Alpha Systems AOA Raven RS232 Single Eagle Kit User manual

Alpha Systems AOA
Manufactured by Alpha Systems LLc.
1600 Old Sims Road NW
Cedar, MN 55011
Customer Support
763.506.9990
[e-mail]
The information contained in this manual is for reference only. If any information
contained herein conflicts with similar information contained in the Airplane Flight
Manual, the information in the Airplane Flight Manual shall take precedence.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2019, Alpha Systems AOA. All rights reserved.

Raven
Raven RS232 Single Eagle Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300EK-RS232
Raven RS232 Dual Eagle Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300EKD-RS232
Raven RS232 Single Falcon Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300FK-RS232
Raven RS232 Dual Falcon Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300FKD-RS232
Raven ARINC 429 Single Eagle Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300EK-ARINC429
Raven ARINC 429 Dual Eagle Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300EKD-ARINC429
Raven ARINC 429 Single Falcon Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300FK-ARINC429
Raven ARINC 429 Dual Falcon Kit – DSTR-AOA-9300FKD-ARINC429
INSTALLATION/OPERATIONS MANUAL
P# AOA-9050-Raven

Table of Contents
Section Page
1. General .............................................................................................................................................. 1.1
1.1 Objective ...................................................................................................................................... 1.1
1.2 Background Information by the Numbers ..................................................................................... 1.1
1.3 Disclaimers .................................................................................................................................. 1.1
1.4 Page and Subject Numbers ......................................................................................................... 1.2
1.5 Revisions ..................................................................................................................................... 1.2
1.6 Technical Support ........................................................................................................................ 1.2
1.7 Warranty Information ................................................................................................................... 1.2
1.8 Raven AOA System Overview .................................................................................................... 1.3
1.9 Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 1.3
1.10 Raven Single Chevron Display .................................................................................................... 1.4
1.11 Raven Single Bar Graph Display ................................................................................................. 1.4
1.12 Raven Dual Chevron Display ...................................................................................................... 1.5
1.13 Raven Dual Bar Graph Display ................................................................................................... 1.5
1.14 Display Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1.6
1.15 HUD ............................................................................................................................................. 1.7
1.16 Display Mounting with HUD ......................................................................................................... 1.8
1.17 Raven Control Module ................................................................................................................ 1.9
2. Electrical ........................................................................................................................................... 2.1
2.1 Electrical Overview ..................................................................................................................... 2.1
2.2 Raven Electrical Connections..................................................................................................... 2.2
2.3 Raven to Aircraft Connection Diagram ....................................................................................... 2.5
3. Displays ............................................................................................................................................ 3.1
3.1 Display Control ........................................................................................................................... 3.1
3.2 To Set Night Time Brightness Level ........................................................................................... 3.2
3.3 Display Indications of AOA ......................................................................................................... 3.3
3.4 Segment Transitional Range ........................................................................................................... 3.4
3.5 Selecting the Falcon Bar Graph Display Type ............................................................................... 3.5
3.6 Typical Display Segments of the Bar Graph Display .................................................................. 3.6
3.7 Raven Typical Bar Graph Transitions ....................................................................................... 3.7
4. Operations ....................................................................................................................................... 4.1
4.1 Operations .................................................................................................................................. 4.1
4.2 Verification .................................................................................................................................. 4.1
4.3 Testing ........................................................................................................................................ 4.1
5. Appendix .......................................................................................................................................... 5.1
5.1 Diagrams .................................................................................................................................... 5.1

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.1
1. GENERAL
1.1 Objective:
There is a lot of information contained in this manual to help explain all steps of installation and help
with the FAA required paperwork. This manual is designed to take you step-by-step through the
planning, installation, documentation for your Alpha Systems Angle of Attack System. If you follow the
instructions throughout the entire process, the installation can be completed correctly the first time.
This manual is intended to describe and guide the installation process of a standard Raven AOA
system. However, differences will be outlined to cover a variety of AOA system versions such as:
Eagle (Chevron) or Falcon (Bar Graph) in a single or dual display system.
1.2 Background Information by the Numbers:
AC23.1309-1C has a stated objective, “to improve the safety of the airplane fleet by fostering the
incorporation of both new technologies that address pilot – error and weather-related
accidents and those technologies that can be certified affordably.”
14 CFR part §21.93(a) states in part, “a minor change is one that has no appreciable effect on
the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics or other
characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product.”
14 CFR part §43.13(b) states in part, “each person altering an aircraft shall do that work in such
a manner and use materials of such a quality, that the condition of the aircraft worked on will
be at least equal to its original or properly altered condition.”
What does this mean?
• The FAA is encouraging modifications that improve operational safety. The Alpha Systems
Angle of Attack System is considered to be such a modification.
• A determination needs to be made by the person installing the angle of attack system that it is
either a major or minor installation. Alpha Systems believes that installing its angle of attack
system in most aircraft is a minor alteration; however, this determination is ultimately the
responsibility of the person performing the alteration and returning the aircraft to service.
• Alpha Systems believes that installing its angle of attack system in most aircraft meets the
requirements of 14 CFR §43.13(b) if done in accordance with this installation manual,
AC43.13-1B, AC43.13-2B and AC23.1309-1D. Again, this determination is ultimately the
responsibility of the person performing the alteration and returning the aircraft to service.
1.3 Disclaimers:
Alpha Systems Raven Angle of Attack display system will perform well in a large variety of aircraft.
For this reason, the instructions were written in a general format that applies to most aircraft.
We understand that the referenced regulations and advisory circulars may not be applicable to all
aircraft; however, we feel that they offer excellent guidance for this installation and should be
followed.

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.2
1.4 Page and Subject Numbers:
Pages in this manual are assigned a two-part page number. The first always specifies the chapter
number. The last number indicates the page number. Subjects within a chapter will be numbered
with the chapter number followed by the subject number.
1.5 Revisions:
When a revision is required of this manual, the manual will be revised in its entirety.
1.6 Technical Support:
Phone: E-mail
763-506-9990 [e-mail]
1.7 Warranty Information:
All Alpha Systems AOA products are warrantied to be free from defects in materials or workmanship
for a period of TWO, (2) years from the date of purchase. If this Alpha Systems AOA product is
proved to be defective within the warrantied period, the exclusive remedy of Alpha Systems AOA /
DepotStar, Inc. will, at its sole option, to repair or replace any component that failed in NORMAL use
only. Alpha Systems AOA / DepotStar, Inc. is not otherwise liable for installation, removal or shipping
costs and is NOT responsible for damage caused by accident, abuse, water, flood, fire, lightning,
power surges, installation errors, other acts of nature or external causes. Warranty and support is
valid for original aircraft installation.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES AND LIABILITY: THE WARRANTIES AND REMIDIES CONTAINED
HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LUE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY
WARRANTY OF MECHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY
OR OTHERWISE. ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA / DEPOTSTAR, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY OTHER LOSSES OR DAMAGES, WHEATHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCEIDENTIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ASSERTED
INCLUDING USE, MISUSE, NEGLIGENCE, WARRANTY OR STRICT LIABILITY.
If you cannot accept these terms, return the complete unit along with the receipt for a refund.
Included in the documentation package is the Warranty Registration Form. This form must be filled
out completely, signed and returned to Alpha Systems AOA LLc. to validate an active product
warranty.

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.3
1.8 Raven AOA System Overview
Many aircraft have real time AOA information sent the air data or flight data computers without giving
the pilot the benefit of an AOA display. Other aircraft come equipped with the AOA being displayed
however very small, buried down low amongst everything in the PFD. The Alpha Systems AOA
RAVEN kit was designed to give every pilot in the GA, Commuter, Transport, Commercial or Military
aviation communities AOA information, displayed where it’s needed in every pilot’s peripheral vision.
The Raven AOA system relies on the existing aircrafts’ AOA sensing system and repeats or displays
the real-time AOA information sent to a PFD or flight data computer making AOA visible for every
pilot through highly identifiable AOA illuminated segments for the pilot and copilot in their peripheral
vision. This system gives instantaneous AOA information to the pilot without focusing inside the
aircraft, down low on the instrument panel. The Raven AOA with the HUD was designed so that the
pilot looks through the HUD glass while focusing outside the cockpit environment.
Alpha Systems AOA created the Raven AOA system to read the existing aircraft AOA, ARINC 429
data stream and give the pilot the ability to add one or Dual Eagle (Chevron styled displays) or Falcon
(Bar Graph display) which are mounted in or on top of the glare shield utilizing a HUD (Heads Up
Display) reflective system. This system is simple to install with all wiring to the displays prewired
through shielded cables. After the system is mounted in the aircraft, there are only four connections,
1.) Power,
2.) Ground,
3.) Two Data connections to the aircrafts’ AOA data bus, TX+ and TX-. These connections are
protected by the included .250 Amp. fuses.
1.9 Specifications
Unit System Power: 12 Vdc to 28 Vdc
Current: .500 Amps @ full brightness all segments ON (Fused at 1 Amp. Breaker
Weight: A) Raven with single display, HUD, Brackets and all cables @ 2.00 Lbs.
B) Raven with dual displays, dual HUD’s, brackets and all cables @ 2.75 Lbs.

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.4
1.10 Raven: Single Chevron display
1.11 Raven: Single Bar graph display

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.5
1.12 Raven: Dual Eagle / Chevron display
1.13 Raven: Dual Falcon / Bar Graph

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.6
1.14 Display Overview:
MOUNTING IN OR ON THE GLARE SHIELD
The Raven AOA kit (Chevron Styled segments) OR the Falcon kit (vertical bar graph) are AOA
displays that can be mounted under or on top of the glare shield. By attaching the HUD system
reflects the image directly to the pilot with uniquely shaped colored segments. The display has the
dimensions of 2.5” long X .860” wide X 1.250” deep. The entire kit weighs less than 3.0 LBS including
the prewired electronic cables.
The display can be mounted anywhere on the cockpit but is recommended to be mounted on top
of the glare-shield DIRECTLY in front of each pilot. The HUD system utilizes a custom “Beam
Splitter” glass to reflect the image to the pilot but also seeing through it at the same time. It is
imperative that the display be mounted so that the pilot can see the entire AOA display reflection
when seated without moving or shifting the body or head. The intention of the HUD was to enhance
the pilots’ ability to quickly view the illuminated AOA indications, looking through the HUD while
focusing outside the cockpit. The HUD can tilt up or down to adjust for pilot height or seat position
and can be laid flat for storage. It comes with a protective sleeve to protect the glass when not in use.
1.15 HUD
Above glare-shield mount
Two display mounting options
(Chevron display shown)

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.7
IN GLARE SHIELD MOUNTING KIT
Description: The HUD Display adapter was designed to fit our standard vertical displays, such as the
“Eagle” and “Falcon” line of (2.5” H X .865” W) displays. This “Heads Up Display” adapter with
adjustable mounting brackets and base plate system allows the display to be mounted flush, below
the glare shield pointing up. The HUD mounting frame slides over the face of the AOA case and has
four plastic tipped set screws that tighten against the front lip of our display. Once installed, the lens is
tilted so the AOA display is reflected and viewed in the pilot’s peripheral vision. This glass allows the
pilot to see through the HUD while viewing the transitioning of colored segments corresponding to the
aircrafts’ AOA.
1.16 Display Mounting with HUD
Most installations are completed as seen above. There must be 1.500” clearance under the
glare-shield to allow for the AOA case and the electrical cable clearance. The adjustable
mounting brackets allow for thicknesses of glare shield and desired heights of the display
mounting.
NOTE: When the
display is mounted in
the glare-shield, display
is positioned upside
down so the reflected
image has RED at the
top of the glass!
Glare-Shield

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.8
Adjustable mounting
bracket screws attach
to the side of the AOA
display.
Glare-shield cutout
drawing for flush
mounting. This allows for
the display to protrude up
through the glare shield.
The HUD is
lifted and
adjusted for
pilot viewing or
can be pushed
down flat when
not in use.
6-32 X4
NOT TO SCALE
The HUD base plate rests on the top
of the glare-shield screws to the
brackets underneath.
4 set screws to
attach the frame
to the AOA
display.

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA GENERAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 1.9
1.17 Raven Control Module
The Raven control module must be mounted
securely to the aircraft as not to interfere with other
aircraft systems, within 6 feet of the displays. This
module contains the power supply, display drivers
and monitors the aircraft AOA data bus. The
control module weighs .3 lbs

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.1
2. ELECTRICAL
2.1 Electrical Overview
The Raven kit comes prewired with a single or Dual Eagle (Chevron styled) displays, all wiring,
mounting hardware, 6-foot display extension cables, DB15 Data and Power connection cables and
preprogrammed to match the AOA range of the existing system. There are 3 connectors on the
Interface Module, two round display connectors and a DB-15 pin Host interface connector. The kit
also comes with two data line connection fuses. Due to the number of aircraft models and types,
Alpha Systems recommends an aircraft specific disconnect AOA switch through a fuse of 1 Amp. Or
a Klixon styled, pull out breaker / fuse at 1 Amp. connected to the avionics power buss.
Display Connectors on the Serial Display Driver Module
All cables come prewired and tested. There are two Display Connectors, Hirose 10 pin, used to
connect the Displays to the Interface Module. Display 1 (DISP-1) is the PRIMARY Display position
and Display 2 is the secondary Display position. DISP 1 is considered the primary display. Both
displays are paralleled internal driving identical information on both displays.
Power In and ARINC429 Host interface DB15 Connector
The Power In and ARINC429/RS232 Host Interface Connector is a 15 position DSUB connector used
to connect the Adapter to the Host System and contains the following signals. The system comes with
shielded cables with one end of the shield attached to the case of the ARINC 429 module. It is not
necessary to connect the open shield wires unless the case is NOT grounded or in a non-metallic
aircraft.
DB-15 Connector
o Pin 11; Power: +12 to +28 VDC, 1 Amp. min.
o Pin 10; System Ground
o Pin 3; ARINC429 RCV+ (to Aircraft ARINC429 Bus, TX+)
o Pin 4; ARINC429 RCV- (to Aircraft ARINC429 Bus, TX-)
o Pin 7; (Not Used)
o Pin 8; (Not Used)
o Pin 5; (Not Used)
o Pin 2; (Not Used)
o Pin 6; Signal Ground
o Pin 1; Shield
2.2 Raven Electrical Connections

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.2

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.3

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.4

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.5

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.6
2.3 Raven to Aircraft Connection Diagram

ALPHA SYSTEMS AOA ELECTRICAL
October 9, 2023 IOM-Raven, Rev. AF 2.7