ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series

Installation Information

Part Numbers
P/N 87334-XX-XXXX

Document No. 88552

Disclaimer: This manual revision is a controlled engineering release copy which is currently under review
and pending TSO approval. This document has been loaned only to specific customers and must not be
redistributed without the written consent of FreeFlight Systems Engineering

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.
 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Information
Document No: 88552 Rev A

Proprietary Information
This document contains FreeFlight Systems proprietary information. It is furnished to FreeFlight
Systems customers by the rights expressly granted by contract and may not, in whole or in part,
be duplicated or its contents disclosed to unauthorized personnel without prior written consent
from FreeFlight Systems.
The information provided in this document is subject to change without notice. Please visit the
FreeFlight Systems website (http://www.freeflightsystems.com) or contact Product Support for
updated materials regarding your products.

For Product Support, Repair, or Sales, please contact us directly or an authorized FreeFlight
Systems Dealer.

Product Support Department:

Phone: +1.254.662.0000, ext. 503
Direct: +1.254.662.7083
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 503
Email: [email protected]

Repair Department:
Phone: +1.254.662.0000, ext. 502
Direct: +1.254.662.7082
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 502
Email: [email protected]

Sales Department:
Phone: +1.254.662.0000, ext. 501
Direct: +1.254.662.7081
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 501
Email: [email protected]

Our normal business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., U.S. CST (UTC -06:00).

FreeFlight Systems
7333 Interstate 35 S.
Robinson, TX 76706
+1 254.662.0000
+1 800.487.4662
http://www.freeflightsystems.com
Copyright © FreeFlight Systems. All rights reserved.

FFS Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. a

ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

History of Revisions
Dates of Revision are:
Revision – A (Initial Release).........………………………….August-20-2020

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

Table of Contents
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.1 EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS ....................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.2 FCC WARNING ..................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 NON-TSO FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 1-3
1.3 ALERT SYMBOL USAGE ................................................................................................................ 1-5
1.4 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 1-6
1.4.1 TC978 CONTROLLER ............................................................................................................ 1-7
1.4.2 UAT ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 1-8
1.4.3 GPS ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 1-8
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................................................................... 1-9
1.5.1 FDL-DB SERIES ................................................................................................................... 1-9
1.5.2 TC978 CONTROLLER .......................................................................................................... 1-10
1.6 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................. 1-11
1.6.1 FDL-DB SERIES ITEMS ....................................................................................................... 1-11
1.7 REQUIRED MATERIALS NOT SUPPLIED ........................................................................................ 1-12
1.7.1 LIST OF OTHER APPROVED GPS ANTENNAS ........................................................................ 1-12
1.7.2 FT-9000 RAMP TESTER .................................................................................................... 1-13
SECTION 2 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES INTERFACES ............................................................... 2-14
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT................................................................................... 2-14
2.2 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING.............................................................................................................. 2-14
2.2.1 FDL-DB SERIES ................................................................................................................. 2-15
2.2.2 TC978 CONTROLLER .......................................................................................................... 2-16
2.3 COOLING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 2-16
2.4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................................... 2-17
2.4.1 INTERFACE – DB-62 PINOUT ............................................................................................... 2-17
2.5 INTERFACE DETAILS .................................................................................................................. 2-19
2.5.1 POWER INPUT ..................................................................................................................... 2-19
2.5.2 PERSONALITY MODULE ....................................................................................................... 2-20
2.5.3 STATUS LEDS .................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.5.4 REMOTE POWER CONTROL ................................................................................................. 2-21
2.5.5 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE......................................................................................... 2-21
2.5.6 CONFIGURABLE SERIAL INTERFACES.................................................................................... 2-21
2.5.6.1 Serial Ports – RS-232/RS-422 ................................................................................................ 2-22

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2.5.6.1.1 RS-232 to RS-485/-422 Serial Converters ............................................................................ 2-23
2.5.6.2 ARINC 429 Ports .................................................................................................................... 2-23
2.5.7 DISCRETE INPUTS ............................................................................................................... 2-24
2.5.7.1 Air/Ground Input ..................................................................................................................... 2-25
2.5.7.2 Traffic Test Input ..................................................................................................................... 2-25
2.5.7.3 Anonymous Mode Input .......................................................................................................... 2-25
2.5.8 DISCRETE OUTPUT ............................................................................................................. 2-26
2.5.8.1 UAT Status Output .................................................................................................................. 2-26
2.5.8.2 TX Suppression Output........................................................................................................... 2-26
2.5.9 TIME MARK INPUT/OUTPUT.................................................................................................. 2-26
2.5.10 MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 2-27
2.5.10.1 USB Interface ......................................................................................................................... 2-28
2.5.10.2 Ethernet Interface ................................................................................................................... 2-28
2.5.11 AUDIO INTERFACE (FUTURE RELEASE) ................................................................................. 2-30
2.6 TC978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS....................................................................... 2-30
2.6.1 TC978 INTERFACE – DB-9 PINOUT...................................................................................... 2-30
2.7 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE DETAILS.................................................................................. 2-30
2.7.1 POWER............................................................................................................................... 2-30
2.7.2 REMOTE ON ....................................................................................................................... 2-30
2.7.3 TMAP BUS ......................................................................................................................... 2-30
2.7.4 ALTITUDE OUT .................................................................................................................... 2-31
2.7.5 TC978 CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................ 2-31
2.8 PERSONALITY MODULE INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 2-32
2.9 WIRING CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................................................... 2-34
2.10 UAT ANTENNA INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 2-34
2.10.1 UAT ANTENNA GROUND PLANE........................................................................................... 2-35
2.10.2 UAT ANTENNA CABLE ......................................................................................................... 2-35
2.11 GPS ANTENNA INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 2-36
2.11.1 ANTENNA POWER ............................................................................................................... 2-37
2.11.2 RECOMMENDED CABLE FOR GPS ........................................................................................ 2-37
2.11.3 SATCOM COMPATIBILITY ................................................................................................... 2-37
2.12 TC978 STATIC PRESSURE CONNECTION .................................................................................... 2-37
2.13 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE COMPLIANCE ................................................................................ 2-38
SECTION 3 RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS ................................................... 3-1
3.1 FDL-DB SERIES EQUIPMENT AND UAT DO-160 QUALIFICATION ................................................... 3-1
SECTION 4 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 4-3
4.1 ALTITUDE ENCODER FORMAT ....................................................................................................... 4-3

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4.2 AIR DATA COMPUTER/SENSOR FORMAT ....................................................................................... 4-3
SECTION 5 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES PORT CONFIGURATION............................................... 5-5
5.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 5-5
5.1.1 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES SERIAL, ARINC AND NETWORK PORT CONFIGURATION DETAILS 5-5
5.1.1.1 Serial Port Input Configuration .................................................................................................. 5-8
5.1.1.2 Serial Port Output Configuration ............................................................................................. 5-10
5.1.1.3 ARINC 429 Port Input Configuration ....................................................................................... 5-11
5.1.1.4 ARINC 429 Port Output Configuration .................................................................................... 5-13
5.1.1.5 Network Server Port Connection Configuration Details .......................................................... 5-15
5.1.1.5.1 UDP Connection ................................................................................................................... 5-15
5.1.1.5.2 TCP Connection .................................................................................................................... 5-15
5.1.1.6 Network Server Port Input Configuration Details .................................................................... 5-16
5.1.1.7 Network Server Port Functionality Configuration Details ........................................................ 5-16
5.2 MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE (MPI) HARDWARE CONFIGURATION .......................................... 5-18
5.2.1 TERMINAL PROGRAM INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 5-18
5.2.1.1 Terminal MPI Network Connection Settings ........................................................................... 5-18
5.2.1.2 Initial MPI Connection using the Telnet Remote Network Server Port .................................... 5-21
5.2.2 TERMINAL MAINTENANCE COMMANDS .................................................................................. 5-22
5.2.2.1 “help or ?” Command .............................................................................................................. 5-22
5.2.2.2 “ads” Command ...................................................................................................................... 5-24
5.2.2.3 “bit” Command ........................................................................................................................ 5-24
5.2.2.4 “comm” Command .................................................................................................................. 5-24
5.2.2.5 “control” Command ................................................................................................................. 5-26
5.2.2.6 “gps” Command ...................................................................................................................... 5-26
5.2.2.7 “info” Command ...................................................................................................................... 5-26
5.2.2.8 “Reset” Command .................................................................................................................. 5-27
5.2.2.9 “rxstatus” Command ............................................................................................................... 5-28
5.2.2.10 “cnfg” Command ..................................................................................................................... 5-29
5.2.2.11 “cnfg defaults” Command........................................................................................................ 5-30
5.2.2.12 “set” Command ....................................................................................................................... 5-31
5.2.2.12.1 “set hostname” Command..................................................................................................... 5-31
5.2.2.12.2 “set net” Command ............................................................................................................... 5-31
5.2.2.12.3 “set netserver” Command ..................................................................................................... 5-32
5.2.2.12.4 Display Output Settings......................................................................................................... 5-33
5.2.2.12.4.1 “set max trgs” Command .............................................................................................. 5-33
5.2.2.12.4.2 “set cheltonCSA” Command ......................................................................................... 5-33
5.2.2.12.4.3 “set trafVelVal” Command............................................................................................. 5-34
5.2.2.12.4.4 “set displayout” ............................................................................................................. 5-34

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ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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5.3 CONFIGURATION AND SETUP USING TC978................................................................................ 5-35
5.3.1 ENTERING CONFIGURATION MODE ....................................................................................... 5-35
5.3.2 FDL-DB-XVR CONFIGURATION MODE OPERATION .............................................................. 5-36
5.3.2.1 Aircraft Mode S (or ICAO) Address ......................................................................................... 5-37
5.3.2.2 VFR Squawk Code ................................................................................................................. 5-37
5.3.2.3 VFR Flight ID .......................................................................................................................... 5-37
5.3.2.4 Groundspeed Threshold ......................................................................................................... 5-38
5.3.2.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category ...................................................................................................... 5-39
5.3.2.6 Squat Switch Type .................................................................................................................. 5-39
5.3.2.7 Serial IN Channel X Data Type ............................................................................................... 5-40
5.3.2.8 Serial IN Channel X Line Speed ............................................................................................. 5-41
5.3.2.9 Serial OUT Channel X Data Type ........................................................................................... 5-41
5.3.2.10 Serial OUT Channel X Line Speed ......................................................................................... 5-42
5.3.2.11 ARINC IN Channel X Data Type ............................................................................................. 5-43
5.3.2.12 ARINC IN Channel X Interface Speed .................................................................................... 5-43
5.3.2.13 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Data Type .............................................................................................. 5-44
5.3.2.14 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Interface Speed ..................................................................................... 5-44
5.3.2.15 Select Max Targets Output ..................................................................................................... 5-45
5.3.2.16 GPS Certification .................................................................................................................... 5-45
5.3.2.17 GPS NAC Velocity .................................................................................................................. 5-46
5.3.2.18 Aircraft Length ........................................................................................................................ 5-46
5.3.2.19 Aircraft Width .......................................................................................................................... 5-46
5.3.2.20 GPS Reference Position Offset .............................................................................................. 5-47
5.3.2.21 Mode A/C Receiver Sets Squawk ........................................................................................... 5-48
5.3.2.22 1090 MHz Receiver Installed .................................................................................................. 5-48
5.3.2.23 UAT Receiver Installed ........................................................................................................... 5-49
5.3.2.24 UAT Antenna Diversity............................................................................................................ 5-49
5.3.2.25 UAT Antenna Check Ground .................................................................................................. 5-50
5.4 TC978 TEST AND CALIBRATION ................................................................................................. 5-51
5.4.1 LOCAL VOLTAGE SUPPLY TEST ............................................................................................ 5-51
5.4.2 TC978 ALTITUDE ENCODER CALIBRATION ........................................................................... 5-51
5.4.2.1 Calibration Equipment............................................................................................................. 5-51
5.4.2.2 Calibration Procedure ............................................................................................................. 5-51
5.4.3 PRESSURE ALTITUDE REPORTED ......................................................................................... 5-53
SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 6-54
6.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................. 6-54
6.2 FDL-DB SERIES LED TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE ............................................................. 6-54
6.2.1 UAT STATUS LED/DISCRETE FAULT INDICATIONS ................................................................ 6-55

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Document No. 88552 Rev A
6.3 WARNING MESSAGES ................................................................................................................ 6-56
6.3.1 TC978 WARNING MESSAGE TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................. 6-56
SECTION 7 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS ....................................................................... 7-58
7.1 TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ........................................................................................... 7-58
7.1.1 GARMIN GNS 430W/530W DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ............................. 7-1
7.1.2 CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY, GSL-71 CONTROLLER, NO TRANSPONDER ......................... 7-2
7.1.3 ASPEN DISPLAY AND CONTROL, GTX 327 TRANSPONDER ...................................................... 7-3
7.1.4 MODE A/C TRANSPONDER, TC978 CONTROLLER................................................................... 7-4
7.1.5 GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER, TCAS .................................................................. 7-5
7.1.6 GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER .......................................................... 7-7
7.1.7 GARMIN GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-DB-XVR GPS SOURCE ............................... 7-8
7.2 EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC INSTALLATIONS........................................................................................... 7-1
7.2.1 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1201 GPS......................................................................................... 7-1
7.2.2 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1203C GPS ...................................................................................... 7-1
7.3 EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY AND FUNCTIONS ................................................................................ 7-1
SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS ...................................................................... 8-1
SECTION 9 WARNING DISCLAIMER .................................................................................................. 9-1
SECTION 10 LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 10-2

List of Figures
FIGURE 1: TC978 CONTROLLER ................................................................................................................... 1-7
FIGURE 2: FDL-DB SERIES MOUNTING DIMENSIONS.................................................................................... 2-15
FIGURE 3: TC978 DIMENSIONS ................................................................................................................... 2-16
FIGURE 4: FDC-485/422 SERIAL CONVERTER............................................................................................. 2-23
FIGURE 5: INLINE MPI CONNECTOR AND COMPATIBLE MPI DEVICES ............................................................ 2-27
FIGURE 6: PERSONALITY MODULE ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................. 2-33
FIGURE 7: STATIC LINE CONNECTION .......................................................................................................... 2-38
FIGURE 8: TERA TERM TERMINAL SETUP ..................................................................................................... 5-18
FIGURE 9: TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING TELNET ..................................................... 5-19
FIGURE 10: NETWORK HARDWARE CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................... 5-20
FIGURE 11: TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING A REMOTE NETWORK SERVER PORT ........ 5-21
FIGURE 12: EXAMPLE TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING TELNET.................................... 5-21
FIGURE 13: FDL-DB SERIES HELP MENU.................................................................................................... 5-23
FIGURE 14: FDL-DB SERIES ADS MENU ...................................................................................................... 5-24
FIGURE 15: FDL-DB SERIES BIT MENU ........................................................................................................ 5-24
FIGURE 16: FDL-DB SERIES COMM MENU ................................................................................................... 5-25

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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FIGURE 17: FDL-DB SERIES CONTROL MENU .............................................................................................. 5-26
FIGURE 18: FDL-DB SERIES GPS MENU ...................................................................................................... 5-26
FIGURE 19: FDL-DB SERIES INFO MENU ..................................................................................................... 5-27
FIGURE 20: FDL-DB SERIES RESET COMMAND ........................................................................................... 5-27
FIGURE 21: FDL-DB SERIES RXSTATUS COMMAND DISPLAY ......................................................................... 5-28
FIGURE 22: FDL-DB SERIES CNFG MENU .................................................................................................... 5-29
FIGURE 23: FDL-DB SERIES CNFG DEFAULTS COMMAND ............................................................................. 5-30
FIGURE 24: FDL-DB SERIES SET HELP MENU .............................................................................................. 5-31
FIGURE 25: FDL-DB SERIES SET HOSTNAME HELP MENU ............................................................................. 5-31
FIGURE 26: FDL-DB SERIES SET NET HELP MENU........................................................................................ 5-32
FIGURE 27: FDL-DB SERIES SET NETSERVER HELP MENU ............................................................................ 5-33
FIGURE 28: FDL-DB SERIES SET MAX TRGS COMMAND ................................................................................ 5-33
FIGURE 29: FDL-DB SERIES SET CHELTONCSA COMMAND .......................................................................... 5-34
FIGURE 30: FDL-DB SERIES SET TRAFFVELVAL COMMAND .......................................................................... 5-34
FIGURE 31: FDL-DB SET DISPLAYOUT COMMAND......................................................................................... 5-35
FIGURE 32: GARMIN GNS 430W/530W DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ................................... 7-1
FIGURE 33: CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY, GSL-71 CONTROLLER ............................................................. 7-2
FIGURE 34: ASPEN DISPLAY AND CONTROL, GTX 327 TRANSPONDER............................................................ 7-3
FIGURE 35: MODE A/C TRANSPONDER, TC978 CONTROLLER ........................................................................ 7-4
FIGURE 36: GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER, TCAS ....................................................................... 7-5
FIGURE 37: GARMIN MX-20 DISPLAY AND CONTROL, NO TRANSPONDER........................................................ 7-6
FIGURE 38: GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ............................................................... 7-7
FIGURE 39: GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-DB-XVR GPS SOURCE ................................................. 7-8
FIGURE 42: 1201 WIRING DIAGRAM .............................................................................................................. 7-1
FIGURE 43: FIGURE1203C WIRING DIAGRAM ................................................................................................ 7-1
FIGURE 44: OFF-THE-SHELF RS-232 TO USB CONVERTER ........................................................................... 8-1
FIGURE 45: SERIAL-TO-WI-FI MPI ................................................................................................................ 8-1
FIGURE 46: SERIAL-TO-WI-FI AIRCRAFT MODULE .......................................................................................... 8-2

List of Tables
TABLE 1. MPI PINOUT ................................................................................................................................ 2-28
TABLE 2. FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES INSTALLATION DATA INTERFACES ........................................................ 5-5
TABLE 3. SERIAL PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .............................................................................. 5-8
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TABLE 4. SERIAL PORT INPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS ..................................................................................... 5-9
TABLE 5. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ........................................................................ 5-10
TABLE 6. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS................................................................................ 5-10
TABLE 7. ARINC 429 PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS..................................................................... 5-11
TABLE 8. ARINC PORT INPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ................................................................ 5-11
TABLE 9. GPS-743 INPUT ARINC LABELS .................................................................................................. 5-11
TABLE 10. TRANSPNDER-CNTRL INPUT ARINC LABELS ............................................................................... 5-12
TABLE 11. ADC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS .......................................................................................... 5-13
TABLE 12. AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS........................................................................................ 5-13
TABLE 13. ADC & AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS ............................................................................ 5-13
TABLE 14.TRAFFIC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS ...................................................................................... 5-13
TABLE 15. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ............................................................... 5-14
TABLE 16. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .................................................... 5-15
TABLE 17. TRAFFIC FORMAT OUTPUT ARINC LABELS ................................................................................. 5-15
TABLE 21. TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS ........................................................................... 5-18
TABLE 22. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONTROL FUNCTIONS FOR VARIOUS FDL-DB SERIES CONTROLLERS ................ 7-1
TABLE 23. COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE VERSIONS .............................................................................................. 7-1

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction
This document contains installation data, specifications, and information for the FreeFlight
Systems (FFS) Dual Band Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) FDL-DB
Dual Band series. The FDL-DB Series is the same size with the same mechanical mounting
interface as the FDL-978 Single Band (UAT) Series. The FDL-DB Series uses a female 62-pin
D-Sub connector that contains all the same electrical connections and interfaces of the FDL-978
Series 44-pin D-Sub connector as well as additional interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, audio
output, and optional additional ARINC-429 I/O.
The FDL-DB Series is an ADS-B dual band receiver with an optional UAT ADS-B transmitter.
The FDL-DB Series meets the ADS-B UAT equipment class A1H/A1S 978 Megahertz (MHz)
(UAT) and 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) equipment class A1S/A1 receiver
requirements of TSO-C154c, TS0-166b, TSO-C157b, and TSO-C195b. When equipped with the
internal class Beta 1 Global Positioning System (GPS), the FDL-DB Series systems also meet
the requirements of TSO-C145d.
1.1.1 Equipment Limitations
For a compliant installation in accordance with the TSO and the Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR), the FDL-DB Series installations must meet the following
requirements
❖ TSO-C145d
“The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum
performance standards. Those installing this article, on or in a specific type or class of
aircraft, must determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within the TSO
standards. TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The
article may be installed only according to 14 CFR part 43 or the applicable airworthiness
requirements.”
❖ PRAIM Standards
TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The article may
be installed only according to 14 CFR part 43 or the applicable airworthiness
requirements.
❖ TSO-C154c
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). If you are installing this article on or in a specific type or
class of aircraft, you must obtain separate approval for installation.”
❖ TSO-C166b
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). If you are installing this article on or in a specific type or
class of aircraft, you must obtain separate approval for installation.”
❖ TSO-C157b
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). Installation of this article requires separate approval.”
❖ TSO-C195b
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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by
a technical standard order (TSO). Installation of this article requires separate approval.”
CDTIs integrated with this article must be analysed for latency. This article’s ownship
and traffic total latency is <1.25 seconds and the uncompensated latency is 0 seconds
from current UTC second (not including serial data transmission time).
❖ The antenna installation must comply with the specifications in Section 2.10 for UAT
antennas and Section 2.12 for GPS antennas.

Certified installations must be approved by a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

or Type Certificate (TC)

1.1.2 FCC Warning

RF Exposure Warning – while this device is operating a minimum distance of 4 cm

from the antennas should be maintained to all persons nearby.

1.1.3 Non-TSO Functions

The FDL-DB Series does not contain any functions outside the scope of the above TSO
certifications

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

1.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

All acronyms and abbreviations used within this manual are defined upon initial use and
followed by their shortened version in parentheses as used in the remainder of the manual.
Items used within document numbers or quoted material are not included.

Item Definition

ADF Automatic Direction Finder

ADS altitude/air data sensor
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
ARINC Aeronautical Radio Incorporated
AS Associated
ATC Air Traffic Control
AWG American Wire Gauge
bps bits per second
C Celsius
CSA Conflict Situation Awareness
COMM Communications Receiver
dB decibel
dBm decibel-milliwatts
DC Direct Current
DME Distance Measuring Equipment
ETSO European Technical Standard Order
ETX End of Transmission
F Fahrenheit
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAR Federal Aviation Regulations
FFS FreeFlight Systems
FMS Flight Management System
ft feet
g grams
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IP Internet Protocol
hg hectogram
HIL Horizontal Integrity Limit

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ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Document No. 88552 Rev A

Item Definition

hPa hectopascal
in inch(es)
lb pound(s)
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
MHz megahertz
M meter
mm millimeter
MOPS Minimum Operational Performance Standards
MPI Maintenance Port Interface
NACv Navigational Accuracy Category for velocity
P/N Part Number
PBIT Periodic Built-In Test
PC Personal Computer
PED Personal Electronic Device
PM Personality Module
POST power-on self-test
PPS pulse-per-second
PRAIM Predictive RAIM
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
RI Resolution Instruction
RTS Request to Send
Rx Receive
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System
SSI signal strength indication
STC Supplemental Type Certificate
TA Traffic Advisory
TC Type Certificate
TCAS Traffic Collision Avoidance System
TIS Traffic Information Service
TNC Threaded Neill–Concelman
TSO Technical Standard Orders
Tx Transmit
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter

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Item Definition

UAT Universal Access Transceiver

USB Universal Serial Bus
UHF Ultra-High Frequency
V volts
VDC volts direct current
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VIL Vertical Integrity Limit
VSWR Voltage-Standing Wave Ratio
W watts
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System

1.3 Alert Symbol Usage

The following Warning, Caution, and Note symbols are used throughout this manual and their
hierarchy is structured as shown below. When an item applies to an entire section it will be
identified at the beginning of the applicable section. Otherwise, it will immediately precede the
information for which it applies.

Warnings are identified when failure to properly follow the instructions provided
may cause serious injury to personnel or damage to equipment if not followed.

Cautions are identified when failure to properly follow the instructions provided may
cause serious damage to equipment, or unintended operation, if not followed.

Notes are identified to provide additional information or explanation to the user.

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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1.4 General System Description

The FDL-DB-XVR (ADS-B In/Out) transmits, via UAT datalink, and receives, via a UAT and
1090ES data links, position, velocity, and other flight information to and from other aircraft and
ground station equipment. The FDL-DB-RX (ADS-B In only) receives position, velocity, and
other flight information from other aircraft and ground station equipment via a UAT and 1090ES
data links. The FDL-DB Series satisfy the Technical Standard Order (TSO) requirements
referenced in Section 1.1 and the associated Minimum Operational Performance Standards
(MOPS) RTCA DO-282B for UAT ADS-B class A1H/A1S/B1S transceiver equipment and RTCA
DO-260B for 1090ES ADS-B Class A1S/A1 receiver equipment.
The following is a short summary of the transceiver and receiver features:
Optional Internal GPS
Models with the optional internal GPS/WAAS sensor have a single antenna input with an
additional TNC connector. The internal GPS provide a TSO-C145d Class Beta 1 certified
GPS/WAAS data output on serial port 1. FFS/Chelton navigation protocol is output on
RS-232 serial output port 1 allowing it to interface with other external equipment. ARINC
743A/B GPS output labels can also be configured as an upgrade option for output on
ARINC output port 1 or 2. In addition, the internal GPS models can be configured to
output GTX Remote (GPS) protocol data to interface with the GTX 330ES on the output
serial port (typically port 2)
External GPS Input
The FDL-DB Series can connect to any FFS navigation protocol compliant GPS (e.g.
FFS 1201), Garmin series 400W/500W with GPS ADS-B Plus interface through an RS-
232 serial port or an ARINC 743A/B compatible GPS interface (e.g. 1203C) through an
ARINC 429 bus.
Note: external GPS connections are STC specific conforming GSP pairing requirements
described in AC 20-165B.
Status LEDs
Four status LEDs (ST – UAT Status, GPS – GPS Status, TX – UAT Transmit, and RX –
UAT Receive) indicate the operational status during installation.
TC978 Controller Interface
A TC978 Controller interface provides low voltage power, system on/off discrete control,
and a communication interface on Serial Port 3. The system can also be configured
using the TC978.
Configurable Serial Interfaces
Five RS-232 serial ports, one RS-422 port (that can be configured as an additional RS-
232 port), four optional ARINC-429 input ports, and two optional ARINC-429 output ports
can be installation configured to interface to transponder controllers, GPS input, GPS
output (serial only), Altitude/Air Data input, TCAS Input, multiple Display outputs, and
Maintenance Personal Computer (PC)/tablet.
Discrete Inputs/Outputs
Three discrete inputs (Air/Ground Switch, Traffic Test, and Anonymous Mode) and two
discrete outputs (Transmit Suppression and UAT Status) provide control and status
feedback.
ADS-B Antennas

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There are two (top and bottom) ADS-B antenna connectors. The units can be configured
to use the top, bottom, or both (diversity) antennas.
Personality Module Interface
A personality module installed in the aircraft connector allows configuration settings to
automatically be retrieved and set when a transceiver or receiver unit is removed and
replaced in the aircraft.
1.4.1 TC978 Controller

Figure 1: TC978 Controller

Polarized sunglasses may interfere with the display visibility of the TC978.

The TC978 Controller provides operational functionality, status display, and limited configuration
setup for the FDL-DB Series. It is optional for the FDL-DB-XVR control and status interface.
The controller has a DB-9 connector for electrical interface and a static pressure port. The
controller contains a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with controls and built-in Altitude Encoder.
TC978 low voltage input power is provided by the connected FDL-DB Series equipment. The
TC978 uses serial interface to the FDL-DB Series for control and also provides remote on/off
power control and serial altitude output.
The following is a short summary of the TC978 Controller features:
Display and Controls
The TC978 has an LCD status display, IDT (identify) button, VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
button, FN (function) button, ENT (enter) button, Mode Selection knob, and CODE
knob.
Altitude Encoder
The TC978 has a built-in altitude encoder to measure pressure altitude.
Input Power
The TC978 receives low-voltage power from the FDL-DB-XVR.
Serial Interface
An RS-485 serial data link is used to connect the TC978 to the FDL-DB-XVR.
Remote On/Off
System on/off power is controlled with the Mode Selection knob.

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Altitude Output
Pressure altitude data is output on an RS-232 serial port.

The TC978 is not required if the FDL-DB-XVR is connected to a transmit controller

(transponder) and/or display that can provide, as a minimum:
• Mode A code entry and display
• IDENT control and display
• ADS-B transmit and ADS-B position failure status annunciations

1.4.2 UAT Antenna Requirements

The FDL-DB Series requires an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antenna(s) with at least one of the
following: TSO-C66, C74, C112, or C154. Ensure that the antenna has 50Ω impedance with a
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (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 A1H ADS-B equipment (TSO-C154c) installations, antenna diversity (meaning a top
and bottom antenna) is required. In Class A1S (single antenna) installations only one antenna
(bottom) is used. For airworthiness approval of ADS-B out systems (AC 20-165B) single bottom
mounted antenna (TSO-C154c Class A1S) installations are allowed.
1.4.3 GPS Antenna Requirements
The FDL-DB Series (with internal GPS) require a TSO-C144 (DO-228) antenna. A TSO-C190
(DO-301) compliant GPS antenna may be used for the FDL-DB Series. Installation of a TSO-
C190 antenna is only recommended for anticipated future upgrades to TSO-C145c Class Beta
2, 3, or 4 navigation sensors and avoids the need for a GPS antenna change at that time.
The performance of the internal GPS is affected by the gain, noise figure, impedance, and
frequency selectivity characteristics of the antenna. They should be used only with the
recommended antenna and cable (See Section 2.11.2). Use of other antennas or cables may
not meet all the performance characteristics required by TSO-C145d & TSO-166b.

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1.5 Technical Characteristics

U.S. standard units of measure are the primary means of identifying dimensions,
weights, etc. The equivalent metric values may also be shown in brackets (e.g. 1.9
in [48 mm]).
1.5.1 FDL-DB Series

Specification Characteristics

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE See SECTION 3

C154c (A1H/A1S)
C166b (A1S/A1) /Type 1 - Receive Only
TSO COMPLIANCE C157b (Class 1) Incomplete System
C195b (Class C1 and C5)
C145d (Beta 1) – Internal GPS models only (PNs 87334-00-
FX00, 87334-00-FR00)
FCC IDENTIFICATION T7YFDLDBXXXX
SOFTWARE RTCA/DO-178B Level C
HARDWARE RTCA/DO-254 Level C

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

Height 1.7 in [43.18 mm]

Width 5.0 in [127 mm]

Depth 5.5 in [139.7 mm]

0.94 lb [426 g] with no internal GPS

WEIGHT 1.05 lb [476 g] with internal GPS
OPERATING TEMPERATURE -40°F to +158°F [-40°C to +70°C]

STORAGE TEMPERATURE -67°F to +185°F [-55°C to +85°C]

ALTITUDE 50,000 feet

POWER REQUIREMENTS 10 – 40 Volts DC, Typical 0.22 A (0.34 A with GPS) @ 28 VDC,
Peak 0.72 A (0.84 A with GPS) @ 28 VDC

TRANSCEIVER FREQUENCY 978 MHz Transmit & 978 MHz and 1090 MHz Receive

TRANSMITTER POWER 40 Watts max at antenna after 2dB connector/cable loses

RECEIVER SENSITIVITY -99 dBm 978 MHz and -80 dbm 1090 MHz

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Avionics Interface
Type I/O Description
Controller Input/ Output 7 VDC power output, remote on/off discrete input, RS-485
serial interface to the TC978
GPS Input Input Serial (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) or ARINC 429 (ARINC
743A/B) and PPS (ARINC 743A/B)

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) or ARINC 429

Non-Cert Display Output Output 10/100 Ethernet

Discrete Inputs Input 3 (Air/Ground, Traffic Test, and Anonymous Mode)

Discrete Outputs Output 2 (Transmit Suppression and UAT Status)

GPS Output Output Serial RS-232– Internal GPS models only (P/N 87334-00-FX00,
and 87334-00-FR00)

1.5.2 TC978 Controller

Specification Characteristics

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE See SECTION 3

TSO COMPLIANCE C154c (Incomplete System)
C88b
ETSO COMPLIANCE C88a
SOFTWARE RTCA/DO-178B Level B

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

Height 1.8 in [45.3 mm]

Width 2.5 in [61.0 mm]

Depth 2.8 in [71.1 mm]

WEIGHT 0.11 lbs [49.9 g]

OPERATING TEMPERATURE -4°F to +131°F [-20°C to +55°C]
ALTITUDE 35,000 feet
POWER REQUIREMENTS 5.5 – 10 Volts DC, 0.3A max @ 6.5VDC, powered by FDL-DB -XVR

Interfaces:
Type I/O

Controller RS-485 Input/ Output

Altitude Output RS-232 Output

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1.6 Parts and Equipment

1.6.1 FDL-DB Series Items
The FDL-DB Series and optional installation kit part numbers are listed below:

Part Number Qty Description

87334-00-FX00 1 FDL-DB-XVR Transceiver with GPS

87334-10-FX10 1 FDL-DB-XVR Transceiver without GPS

87334-00-FR00 1 FDL-DB-RX Receiver with GPS

87334-10-FR10 1 FDL-DB-RX Receiver without GPS

88133-00 1 FDL-DB-XVR/RX Installation Kit (optional)

87349 1 TC978 Controller (optional)

86964 1 TC978 Installation Kit (optional)

87002-20 1 Personality Module Installation Kit – Dualband (optional)

87003-00 1 Blade Type Antenna Installation Kit (optional)

87004-00 1 Ball and Stick Type Antenna Installation Kit (optional)

87360-10 1 TSO-C144 AERO ANT GPS Type Antenna Installation Kit

(optional)

87360-00 1 TSO-C190 SENSOR SYS GPS Type Antenna Installation

Kit (optional)

87024-20 1 TSO-C190 RAMI GPS Type Antenna Installation Kit

(optional)

88110-00 1 FDC-485, RS-232 to RS-485 Converter (optional)

88110-01 1 FDC-422, RS-232 to RS-422 Converter (optional)

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1.7 Required Materials Not Supplied

The following items are required for proper installation but not supplied:
• Wire and shielded wire
• Circuit breaker
• Ground terminals
A valid GPS receiver with appropriate serial or ARINC 743A/B interface is required for the ADS-
B Transceivers and Receivers without a GPS. The following GPS receivers have been verified
to provide position, velocity, position accuracy, position integrity and velocity accuracy
information properly interpreted by the FDL-DB Series.
Note: Only previously, STC-approved GPS receivers may be used.
• FFS 1201 (P/N 84100-XX-XXXX)
• FFS 1203C (P/N 84327-5X-XXXX)
• Garmin Series 400/500 GPS with ADS-B Plus Interface
1.7.1 List of Other Approved GPS Antennas
The FDL-DB Series with GPS may be installed with the following GPS antennas (not supplied
by FFS) summarized below:

Model/Description Mount Style Manufacturer Part Number

A-33, GPS WAAS Screw Mount Aero Antenna 575-9

Antenna
Garmin AT 590-1104

A-34, GPS WAAS Screw Mount Aero Antenna 575-93

Antenna Teardrop Footprint
Garmin AT 590-1112

To use the above antennas, they must be connected with a cable having a
maximum of 5dB loss and 1-Ohm DC resistance.

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1.7.2 FT-9000 RAMP Tester

For FDL-DB Series installation checkout, troubleshooting, and system operation verification as
necessary it is recommended to use the FFS FT-9000 Ramp Tester.
The FT-9000 ramp tester kit part number can be ordered as an optional item using the part
number specified in the table below:

Part Number Qty Description

87579-00 1 FT-9000 ADS-B RAMP Tester Kit

Figure 2. FT-9000 Ramp Tester System

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SECTION 2 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES INTERFACES

This section provides general information for installing the FDL-DB Series and TC978 Controller
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.

FAA AC 20-165B requires certified installations with ADS-B Out Transmitters

(FDL-DB-XVR) and any transponder on the aircraft to transmit pressure altitude
data obtained from the same altitude source. Installations must therefore ensure
that the transponder and FDL-DB-XVR receive altitude data from the same altitude
source.

FAA AC 20-165B HIGHLY recommends that the ADS-B transmitter and

transponder share a single point of entry for Mode A (Squawk Code) and IDENT.
Dual entry installations are allowed but discouraged and must ensure that the
transponder and UAT transmit the same Mode A and IDENT without increased
pilot workload. Transponders with serial control data out capability (like the GTX-
330/327/32/33 and SL-70/R) should be connected via an FDL-DB-XVR serial port
to control Mode A code and IDENT. Mode A/C transponders without serial control
out can use the FDL-DB-XVR internal Mode A receiver (configuration setting)
which receives on-board Mode A/C transponder transmissions to automatically set
Mode A code and IDENT control data transmit. Mode A receive is not compatible
with Mode S transponders.

FDL-DB-RX Receivers do not require transponder control data. Receivers do

require pressure altitude input but are not required to obtain the pressure altitude
from the same altitude source as the transponder.
2.1 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 parts and equipment.
2.2 Equipment Mounting

Installation procedures should be followed closely allowing adequate space for

installation of cables and connectors.

U.S. standard units of measure are the primary means of identifying dimensions,
weights, etc. The equivalent metric values may also be shown in brackets (e.g. 1.9
in [48 mm]).

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2.2.1 FDL-DB Series

The FDL-DB Series equipment is designed to be mounted in any convenient location in the
cockpit, the cabin, or an avionics bay.

Select a position in the aircraft that is away from any high external heat source.
(The FDL-DB Series is not a significant heat source itself).

Avoid sharp bends and placing the cables too near to the aircraft control cables.

Secure the FDL-DB Series on a flat surface according to the mounting

requirements illustrated below in and in the installation drawing in SECTION 7.

Figure 2: FDL-DB Series Mounting Dimensions

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2.2.2 TC978 Controller

The TC978 Controller must be mounted rigidly in the aircraft panel. The Controller can be
mounted in the ultra-compact mounting or conventional 2.25 in [57mm] instrument cut-out
shown in SECTION 7.

Select a position in the panel that is away from any high external heat source. (The
TC978 is not a significant heat source itself).

Avoid sharp bends and placing the cables too near to the aircraft control cables.

If the TC978 is to be used as the annunciator for the required failure annunciations
(“ADS-B Fail”, “ADS-B GPS Fail”), the TC978 should be placed in the pilot’s
primary field of view.
If using a 2.25 in 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 3: TC978 Dimensions

2.3 Cooling Requirements

Failure to provide adequate cooling may lead to increased avionics maintenance

costs and may void the FFS Warranty.
The FDL-DB Series and TC978 meet all Technical Standard Order (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.

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2.4 Electrical Connections

2.4.1 Interface – DB-62 Pinout

*Serial Port 6 can be optionally configured for RS-232 serial interface on pins J1-
8 and J1-38.
J1 – Power and I/O Connector (DB-62)
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

1 Vin 10-40 VDC Pwr Aircraft Power Input

2 GND Ground Gnd TC978 Controller Power Return

3 232 RxD2 RS-232 I Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data In

4 232 RxD1 RS-232 I Serial Port 1 RS-232 Data In

5 232 TxD1 RS-232 O Serial Port 1 RS-232 Data Out

6 429 IN 2A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 2A

7 RxD6+ RS-422 O Serial Port 6 Data In+

8 RxD6- RS-422/RS-232 O Serial Port 6 Data IN--

9 SGND4 Serial Ground Gnd Serial Port Ground

10 429 OUT 1A ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 1A

11 429 OUT 1B ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 1B

12 ANON Mode Open/Ground I Anonymous Mode, Active Low

13 USB GND GND - Ground Reference

14 Vpm 3.0 -3.6 VDC O Personality Module Power Output

15 TRAF TEST Open/Ground I Traffic Test

16 USB VBUS +5VDC Pwr USB +5VDC

17 429 IN 3A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Channel 3A

18 429 IN 3B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Channel 3B

19 NEMA OUT RS=232 0 RS-232 NEMA Protocol out

20 Ethernet RX- Ethernet I Ethernet Port Receive -

21 Ethernet RX+ Ethernet I Ethernet Port Receive +

22 Vin 10-40 VDC Pwr Aircraft Power Input

23 RTRN Ground Gnd Aircraft Power Return

24 Vcp 5.5-10 VDC O TC978 Controller Power Output

25 SGND2 Serial Ground Gnd Serial Port Ground

26 TRxD3+ RS-485 I/O Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data+

27 TRxD3- RS-485 I/O Serial Port 3 RS-485 Data-

28 GND Gnd Gnd Ground Reference

29 232 RxD3 RS-232 I Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data In (Not used with TC978)

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30 232 TxD3 RS-232 O Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data Out (Not used with TC978)

31 232 RxD4 RS-232 I Serial Port 4 RS-232 Data In

32 232 RxD5 RS-232 I Serial Port 5 RS-232 Data In

33 AIR/GND Open/Ground I Air/Ground In (Squat Switch – configurable)

34 TX SUPPRESS Vin -1.5V O L-Band Suppression Bus

35 GND Ground G USB Ground

36 GND Ground Gnd Personality Module Power Return

37 USB D+ USB/Serial I/O USB Data+ or U5 RX (TTL Serial)

38 USB D- USB/Serial I/O USB Data- or U5 TX (TTL Serial)

39 429 IN 4A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Channel 4A

Accord
40 RXS2_232 RS-232 O Serial Port 2 RS-232 Accord Protocol in

41 Ethernet TX- Ethernet O Ethernet Port Transmit -

42 Ethernet TX+ Ethernet O Ethernet Port Transmit +

43 RTRN Ground Gnd Aircraft Power Return

44 REM ON Open/Ground I Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF)

45 232 TxD2 RS-232 O Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data Out

46 429 IN 1A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 1A

47 429 IN 1B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 1B

48 429 IN 2B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 2B

49 TxD6+ RS-422 O Serial Port 6 Data Out+

50 TxD6-** RS-422/RS-232 I Serial Port 6 Data Out--

51 PPS IO+ ARINC 743A/B I/O Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In+

52 PPS IO- ARINC 743A/B I/O Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In-

53 UAT STATUS Open/Ground O ADS-B Status

54 232 TxD5 RS-232 O Serial Port 5 RS Data Out

55 CLK_PM I2C O Personality Module Clock

2
56 DATA_PM IC I/O Personality Module Data

USB ID n
57 Service Open/Ground I USB Connected

58 429 OUT 2A ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Channel 2A

59 429 OUT 2B ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Channel 2B

60 429 IN 4B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Channel 4B

61 Audio + Audio O Audio + Output

62 Audio - Audio O Audio - Output

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2.5 Interface Details

2.5.1 Power Input
Aircraft power is provided to the FDL-DB Dual Band Series 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

J1-22 Vin 10-40 VDC Pwr Aircraft Power Input

J1-23 RTRN Ground Gnd Aircraft Power Return

J1-43 RTRN Ground Gnd Aircraft Power Return

J1-44 REM ON Open/Ground I Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF)

REM_ON must be tied to TC978 pin 7 for remote on/off control or tied to ground
for the FDL-DB-XVR to power up.

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2.5.2 Personality Module

The Personality Module (PM) is installed to simplify FDL-DB Dual Band Series
service replacement.
The PM eliminates the need to re-configure the FDL-DB Series if replaced with a new unit for
any reason after initial configuration. Installation specific configuration data is stored in the PM
as well as in the FDL-DB Series. The installation configuration data in the PM (if present) is
copied to the FDL-DB Series at power-up. Both the PM and the FDL-DB-RX/XVR configuration
data are stored during the installation configuration process. The PM module is optional but
simplifies the process to replace a serviced FDL-DB Dual Band Series. Section 2.8 details
installation of the PM.
The TC978 Controller (if used in the installation) also contains a back-up copy of the installation
configuration data. If the PM is not installed the TC978 Controller will automatically re-configure
the FDL-DB-XVR if it is replaced in the installation. However, if the TC978 Controller is replaced
in an installation without the PM, the FDL-DB-XVR MUST be re-configured.
The PM connections are 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

J1-36 GND Ground Gnd Personality Module Power Return

J1-55 CLK_PM I2C O Personality Module Clock

J1-56 DATA_PM I2C I/O Personality Module Data

The PM has no lightning protection. The wire length between the PM and Power
and I/O connector should be less than 4 in.
2.5.3 Status LEDs
Four external LEDs on the front of the enclosure indicate general 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.
Flash Fast GPS fault condition or no position available

GPS GPS Status (GREEN)

Flash Slow GPS is acquiring satellites and determining position.
Flash Fast GPS reporting a fault condition.
ON GPS has acquired satellites and is operating normally.
OFF GPS is not communicating.

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Name Description

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)

Blink ON Blinks ON when ADS-B data is received
OFF No UAT receptions

2.5.4 Remote Power Control

The REM ON pin (J1-44) MUST be connected to ground when not using remote
power control or a TC978 is not installed for the system to power on.
System ON/OFF power is remotely controlled using the REM ON pin (J1-44). The system will
power on when REM ON is grounded and power off when REM ON is open.
2.5.5 TC978 Controller Interface
The TC978 Controller uses the following FDL-DB-XVR interfaces when installed:
• System ON/OFF remote power control, REM ON (J1-44)
• Low voltage +7 VDC power (J1-24 & J1-2)
• Serial Port 3 RS-485 communication (J1-26 & J1-27)
The TC978 uses Serial Port 3 so when it is installed, the Serial Port 3 RS-232 pins (J1-24 & J1-
29) must not be connected to other equipment (Display, etc.).
The TC978 Controller interface connections are as follows:
Controller Interface
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-24 Vcp +7 VDC O TC978 Controller Power Output

J1-2 GND Ground Gnd TC978 Controller Power Return

J1-44 REM ON Open/Ground I Remote Power Control (Ground: ON, Open: OFF)

J1-26 TRxD3+ RS-485 I/O Serial Channel 3 RS-485 Data+

J1-27 TRxD3- RS-485 I/O Serial Channel 3 RS-485 Data-

Do NOT connect Serial Port 3 RS-232 pins to other devices (Display, etc.) when
the TC978 Controller is installed.
2.5.6 Configurable Serial Interfaces
There are up to twelve configurable Serial Interfaces available on the FDL-DB Dual Band
Series. All FDL-DB Dual Band models have six UART style Serial Port Interfaces (Ports 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6) and ARINC capable FDL-DB Dual Band models have four ARINC 429 Input

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Interfaces (429 IN1, 429 IN2, 429 IN3, and 429 IN4) and two ARINC 429 Output Interfaces (429
OUT1 and 429 OUT2).

Refer to SECTION 5 for detailed Serial and ARINC port configuration information.
2.5.6.1 Serial Ports – RS-232/RS-422
Six UART style Serial Ports are available on the FDL-DB Dual Band Series:
Serial Port 1 – RS-232 transmit and receive capability.
Serial Port 2 – RS-232 transmit and receive capability.
Serial Port 3 – RS-232 transmit and receive capability.
Serial Port 4 – RS-232 receive-only capability.
Serial Port 5 – RS-232 transmit and receive capability.
Serial Port 6* – RS-232 or RS-422 bi-directional (transmit and receive) capability.
The Serial Ports can be software configured for various protocols and baud rates.

*Serial Port 6 can be optionally configured for RS-232 serial interface on pins J1-
8 and J1-50.
The UART style Serial Interface pin connections are as follows:
Serial Channels
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-4 232 RxD1 RS-232 I Serial Port 1 RS-232 Data In

J1-5 232 TxD1 RS-232 O Serial Port 1 RS-232 Data Out

J1-3 232 RxD2 RS-232 I Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data In

J1-45 232 TxD2 RS-232 O Serial Port 2 RS-232 Data Out

J1-29 232 RxD3 RS-232 I Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data In

J1-30 232 TxD3 RS-232 O Serial Port 3 RS-232 Data Out

J1-25 SGND2 Serial Ground Gnd Serial Ground

J1-31 232 RxD4 RS-232 I Serial Port 4 RS-232 Data In

J1-32 232 RxD5 RS-232 I Serial Port 5 RS-232 Data In

J1-54 232 TxD5 RS-232 O Serial Port 5 RS-232 Data Out

J1-9 SGND4 Serial Ground Gnd Serial Ground

J1-7 RxD6+ RS-422 I Serial Port 6 Data IN+

RS-422/RS-
J1-8* RxD6-** 232 I Serial Port 6 Data In-

J1-49 TxD6+ RS-422 I Serial Port 6 Data out+

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Serial Channels
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

RS-422/RS-
J1-50* TxD6-** 232 I Serial Port 6 Data Out-

2.5.6.1.1 RS-232 to RS-485/-422 Serial Converters

Some installations may require more RS-485/-422 serial interfaces than are available on the
FDL-DB Dual Band Series. For these installations, serial converters are available that can be
installed inline between the devices.
The FreeFlight Data Converters are used to convert an RS-232 port to RS-485 or RS-422. A
female DB-9 connects the converter to the FDL-DB Series wiring harness, while a male DB-9 is
connected to the other device.

Figure 4: FDC-485/422 Serial Converter

The FDC-485 can be used on the FDL-DB serial port 6 only when configured for RS-232
interface, using pins J1-50 and J1-8. The FDC-422 can be used on any FDL-DB serial port
configured for RS-232.

2.5.6.2 ARINC 429 Ports

Four ARINC 429 Input Serial Interfaces are available on ARINC capable FDL-DB Dual Band
models. The ARINC 429 Input channels are 429 IN 1, 429 IN 2, 429 IN 3, and 429 IN 4. The
ARINC capable FDL-DB Dual Band models have two ARINC 429 Outputs which are 429 OUT 1
and 429 OUT 2. The ARINC channels can be software configured for various label interfaces
and as either high-speed or low-speed.

Some ARINC functionality is available through a separate unit upgrade made

available at the time of installation.

Refer to SECTION 5 for additional detailed information about serial and ARINC
port configuration.

The ARINC 429 Serial Interface pin connections are as follows:

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ARINC 429 Channels
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-46 429 IN 1A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 1A

J1-47 429 IN 1B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 1B

J1-6 429 IN 2A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 2A

J1-48 429 IN 2B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 2B

J1-17 429 IN 3A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 3A

J1-18 429 IN 3B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 3B

J1-39 429 IN 4A ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 4A

J1-60 429 IN 4B ARINC 429 I ARINC 429 Input Port 4B

J1-10 429 OUT 1A ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 1A

J1-11 429 OUT 1B ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 1B

J1-58 429 OUT 2A ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 2A

J1-59 429 OUT 2B ARINC 429 O ARINC 429 Output Port 2A

2.5.7 Discrete Inputs

Input pins are pre-configured active low.

Three discrete inputs are available to provide control inputs to the UAT. The discrete input
connection pins are as follows:
Discrete Inputs
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-33 AIR/GND Open/Ground I Air/Ground In (Squat Switch – configurable)

J1-15 TRAF TEST Open/Ground I Traffic Test

J1-12 ANONYMOUS Open/Ground I Anonymous Mode

MODE

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2.5.7.1 Air/Ground Input

The Air/Ground discrete input connects to an open/ground squat switch or other Air/Ground
discrete indication for external input of automatic Air/Ground indication. The Air/Ground input is
configurable to be either Not Connected, High when Airborne, or Low (ground) when Airborne.
Airborne or On Ground status affects ADS-B message transmission behaviour and is required
for Transceiver and Transmitter installations.

Light Aircraft Installations: If configured to the Light Aircraft (<15500 lbs) Emitter
Category, the FDL-DB Dual Band Series will automatically determine the
Air/Ground status using aircraft data such as GPS Ground Speed without needing
an external Air/Ground input discrete.

Other Aircraft Installations: The FDL-DB Dual Band Series validates the
Air/Ground status of the external Air/Ground input for all other Emitter Categories
including Rotorcraft utilizing available GPS and air (pressure altitude, airspeed,
etc.) data.

Rotorcraft Installations: The FDL-DB Dual Band Series sufficiently validates an

Air/Ground input discrete based on collective position or collective position
combined with oil pressure, no/low engine RPM, airspeed, etc. to ensure false On
Ground indications are not transmitted during auto-rotation training and other
unusual conditions.

Automatic air/ground determination is required for Transceiver and Transmitter

installations.

2.5.7.2 Traffic Test Input

The Traffic Test Input indicates the traffic test status of a 429 traffic display. The FDL-DB Dual
Band Series will send traffic test data to ARINC OUT 1 when the traffic test input is active low.

2.5.7.3 Anonymous Mode Input

Anonymous Mode allows the FDL-DB-XVR to broadcast a self-assigned random temporary
address and no call sign when enabled. A dedicated pilot interface is required to provide this
input.

Anonymous Mode cannot be used on:

o Aircraft equipped with a Mode S transponder
o Aircraft with Dual Link 1090ES and UAT ADS-B Out systems operating at
the same time

Anonymous Mode is not active:

o During the first 90 seconds after the FDL-DB Dual Band Series powers
on.
o When the squawk code is set to anything other than 1200.
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2.5.8 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

J1-34 TX SUPPRESS Vin -1.5V O L-Band Suppression Bus

J1-53 UAT STATUS Open/Ground O ADS-B Status

2.5.8.1 UAT Status Output

Failure status of the UAT as well as loss of UAT position data must be annunciated
to the pilot. The connected display or control head, such as the TC978, typically
provides required failure annunciation. This discrete can be used to drive an
annunciator when a display or TC978 is not installed or the MFD is not capable of
annunciating status 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
transmit or receive system failure when continuously grounded. UAT status output
also indicates the loss of valid GPS data from an internal or external GPS. If the
internal or external GPS is not functioning, reporting a failure, or reporting invalid
GPS position data, this discrete will toggle between ground and open at a rate of
approximately four times per second.

2.5.8.2 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.

Receiver only installations do not need to connect to the transponder suppression

bus.
2.5.9 Time Mark Input/Output
For the FDL-DB Dual Band Series, the Time Mark Input/Output is an RS-422 differential pair
conforming to the ARINC 743A/B specification for the one pulse-per-second (PPS) input from
an external GPS or output when the Transceiver/Receiver has an internal GPS. The Time Mark
input/output from a GPS provides the timing synchronization for sending ADS-B messages.

Time Mark from a GPS provides timing synchronization for ADS-B transmit
messages. The Time Mark from an external GPS MUST be synchronized to UTC
second epoch to operate correctly with the FDL-DB-XVR.

Time Mark inputs from a single ended PPS source (e.g. Garmin Series 400/500
GPS) must be properly interfaced to the differential interface for reliable operation.
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The Time Mark input/output pin connections are as follows:
Time Mark Input
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-51 PPS IO+ ARINC 743A/B I/O Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In+

J1-52 PPS IO- ARINC 743A/B I/O Internal/External GPS Pulse Per Second Out/In-

2.5.10 Maintenance Port Interface

The Maintenance Port Interface (MPI) can be used to configure the system, provide installation
status information, and update system software/firmware. The MPI should be used by qualified
installation personnel to configure and update the system.
MPI functionality is provided through the Ethernet Interface via Telnet (and other port
applications), the USB interface, or Serial Port 5 on the FDL-DB Dual Band Series DB-62
connector. The preferred MPI connection should be via Wi-Fi using the optional external Wi-Fi
module using the ADS-B MPI application. If a Wi-Fi Module is not connected an Ethernet or
USB connector should be mounted in the aircraft for convenient wired MPI access.
Use of UART serial port (5) should be avoided since these ports can typically be connected to
other aircraft equipment unless installation limitations force the use of a UART port. When a
UART port is used, a female DB-9 connector should be mounted in the aircraft for convenient
MPI access to a standard RS-232 interface meeting the specifications of TIA/EIA-232-F,
Interface Between DTE and DCE Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange.
If the UART port is configured and connected to other aircraft equipment, the MPI can still be
accessed if the configured device is not actively connected. An inline connector is
recommended to be installed between the devices and used to temporarily disconnect the
configured device and permit external MPI access.
The figure below shows an example of Port 5 connecting to a standard female DB-9 (DE-9F)
RS-232 connector as an inline connection or dedicated MPI port. This allows any other
standard RS-232 device to communicate with the FDL-DB Series equipment.

Figure 5: Inline MPI Connector and Compatible MPI Devices

The MPI connector can be mated to an off-the-shelf RS-232 to USB converter or a battery
powered Serial-to-Wi-Fi MPI Module (P/N 87710-00) for configuration and troubleshooting.

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The table below shows the MPI DE-9F connections to Port 5 on the FDL-DB Series.
Table 1. MPI Pinout
MPI Connector Port 5 (DB-62)
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

2 Tx J1-54 232 TxD5

3 Rx J1-32 232 RxD5
5 GND J1-9 SGND4

An FFS fixed installation Serial-to-Wi-Fi Transceiver (P/N 86943-00) can be connected to Port
5. The MPI functionality can then be accessed wirelessly using the ADS-B MPI app.

When Port 5 is configured and interfaced to other equipment (e.g. displays etc.)
the connections to the configured device must be temporarily disconnected to use
the port for MPI purposes.

2.5.10.1 USB Interface

The standard USB interface that can be used as an MPI Only for connection to a computer’s
USB connection.
USB Interface
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-16 USB VBUS +5VDC Pwr USB +5VDC

J1-38 USB D- USB/Serial I/O USB Data- or U5 TX (TTL Serial)

J1-37 USB D+ USB/Serial I/O USB Data+ or U5 RX (TTL Serial)

J1-35 GND Ground G USB Ground

2.5.10.2 Ethernet Interface

The 10/100 Ethernet interface is a standard interface that connect to a computer Ethernet port,
Ethernet Switch/Router, Ethernet to Wi-Fi module, non-certified Ethernet compatible display,
etc. The Ethernet interface is uncertified and therefore an only connect to devices supporting
non-certified functionality such as MPI or un-certified traffic and FIS-B information display on
portable devices.
Ethernet Interface
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-21 Ethernet RX+ Ethernet I Ethernet Port Receive +

J1-20 Ethernet RX- Ethernet I Ethernet Port Receive -

J1-42 Ethernet TX+ Ethernet O Ethernet Port Transmit +

J1-41 Ethernet TX- Ethernet O Ethernet Port Transmit -

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2.5.11 Audio Interface (Future Release)

Future growth to support output of traffic alerting audio functionality.
Audio Output
PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION

J1-61 Audio + Audio O Audio + Output

J1-62 Audio - Audio O Audio - Output

2.6 TC978 Controller Electrical Connections

2.6.1 TC978 Interface – DB-9 Pinout
TC978 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 GND Ground Gnd Controller Power Common

2.7 TC978 Controller Interface Details

2.7.1 Power

Do NOT connect to aircraft input power.

The TC978 uses 5.5 – 10 volts from the FDL-DB-XVR (typically ~7 volts).
2.7.2 Remote ON
The Remote ON output controls the power to the FDL-DB-XVR. This is connected to the REM
ON input (J1-32) to remotely control power to both units.
2.7.3 TMAP Bus
TMAP is a proprietary protocol using RS-485 bi-directional serial bus between the TC978 and
FDL-DB-XVR. The TC978 RS-485 lines (TMAPA and TMAPB) are connected to the FDL-DB-
XVR RS-485 lines (TRxD3+ and TRxD3-) respectively.

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2.7.4 Altitude Out

The TC978 outputs pressure altitude data on this RS-232 serial output pin (ALT_OUT) at 9600
baud using the “Icarus” format (Refer to 2.8 for more details). The pressure altitude data output
depends on the Altitude input configuration. If an external Altitude/Air Data Input is configured to
a FDL-DB-XVR ARINC or Serial port, then the pressure altitude data output from the TC978 will
pass through data from that sensor.
If an Altitude/Air Data Input is not configured, then the pressure output defaults to the TC978
built-in altitude encoder. If used, this output must feed the aircraft transponder, so they share
the same altitude source.
2.7.5 TC978 Connections
DB-62 TC978 (DB-9)
PIN SIGNAL PIN SIGNAL

J1-24 Vcp 8 POWER

J1-2 GND 1,6,9 GND
J1-44 REM ON 7 REM ON
J1-26 TRxD3+ 2 TMAPA
J1-27 TRxD3- 3 TMAPB

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2.8 Personality Module Installation

The PM is intended to be installed inside the DB-44 connector backshell of the cable harness in
the aircraft. The PM allows the FDL-DB Series and the TC978 to be removed and replaced
without having to re-configure the system.
The following install kit parts from the FDL-DB Series PM Install Kit (P/N 87002-20) are used to
install the personality module in the backshell:

Item Qty Description

1 1 Personality Module (P/N 85945-20-B)

2 6 Pin Contact, Crimp 24-28 AWG (P/N 86967)

2 6 Pin Contact, Crimp 24-28 AWG (P/N 83145)

3 1 Double-sided Adhesive Tape (P/N 87006)

The following table shows the PM wire color connections to the DB-44 connector:
Personality Module Interface

PIN SIGNAL ELECTRICAL I/O DESCRIPTION PM WIRE COLOR

J1-14 Vpm 3.0 -3.6 VDC O Personality Module Power Red

J1-36 GND Ground Gnd Personality Module Power Return Black

J1-55 CLK_PM I2C O Personality Module Clock Blue

J1-56 DATA_PM I2C I/O Personality Module Data White

The PM should be assembled into the backshell of the DB-44 male connector in the aircraft
wiring harness as follows:
1. Strip 1/8 in of the insulation from each of the four wires of the PM.
2. Crimp pin contacts onto each of the four wire of the PM.
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 PM as shown in and the other side
should be adhered to one side of the connector backshell as the connector and
backshell are assembled together.

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Figure 6: Personality Module Assembly

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2.9 Wiring Considerations

Cables with solid cores should not be used. 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.
The connection from the FDL-DB-XVR Transceivers to the TC978 Controller uses a minimum of
six 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 American Wire Gauge (AWG) for all wires. Shielded,
twisted wiring is recommended for the TMAP pair (and all serial data communication pairs) to
improve 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-DB-XVR Transceivers and the TC978 Controller is limited by the
impedance of the wire between them. The TC978 is powered from the transceivers, not from
aircraft power. Therefore, the acceptable voltage drop in the power line limits the wire length.
The TC978 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.

Different brands may vary – check your supplier for details.

Gauge Milliohm/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 six or more cores is often more expensive than the
individual wires.
2.10 UAT Antenna Installation

The UAT antenna should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Selecting appropriate UAT antenna locations is critical to the proper performance of the FDL-DB
Series. Consider the following 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
other 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 ft of the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) sense
antenna or any Communications Receiver (COMM) antenna and 6 ft from the
transponder and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) antennas.
• In installations without a digital serial interface to the transponder, the FDL-DB Series
contains a Mode A receiver to receive Mode A/C Transponder control data from the
transponder antenna through the UAT antennas. Ensure the transponder antenna is on
the bottom of the aircraft (same as the UAT antenna). The transponder antenna should
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be at least 6 ft and no further than 12 ft away from the UAT antenna. Also, there should
be a clear line-of-sight between the UAT antenna and transponder antenna with no
obstructions or projections.
• 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.
2.10.1 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 ~12 in. 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.
As the ground plane is made smaller, the actual dimensions of the ground plane become more
critical. Dimensions with 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 decrease, but will improve by increasing the
ground plane to 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 metallic mesh and grid solutions are available.
2.10.2 UAT Antenna Cable
The FDL-DB Series are designed to meet Class A1H/A1S requirements with an allowance of 2
maximum 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 maximum of 2dB.
An acceptable cable then has:
• A minimum of 1.5dB loss for the run length, but no greater than 2.0dB 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-DB Series 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 Max Length
(dB/100 ft @ 1 GHz) (ft)

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RG-174 27.1 7.4
RG-316 25.8 7.76
RG-400 14.5 13.8
RG-142 12.8 15.64
RG-393 7.5 26.7

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 in (300 mm) from an Automatic Direction Finder
(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.
2.11 GPS Antenna Installation

Shadowing by aircraft structure (and in some cases by rotorcraft blades) can

adversely affect operation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
equipment.

The antenna should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Selecting appropriate GPS antenna locations is critical to the proper performance of the FDL-
DB Series. Consider the following when selecting the Antenna location.
• Typically, a GNSS antenna is located forward or aft of the wings on top of the fuselage.
• GNSS antennas must be installed to provide the widest, unobstructed view of GNSS
satellites.
• Antenna placement on the airframe should be optimized to ensure the sensor can take
full advantage of a 5-degree mask angle. This includes consideration of antenna location
with respect to blockage from all aircraft components at typical level cruising attitude, as
well as minimizing the effects of aircraft shadowing during typical maneuvers.
• The antenna should be separated as much as practical from transmitting antennas. For
small aircraft, the antenna should also be separated as much as practical from the
windscreen to prevent case-to-antenna coupling.
• For installations on rotorcraft, the effects of the rotor blades on antenna performance
should be considered. This may require additional equipment functional flight evaluation
or analytical evaluation to confirm the suitability of antenna location.

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• For multiple-sensor installations, the installer should reduce the likelihood that a single
lightning strike affects all the sensors.
2.11.1 Antenna Power
The internal GPS of the FDL-DB Series utilizes an active antenna which means the antenna
includes a low noise amplifier. The power for the low noise amplifier is provided from the GPS
receiver via the antenna coax cable. No other installation considerations are necessary.
2.11.2 Recommended Cable for GPS
RG-400 or RG-142 cable with a maximum length of 50 ft is recommended. The cable, including
connectors, loss should not exceed 10dB.
For antennas mentioned in Section 1.4.31.7.1, RG-400 or RG-142 cable with a maximum length
of 25 ft is recommended. The cable including connectors, loss should not exceed 5dB.
2.11.3 SATCOM Compatibility
The FDL-DB Series internal GPS/WAAS Sensor has been shown via testing to be specification
compliant for single-channel SATCOM compatibility per RTCA/DO-229D.
Extra care should be exercised when installing GNSS equipment on aircraft with SATCOM
having multiple channels, as cautioned in Sec. 14-1 of AC 20-138B. “GNSS equipment is
particularly susceptible to out-of-band SATCOM emissions and in-band inter-modulation
between multiple channel SATCOM installations. GNSS equipment must not be installed in
aircraft with multiple SATCOM channels unless the simultaneous use of interfering
frequencies can either be prevented or demonstrated not to interfere with the operation of
the GNSS equipment.”
2.12 TC978 Static Pressure Connection
The TC978 Controller includes an altitude encoder which must be connected to the same
source of static pressure as the primary altimeter on the aircraft if this sensor is utilized in the
installation. The TC978 static pressure port provides a mounting spigot intended for nominal 5
mm or 3/16 in inside diameter tubing. A length of 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 TC978. 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.

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.

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The following diagram shows the general arrangement, although other combinations may be
used:

Figure 7: Static Line Connection

For aircraft with ¼ in static lines, two adapters are provided which can convert from ¼ in inside
diameter hoses to 3/16”, compatible with the hose in the install kit.
2.13 Department of Commerce Compliance
The Department of Commerce/Bureau of Export Administration’s “Revision of the Commodity
Control List” permits shipment of commercial GPS products for General Destination (G-Dest)
export only if they contain certain software provisions. To comply with the G-Dest category, the
FDL-DB Series with GPS operates neither at altitudes above 18,287 meters (about 60,000 ft)
MSL, nor at velocities greater than 513 m/s (about 1,000 knots). If either condition is detected,
the GPS discontinues outputting signals and position data on its RS-232 ports.”

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SECTION 3 RTCA/DO-160 Environmental Qualifications

U.S. standard units of measure are the primary means of identifying dimensions,
weights, etc. The equivalent metric values may also be shown in brackets (e.g. 1.9
in [48 mm]).
3.1 FDL-DB Series Equipment and UAT DO-160 Qualification
Conditions Para Category (DO-160G)
Temperature and Altitude 4 C4 (-40ºF to +158ºF
[-40ºC to +70ºC])/D/A

Operating Low Temperature 4.5.2 -40ºF [-40°C] (C4)

Operating High Temperature 4.5.4 +158ºF [+70°C] (C4)
Short-Time Operating Low Temperature 4.5.1 -40ºF [-40°C] (C4)
Short-Time Operating High Temperature 4.5.3 +158ºF [+70°C] (C4)
Ground Survival Low Temperature 4.5.1 -67°F [-55°C] (C4)
Ground Survival High Temperature 4.5.3 +185°F [+85°C] (C4)
Loss of Cooling 4.5.5 Z (N/A – No cooling required)
Altitude 4.6 +50,000ft (D)
Decompression 4.6.2 +50,000ft (A)
Overpressure 4.6.3 -15,000ft (A)

Temperature Variation 5 B

Humidity 6 A

Operational 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 S

Magnetic Effect 15 Z

Power Input 16 BXX

Voltage Spike 17 A

Audio Frequency Conducted Susceptibility – 18 Z

Power Inputs

Induced Signal Susceptibility 19 ACX

Radio Frequency Susceptibility 20 TT

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Conditions Para Category (DO-160G)

Emission of Radio Frequency Energy 21 MM

Lightning, Induced Transient Susceptibility 22 A2J3L3 (shielded)

A2H3L3 (unshielded)

Lightning Direct Effects 23 N/A

Icing 24 N/A

Electrostatic Discharge 25 A

Fire, Flammability 26 C

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SECTION 4 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 5.1.
4.1 Altitude Encoder Format
The Altitude Encoder (aka “Icarus”) 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
4.2 Air Data Computer/Sensor Format
The ADC format accepts messages with the following parameters:
Baud: 9600 (default minimum)
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 ADC cannot
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supply data in a particular field, the field is filled with dashes ("-" = 2DH). The table below lists
the message items used by the FDL-DB-XVR. Additional items may be in the message, but they
are not used by the units.

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)
ZKsddd Vertical Speed s = sign, ddd = tens of feet/minute (-600
to +600)
ZRddd Packet Checksum ddd = number (0 to 255)

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SECTION 5 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES PORT CONFIGURATION

5.1 General
This section contains installation configuration and descriptions for serial and ARINC data
interfaces on the FDL-DB Dual Band Series.

5.1.1 FDL-DB Dual Band Series Serial, ARINC and Network Port
Configuration Details
The FDL-DB Dual Band Series installations require data interfaces to other equipment for
complete aircraft installation. The available data interfaces are Control Input (Transceiver Only),
GPS Input, Altitude Input, TCAS Input, Display Output, GPS Output, and GPS Predictive RAIM
Input. The FDL-DB Dual Band Series Serial, ARINC and Network ports must be configured to
enable these data interfaces and are described in the table below:
Table 2. FDL-DB Dual Band Series Installation Data Interfaces
Interface Description

Control Input Control inputs such as Flight Plan ID (Squawk Code), call sign, and mode
control (IDENT, Altitude Inhibit, transmit Standby) are needed by the FDL-
DB-XVR. The TC978 provides control or the FDL-DB-XVR can be configured
for other control formats. If a control format is configured and functional with
the TC978 installed, the TC978 displays control status but will not accept
control inputs. Serial port 2 is typically used for control input. Remote
network server ports 1 and 2 can also be used for control input.
Control Input is NOT required for receive only systems.
GPS Input The FDL-DB Dual Band Series requires position, velocity, time, and integrity
data from a GPS sensor. The internal GPS or an external GPS must be
configured to provide this data. GPS Input is required for all FDL-DB
systems.
Altitude Input The FDL-DB Dual Band Series requires external pressure altitude data input
from an altitude/air data sensor (ADS). Altitude rate and airspeed will be
used if available in the configured protocol. Pressure altitude data output can
also be configured to share with a transponder. Serial port 4 is typically used
for Altitude Input. Pressure Altitude Input is required for all FDL-DB systems.
Heading Input The FDL-DB Dual Band Series can optionally receive aircraft true heading
data. True heading is sent in UAT transmit messages on the ground and is
also used to more accurately correlate TCAS and ADS-B Traffic. Heading
input is not required but desirable with TCAS installations.
TCAS Input TCAS traffic MUST be input to the FDL-DB Dual Band Series if the aircraft is
*Optional Feature TCAS equipped so the TCAS traffic can be integrated with ADS-B traffic and
a single traffic picture can be presented to the Display Output. The FDL-DB
Dual Band Series accepts TCAS traffic input via ARINC input per the ARINC
735A/B Intruder Labels.

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Interface Description

Display Output ADS-B traffic and FIS-B data output can be sent to one or more displays
simultaneously. A display control can also be configured to provide the
Control Input. Three different Serial Ports can be configured to
simultaneously provide display output:
• Display on Serial Port 3
• Display on Serial Port 5
• Display on either Port 2 or 6
• Display on either Network Server Port 1 or 2
ARINC OUT1 can also be configured to output ARINC 735A/B Intruder
Traffic.
GPS Output FDL-DB Dual Band Series models with Internal GPS can output GPS
position, velocity, time, and integrity data via RS-232. Internal GPS models
will automatically output GPS data in the FFS/Chelton Protocol on port 1.
GPS Predictive FDL-DB Dual Band Series models with Internal GPS can receive and
RAIM respond to serial predictive RAIM (PRAIM) requests for a destination or
alternate waypoint through RS-232. A Flight Management System (FMS)
can request the GPS to provide a RAIM prediction on Serial Port 1 input.
PRAIM responses will be sent on Serial Port 1 RS-232 output

The installer should configure Serial and ARINC ports to specific data functions which provide
the necessary data interfaces. All data interface types (except Display Output) from the table
above can be configured to one and only one Serial or ARINC port.
If multiple Serial/ARINC ports are set to the same data interface type, then only one port is
actually configured and other settings of the same data interface type are ignored. The data
interface order of precedence is as follows:
1. ARINC 429 ports take precedence over UART Serial ports
2. Lowest port channel number takes precedence over higher channel number
For example, if the FDL-DB Dual Band Series has an internal GPS and serial in 1 is set to
GPS-Internal and ARINC in 1 is set to GPS-743, then the FDL-DB Dual Band Series will not
receive GPS data from the internal GPS.

Set only one Control Input, only one Altitude Input, and only one GPS Input.
Inadvertently setting more than one of the same input type may result in the correct
input data not being received.

Only ONE function can typically be set to either the input or output of each bi-
directional Serial Port (2, 3, 5, or 6). If the serial port input is set to a function, then
the output should be set to ‘UNUSED’ and vice versa. If a Serial port’s input and
output are both set only one setting is configured and unexpected operation can
occur. The exception is if a display output is set on a port output then the port input
can be set to display control otherwise the input should be set to ‘UNUSED’. (See
paragraph 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2 for details).

Control Input is not required for receive only systems.

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Using the Android tablet ADS-B MPI application significantly improves system
configuration and troubleshooting through use of a graphical user interface (GUI).
The ADS-B MPI application includes additional and improved automated status
feedback and automatic enforcement of the above configuration rules that is not
available when configuring the system with the TC978 or the simple terminal
program MPI interface. The ADS-B MPI application requires use of either a Serial-
to-Wi-Fi Transceiver, FWF-125 (P/N 86943-00), properly connected to Port 5 or
the rechargeable battery powered MPI Module (P/N 87710-00) properly connected
to Port 5.

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5.1.1.1 Serial Port Input Configuration

The following tables define the serial port input data formats and baud rate settings:

Table 3. Serial Port Input Configuration Settings

Setting (1) Interface Description

UNUSED - No connection to serial port

(Not Used)
ADS Altitude Altitude, Airspeed, and Vertical Rate data input. Format for
(Air Data Computer) Input air data sensors using the protocol in Section 4.2.

Alt-Encoder Altitude Altitude data. Format for air data sensors using the
(Altitude Encoder) Input protocol in Section 4.1.

Internal-GPS GPS Input GPS position, velocity, time, and integrity data input and
(GPS Internal) output. Selects use of the internal GPS (models with GPS
only). Baud rate must be set to 19200. Internal GPS is
only valid for serial port 1. The internal GPS data is used
by the FDL-DB Dual Band Series and GPS data is
automatically output at 19200 baud on serial output
port 1 using the FFS/Chelton Protocol. The output is
TSO-C145c Class Beta 1 certified and can be used as
an ADS-B position source or navigation source.
GPS-FFS(5) GPS Input GPS position, velocity, time, and integrity data input.
(GPS - FreeFlight) Format for the FFS 1201 or other sensors that support the
FFS/Chelton Protocol. Typically configured on port 1.
GPS-ADS-B Plus(5) GPS Input GPS position, velocity, time, and integrity data input.
(GPS - GNS ADS-B) Format for the Garmin Series 400/500 ADS-B Plus GPS
Protocol.
GSL-71 Control Squawk Code, IDENT, Call Sign, mode (standby/alt
(Control Panel) Input (2) inhibit), and altitude data input. Format for the GSL-71
controller or SL70/R transponder. (6)
GTX-Remote Control Squawk Code, IDENT, and mode (standby/alt inhibit)
(GTX Remote) Input (2) control input format from GTX 330/33/327/32
transponders. ) (6)(7)

Disp-Cntrl Control Squawk Code, IDENT, Call Sign, and mode (standby/alt
(TIS/FIS) Input (3) inhibit). Enables display control from an MX-20, GMX-200,
or other displays using the GDL/FDL protocol. The
corresponding serial output port must be configured to
TIS-FIS or MX-20 at the same baud rate to enable display
control input. (2) (6)

(1)
MPI setting names are listed first with TC978 configuration menu names in
parenthesis ().

(2)
Control Input is not required for receive only systems.

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(3)
Setting an input port to Disp-Cntrl (TIS/FIS) must correspond to setting the same
output port to a display output (e.g. if serial port 6 output is set to Traffic-Alert
(TIS/FIS), then serial port 6 input can be set to either a) Disp-Cntrl (TIS/FIS) to
enable display control or b) UNUSED (Not Used) to disable display control. ONLY
one display port should be set to Disp-Cntrl).
(5)
Refer to Section 2.5.9and Section 7.1.1 for examples of wiring with one or two
pin time mark output.
(6)
If any port is configured with these settings on a system with a TC978 installed,
then the TC978 will not accept inputs and will instead mirror the control inputs
coming from the transponder or the display. If control input is lost from another
device for 60 seconds, then the TC978 will take over the role as the primary
controller.

(7)
The GTX-330 outputs its own call sign in a single message at startup. When the
FDL-DB-XVR is powered on first, it takes the call sign from the GTX-330 and uses
that as the default call sign.

Table 4. Serial Port Input Baud Rate Settings

Setting Description

4800, 9600, 19200, These baud rates are typical for RS-232 or RS-422 equipment but
38400, 57600, 115200 the correct rate must be selected to match the interfacing
equipment’s configured or default baud rate.
230400, 460800 These high baud rates are not recommended for RS-232 serial
ports.

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5.1.1.2 Serial Port Output Configuration

The following tables define the serial port output data formats and baud rate:

Table 5. Serial Port Output Configuration Settings

Setting (1) Interface Description

UNUSED - No connection to serial port

(Not Used)
Alt-Encoder Altitude Altitude data. Format for sending altitude to a transponder
(Encoded Altitude) Output or display using the protocol in Section 4.1.

Traffic-Alert Display Ownship data, traffic reports, and FIS-B data. Format for
(TIS/FIS) Output the Aspen, GMX-200, Chelton displays, or other displays
using the GDL/FDL protocol. The corresponding serial
port input can be configured to Disp-Cntrl to enable
display control input. (3 )(5) (6)
Pass-Thru Display Ownship data, ADS-B traffic data, and FIS-B data. Format
(ADS-B Pass Thru) Output for sending unprocessed, uncorrelated, and un-prioritized
raw ADS-B messages. Traffic must be processed in
another device to meet TSO-C195a ASSAP installation
requirements. (3)
MX-20 Display Ownship data, traffic reports, and FIS-B data. Format for
(MX-20) Output the MX-20. The corresponding serial input port can be
configured to Disp Cntrl at the same baud rate to enable
display control input. (3) (4)

(1)
Maintenance port setting names listed first with TC978 configuration menu
setting names in parenthesis ().
(3)
Setting Disp-Cntrl for an input port must correspond to setting a display output
on the same output port. (e.g. if serial port 6 output is set to MX-20 or Traffic-Alert
then serial port 6 input can be set to Disp-Cntrl to enable control).
(4)
For proper traffic and status presentation on legacy displays, review display
settings in paragraphs 7.1.2, 0 and 0and set accordingly.
(5)
When using the FFS Wi-Fi transceiver, ensure port is configured for Traffic Alert.
(6)
Configure at baud rate of 38400 when using Chelton FlightLogic display. Ensure
CSA bit is set per Section 5.2.2.12.4.2.

Table 6. Serial Port Output Baud Rate Settings

Setting Description

4800, 9600, 19200, These baud rates are typical for RS-232 or RS-422 equipment but
38400, 57600, 115200 the correct rate must be selected to match the interfacing
equipment’s configured or default baud rate.
230400, 460800 These high baud rates are not normally recommended for RS-232
serial ports.
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5.1.1.3 ARINC 429 Port Input Configuration

The ARINC 429 input data formats and speed configuration settings are described in the
following tables:

ARINC functionality is available through a separate unit upgrade made available

at the time of installation.

Table 7. ARINC 429 Port Input Configuration Settings

Setting (1) Interface Description

UNUSED - No connection to ARINC 429 input port.

(Not Used)
ADC Altitude Input Altitude, Airspeed, Vertical Rate data input. Format for air
(Air Data data sensors and computers that output the Air Data
Computer) Computer Labels listed in the table below.

ADC&AHRS Altitude & Altitude, Airspeed, Vertical Rate, & True Heading data
(ADC+AHRS) Heading input. Format for devices that output the Labels listed in
Input the ADC&AHRS table below.
AHRS Heading True Heading data input. Format for devices that output
(AHRS) Input the True Heading Label 314

GPS-743 GPS Input GPS position, velocity, time, and integrity data input.
(GPS) Format for the FFS 1203C or other sensors that output the
ARINC 743A/B labels (listed in GPS-743 Labels Table
below) and also outputs a Time Mark that is UTC second
synchronized.
Traffic TCAS Input TCAS Intruder Traffic data input. Format for TCAS that
(Other 1) output the Labels listed in the Traffic Input table below.

(1)
Maintenance port setting names listed first with TC978 configuration menu
setting names in parenthesis ().

Table 8. ARINC Port Input Speed Configuration Settings

Setting Description

low Low speed ARINC 429 – 12.5 kBaud

high High speed ARINC 429 – 100 kBaud

The ARINC 429 Input channels accept the following input labels depending on channel
configuration:

Table 9. GPS-743 Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

273 Sensor Status

110 Latitude

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Label Description

111 Longitude
120 Latitude Fine
121 Longitude Fine
125 UTC
103 Track Angle
112 Ground Speed
130 HIL
133 VIL
165 Vertical Velocity
166 N/S Velocity
174 E/W Velocity
136 VFOM
247 HFOM
260 Date (BCD)
370 Height Above Ellipsoid
142 Velocity Vertical FOM
145 Velocity Horizontal FOM
140 UTC, fine
141 UTC, fine fraction
150 UTC
352 FreeFlight Maintenance

Data content must conform to the navigation data block of ARINC 743A/B.

Table 10. Transpnder-Cntrl Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

016 TCAS/ATC Control (Squawk Code and IDENT only)

031 ATCRBS Control (Squawk Code and IDENT only)

233 Call Sign/Flight ID Characters 1&2

234 Call Sign/Flight ID Characters 3&4

235 Call Sign/Flight ID Characters 5&6

236 Call Sign/Flight ID Characters 7&8

Label 016 or 031 must be present as a minimum.

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Labels 016 or 031 control only Squawk Code and IDENT.

Labels 233 – 236, if present, control Call Sign.

Table 11. ADC Format Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

203 Pressure Altitude

210 Airspeed
212 Altitude Rate

Table 12. AHRS Format Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

314 True Heading

Table 13. ADC & AHRS Format Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

203 Pressure Altitude

210 Airspeed
212 Altitude Rate
314 True Heading

Table 14.Traffic Format Input ARINC Labels

Label Description

274 TCAS Output – Receiver health in System Status

Fault Summary – Traffic Advisory (TA) only mode

350
set in Resolution Instruction (RI) field

314 True Heading

Request to Send (RTS) and (End of Transmission)
357
ETX words for Intruder File

130 Intruder Range

131 Intruder Altitude

132 Intruder Bearing

5.1.1.4 ARINC 429 Port Output Configuration

The ARINC 429 output data formats and speed configuration settings are described in the
following tables:

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ARINC functionality is available through a separate unit upgrade made available

at the time of installation.

Table 15. ARINC 429 Port Output Configuration Settings

Setting (1) Interface Description

UNUSED - No connection to ARINC 429 output port

(Not Used)
Traffic Display Ownship data and traffic intruder data format for displays
(Traffic) Output that receive the ARINC 735A/B Traffic Labels listed in the
table below (GNS 400/500 series, GNS 480).

(1)
Maintenance port setting names listed first with TC978 configuration menu
setting names in parenthesis ().
(2)
The FDL-DB-XVR does not support ARINC PRAIM requests.

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Table 16. ARINC 429 Port Output Speed Configuration Settings
Setting Description

low Low speed ARINC 429 – 12.5 kBaud

high High speed ARINC 429 – 100 kBaud

The ARINC 429 Output channel outputs the following labels based on the channel configuration:

Table 17. Traffic Format Output ARINC Labels

Label Description

274 TCAS Output – Receiver health in System Status

350 Fault Summary – TA only mode set in RI field
357 RTS and ETX words for Intruder File
130 Intruder Range
131 Intruder Altitude
132 Intruder Bearing
270 Vertical Resolution Advisory

5.1.1.5 Network Server Port Connection Configuration Details

defines the network server port IP connection settings. Two network servers are supported,
each individually configurable for connection and type of data output.

5.1.1.5.1 UDP Connection

Network servers can send output on UDP in three ways:
• Broadcast
• IP address of a specific client
• IP address of the originator of the most recently received message on the UDP
“listener” port. Note there is no output until a message is received to initialize the
destination address and port.

5.1.1.5.2 TCP Connection

Network servers can connect and send to up to a maximum of 10 TCP clients from a pool
shared between the two network servers (i.e. the sum of the two network server connections
cannot exceed the maximum). Each network server can receive from only 1 TCP client. The
Server listens on the configured local_port and automatically connects until the maximum
number of clients is reached.
Only one client is permitted to be the “control” client. The control client is assigned as follows:
1. Server control client is initialized to “no control client”
2. Server wait for an input message from any client
3. First client that sends an input message is assigned as “control client” and we ignore
input messages from any other client
4. If no input message is received from the “control client” within a 5 second period go back
to (1)
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Table 18: Network Server Port Connection Settings

Setting Interface Description

ip Network TCP or UDP protocol selection

Server
local_port Network TCP or UDP Server port.
Server
remote_addr Network UDP Client IP address
Server remote_addr = 0.0.0.0
UDP
Send output to IP address/port of most recently received
client
remote_addr = 255.255.255.255
Send output to Broadcast IP
remote_addr = Other
Send output to remote_addr:remote_port
remote_port Network UDP Client IP port
Server
UDP

5.1.1.6 Network Server Port Input Configuration Details

The following table defines the network server port input data formats:
Table 19: Network Server Port Input Configuration Settings

Setting Interface Description

cntrl enable Control Squawk Code, IDENT, Call Sign, and mode (standby/alt
Input inhibit). Enables display control from a GMX-200, or other
displays using the GDL/FDL protocol. The corresponding
network server output port must be configured to Traffic-
Alert to enable display control input. (2) (6)

5.1.1.7 Network Server Port Functionality Configuration Details

The following table defines the network server port output data formats:
Table 20: Network Server Port Output Configuration Settings

Setting Interface Description

Traffic-Alert Display Ownship data, traffic reports, and FIS-B data. Format for
Output the Aspen, GMX-200, Chelton displays, or other displays
using the GDL/FDL protocol. The corresponding network
port input can be configured to “cntrl enable” to enable
display control input.

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Setting Interface Description

Pass-Thru Display Ownship data, ADS-B traffic data, and FIS-B data. Format
Output for sending unprocessed, uncorrelated, and un-prioritized
raw ADS-B messages. Traffic must be processed in
another device to meet TSO-C195a ASSAP installation
requirements.

The Network server port functionality can also be set to “MAINT” to enable
configuration and maintenance modes for the FDL-DB Series systems. See “set
netserver” command information in section 5.2.2.12.3.

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5.2 Maintenance Port Interface (MPI) Hardware Configuration

5.2.1 Terminal Program Interface

The following 5.2.1 sub-sections describe interfacing directly to the MPI using a terminal
interface program on a PC, like “Tera Term,” to enter MPI commands. The interfaces discussed
earlier in sections 2.5.10, 2.5.10.1, 2.5.10.2 (Wi-Fi MPI, Serial-to-USB, Ethernet) can be used to
interface to the PC.
“Tera Term” should be installed on the PC and a MPI connection made via serial port or Wi-Fi
depending on the interface device used.
The terminal setup should be set to:
• Local Echo – checked

Figure 8: Tera Term Terminal Setup

5.2.1.1 Terminal MPI Network Connection Settings
A Network connection to the FDL-DB series systems can be made on the PC or Android tablet
running the ADS-B MPI app. The typical “Tera Term” TCP settings for the Network connections
are:

Table 21. Tera Term Network Connection Settings

Remote Network Server Remote Network Server
Setting TELNET
Port 1 Port 2
DHCP (default)
Host Address User configurable User configurable OR User defined Static

TCP Port (default) 44000 (default) OR User 55000 (Default) OR User 23

OR UDP configurable configurable

Service Other Telnet

Protocol UNSPEC

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Figure 9: Tera Term Network Connection Settings using Telnet

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Figure 10: Network Hardware Connections

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Figure 11: Tera Term Network Connection Settings using a Remote Network Server Port

5.2.1.2 Initial MPI Connection using the Telnet Remote Network Server Port
Once connected to the MPI with a Remote TCP/UDP network connection, press the Enter key
once to remove the maintenance lockout. The following prompt should be displayed:
• RANGR-RX> FDL-DB-RX
• RANGR-XVR> FDL-DB-XVR

Figure 12: Example Tera Term Network Connection Settings using Telnet

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5.2.2 Terminal Maintenance Commands

The available maintenance commands are summarized in the table below:

Command Description

ads Display data from the altitude/air data input

bit Display built-in test status
clear Clear the terminal screen
comm Display communication ports’ status - continuous
control Display control squawk and mode status
cnfg Display configuration data
gps Display data from the GPS input
help or ? Display command help
info Display info – S/N, operation hours, versions, etc.
Reset Reset and restart the unit
rxstatus Display receiver status info – continuous
set <item> <value> Set a configuration item’s value
stop Stop continuous data outputs
cnfg defaults Reset configuration to defaults

All screenshots in the following sections are taken from the FDL-978-XVR configuration with no
feature upgrade applied. Feature upgrades will introduce new configuration options that will be
described underneath each screenshot. FDL-978-RX configurations will have a limited subset
of available commands and options shown for the FDL-978-XVR.

5.2.2.1 “help or ?” Command

This command displays a list of available commands as shown below:

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Figure 13: FDL-DB Series Help Menu

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5.2.2.2 “ads” Command

This command displays the data from the Altitude/Air Data input interface.

Figure 14: FDL-DB Series ads menu

5.2.2.3 “bit” Command

This command displays built-in-test information about the FDL-978 Series health. Example
output is displayed below:

Figure 15: FDL-DB Series bit menu

5.2.2.4 “comm” Command

This command continually displays serial port communication status information:
enabled/disabled status and receive and transmit byte count and errors. The data is updated
once per second. Example output is displayed below:

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Figure 16: FDL-DB Series comm menu

Type the “stop” command to stop updating and return to the prompt.

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5.2.2.5 “control” Command

This command displays the control, squawk and mode status including the Squawk Code,
IDENT status, altitude control status, call sign, transmit control status and vertical status.

Figure 17: FDL-DB Series control menu

5.2.2.6 “gps” Command

This command displays data which is being received from the GPS input.

Figure 18: FDL-DB Series gps menu

5.2.2.7 “info” Command

This command displays information such as Serial Number, operation time and hardware and
software version information about the FDL-978 Series. Example output is displayed below:

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Figure 19: FDL-DB Series info menu

For systems with feature upgrades installed, the “info” command will display the FDL-978’s part
number followed by the upgrade key part numbers.

5.2.2.8 “Reset” Command

This command causes the FDL-DB Series to reboot.

Figure 20: FDL-DB Series Reset command

When using the USB maintenance interface, press the Enter key three times to return to the
maintenance interface. When using the ethernet maintenance interface, it maybe necessary to
restart Tera Term.

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5.2.2.9 “rxstatus” Command

This command displays detailed status and other information about the ADS-B data being
received by the FDL-978 Series. Example output is displayed below:

Figure 21: FDL-DB Series rxstatus command display

The output displayed contains an initial section with general count information (current UTC
second, receiver loop count, and receiver word count). These counts will increment at varying
rates when the receiver is operating correctly.
The next rxstatus output section displays general message count information for ground Uplink,
basic, and long message types. The displayed counts include total messages received (Total),
messages received in the last second (LstSec) and messages with various counts of corrected
Reed-Solomon errors (RSErr:x).
The third rxstatus section displays detailed traffic information. This information includes total
number of traffic targets being tracked and then detailed information about the ownship data
being received and the 10 closest traffic targets. The detailed traffic information includes
address (Addr), address type (Typ), Call Sign, Latitude, Longitude, altitude in feet (Alt), speed in
knots (Spd), air ground status (AG), message count (msgs), signal strength indication in dBm
(SSI), and traffic time out in seconds (TO).

Traffic targets will time out being tracked if no ADS-B message is received from
the target for more than twenty-five seconds.
The fourth rxstatus section displays detailed ground station information. This information
includes total number of ground stations being received and detailed information about the 10
closest ground stations. The detailed ground station information includes Latitude, Longitude,
Site ID, time slot of last transmission, message count (Msgs), signal strength indication (SSI) in
dbm, and ground station time out in seconds (TO).

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Ground stations will time out being tracked if no ADS-B uplink message is received
from the ground station for more than forty seconds.
Type the “stop” command to stop updating rxstatus and return to the prompt.

5.2.2.10 “cnfg” Command

This command displays configurable information such as the serial port settings (protocol and
baud rate), the ICAO address, and the VFR Call Sign. Example output is displayed below:

Figure 22: FDL-DB Series cnfg menu

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5.2.2.11 “cnfg defaults” Command

This command resets all configuration values to default factory settings.

Figure 23: FDL-DB Series cnfg defaults command

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5.2.2.12 “set” Command

This command is used to modify configuration settings such as ICAO address, call sign, and
serial port function. Help on this command is displayed by entering “set ?”. Example “set ?”
output is displayed below.

Figure 24: FDL-DB Series set help menu

5.2.2.12.1 “set hostname” Command

This command sets the Hostname of the FDL-DB Series system by which it can identified with
on the host network. Help on this command is displayed by entering “set hostname ?”. Example
“set hostname ?” output is displayed below:

Figure 25: FDL-DB Series set hostname help menu

5.2.2.12.2 “set net” Command

This command is used to modify network related configuration settings such as selecting
DHCP/Static IP. Help on this command is displayed by entering “set net ?”. Example “set net ?”
output is displayed below.

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Figure 26: FDL-DB Series set net help menu

5.2.2.12.3 “set netserver” Command

This command is used to modify network server related configuration settings such as client ip
and network server functionality. Help on this command is displayed by entering “set netserver
?”. Example “set netserver ?” output is displayed below.

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Figure 27: FDL-DB Series set netserver help menu

Refer to Section 5.1.1.5 and 5.1.1.7 for information on selecting network server
port control and functionality settings.

5.2.2.12.4 Display Output Settings

This section describes configuration settings for controlling traffic display output typically for
legacy displays.

5.2.2.12.4.1 “set max trgs” Command

This command sets the maximum number of targets to be sent on any configured serial or
ARINC 429 port configured for traffic display output. This is typically used to limit the number of
traffic targets for displays that can process a large number of traffic targets.

Figure 28: FDL-DB Series set max trgs command

5.2.2.12.4.2 “set cheltonCSA” Command
This command enables/disables the (Conflict Situational Awareness) CSA bit in the Heartbeat
message of the “Traffic-Alert” protocol. This parameter defaults to “disable” and should ONLY
be set to “enable” when interfacing to a Chelton FlightLogic Display. The Chelton display is not
TSO-C195a compliant and requires this Heartbeat message bit to be set or it will generate an
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ADS-B failure. The FDL-978-XVR does not implement a Conflict Situation Awareness (CSA)
algorithm. For all other displays leave this parameter at the default setting of “disable.”

The FDL-978-XVR does not implement a CSA algorithm.

Figure 29: FDL-DB Series set cheltonCSA command

5.2.2.12.4.3 “set trafVelVal” Command

This command enables/disables the DO-317A/TSO-C195A Traffic Velocity
Validation\Invalidation of legacy ADS-B Transmitters that transmit NACv values of 0. This
parameter defaults to “enable” and should ONLY be set to “disable” when interfacing to legacy
displays that are 1) not TSO-C195a compliant and 2) do not adequately display non-directional
traffic symbols. Several non-TSO-C195a displays adequately display non-directional traffic and
do not require velocity validation/invalidation to be disabled.
The FDL-978 Series attempts to validate NACv=0 velocities per DO-317A/TSO-C195a but
some traffic states (low-speed ground) will still cause the NACv=0 track velocities to be
invalidated and sent to the display as non-directional traffic. Setting this parameter to “disable”
turns off all DO-317A/TSO-C195a velocity validation/invalidation and passes the track’s velocity
data to the display as directional traffic. This parameter should only be set to “disable” for legacy
non-TSO-C195a displays without non-directional traffic symbols when occasional display of
non-directional traffic is deemed to be unacceptable or misleading. Otherwise leave this
parameter at the default setting of “enable.”
The legacy MX-20 Display does not support non-directional traffic symbols and instead displays
a directional traffic symbol pointing at approximately 120 degrees from North. For compatibility
with the ADS-B system, the traffic velocity validation should be set to “enable” for this display.

Figure 30: FDL-DB Series set traffVelVal command

5.2.2.12.4.4 “set displayout”

This command allows the installer to set the type of data to be sent to the display. The installer
can configure the FDL-DB-XVR to output traffic only, FISB only, or both. By default, the FDL-
DB-XVR will output the traffic and FISB data to the display.

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Figure 31: FDL-DB set displayout command

“trafficOnly” will provide traffic information to the display (position, ground track,
etc.) but no weather or other flight information.

“fisbOnly” will provide weather and flight information (NOTAMS, TFRs, ATIS, etc.)
but no traffic.

“traffic&fisb” will provide traffic, weather, and flight information simultaneously.

“repinfo” will provide identification information on whether the traffic target received
is on the 1090ES (“e”) frequency band or the UAT (“u”) band.

“ssi on/off” will turn on or off the received radio signal frequency strength by the
FDL-DB dual band systems.

5.3 Configuration and Setup Using TC978

Do not use Configuration Mode during flight.

The system should be configured during initial system installation by a qualified technician. The
configuration items list in Section Error! Reference source not found. should be used to
document the system installation for future reference. To view or change these settings you
must enter TC978 Configuration Mode.
The configuration setup screen is the first thing displayed on startup when a completely new
FDL-DB-XVR 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 FDL-DB-XVR.

Anytime “Configuration Mode” is entered using the TC978, the user must re-
enter ALL configuration items, including serial and ARINC port settings.

5.3.1 Entering Configuration Mode

To enter TC978 configuration mode:
• Hold down the FN button while turning the Mode Selection knob from OFF to any
operating mode.

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• In the configuration mode the TC978 Controller displays the following typical messages in
a quick, sequential order:

5.3.2 FDL-DB-XVR Configuration Mode Operation

The following paragraphs detail the setup modes available for configuring the FDL-DB-XVR.
Configuration items can be changed using the CODE knob and the ENT button. Pressing the
FN button advances to the next configuration item.

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5.3.2.1 Aircraft Mode S (or ICAO) Address

The Mode S address is a 24 bit number assigned to the aircraft and is represented in a six
character hexadecimal format. The 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 ENT button 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 six characters by pressing the ENT button six times or press the FN button.

5.3.2.2 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.

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 four character octal number.
The 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 ENT button 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 four characters by pressing the ENT button four times or press the FN button.

5.3.2.3 VFR Flight ID

The VFR Flight ID (aka Call Sign) is usually one of the following types:
• Type 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.
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The VFR Flight ID is an eight character alpha-numeric string. The CODE knob is used to
change each character as required. Each character of the Flight ID is a number between 0 to 9
or letter between A to Z. When the ENT button 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 eight characters by pressing the ENT button eight times or press the FN button.

The VFR Flight ID cannot be changed in-flight and can only be set in the
configuration mode.

5.3.2.4 Groundspeed Threshold

Groundspeed threshold can be used to help determine and verify the ON GROUND condition for
transmitting ON GROUND ADS-B message types for “Light Fixed Wing” aircraft types only. The
FDL-DB-XVR uses the ground speed threshold configuration to determine a maximum ON
GROUND speed. There are 10 options to select groundspeed threshold:
• Unknown • 30 knots
• 40 knots • 50 knots
• 60 knots • 70 knots
• 80 knots • 90 knots
• 100 knots • 120 knots

This only applies to an Emitter Category of Light Aircraft – no other categories use
a configurable groundspeed threshold.
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob to display the options above and select the groundspeed threshold.
Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your selection and move to the next
configuration item in the setup mode.

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5.3.2.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category

The following options are offered for selecting aircraft (emitter) category:
• Unknown • Light Fixed Wing
• Medium Fixed Wing • Large Fixed Wing
• High Vortex B757 • Heavy Fixed Wing
• High G/ High Speed • Rotorcraft
• Glider/Sailplane • Lighter than air
• Parachutist • ULM/Hang Glider
• UAV
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct aircraft category. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.6 Squat Switch Type

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct Squat Switch type. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.
The following options are offered for selecting aircraft Squat Switch type:
• Not Connected
• Low when ground
• Low when airborne
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

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5.3.2.7 Serial IN Channel X Data Type

(X = channel number) The FDL-DB-XVR can receive data via five serial channels. The following
options are offered for selecting serial input type for each individual input serial channel of the
FDL-DB-XVR:
Channel 1
• Not Used • GPS - GNS ADS-B
• GPS - FreeFlight • GPS Internal
Channel 2
• Not Used • Altitude Encoder
• GPS - FreeFlight • Control Panel*
• GPS - GNS ADS-B • GTX Remote*
• Air Data Computer • TIS/FIS
Channel 4
• Not Used • Air Data Computer
• GPS - FreeFlight • Altitude Encoder
• Control Panel*
• GPS - GNS ADS-B • GTX Remote*
Channel 5
• Not Used • TIS/FIS
Channel 6
• Not Used • Altitude Encoder
• GPS - FreeFlight • Control Panel*
• TMAP Remote**
• GPS - GNS ADS-B • TIS/FIS
• Air Data Computer
Refer to Section 5.1.1.1 for details on selecting serial input settings.

*The TC978 will not accept control inputs and will mirror the transponder or primary
controller. If communication with the primary controller is lost for 60 seconds, then
the TC978 will assume the role of the controller and allow control inputs (squawk,
IDENT). If the TC978 is used in this manner, it is strongly recommended to set the
squawk code first on the transponder before entering it into the TC978.

**When the Port 6 Input is set to TMAP Remote, the corresponding Port 6 Output
must be configured for Other 3, as well. The baud rate must be set to 38400 to
ensure proper communication with the device.
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

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Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct serial input type. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your selection
and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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.

5.3.2.8 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:
• 4800 • 9600
• 19200 • 38400
• 57600 • 115200
• 230400
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.9 Serial OUT Channel X Data Type

(X = channel number) The FDL-DB-XVR can transmit data via two serial channels. The following
options are offered for selecting serial output type for each individual channel of the FDL-DB-
XVR:
Channel 2
• Not Used • ADS-B Pass Thru
• Encoded Altitude
• TIS/FIS • MX-20
Channel 5
• Not Used • ADS-B Pass Thru
• TIS/FIS • MX-20
Channel 6
• Not Used
• Encoded Altitude • MX-20
• TIS/FIS

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• ADS-B Pass Thru

* Only used in conjunction with FTM-190C, external Transponder Monitor.

**When the Port 6 Output is set to Other 3, the corresponding Port 6 Input must be
configured for TMAP, as well. The baud rate must be set to 38400 to ensure proper
communication with the device.

Refer to Section 5.1.1.2 for details on selecting serial output settings.

The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

If “Not Used” is selected then the serial output line speed configuration mode is not
displayed and the next configuration mode item is displayed.

5.3.2.10 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:
• 4800 • 9600
• 19200 • 38400
• 57600 • 115200
• 230400
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to
confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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5.3.2.11 ARINC IN Channel X Data Type

(X = channel number) The FDL-DB-XVR can receive data via two ARINC 429 input channels.
The following options are offered for selecting ARINC 429 input type for each individual channel
of the FDL-DB-XVR:
• Not Used • GPS
• Air Data Computer • AHRS
• ADC+AHRS

Refer to Section 5.1.1.3 for information on selecting ARINC input settings.

The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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.

5.3.2.12 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:
• Low
• High
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm
your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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5.3.2.13 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Data Type

The FDL-DB-XVR can transmit data via an ARINC 429 output channel. The following options are
offered for selecting ARINC 429 output type:
• Not Used
• GPS
• Traffic

Refer to Section Error! Reference source not found. for information on selecting
ARINC output settings.

The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct ARINC output type. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

If “Not Used” is selected then the ARINC output line speed configuration mode is
not displayed and the next configuration mode item is displayed.

5.3.2.14 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Interface Speed

The following options are offered for selecting the ARINC output interface speed:
• Low
• High
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct ARINC output interface speed. Once selected, press the ENT button to
confirm your selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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5.3.2.15 Select Max Targets Output

This option controls the maximum number of targets which will be sent out the serial or ARCINC
429 channels when traffic output has been configured. There are 24 total options offered for
selecting Max Targets. These include:
• Integers 8 through 30
• Max
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct number of targets. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.16 GPS Certification

The FDL-DB-XVR 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 DO-178B software level as
mandated by the governing FAA TSO. The following GPS software certification levels can be
selected:
• Uncertified
• Level D
• Level C
• Level B
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

For FDL-DB series units with internal GPS, set GPS Certification to Level C.

For external position sources, contact the manufacturer to obtain the relevant data.

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5.3.2.17 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.
• Unknown
• 10 meters/sec
• 3 meters/sec
• GPS Auto
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button to confirm your
selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.
Unknown, 10 meters/sec, and 3 meters/sec are permanent set at installation in the software.
GPS Auto is automatically set from the velocity FOM (VFOM) data from the GPS unit. The
NACv value is hard-coded to broadcast no better than 3 meters/sec, even if GPS Auto is
selected.

For FDL-978 series units with internal GPS, set GPS NAC Velocity to GPS Auto.

For external position sources, contact the manufacturer to obtain the relevant data.

5.3.2.18 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 ENT
button to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.19 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 ENT button
to confirm selection and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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5.3.2.20 GPS Reference Position Offset

There are three modes by which the GPS (GNSS antenna) reference offset can be set:
• Unknown
• Auto set by GPS
• Manual set here
The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list 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 ENT button 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.

It is recommended to use the "Manual Set Here" option to set the GPS (GNSS
antenna) reference position for all installations.

GPS Reference Position is measured from the GPS antenna location to the lateral distance
from centerline and longitudinal distance from the most forward part of the aircraft. 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 ENT button 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:

• Unknown • Left 0-2 meters

• Left 2-4 meters • Left 4+ meters
• Central • Right 0-2 meters
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• Right 2-4 meters • Right 4+ meters

The display screen is as shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select the correct antenna offset. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm selection and
move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.21 Mode A/C Receiver Sets Squawk

This mode has two options:
• Enable
• Disable
Set to “enable” when configuring for use with a Mode A/C transponder that does not have digital
control output. This allows the internal or external transponder monitor sniffer antenna to detect
the squawk code being broadcast from the airplane and use this same one in the ADS-B Out
messages.
Set to “disable” when using a transponder with digital control output. The display screen is as
shown below with one of the options from the list above.

Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the options above and
select either enable or disable. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm selection and
move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.

This feature is not compatible with Mode S transponders.

5.3.2.22 1090 MHz Receiver Installed

The display screen is as shown below with either Yes or No options.

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Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display either “Yes” or “No” and
select the correct option. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm selection and move to
the next configuration item in the setup mode.

The FDL-978 series receivers only receive on 978 MHz. Select “Yes” only if a 1090
MHz ADS-B receiver is installed on the aircraft.

5.3.2.23 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 ENT button to confirm selection and move to
the next configuration item in the setup mode.

All FDL-978 series units, except the -TXL, contain a UAT receiver and should
select the “Yes” option.

5.3.2.24 UAT Antenna Diversity

The default value is set at “Bottom Only.”

It is recommended to install dual antennas for maximum coverage.

* Top only installations are not allowed per FAA AC 20-165B, Paragraph 3.8.3.5.

The FDL-DB-XVR provides the flexibility for installing either one or two approved UAT antennas.
When two antennas are used they are to be installed with one on the top and one on the bottom
of the aircraft. Single antenna installations must use Bottom Only to comply with AC 20-165B.
The default value is set at “Bottom Only.” The following options can be selected:
• Top Only*
• Bottom Only
• Dual

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Rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to display the correct antenna
diversity option. Once selected, press the ENT button to confirm selection and move to the next
configuration item in the setup mode.

5.3.2.25 UAT Antenna Check Ground

Confirm if the UAT antenna(s) used have a ground connection that allows the FDL-DB-XVR 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 ENT button to confirm selection and complete the configuration setup.

This option should be set to “No” when using installation kits provided by FreeFlight
Systems.

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5.4 TC978 Test and Calibration

5.4.1 Local Voltage Supply Test
The TC978 Controller of the FDL-DB-XVR utilizes a DC 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 ENT button
or the FN button and move to the next configuration item in the setup mode.
5.4.2 TC978 Altitude Encoder Calibration
The TC978 includes a built-in altitude encoder. The TC978 Controller reports pressure altitude on
pin 4 of the DB-9 male connector on the back of the TC978 as RS-232 serial data, at 9600 bps,
using the format commonly called “Icarus” format (See Section 4.1). Section 2.7.4 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-DB-XVR. The maximum allowed difference between the primary altimeter and the altitude
encoder is 125 feet in European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) C88a and TSO C88b. The
altitude encoder in the TC978 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.

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.

5.4.2.1 Calibration Equipment

To calibrate the encoder the TC978 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 TC978 Controller.

5.4.2.2 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

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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.

DO NOT EXCEED THE ALTITUDE OR RATE OF CLIMB LIMITS OF THE PITOT-

STATIC INSTRUMENTS OF THE AIRCRAFT. The TC978 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.
1. Set the primary altimeter subscale setting to 1013.2 hectopascal (hPA), 29.92 in
hectogram (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 counterclockwise to display either Yes or
No and select the correct option. Once selected, press the ENT button 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
counterclockwise until the altitude displayed on the TC978 Controller matches the
aircraft primary altimeter.
8. Press the ENT button 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.

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9. Read the primary altimeter value; rotate the CODE knob either clockwise or
counterclockwise until the altitude displayed on the TC978 Controller matches the
aircraft primary altimeter. Press the ENT button 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
counterclockwise until the altitude displayed on the TC978 Controller matches the
aircraft primary altimeter. Press the ENT button and the display will move to the test
altitude screen which is the next configuration item in the setup mode.

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 TC978 Controller correspond within the 125 foot tolerance. Lightly tap the altimeter at each
test point to eliminate friction effects.
5.4.3 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.

Press ENT button and the display will instruct completion of setup and power off the system.

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SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 General
This section provides information for troubleshooting problems that occur after FDL-DB-XVR
installations. This section contains information on how to use the units LEDs and TC978
Controller to troubleshoot installation problems. Refer to SECTION 5 to set up and configure the
system.
6.2 FDL-DB Series LED Troubleshooting Procedure
The following is a quick reference troubleshooting guide using the FDL-DB-XVR 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 Check antenna connections,

ADS-B messages Check Controller Warning messages

RX LED not active Unit is not receiving ADS-B Check antenna connections,
messages Check Controller Warning messages

ST LED is on A fault with the unit Check Controller Warning messages

ST LED is flashing GPS fault has occurred Check GPS connection/configuration,

quickly Check Controller Warning messages

GPS LED is GPS is acquiring satellites Allow 2-3 minutes for GPS tracking,
flashing slowly Check GPS antenna,
Check GPS for problems

GPS LED is off GPS not communicating Check GPS connection,

Check installation configuration

GPS LED is GPS is reporting a fault Check GPS for fault

flashing quickly

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6.2.1 UAT Status LED/Discrete Fault Indications

The status LED/discrete is an indicator of a warning or fault reported by the FDL-DB-XVR. The
status LED is visible on the units or the discrete may be connected to a cockpit annunciator.
Potential faults that cause the UAT ST 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 Channel Loopback Test Failure POST
ARINC 429 Channel Loopback Test Failure (FDL-DB-XVR) POST
General Processing/Interface Hardware Failure POST
Transceiver Hardware Check Failure POST

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6.3 Warning Messages

If the FDL-DB-XVR detects a malfunction, the MSG icon appears to indicate that warning
messages are present. Depending on the nature of the malfunction, the FDL-DB-XVR may not
transmit ADS-B messages.
To enter the Warning View mode, press the FN button four times and WARNING will be
displayed top center along with a brief description of the fault. In this mode, the Controller
continually requests the active warning messages from the FDL-DB-XVR and displays them on
the Controller. Press the FN button again to exit this mode and return to normal operation.
TC978 Warning Messages
Warning MSG Description

Synth Unlock Transceiver Diagnostic – Timing Fault

Tx Fault UAT Transceiver fault

Tx Power Low UAT Transceiver power low during transmit

Tx PSU High UAT Transceiver power supply output too high

Tx PSU Low UAT Transceiver power supply output too low

Squitter Fail System Diagnostic

Remote Hot FDL-DB Series internal temperature too high

No ADS-B Pos The unit is not receiving digital serial communication

from the GPS.

GPS Fault GPS has reported unavailable position or a fault.

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

6.3.1 TC978 Warning Message Troubleshooting

The following is a quick reference troubleshooting guide using the TC978 Warnings:

Warning Potential Cause Troubleshooting

Synth Unlock Transmitter can’t lock to Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

carrier frequency Return for maintenance if problem persists.

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Warning Potential Cause Troubleshooting

TX Fault Generic Transmitter Fault – Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

POST, transmit, address, Check for valid ICAO address config.
broadcast, or nominal rate
failure.

Tx Power Low Transmitter power too low. Check antennas and cabling.
Return for maintenance if problem persists.

Tx PSU High Transmitter power supply Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

voltage too high. Return for maintenance if problem persists.

Tx PSU Low Transmitter power supply Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

voltage too low. Return for maintenance if problem persists.

Squitter Fail Transmitter modulation fault. Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

Return for maintenance if problem persists.

Remote Hot FDL-978-XVR internal Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

temperature too high. Turn power off for several minutes, then back
on.
Return for maintenance if problem persists.

No ADS-B Pos The unit is not receiving Verify GPS is functioning.

digital serial communication Verify GPS Port Configuration and speed.
from the GPS.
Verify GPS communication connection.

GPS Fault GPS has reported no Verify GPS is functioning.

available position or a fault. Verify GPS Antenna Cable connection.
Verify GPS Antenna installation/operation.

Top Ant Fault Top antenna disconnected Check UAT antenna connection.
Ensure antenna is DC grounded.
Disable DC Gnd Check in config if antennas
are not DC grounded.

Bottom Ant Fault Bottom antenna disconnected Check UAT antenna connection.
Ensure antenna is DC grounded.
Disable DC Gnd Check in config if antennas
are not DC grounded.

PSU Fail Internal DC Power Supply Cycle power on the FDL-DB-XVR.

failure Return for maintenance if problem persists.

ADC Fault Air Data Computer or Altitude Verify ADC is functioning.

encoder fault or not Verify ADC Port Configuration and speed.
responding. Verify ADC Cable connection.

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SECTION 7 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS

7.1 Typical System Configurations

This section contains general wiring diagrams examples for popular configurations.
Air/Ground input will vary on each aircraft depending on the equipment installed. Refer to the
aircraft manual to determine the appropriate input signal to the FDL-DB Series. Light Aircraft
can refer to Section 2.5.7.1 for additional notes on Air/Ground determination.
All ports (except MPI) not connected to equipment should be set to UNUSED.

The FDL-DB Series requires an approved STC before installation

Contact FreeFlight Systems for additional information and STC validation

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7.1.1 Garmin GNS 430W/530W Display and GPS, GTX-330 Transponder

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL -W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. REFER TO SECTION 2.5.7.1 AIR/GROUND INPUT FOR DETAILS ON ROTORCRAFT INSTALLATIONS.
6. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, AND MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY GTX-330 WITH TC978 AS BACKUP.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION IS PROVIDED BY TC978.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON GNS 400W/500W AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. ROTORCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 0 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=0 meters, Width=0 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=No Data, Lateral=No Data
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. GPS-ADSBPlus, 9600
Serial In 2.............. GTX-Remote, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... Traffic, high

Figure 32: Garmin GNS 430W/530W Display and GPS, GTX-330 Transponder

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7.1.2 Chelton FlightLogic Display, GSL-71 Controller, No Transponder

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL-W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL INSTALLATION MANUALS FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT INTERCONNECTS. SEE END
OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. ALTITUDE SOURCE MUST PROVIDE DATA TO GSL-71 AT 9600 BAUD AND MINIMUM RESOLUTION OF 10
FEET.
6. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY GSL-71.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ enable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. GSL-71, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 38400 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. Traffic-Alert, 38400 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 33: Chelton FlightLogic Display, GSL-71 Controller

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7.1.3 Aspen Display and Control, GTX 327 Transponder NOTES:

1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL -W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. ONLY THE PRIMARY FLIGHT DISPLAY PIN 13 MAY BE CONNECTED TO THE FDL-978. USE ONLY WHEN
SEPARATE TRANSPONDER IS NOT INSTALLED.
6. GROUND CONNECTION SHOULD BE MADE TO EITHER THE ASPEN POWER GROUND PIN OR CASE
GROUND.
7. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY GTX-327 (ASPEN PFD, OPTIONAL)
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY ASPEN PFD.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON PED AND ASPEN EFD.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. GTX-Remote, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. Disp-Ctrl, 115200 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 34: Aspen Display and Control, GTX 327 Transponder

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7.1.4 Mode A/C Transponder, TC978 Controller NOTES:

1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL-W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE AND IDENT ARE PROVIDED BY TRANSPONDER.
MODE CONTROL IS PROVIDED BY TC978.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY TC978.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. enable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 35: Mode A/C Transponder, TC978 Controller

When a separate transponder is present, the TC978 will not accept inputs and will instead mirror the
control inputs coming from the transponder or the display. If control input is lost from another device for
60 seconds, then the TC978 will take over the role as the primary controller.

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

7.1.5 Garmin GNS 480, SL-70 Transponder, TCAS

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL-W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, AND MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY SL-70.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY DEDICATED ANNUNCIATOR.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON GNS 480.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... bottom, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. GSL-71, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ Traffic, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... Traffic, low

Figure 36: Garmin GNS 480, SL-70 Transponder, TCAS

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Document No. 88552 Rev A

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL-W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, AND MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY MX-20.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY MX-20.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON MX-20.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... dual, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. Disp-Ctrl, 38400 (RS-422)
Serial Out 6.............. MX-20, 38400 (RS-422)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 37: Garmin MX-20 Display and Control, No Transponder

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Document No. 88552 Rev A

7.1.6 Garmin GMX-200 Display, GTX-330 Transponder

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL-W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, AND MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY GTX-330.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION PROVIDED BY GMX-200.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON GMX-200 AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. GTX-Remote, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 38400 (RS-422)
Serial Out 6.............. Traffic-Alert, 38400 (RS-422)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 38: Garmin GMX-200 Display, GTX-330 Transponder

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Document No. 88552 Rev A

7.1.7 Garmin GTX-330ES Transponder with FDL-DB-XVR GPS Source

NOTES:
1. ALL WIRES ARE 24 AWG MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AND MUST BE MIL -W-16878E/4 OR
EQUIVALENT.
2. CONNECT TWISTED-PAIR SHIELDED WIRE GROUNDS TO SERIAL GROUND PINS OR AIRCRAFT GROUND
WITH AS SHORT OF A CONDUCTOR AS POSSIBLE. GROUND ONLY ONE END EXCEPT WHEN THE
SHIELD IS ACTING AS THE SERIAL COMMON GROUND.
3. REFER TO INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
INTERCONNECTS. SEE END OF SECTION 9 FOR APPLICABLE MINIMUM SOFTWARE VERSIONS.
4. FOR SINGLE ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS (CLASS A1S) INSTALL BOTTOM ANTENNA ONLY.
5. REMOTE IN MAY BE USED AS A GPS SOURCE FROM THE XVR FOR THE GTX 330ES.
6. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
SQUAWK CODE, IDENT, AND MODE CONTROL ARE PROVIDED BY GTX-330ES WITH TC978 AS BACKUP.
FAULT ANNUNCIATION IS PROVIDED BY TC978.
TRAFFIC DISPLAY ON PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

Configuration Settings (Lcl:YES/VALID, PM:NO/INVALID):

ICAO Address.............. FF00
VFR Call Sign............. FDBGA
GPS Config................ Level C
NACv Mode................. Auto (from GPS)
Receiver Capability....... 1090, 978
Emit Category............. LIGHT AIRCRAFT
Squat Mode................ none
Groundspeed Threshold..... 30 knots
Vehicle Size.............. Length=8 meters, Width=6 meters
UAT Ant................... top, No DC Gnd Chk
GPS Ant Offset............ Long=2 meters, Lateral=Center
Mode A Rx................. disable
Disable Squawk Tx......... off
Max Targets............... max
Chelton CSA Enable........ disable
Traffic Vel Validation.... enable
Display Data Output....... traffic&fisb
XVR Mode.................. xvr
Serial In 1.............. Internal-GPS, 19200
Serial In 2.............. GTX-Remote, 9600
Serial Out 2.............. UNUSED, 9600
Serial In 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial Out 3.............. TMAP, 38400
Serial In 4.............. Alt-Encoder, 9600
Serial In 5.............. MAINT, 115200
Serial Out 5.............. Traffic-Alert, 115200
Serial In 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
Serial Out 6.............. UNUSED, 115200 (RS-232)
ARINC In 1................ UNUSED, low
ARINC In 2................ UNUSED, low
ARINC Out 1............... UNUSED, low

Figure 39: GTX-330ES Transponder with FDL-DB-XVR GPS Source

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

7.2 Equipment Specific Installations

7.2.1 FreeFlight Systems 1201 GPS

Figure 40: 1201 Wiring Diagram

7.2.2 FreeFlight Systems 1203C GPS

Figure 41: Figure1203C Wiring Diagram

 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

7.3 Equipment Compatibility and Functions

The table below summarizes the ADS-B transmit control function capabilities of various potential
FDL-DB Series controllers. Per AC20-165B the Squawk and IDENT should be controlled for the
Transponder and ADS-B Out Transmitter through a single point of entry. There should also be
an ADS-B Fault annunciation for both ADS-B GPS loss/fault and ADS-B failure.

Table 22. ADS-B Transmit Control Functions for Various FDL-DB Series Controllers
Squawk
Device Call TX Altitude ADS-B Fault
Device Model Code/
Type Sign Standby Inhbit Annunciation
IDENT
Apollo SL-70/R X - X X -
Transponder

Garmin GTX 330/33 X -1 X X -

Garmin GTX 327/32 X - X X -
Mode A/C Receiver X - - - -
ARINC Transponder
X X X X
Controller
Aspen EFD 500/1000 X - - - X
Controller
Display

Garmin MX-20 X X X X X
Garmin GMX-200 X X X X X
Chelton Flight Logic - - - - X
Controller

FreeFlight TC978 X X X X X
ADS-B

Garmin GSL 71 X X X X -

1
The GTX-330 only outputs the call sign in a single message when it is powered on. The FDL-DB Series must be powered on
first in order to receive this message. If the call sign is received from the GTX-330, it is only set as the default call sign, and can be
changed using the TC978.

The table below contains the minimum compatible software versions as tested with the FDL-DB
Series.

Table 23. Compatible Software Versions

Device Permitted Software Version

TC978 UAT Controller Software Version 1.13 or later FAA-approved version

Aspen EFD1000 PFD

MAP 2.7.2 or later FAA-approved version
Aspen EFD1000 MFD
IOP 2.0.5 or later FAA-approved version
Aspen EFD500 MFD

MX20 MFD Software Version 5.7

GMX 200 MFD Software Version 2.12 or later FAA approved version

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Garmin GSL 71 UAT

No Software Version is Identified
Control Panel

Chelton FlightLogic EFIS Software Version 6.0B

Wi-Fi Module All software versions

Model 1201 GPS as a

Software Version 0306 or later FAA-approved version
Position Source

Model 1203C GPS Software Version 200B or later FAA-approved version

Garmin 400W/500W
Series as a Position Main Software Version 5.03 or later
Source and/or ADS-B IN GPS Software Version 5.00 or later
traffic source.

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS

The diagrams below provide a pictorial representation of these available options for accessing
the maintenance port of the FDL-DB-XVR series

Figure 42: Off-the-Shelf RS-232 to USB Converter

Figure 43: Serial-to-Wi-Fi MPI

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 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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Document No. 88552 Rev A

Figure 44: Serial-to-Wi-Fi Aircraft Module

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ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
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SECTION 9 WARNING DISCLAIMER

The FDL-DB Series provides FIS-B information that can be used as an aid for
situational awareness only. FIS-B information provided must be used for advisory
use only and should not be used for flight safety critical information and operation.
The user is advised to exercise caution and let common sense prevail when
confronted with severe weather conditions.

The FDL-DB Series provides traffic information that can be used as an aid for
situational awareness only. Pilots must rely on ATC guidance or visual rules for
visual acquiring traffic and maneuvering their aircraft in traffic.

The FDL-DB Series provides weather information that can be used as an aid for
situational awareness only. Weather information provided must be used for
advisory use only and should not be used for flight safety critical information and
operation. The user is advised to exercise caution and let common sense prevail
when confronted with severe weather conditions.

FFS Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. 9-1

 ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

SECTION 10 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) FREEFLIGHT SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO CUSTOMER, TO THE EXTENT THAT ANY CLAIM OF INFRINGEMENT ARISING FROM ANY
MODIFICATION, SERVICING OR ADDITION MADE TO THE ITEMS BY ANYONE OTHER THAN FREEFLIGHT OR ITS AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE.

(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 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 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.

IV. 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.

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ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

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7333 Interstate 35 South • Robinson, Texas 76706-3756 USA

US: 800.487.4662 • International: +1.254.662.0000 Made in USA
ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A

For additional product information and specifications,

please visit our website at: www.freeflightsystems.com