controller Operation The FDL-978-TX interfaces to a TC-978 Front Panel Controller used in-flight by the pilot to control output of ADS-B messages. The TC-978 receives its power from the FDL-978-TX and communicates to the FDL-978-TX through a RS-485 serial port. The TC-978 has a monochrome LCD display flanked by a rotary mode selector knob (OFF, SBY, GND, ON, and ALT) and a continuously rotating knob used for code and data entry.   3.1.2.1 Display The display shows the operating mode of the FDL-978-TX, the reported pressure altitude, and the current squawk code and Flight ID. The reply indicator is active when the FDL-978-TX transmits ADS-B messages.  The pressure altitude is displayed as a Flight Level, which is the pressure altitude in hundreds of feet. When non-standard atmospheric conditions apply this may not match the altimeter indicated altitude but will be correctly reported in the ADS-B message. 3.1.2.2 Mode Selector Knob The left hand Mode knob controls the power to the FDL-978-TX and the operating mode.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-2 The knob rotates between the different operating modes as defined in the table below:  POS  DESCRIPTION OFF   Power is removed from the FDL-978-TX.  SBY   The FDL-978-TX is on but will not transmit any ADS-B messages.  GND   The FDL-978-TX is in normal transmission Mode and reports pressure altitude in ADS-B message if available. (Same as ALT setting) ON   The FDL-978-TX is placed in pressure altitude transmission inhibit Mode. Pressure altitude reporting in ADS-B message is suppressed.  ALT   The FDL-978-TX is in normal transmission Mode and reports pressure altitude in ADS-B message if available. (Same as GND setting)    When airborne the controller should always be set to ALT unless otherwise directed by Air Traffic Control. Aircraft installations should include a ground indication squat switch to automatically transmit ADS-B ground messages upon landing.  3.1.2.3 Push Buttons BUTTON  DESCRIPTION IDT   Press the IDT button when ATC instructs you to “Ident” or “Squawk Ident”. FN   Pressing the FN button provides access to changing the Flight ID, displaying warnings, and checking reported GPS position.  VFR   Pressing the VFR button sets the ADS-B to the pre-programmed conspicuity code. Pressing the button again restores the previous squawk code.  ENT   The ENT button enters a digit in the code selector.  3.1.2.4 Code Selector Knob  The right hand knob is used to set squawk codes and the Flight ID. The FN button selects which will be updated. Turning the knob will highlight the first digit on the display, and the digit can be changed as required. Press the ENT button to advance to the next digit. When ENT is pressed on the last digit, the new
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-3squawk code or Flight ID will replace the previous value. If the code entry is not completed within 7 seconds the changes are ignored and the previous code restored.  CODE  DESCRIPTION 1200   VFR code in the USA  7000   VFR code commonly used in Europe.  7500   Hijack code  7600   Loss of communications  7700   Emergency code   The Flight ID should correspond to the aircraft call sign entered on flight plan. If no flight plan is active the aircraft registration should be used as the Flight ID. Use only letters and digits. If the Flight ID is less than 8 characters long entering a blank character will end it. 3.1.2.5 Warning Messages If the FDL-978-TX detects a problem the screen will indicate WARNING with a brief statement of the problem. Depending on the nature of the problem the FDL-978-TX may not be transmitting ADS-B messages. Press ENT to clear the message. If the fault is still present the message will reappear.  3.1.2.6 Fault Annunciation If the transponder detects a catastrophic internal failure the screen will indicate FAULT with a brief statement of the problem. No ADS-B messages will be transmitted when a fault has been detected.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-43.2 PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT Before the unit is installed and tested, verify that all cables are properly secured. With the FDL-978-TX and TC-978 removed, turn on the power and verify the following: 1. Verify that Aircraft DC bus voltage is present on pins 1 and 16 of P1. 2. Verify that ground is present on pins 17 and 31 of P1. 3. Verify that the two UAT antenna coax center conductors are not shorted to its shield or aircraft ground. When the above conditions are verified, turn off the master power. Properly attach the external connectors to the FDL-978-TX and TC-978. Mount the TC-978 in there respective mounting locations. Turn on master power and then turn on the TC-978. During initialization the FDL-978-TX unit performs a comprehensive diagnostics test. A failure of a system component will be annunciated by a "Warning Indication" on the TC-978. Warnings concerning the GPS status may not be displayed until 2.5 minutes after power on in order to give the GPS time to acquire satellites. Consult the Pilot Guide for more information concerning WARNING messages.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-53.3 INSTALLATION SETUP AND CONFIGURATION The TC-978 Controller is used in a special configuration mode to program important system installation parameters and is described in the following paragraphs. 3.3.1 Configuration Item Summary CONFIGURATION ITEM  DEFAULT  SETTING Mode S Address (ICAO)  0  VFR Squawk Code  1200  VFR Flight ID (Call Sign)    Maximum Airspeed  Unknown  Aircraft (Emitter) Category    Squat Switch Type  Not connected   Serial IN Port 2 Configuration:             Type  Not Used   Line Speed  9600  Serial IN Port 4 Configuration:             Type  Not Used   Line Speed  9600  Serial IN Port 6 Configuration:             Type  Not Used   Line Speed  9600  Serial OUT Port 2 Configuration:         Type  Not Used   Line Speed  9600  Serial OUT Port 6 Configuration:         Type  Not Used   Line Speed  9600  ARINC IN Channel 1 Configuration:     Type  Not Used   Speed  Low  ARINC IN Channel 2 Configuration:     Type  Not Used   Speed  Low  GPS Certification Level  Uncertified  GPS NAC Velocity  Unknown  Aircraft Length  10  Aircraft Width  10  GPS Reference Position Offset:  Unknown  Antenna Distance from Nose    Antenna Lateral Offset    1090MHz Receiver Installed  No  UAT Receiver Installed  No  UAT Antenna Diversity  Top Only   Check Ground on UAT Antenna  No  Source Integrity Level (SIL) Supplement
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-63.4 CONFIGURATION MODE  The system is configured during initial system installation by a qualified technician. The configuration items list in 3.3.1 above should be used to document the system installation for future reference. To view or change these settings you must enter Configuration Mode.   Caution: Do not use Configuration Mode in flight.         The configuration setup screen is the first thing displayed on startup when a completely new  FDL-978-TX system is installed and powered up for the first time. After a configuration has been programmed the system will power up in normal operating mode and the configuration will be stored in the TC-978, FDL-978-TX and Personality Module.  3.4.1  Entering Configuration Mode  To enter configuration mode on the TC-978:  •  Hold down the function button   while turning the mode knob from off to any operating mode. •  In the configuration mode the front panel controller displays the following messages on the screen        3.5 CONFIGURATION MODE SETUP Configuration items can be changed using the Code Knob   and the ENT   button. Pressing FN   advances to the next configuration item.    Controller v1.7  HW  v1.0  SW  v1.6 FPGA  v0.0 SETUP and TEST mode.  Press ENT     to proceed
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-7The following paragraphs detail the setup modes available for configuring the FDL-978-TX. 3.5.1  Aircraft Modes S (or ICAO) Address The Mode S address is a 24 bit number assigned to the aircraft and is represented in a 6 character hexadecimal format. The rotary code knob   is used to change each character as required. Each character of the Mode S address is a number between 0 to 9 or a letter between A to F. When the   key is pressed the cursor advances to the next character as shown below.                To advance to the next configuration item without changing the ICAO address either scroll through the 6 characters by pressing the   key 6 times or press the   key. 3.5.2  VFR Squawk Code VFR squawk code is a pre-programmed default code when the pilot is flying VFR and not in contact with ATC. When the pilot presses the VFR   button the VFR squawk code will replace the current squawk code. In the USA the VFR squawk code is 1200 and in most parts of Europe the VFR squawk code is 7000. Note: The default VFR squawk code cannot be changed in flight and can only be set in the configuration mode.  The VFR Squawk code is a 12 bit number and is represented as a 4 character octal number. The rotary code knob   is used to change each character as required. Each character of the squawk code is a number between 0 and 7. When the   key is pressed the cursor advances to the next character as shown below.           To advance to the next configuration item without changing the VFR squawk code either scroll through the 4 characters by pressing the   key 4 times or  press the   key. 3.5.3  Call Sign/VFR Flight ID The Call Sign/ VFR flight ID is usually one of the following types: Set Mode S Address  500000  Set VFR Squawk  1200  Set VFR Squawk  1000  Set Mode S Address  5A0000
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-8Type A – the characters corresponding to the registration marking of the aircraft Type B – the telephony designator of the aircraft operating agency, followed by the last four characters of the registration marking of the aircraft Type C – the telephony designator of the aircraft operating agency, followed by the flight identification The Call Sign/ VFR Flight ID is an 8 character alpha-numeric string. The rotary code knob   is used to change each character as required. Each character of the flight ID is a number between 0 to 9 and letter between A to Z. When the   key is pressed the cursor advances to the next character as shown below.           To advance to the next configuration item without changing the VFR Flight ID either scroll through the 8 characters by pressing the   key 8 times or  press the   key. Note: The Call Sign/VFR Flight ID cannot be changed in flight and can only be set in the configuration mode. 3.5.4 Maximum Airspeed Airspeed can be used to help determine and verify the ON GROUND condition for transmitting ON GROUND ADS-B message types. THE FDL-978-TX uses maximum airspeed configuration to determine a maximum ON GROUND speed.  There are 7 options to select maximum aircraft speed:  1. Unknown 2.  Up to 75kt 3.  75 to 150kt 4.  150 to 300kt 5.  300 to 600kt 6.  600 to 1200kt 7. Over 1200kt  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Select Maximum Airspeed  75 to 150kt Set VFR Flight ID  FFSVFRID  Set VFR Flight ID  FFSVFRID
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-9Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the maximum airspeed. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.5  Aircraft (Emitter) Category The following options are offered for selecting aircraft (emitter) category:   1. Unknown 2.  Light Fixed Wing 3.  Medium Fixed Wing 4.  Large Fixed Wing 5. High Vortex B757 6.  Heavy Fixed Wing 7.  High G/ High Speed 8. Rotorcraft 9. Glider/Sailplane 10. Lighter than air 11. Parachutist 12. ULM/Hang/Paraglider 13. UAV  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct aircraft category. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.6  Squat Switch Type The following options are offered for selecting aircraft squat switch type:   1. Not Connected 2.  Low when ground 3.  Low when airborne  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above: Select Aircraft Category  Light Fixed Wing
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-10  Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct squat switch type. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.7  Serial IN Channel X Data Type (X = channel number) The FDL-978-TX can receive data via three serial ports. The following options are offered for selecting serial input type for each individual input serial channel of the FDL-978-TX:   1. Not Used 2. GPS-FreeFlight 3.  Air Data Computer 4. Altitude Encoder  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct serial input type. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. Note: If “Not Used” is selected then the serial input line speed configuration mode will not be displayed and the next configuration mode item will be displayed. 3.5.8  Serial IN Channel X Line Speed (X = channel number) The following options are offered for selecting the serial input baud rate for each channel data type:  1. 4800 2. 9600 3. 19200 4. 38400 5. 57600 6. 115200 7. 230400 Serial IN chan 2 Data Type  GPS - FreeFlight Select Squat Switch Type  Low when airborne
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-11 The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct serial input speed. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.9  Serial OUT Channel X Data Type (X = channel number) The FDL-978-TX can transmit data via two serial ports. The following options are offered for selecting serial output type for each individual channel of the FDL-978-TX:   1. Not Used 2. Altitude Encoder 3. TIS/FIS  4.  ADS-B Pass Thru  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct serial output type. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. Note: If “Not Used” is selected then the serial output line speed configuration mode will not be displayed and the next configuration mode item will be displayed. 3.5.10  Serial OUT Channel X Line Speed (X = channel number) The following options are offered for selecting the serial output baud rate for each channel data type:  1. 4800 2. 9600 3. 19200 4. 38400 5. 57600 Serial OUT chan 6 Data Type  TCAD Traffic Serial IN chan 2 Line Speed  19200
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-126. 115200 7. 230400  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options mentioned above and select the correct serial output speed. Once selected, press the   key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.11  ARINC IN Channel X Data Type (X = channel number) The FDL-978-TX can receive data via two ARINC 429 input ports. The following options are offered for selecting ARINC 429 input type for each individual channel of the FDL-978-TX:   1. Not Used 2. GPS 3.  Air Data Computer  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct ARINC input type. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. Note: If “Not Used” is selected then the ARINC input line speed configuration mode will not be displayed and the next configuration mode item will be displayed. 3.5.12  ARINC IN Channel X Interface Speed (X = channel number) The following options are offered for selecting the ARINC interface speed for each channel data type:  1. Low 2. High  ARINC IN chan 2 Data Type  GPS  Serial OUT chan 1 Line Speed  19200
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-13The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct ARINC input interface speed. Once selected, press the   key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.13 GPS Certification The FDL-978--TX needs a valid GPS source so that aircraft position can be transmitted in its ADS-B message. The GPS source is usually certified to a RTCA-DO178B software level as mandated by the governing FAA TSO. The following GPS software certification levels can be selected:  1. Uncertified 2. Level D 3. Level C 4. Level B  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:   Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct GPS certification level. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.14 GPS NAC Velocity The GPS source used in the installation should have a navigation accuracy category for velocity (NACv) setting specified by the GPS manufacturer. Use the GPS manufacturer’s setting to set this. The following options are available for selection. 1. Unknown 2.  10 meters/ sec 3.  3 meters/ sec 4. GPS Auto  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above: Select GPS Certification  Level C ARINC IN chan 1 Interface Speed  High
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-14  Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct GPS certification level. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.  Settings 1, 2 and 3 are hard-coded settings in the software. Setting 4 is automatically set from the velocity FOM (VFOM) data from the GPS unit. The NACv value is hard-coded to be no better than 3 meters/sec even if GPS Auto is selected. 3.5.15 Aircraft Length The aircraft length can be set from 1 meter to 75 meters by rotating the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the correct length. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.     3.5.16 Aircraft Width The aircraft width can be set from 1 meter to 80 meters by rotating the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the correct width. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.   3.5.17  GPS Reference Position Offset There are three modes by which the GPS reference offset can be set:  1. Unknown Select GPS  NAC velocity  Unknown Set Aircraft  Width  Meters:           40 Set Aircraft  Length  Meters:           50
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-152.  Auto set by GPS 3.  Manual set here  The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from above:    Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct GPS reference offset. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection. If “Unknown” or “Auto Set by GPS” is selected the next configuration item in the setup mode will be displayed. If “Manual Set here” is selected then options for manually entering the GPS antenna reference offset are displayed as below:  The antenna distance from the nose can be entered anywhere between 2 meters to 60 meters by rotating the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the correct distance. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the lateral offset configuration item in the setup mode.     The antenna lateral offset has the following options that can be selected:  1. Unknown 2.  Left 0-2 meters 3.  Left 2-4 meters 4.  Left 4+ meters 5. Central 6.  Right 0-2 meters 7.  Right 2-4 meters 8.  Right 4+ meters  The display screen ia as shown below with one of the options from above:  Antenna Distance From Nose  Meters:           25 GPS Reference Position Offset  Auto Set by GPS
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-16  Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and select the correct antenna offset. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.18  1090 MHz Receiver Installed The display screen is as shown below with either Yes or No options.     Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display either “Yes” or “No” and select the correct option. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.19  UAT Receiver Installed The display screen is as shown below with either Yes or No options.     Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display either “Yes” or “No” and select the correct option. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. 3.5.20  UAT Antenna Diversity The FDL-978-TX provides the flexibility for installing either one or two approved UAT antennas.  A single antenna can either be installed on the top of the aircraft fuselage or on the belly of the aircraft. When two antennas are installed they are installed on the top and bottom of the aircraft. The following options can be selected:  1. Top Only 2. Bottom Only UAT Receiver Installed  No 1090MHz Receiver Installed  No Antenna  Lateral Offset  Left 4+ meters
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-173. Dual    Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the correct antenna diversity option. Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. Note: It is recommended to install dual antennas for maximum coverage.  3.5.21  Check Ground on UAT Antenna Confirm if the UAT antenna(s) used have a ground connection that allows the FDL-978-TX to check if the antenna is installed by selecting the YES or No options. Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or counterclockwise to display either “Yes” or “No” and select the correct option. The display is as shown below:   Once selected, press the    key to confirm selection and complete the configuration setup. 3.6 TEST AND CALIBRATION 3.6.1  Local Voltage Supply Test The front panel controller of the FDL-978-TX utilizes a D.C supply voltage of 5.5V to 8V. The display typically shows the supply voltage between 6.5V to 7.1V as shown below.    There is no option or configuration to be entered or selected in this step. Press the    key or the   key and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.  Local Supply Voltage Test  6.9 V Check Ground  on UAT Antenna  Yes UAT Antenna Diversity  Top Only
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-183.6.2 Calibrate Altitude Encoder The TC-978 includes a built-in altitude encoder. The front panel reports pressure altitude on pin 4 of the DB-9 male connector on the back of the TC-978 as RS-232 serial data, at 9600 bps, using the format commonly called “Icarus” format. The installation manual provides further details of interfacing the altitude encoder with the primary static pressure of the aircraft altimeter. The calibrate altitude encoder setup allows the recalibration of the altitude encoder. This ensures that the altitude seen on the pilot’s primary altimeter is the same as what is transmitted out of the FDL-978-TX. The maximum allowed difference between the primary altimeter and the altitude encoder is 125 feet in ETSO C88a and TSO C88b. The altitude encoder in the Front Panel Controller is accurately calibrated in the factory to be within 50 feet of the applied pressure altitude at all altitudes, whereas the allowed error in the primary altimeter increases with altitude, and above 18,000 feet the altimeter error alone may exceed 125 feet. It is therefore possible that the combination of the allowed errors in the encoder and the primary altimeter may exceed 125 feet, in which case the altitude encoder must be adjusted to correspond to the primary altimeter.   Note: The purpose of calibrating the encoder is to make the output correspond to the primary altimeter. The encoder calibration procedure must therefore only be undertaken after  the primary altimeter has been tested and found to comply with the relevant standards. 3.6.2.1 Calibration Equipment To calibrate the encoder the TC-978 must be powered up and you will need a pitot-static test set with the appropriate adapters to connect to the static port on the aircraft. The pitot-static test set should be able to drive the altitude down to sea level, and above the service ceiling of the aircraft.   No test set is required – the calibration procedure displays all the information you need on the screen of the Front Panel Controller  3.6.2.2 Calibration Procedure There are two adjustment points on the altitude encoder, a low altitude adjustment point, and a high altitude adjustment point. The low altitude point adjusts the correspondence at sea level, and the high altitude point adjusts the correspondence at the altitude limit of the encoder. Since the altitude limit of the encoder is likely to be higher than the service ceiling of the aircraft, it is sufficient to set the upper adjustment at the service ceiling of the aircraft.   Note: DO NOT EXCEED THE ALTITUDE OR RATE OF CLIMB LIMITS OF THE PITOT-STATIC INSTRUMENTS OF THE AIRCRAFT. The TC-978 altitude encoder is a solid state device and will not be affected by excess altitude or rate of climb and descent, but the mechanical instruments in the aircraft can easily be damaged by being driven beyond their intended range.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-191.  Set the primary altimeter subscale setting to 1013.2 hPa, 29.92 in hg.  2.   Connect the pitot-static test set to the aircraft.  3. You can enter the altitude encoder calibration setup either after following the steps from above in order or you can enter directly by holding the FN   button down on the controller on power up to enter setup mode. And skipping over the configuration modes until reaching the calibrate altitude encoder section. When you are in the calibrate altitude encoder setup mode the display shows the following information;    4.  Rotate the code knob   either clockwise or anticlockwise to display either “Yes” or “No” and select the correct option. Once selected, press the    key to confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode. If “No” is selected then the next configuration item in the setup mode will be displayed. If “Yes” is selected then options for calibrating the altitude encoder is as shown below.  5.  On selecting “Yes” the low altitude set point will now be active, and an altitude will be displayed as below.     6.  On the static test set, drive the altitude to 0 feet.  7.  Read the primary altimeter value; rotate the code knob   either clockwise or anticlockwise until the altitude displayed on the front panel matches the aircraft primary altimeter.  8. Press   and the display will move to the mid altitude set point and an altitude will be displayed as shown below. On the static test set, drive the altitude to the middle range ceiling of the aircraft.  Alt Encoder Cal Low Altitude 0ft   100 Calibrate Alt Encoder  Yes
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-20  9.  Read the primary altimeter value; rotate the code knob   either clockwise or anticlockwise until the altitude displayed on the front panel matches the aircraft primary altimeter. Press   and the display will move to the high altitude set point and an altitude will be displayed as shown below. On the static test set, drive the altitude to the service ceiling of the aircraft.                  10. Read the primary altimeter value; rotate the code knob   either clockwise or anticlockwise until the altitude displayed on the front panel matches the aircraft primary altimeter. Press   and the display will move to the test altitude screen which is the next configuration item in the setup mode.    11. To complete the testing you should leave the front controller screen displaying the encoder altitude, and exercise the altitude on the static test set across the altitude range of the aircraft. The display will be as shown above for pressure reported. Use at least 10 test points, and verify that in each case the altitude displayed on the primary altimeter and the altitude displayed on the front panel correspond within the 125 foot tolerance. Lightly tap the altimeter at each test point to eliminate friction effects. When the correspondence test is complete, press   again on the front panel, and power off the system. 3.6.3  Pressure Altitude Reported Pressure altitude is displayed after the altitude calibration setup has been completed. The display shows the reported pressure altitude and should match the altitude reported by the primary altimeter.   Pressure Altitude Reported   608 Alt Encoder Cal High Altitude FL300   608 Alt Encoder Cal Mid Altitude FL100   308
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   III-21  Press   and the display will instruct completion of setup and power off the system.  Pressure Altitude Reported   308
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IV-1SECTION IV    TROUBLESHOOTING 4.1 GENERAL This section provides information for troubleshooting problems that occur after FDL-978-TX installation. This section contains information on how to use the FDL-978-TX LEDs and TC-978 Controller display to troubleshoot installation problems. Refer to SECTION III   to setup and configure the system. 4.2  FDL-978-TX LED TROUBLSHOOTING PROCEDURE The following is a quick reference troubleshooting guide using the FDL-978-TX LEDs:  PROBLEM  POTENTIAL CAUSE  TROUBLESHOOTING No LED Activity  No power  Verify power is turned on Check power connections to unit. Tx LED not active  Unit is not transmitting ADS-B messages Check antenna connections Check TC-978 Warning messages Rx LED not active  Normal operation for transmitter  Status LED is on  A fault with the unit or the attached GPS exists Check TC-978 Warning messages Check GPS connection/configuration GPS LED is flashing slowly GPS is acquiring satellites  Allow 2-3 minutes for GPS tracking Check GPS antenna Check GPS for problems GPS LED is off  GPS not communicating or has a fault Check GPS connection/configuration Check GPS for fault
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IV-24.2.1 UAT Status LED/Discrete Fault Indications The status LED/discrete is an indicator of a warning or fault reported by the FDL-978-TX. The status LED is visible on the FDL-978-TX or the discrete may be connected to a cockpit annuciator. Potential faults that cause the UAT Status LED to turn on and the Status Discrete to be active (ground) are listed below:  PROBLEM REPORTED  REPORTED BY RF Transmission Failure  PBIT Bottom Antenna Not Connected (If DC ground check configured)  PBIT Top Antenna Not Connected (If DC ground check configured)  PBIT RF Transmission Power Too Low  PBIT GWSS not communicating or reporting fault  PBIT RF Transmit Power Supply Low  PBIT Internal Temperature Too High  PBIT RF Transmit Reverse Power too High  PBIT Nominal Message Rate not once per second  PBIT Broadcast monitor failure – All message types not transmitted  PBIT Nominal Message Rate not once per second  PBIT Internal Power Supply Failure  PBIT UART Serial Port Loopback Test Failure  POST ARINC 429 Channel Loopback Test Failure  POST General Processing/Interface Hardware Failure  POST Transmitter Hardware Check Failure  POST
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IV-34.3 WARNING MESSAGES If the FDL-978-TX detects a problem the TC-978 display will indicate WARNING with a brief statement of the problem. Depending on the nature of the problem the FDL-978-TX may not be transmitting ADS-B messages.   Press ENT to return the Control Head to normal operation. The LCD will display an icon in the upper left-hand corner to indicate that warnings are still present. To enter the Warning View mode, press FN four times. In this mode, the control head continually requests the active warning messages from the FDL-978-TX and displays them on the Control Head. Press FN again to exit this mode and return to normal operation.   TC-978 WARNING MESSAGES WARNING MSG  DESCRIPTION Synth Unlock  Transmitter carrier frequency lock fault Tx Fault  UAT transmitter fault Tx Power Low  UAT transmitter power low during transmit Tx PSU High  UAT transmitter power supply output too high Tx PSU Low  UAT transmitter power supply output too low Squitter Fail  Transmitter message modulation fault Remote Hot  FDL-978-TX internal temperature too high No ADS-B Pos  GPS position not acquired, satellite tracking lost, or GPS not communicating GPS Fault  GPS indicates a fault or not responding or no time mark pulse detected Top ant Fault  Top antenna disconnected Bot ant Fault  Bottom antenna disconnected PSU Fail  Internal DC power supply failure ADC Fault  ADC or Altitude sensor fault or not responding  4.3.1  TC-978 Warning Message Troubleshooting The following is a quick reference troubleshooting guide using the TC-978 Warnings:  WARNING  POTENTIAL CAUSE  TROUBLESHOOTING Synth Unlock   Transmitter can’t lock to carrier frequency  Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX Return for maintenance if problem persists TX Fault  Generic Transmitter Fault – POST, transmit, address, broadcast, or nominal rate failure. Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX Check for valid ICAO address config Tx Power Low  Transmitter power too low  Check antennas and cabling Return for maintenance if problem persists Tx PSU High  Transmitter power supply voltage too high. Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX. Return for maintenance if problem persists. Tx PSU Low  Transmitter power supply voltage too low. Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX. Return for maintenance if problem persists. Squitter Fail  Transmitter modulation fault  Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX. Return for maintenance if problem persists. Remote Hot  FDL-978-TX internal temperature too high. Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX. Turn power off for several minutes then back
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IV-4WARNING  POTENTIAL CAUSE  TROUBLESHOOTING on. Return for maintenance if problem persists. No ADS-B Pos  GPS position not acquired, satellite tracking lost, or GPS not communicating Verify GPS is functioning. Verify GPS Port Configuration and speed. Verify GPS Cable connection. GPS Fault   Verify GPS is functioning. Verify Incoming GPS Port Configuration and speed. Verify GPS Cable connection. Top ant Fault  Top antenna disconnected.  Check antenna connection. Ensure antenna is DC grounded. Disable DC Grnd Check in config if antennas are not DC grounded. Bot ant Fault  Bottom antenna disconnected.  Check antenna connection. Ensure antenna is DC grounded. Disable DC Grnd Check in config if antennas are not DC grounded. PSU Fail  Internal DC Power Supply failure.  Cycle Power on the FDL-978-TX. Return for maintenance if problem persists. ADC Fault  Air Data Computer or Altitude encoder fault or not responding. Verify ADC is functioning. Verify ADC Port Configuration and speed. Verify ADC Cable connection.  
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   V-1SECTION V    RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATION FORMS  5.1 FDL-978-TX UAT DO-160 QUALIFICATION  CONDITIONS  PARA  CATEGORY (DO-160G) Temperature and Altitude  4  C4(-40ºC to +70ºC)/D/A Operating Low Temperature Operating High Temperature Short-Time Operating Low Temperature Short-Time Operating High Temperature Ground Survival Low Temperature Ground Survival High Temperature Loss of Cooling Altitude Decompression Overpressure 4.5.2 4.5.4 4.5.1 4.5.3 4.5.1 4.5.3 4.5.5 4.6 4.6.2 4.6.3 -40°C (C4) +70°C (C4) -40°C (C4) +70°C (C4) -55°C (C4) +85°C (C4) n/a +50,000ft (D) +50,000ft (A) -15,000ft (A) Temperature Variation  5  B Humidity 6 A Shock/Crash Safety  7  B Vibration  8  S (Zone 1, curve C) & U2 Explosive Atmosphere  9  n/a Waterproofness 10 n/a Fluids Susceptibility  11  n/a Sand and Dust  12  n/a Fungus Resistance  13  n/a Salt Fog  14  n/a Magnetic Effect  15  Z Power Input  16  B Voltage Spike  17  A Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility – Power Inputs 18 B Induced Signal Susceptibility  19  AC Radio Frequency Susceptibility  20  TT Emission of Radio Frequency Energy  21  MM Lightning, Induced Transient Susceptibility  22  A2J3L3 Lightning Direct Effects  23  n/a Icing 24 n/a Electrostatic Discharge  25  A Fire, Flammability  26  C
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   V-2 5.2 TC-978 CONTROLLER DO-160 QUALIFICATION  CONDITIONS  PARA  CATEGORY (DO-160E) Temperature and Altitude  4  C4 (-20ºC to +55ºC) Temperature Variation  5  A Humidity 6 A Shock/Crash Safety  7  B Vibration  8  U (Curve G) Explosive Atmosphere  9  n/a Waterproofness  10  W (front face only) Fluids Susceptibility  11  n/a Sand and Dust  12  n/a Fungus Resistance  13  n/a Salt Fog  14  n/a Magnetic Effect  15  Z Power Input  16  n/a Voltage Spike  17  n/a Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility – Power Inputs 18 n/a Induced Signal Susceptibility  19  AC Radio Frequency Susceptibility  20  TT Emission of Radio Frequency Energy  21  M Lightning, Induced Transient Susceptibility  22  n/a Lightning Direct Effects  23  n/a Icing 24 n/a Electrostatic Discharge  25  n/a Fire, Flammability  26  n/a
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   VI-1SECTION VI    SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS Two data formats may be selected to accept input from external Altitude sensors: • Encoder Altitude – gray-code to serial altitude converters, etc. • Air Data Computer – To select a data format, refer to section B.4. The baud rate of each of these formats is automatically set; ENCODER is 9600 baud and RMI is 1200 baud. 6.1  ALTITUDE ENCODER FORMAT The Altitude Encoder data format accepts messages with the following parameters: Baud:     9600 Parity:  None Start Bit:   1 Data Bits:   8 Stop Bit:   1 Update Rate:   1 msg/sec  Compatible devices include Rosetta Encoders and Serializers (ARS 50 and ARS 100). The compatible format for altitude information is the following 10 byte ASCII message:  BYTE  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 CONTENTS  A L T    1 2 3 4 5 c/r  Some examples include:   'ALT 00000'     0 feet 'ALT -1200'     -1200 feet 'ALT 62505'     62,505 feet 'ALT 05604'     5,604 feet 6.2  AIR DATA COMPUTER FORMAT The Air Data computer format accepts messages withthe following parameters: Baud:     9600 Parity:  None Start Bit:   1 Data Bits:   8 Stop Bit:   1 Update Rate: 1 msg/sec Air Data messages are accepted when the serial port is set to "ENCODER". A packet consists of a set of ASCII message strings. The first character of each packet is an ASCII Start-of-Text (STX = 02H). The last character of each packet will be an ASCII End-of-Text (ETX = 03H). Each message string begins with one ASCII character to identify it as an Air Data message ("Z"). The second character identifies which message it is. The rest of the string consists of one or more alphanumeric ASCII fields. Each message field ends with a carriage return, line feed (CR = 0D0AH). All numeric fields are ASCII decimal, right justified and zero filled. If the Air Data Computer cannot supply data in a particular field, the field is filled with dashes ("-" = 2DH). The table below lists the message items used by the FDL-978-TX. Additional items may be in the message but they are not used by the FDL-978-TX.  ITEM FORMAT  CONTENTS  DESCRIPTION ZBddd  True Air Speed  ddd = knots (40 to 600) ZDsdddd  Pressure Altitude  s = sign, dddd = tens of feet (-100 to +5999)
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   VI-2ITEM FORMAT  CONTENTS  DESCRIPTION ZKsddd   Vertical Speed   s = sign, ddd = tens of feet/minute (-600 to +600) ZRddd  Packet Checksum  ddd = number (0 to 255)
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   VII-1SECTION VII   ADS-B COMPLIANCE ADS-B PARAMETERS SUPPORTED #  Input Data Element  Comment (Use within the FDL-978-TX) 1  ICAO 24-bit Address  Installation configuration 2  Address Selection (ICAO vs Temporary)  Anonymous discrete input 3 Latitude  From GPS data 4 Longitude  From GPS data 5  Altitude Type Selection (Barometric vs Geometric)  Baro unless invalid or inhibited 6  Barometric Pressure Altitude  From altitude/air data sensor 7  Geometric Altitude  From GPS data 8 NIC  From GPS data 9  Automatic AIRBORNE/ON-GROUND Indication  Air/Ground discrete input 10  North Velocity  From GPS data 11  East Velocity  From GPS data 12  Ground Speed  From GPS data 13  Track Angle  From GPS data 14 Heading  From GPS data 15  Barometric Vertical Rate  From altitude/air data sensor 16  Geometric Vertical Rate  From GPS data 17  A/V Length and Width, and POA Installation configuration 18  UTC 1 PPS Timing  From GPS Data 19 Emitter Category  Installation configuration 20  Call Sign  From controller interface (TC-978) 21  Emergency/Priority Status Selection  From controller interface (TC-978) 22  SIL  GPS with HIL or HPL only 23  System Design Assurance (SDA)  Installation configuration 24  SIL Supplement  GPS with HIL or HPL only 25 NACP From GPS data 26 NACV From GPS data 27 NICBARO  Non-Gilham altitude sensors only 28 Capability Codes  Installation configuration 29  TCAS Installed and Operational Installation configuration 30  TCAS/ACAS resolution advisory flag  TCAS RA discrete input 31  IDENT Switch Active  From controller interface (TC-978) 32  Call Sign Identification  From controller interface (TC-978) 33  Geometric Vertical Accuracy (GVA) Installation configuration 34  Single Antenna Flag  Installation configuration 35  NIC Supplement Flag  From GPS data 36  Selected Altitude Type  Not supported in current software 37  Selected Altitude Setting  Not supported in current software 38  Barometric Pressure Setting  Not supported in current software 39  Selected Heading  Not supported in current software 40  Status of MCP/FCU Mode  Not supported in current software 41  Mode Indicators: Autopilot Engaged  Not supported in current software 42  Mode Indicators: VNAV Engaged  Not supported in current software 43  Mode Indicators: Altitude Hold Mode  Not supported in current software 44  Mode Indicators: Approach Mode  Not supported in current software 45  Mode Indicators: LNAV Engaged  Not supported in current software 46  Radio Height  Not supported in current software 47  Pressure Altitude Disable  From controller interface (TC-978) 48  Airspeed  From altitude/air data sensor 49  Flight Plan ID  From controller interface (TC-978)
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A                                                              September 1, 2011   VIII-1SECTION VIII    INSTALLATION DRAWINGS 8.1 FDL-978-TX TRANSMITTER DIMENSIONS
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A                                                              September 1, 2011   VIII-28.2  TC-978 CONTROLLER DIMENSIONS   All dimensions in millimeters.       8.3  FRONT PANEL CUT-OUT OPTIONS The TC-978 front panel controller can be fitted to either the compact mounting hole or a conventional 2¼ inch (57mm) instrument cut-out. The compact mounting is a truncated 58 mm opening. Note that the mounting screws are NOT in the same location for the two options.
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A                                                              September 1, 2011   VIII-3
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IX-1SECTION IX    INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS 9.1 FDL-978-TX  INTERCONNECT DIAGRAM WITH 1201 GPS/SBAS SENSOR
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IX-29.2 FDL-978-TX INTERCONNECT DIAGRAM WITH 1203/1203C GPS/SBAS SENSOR
FDL-978-TX ADS-B Transmitter Installation Manual   86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011   IX-3 LIMITED WARRANTY  I. HARDWARE  FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS, LTD. (“FREEFLIGHT”), 3700 Interstate 35 S, Waco, TX 76706, hereby warrants to the first retail purchaser only, that hardware purchased hereunder will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of installation, not to exceed thirty (30) months from the date of shipment from FREEFLIGHT’s factory. Should defects be found, FREEFLIGHT at its option, will repair or replace the product in which physical defects in materials or workmanship occur. The foregoing states the sole liability and obligation of FREEFLIGHT arising out of this warranty, and such warranty is subject to the following CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS.  (A) The defect shall occur under normal use and service for which this product was intended. FREEFLIGHT shall not be obligated or liable under this Warranty for defects which FREEFLIGHT’s examination discloses are due to: (1) tampering, (2) misuse, (3) abuse, (4) neglect, (5) improper storage or maintenance, (6) use in a manner beyond which such equipment is normally intended to be used, (7) improper repair or poor workmanship by those who are not authorized by FREEFLIGHT to repair the products or use of defective material by such unauthorized persons, and (8) any other cause except for defects in material or workmanship caused by FREEFLIGHT.  (B) The warranty card supplied with the product must be completed and returned to FREEFLIGHT within 15 days of installation of the product in order for this Warranty to become effective.  (C) The product is sold and installed by an authorized dealer. A list of all authorized FREEFLIGHT dealers may be obtained from FREEFLIGHT.  (D) The company must have received a copy of a completed FAA Form 337 covering installation of the product in the purchaser’s aircraft or equivalent documentation showing installation of the product by the authorized FREEFLIGHT dealer.  (E) The product shall be returned to FREEFLIGHT via the dealer with transportation charges prepaid. After correction of the defects, the products will be returned to the purchaser, transportation charges prepaid, except for returns to purchasers in foreign countries, which purchasers shall be responsible for payment of such charges from the American Port of exit to purchaser’s place of business. The risk of loss or damage to all products in transit shall be assumed by the party initiating the transportation of such products.   II. ITEMS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY  EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES GRANTED IN SECTIONS I AND II ABOVE, FREEFLIGHT MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO ITS PRODUCT AND DISCLAIMS THE SAME. FREEFLIGHT MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE DESIGN, ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, SAFETY OR CONFORMANCE WITH GOVERNMENT STANDARDS OR REGULATION OF ANY FLIGHT PROCEDURE PRESCRIBED BY A GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FURTHER, FREEFLIGHT MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, SAFETY, OR CONFORMANCE WITH GOVERNMENT STANDARDS OR REGULATIONS, OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PRODUCT WHICH IS PUBLISHED BY OTHERS OR WHICH FREEFLIGHT OBTAINED FROM OTHERS. FURTHER, FREEFLIGHT MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA, FLIGHT INFORMATION, OR FLIGHT PROCEDURE CONTAINED IN ITS PRODUCT. FREEFLIGHT DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL AVAILABLE DATA IN ITS PRODUCT.   III. LIMITATIONS ON WARRANTY  THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER, EXCEPT WHERE THE PRODUCT IS USED OR PURCHASED PRIMARILY FOR THE PURCHASER’S PERSONAL OR FAMILY USE. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IF ANY, AND SAID IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED. WHERE THE PRODUCT IS USED OR PURCHASED PRIMARILY FOR THE PURCHASER’S PERSONAL OR FAMILY USE, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IF ANY, ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO TWO (2) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE OF THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF AN IMPLIED WARRANTY, OR OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; THEREFORE, THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS CONCERNING THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS OF DAMAGES MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.   LIMITATION OF LIABILITY  FREEFLIGHT’S LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO OBTAIN THE PRODUCT. FREEFLIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER TYPES OF DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF USE, LOST PROFITS, AND PERSONAL INJURY. FREEFLIGHT EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES AND DISCLAIMS SUCH DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OR CAUSED BY, THE USE, OPERATION, FAILURE, MALFUNCTION OR DEFECT OF ANY FREEFLIGHT PRODUCT, WHETHER OR NOT LIABILITY FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS DUE TO TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), CONTRACT, WARRANTY, OR STRICT LIABILITY. THESE LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY EVEN IF FREEFLIGHT OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE PRODUCT REFLECTS THIS ALLOCATION OF RISK. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. To obtain service under this warranty contact: FreeFlight Systems at (254) 662-0000.
 86960, Revision A  September 1, 2011                             © 2011 3700 Interstate 35 S. Waco, TX 76706 1 (254) 662-0000 1 (800) 487-4662 http://www.freeflightsystems.com

Navigation menu