FreeFlight ADS-B FDL-978 Series User manual

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ADS-B FDL-978 Series
and FDL-978 Lite Series
Installation Manual
Part Numbers
P/N 87098-XX-XXXX
Document No. 87343

ADS-B FDL-978 Series and
Lite Series Installation Manual
Document No. 87343 Rev F
FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
a
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Copyright © FreeFlight Systems. All rights reserved.

ADS-B FDL-978 Series and
Lite Series Installation Manual
Document No. 87343 Rev F
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FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
History of Revisions
Dates of Revision are:
Revision .….. A …………… June 13, 2013
Revision .….. B …………… July 17, 2013
Revision .….. C …………… August 26, 2013
Revision .….. D …………… May 19, 2014
Revision .….. E …………… September 16, 2014
Revision …… F …………… June 28, 2015

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Document No. 87343 Rev F
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ...............................................................................................1-1
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS..................................................................................................1-1
1.3 ALERT SYMBOL USAGE................................................................................................................1-4
1.4 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................1-4
1.4.1 TC978 CONTROLLER............................................................................................................1-9
1.4.2UAT ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS...........................................................................................1-10
1.4.3 GPS ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS ..........................................................................................1-10
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS...................................................................................................1-11
1.5.1 FDL-978 SERIES................................................................................................................1-11
1.5.2 TC978 CONTROLLER..........................................................................................................1-12
1.6 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT.............................................................................................................1-13
1.6.1 FDL-978 SERIES ITEMS......................................................................................................1-13
1.6.2 FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION KITS...................................................................................1-13
1.7 MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT SUPPLIED.................................................................................1-16
1.7.1 LIST OF OTHER APPROVED GPS ANTENNAS ........................................................................1-16
1.7.2 FT-9000 RAMP TESTER ....................................................................................................1-16
SECTION 2 FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION ...................................................................................2-1
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT.....................................................................................2-1
2.2 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING................................................................................................................2-1
2.2.1 FDL-978 SERIES..................................................................................................................2-2
2.2.2 TC978 CONTROLLER............................................................................................................2-2
2.3 COOLING REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................2-3
2.4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS .........................................................................................................2-3
2.4.1 INTERFACE –DB-44 PINOUT .................................................................................................2-3
2.5 INTERFACE DETAILS ....................................................................................................................2-5
2.5.1 POWER INPUT.......................................................................................................................2-5
2.5.2 PERSONALITY MODULE .........................................................................................................2-5
2.5.3 STATUS LEDS......................................................................................................................2-6
2.5.4 REMOTE POWER CONTROL ...................................................................................................2-7
2.5.5 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE...........................................................................................2-7
2.5.6 CONFIGURABLE SERIAL INTERFACES......................................................................................2-8
2.5.6.1 Serial Ports – RS-232/RS-422..................................................................................................2-8
2.5.6.2 ARINC 429 Ports......................................................................................................................2-9

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2.5.7 DISCRETE INPUTS .................................................................................................................2-9
2.5.7.1Air/Ground Input .....................................................................................................................2-10
2.5.7.2 Traffic Test Input.....................................................................................................................2-10
2.5.7.3 Anonymous Mode Input..........................................................................................................2-10
2.5.8 DISCRETE OUTPUT .............................................................................................................2-11
2.5.8.1 UAT Status Output..................................................................................................................2-11
2.5.9 TX SUPPRESSION OUTPUT..................................................................................................2-11
2.5.10 TIME MARK INPUT/OUTPUT..................................................................................................2-11
2.5.11 MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE .........................................................................................2-12
2.6 TC978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.......................................................................2-13
2.6.1 TC978 INTERFACE –DB-9 PINOUT......................................................................................2-13
2.7 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE DETAILS..................................................................................2-13
2.7.1 POWER...............................................................................................................................2-13
2.7.2 REMOTE ON.......................................................................................................................2-13
2.7.3 TMAP BUS.........................................................................................................................2-14
2.7.4 ALTITUDE OUT....................................................................................................................2-14
2.7.5 TC978 CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................2-14
2.8 PERSONALITY MODULE INSTALLATION ........................................................................................2-14
2.9 WIRING CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................................................2-16
2.10 UAT ANTENNA INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................2-16
2.10.1 UAT ANTENNA GROUND PLANE...........................................................................................2-17
2.10.2 UAT ANTENNA CABLE.........................................................................................................2-17
2.11 GPS ANTENNA INSTALLATION....................................................................................................2-18
2.11.1 ANTENNA POWER ...............................................................................................................2-19
2.11.2 RECOMMENDED CABLE .......................................................................................................2-19
2.11.3 SATCOM COMPATIBILITY...................................................................................................2-19
2.12 TC978 STATIC PRESSURE CONNECTION....................................................................................2-19
2.13 EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS ...........................................................................................................2-20
2.14 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE COMPLIANCE................................................................................2-21
SECTION 3 FDL-978 SERIES CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT.................................................3-2
3.1 GENERAL....................................................................................................................................3-2
3.1.1 CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS........................................................................3-2
3.1.2 TC978 CONTROLLER OPERATION..........................................................................................3-2
3.1.2.1 Display......................................................................................................................................3-3
3.1.2.2 Mode Selection Knob................................................................................................................3-3
3.1.2.3 Push Buttons ............................................................................................................................3-5

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3.1.2.4 Code Knob................................................................................................................................3-8
3.1.2.5 Warning Messages...................................................................................................................3-8
3.1.2.6 Fault Annunciation....................................................................................................................3-8
3.2 PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT.............................................................................................................3-8
3.3 INSTALLATION SETUP AND CONFIGURATION..................................................................................3-9
3.3.1 FDL-978-XVR CONFIGURATION ITEM SUMMARY..................................................................3-10
3.3.2 FDL-978 SERIES SERIAL AND ARINC PORT CONFIGURATION DETAILS.................................3-12
3.3.2.1 Serial Port Input Configuration................................................................................................3-15
3.3.2.2 Serial Port Output Configuration.............................................................................................3-17
3.3.2.3 ARINC 429 Port Input Configuration.......................................................................................3-18
3.3.2.4 ARINC 429 Port Output Configuration....................................................................................3-21
3.4 MPI MODULE OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................3-24
3.4.1 MPI MODULE......................................................................................................................3-24
3.4.2 ADS-B MPI APP.................................................................................................................3-24
3.5 MPI HARDWARE CONFIGURATION ..............................................................................................3-24
3.5.1 TOP COMPONENTS .............................................................................................................3-24
3.5.2 FRONT COMPONENT ...........................................................................................................3-24
3.5.2.1 Back Components ..................................................................................................................3-25
3.5.3 TERMINAL PROGRAM INTERFACE .........................................................................................3-26
3.5.3.1 MPI Serial Connection Settings ..............................................................................................3-26
3.5.3.2 MPI Wi-Fi Connection Settings...............................................................................................3-26
3.5.3.3 Initial MPI Connection.............................................................................................................3-26
3.5.4 MAINTENANCE COMMANDS..................................................................................................3-26
3.5.4.1 “help or ?” Command..............................................................................................................3-27
3.5.4.2 “ads” Command......................................................................................................................3-28
3.5.4.3 “bit” Command........................................................................................................................3-28
3.5.4.4 “comm” Command..................................................................................................................3-28
3.5.4.5 “control” Command.................................................................................................................3-29
3.5.4.6 “gps” Command......................................................................................................................3-29
3.5.4.7 “info” Command......................................................................................................................3-29
3.5.4.8 “Reset” Command ..................................................................................................................3-29
3.5.4.9 “rx status” Command ..............................................................................................................3-30
3.5.4.10 “cnfg” Command.....................................................................................................................3-31
3.5.4.11 “cnfgstatus” Command............................................................................................................3-32
3.5.4.12 “cnfg defaults” Command........................................................................................................3-32
3.5.4.13 “set” Command.......................................................................................................................3-32
3.5.4.13.1 Serial and ARINC Port Settings............................................................................................3-33

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3.5.4.13.1.1 “set serial in” Command................................................................................................3-33
3.5.4.13.1.2 “set serial out” Command..............................................................................................3-33
3.5.4.13.1.3 “set arinc in” Command.................................................................................................3-34
3.5.4.13.1.4 “set arinc out” Command ..............................................................................................3-34
3.5.4.13.2 ADS-B Transmit Settings......................................................................................................3-35
3.5.4.13.2.1 “set addr” Command.....................................................................................................3-35
3.5.4.13.2.2 “set call sign” Command...............................................................................................3-35
3.5.4.13.2.3 “set gps” Command......................................................................................................3-35
3.5.4.13.2.4 “set nacv” Command.....................................................................................................3-36
3.5.4.13.2.5 Set gps “set rx” Command............................................................................................3-36
3.5.4.13.2.6 “set emit cat” Command................................................................................................3-37
3.5.4.13.2.7 “set squat” Command ...................................................................................................3-37
3.5.4.13.2.8 “set threshold” Command .............................................................................................3-38
3.5.4.13.2.9 “set acsize” Command..................................................................................................3-38
3.5.4.13.2.10 “set uatant” Command..................................................................................................3-38
3.5.4.13.2.11 “set gpsant” Command .................................................................................................3-39
3.5.4.13.2.12 “set modeArx” Command..............................................................................................3-39
3.5.4.13.2.13 “set disableSquawkTx” Command................................................................................3-39
3.5.4.13.3 Display Output Settings.........................................................................................................3-40
3.5.4.13.3.1 “set max trgs” Command ..............................................................................................3-40
3.5.4.13.3.2 “set cheltonCSA” Command.........................................................................................3-40
3.5.4.13.3.3 “set trafVelVal” Command.............................................................................................3-40
3.5.4.13.3.4 “set displayout” .............................................................................................................3-41
3.6 CONFIGURATION AND SETUP USING TC978................................................................................3-42
3.6.1 ENTERING CONFIGURATION MODE.......................................................................................3-42
3.6.2 FDL-978-XVR CONFIGURATION MODE OPERATION.............................................................3-42
3.6.2.1 Aircraft Mode S (or ICAO) Address.........................................................................................3-43
3.6.2.2 VFR Squawk Code .................................................................................................................3-43
3.6.2.3 VFR Flight ID..........................................................................................................................3-43
3.6.2.4 Groundspeed Threshold.........................................................................................................3-44
3.6.2.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category......................................................................................................3-45
3.6.2.6 Squat Switch Type..................................................................................................................3-45
3.6.2.7 Serial IN Channel X Data Type...............................................................................................3-46
3.6.2.8 Serial IN Channel X Line Speed.............................................................................................3-47
3.6.2.9 Serial OUT Channel X Data Type...........................................................................................3-47
3.6.2.10 Serial OUT Channel X Line Speed.........................................................................................3-48
3.6.2.11 ARINC IN Channel X Data Type.............................................................................................3-48
3.6.2.12 ARINC IN Channel X Interface Speed....................................................................................3-49

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3.6.2.13 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Data Type..............................................................................................3-49
3.6.2.14 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Interface Speed.....................................................................................3-50
3.6.2.15 Select Max Targets Output.....................................................................................................3-50
3.6.2.16 GPS Certification....................................................................................................................3-51
3.6.2.17 GPS NAC Velocity..................................................................................................................3-51
3.6.2.18 Aircraft Length ........................................................................................................................3-52
3.6.2.19 Aircraft Width..........................................................................................................................3-52
3.6.2.20 GPS Reference Position Offset ..............................................................................................3-53
3.6.2.21 Mode A/C Receiver Sets Squawk...........................................................................................3-54
3.6.2.22 1090 MHz Receiver Installed..................................................................................................3-54
3.6.2.23 UAT Receiver Installed...........................................................................................................3-54
3.6.2.24 UAT Antenna Diversity............................................................................................................3-55
3.6.2.25 UAT Antenna Check Ground..................................................................................................3-55
3.7 TC978 TEST AND CALIBRATION .................................................................................................3-56
3.7.1 LOCAL VOLTAGE SUPPLY TEST............................................................................................3-56
3.7.2 TC978 ALTITUDE ENCODER CALIBRATION ...........................................................................3-56
3.7.2.1 Calibration Equipment.............................................................................................................3-56
3.7.2.2 Calibration Procedure.............................................................................................................3-56
3.7.3 PRESSURE ALTITUDE REPORTED.........................................................................................3-58
SECTION 4 TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................................4-1
4.1 GENERAL....................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 FDL-978-XVR LED TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE..................................................................4-1
4.2.1 UAT STATUS LED/DISCRETE FAULT INDICATIONS..................................................................4-2
4.3 WARNING MESSAGES..................................................................................................................4-3
4.3.1 TC978 WARNING MESSAGE TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................4-3
SECTION 5 RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS ...................................................5-1
5.1 FDL-978 EQUIPMENT AND UAT DO-160 QUALIFICATION..............................................................5-1
5.2 TC978 CONTROLLER DO-160 QUALIFICATION .............................................................................5-2
SECTION 6 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................6-1
6.1.1 ALTITUDE ENCODER FORMAT ................................................................................................6-1
6.1.2 AIR DATA COMPUTER/SENSOR FORMAT ................................................................................6-1
SECTION 7 ADS-B COMPLIANCE.......................................................................................................7-1
SECTION 8 INSTALLATION DRAWINGS............................................................................................8-1
8.1 DIMENSIONS................................................................................................................................8-1
8.2 TC978 CONTROLLER CUT-OUT OPTIONS .....................................................................................8-2
SECTION 9 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS .........................................................................9-1

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SECTION 10 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS ....................................................................10-1
SECTION 11 WARNING DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................11-1
SECTION 12 FDL-978 LITE SERIES....................................................................................................12-1
12.1 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION................................................................................................12-1
12.2 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS...................................................................................................12-4
12.3 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT.............................................................................................................12-5
12.3.1 FDL-978 LITE SERIES ITEMS...............................................................................................12-5
12.4 INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................12-7
12.5 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT...................................................................................12-7
12.5.1 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING.......................................................................................................12-7
12.6 COOLING REQUIREMENTS..........................................................................................................12-7
12.7 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS .......................................................................................................12-8
12.7.1 INTERFACE –DB-44 PINOUT ...............................................................................................12-8
12.7.2 INTERFACE DETAILS............................................................................................................12-9
12.7.3 POWER INPUT.....................................................................................................................12-9
12.7.4 STATUS LEDS....................................................................................................................12-9
12.7.5 REMOTE POWER CONTROL .................................................................................................12-9
12.7.6 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE.........................................................................................12-9
12.7.7 CONTROL DATA INTERFACE.................................................................................................12-9
12.7.8 ALTITUDE INPUT DATA INTERFACE .....................................................................................12-10
12.7.9 DISCRETE INPUTS .............................................................................................................12-10
12.7.9.1 Air/Ground Input ...................................................................................................................12-10
12.7.9.2 Anonymous Mode Input........................................................................................................12-10
12.7.10 DISCRETE OUTPUT ...........................................................................................................12-10
12.7.11 WI-FI MODULE OR MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE ...........................................................12-11
12.8 TC978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.....................................................................12-11
12.9 WIRING CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................................12-11
12.10 UAT ANTENNA INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................12-11
12.11 CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT .............................................................................................12-11
12.12 INSTALLATION SETUP AND CONFIGURATION..............................................................................12-12
12.12.1 FDL-978 LITE SERIES CONFIGURATION ITEM SUMMARY.....................................................12-12
12.12.2 FDL-978 LITE SERIES INTERFACE CONFIGURATION DETAILS ..............................................12-12
12.12.2.1 Control Data Interface...........................................................................................................12-12
12.12.2.2 Altitude Input Interface..........................................................................................................12-13
12.12.2.3 Wi-Fi Module or Maintenance Port Interface.........................................................................12-13
12.13 CONFIGURATION AND SETUP USING TC978..............................................................................12-14

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12.13.1 ENTERING CONFIGURATION MODE.....................................................................................12-14
12.13.2 CONFIGURATION MODE OPERATION...................................................................................12-14
12.13.2.1 Aircraft Mode S (or ICAO) Address.......................................................................................12-15
12.13.2.2 VFR Squawk Code ...............................................................................................................12-15
12.13.2.3 VFR Flight ID........................................................................................................................12-16
12.13.2.4 Groundspeed Threshold.......................................................................................................12-16
12.13.2.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category....................................................................................................12-17
12.13.2.6 Squat Switch Type................................................................................................................12-18
12.13.2.7 Serial IN Channel 4 Data Type .............................................................................................12-18
12.13.2.8 Aircraft Length ......................................................................................................................12-18
12.13.2.9 Aircraft Width........................................................................................................................12-19
12.13.2.10 GPS Reference Position Offset ............................................................................................12-19
12.14 TC978 TEST AND CALIBRATION ...............................................................................................12-20
12.15 TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................12-20
12.16 RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS...................................................................12-20
12.17 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................12-20
12.18 ADS-B COMPLIANCE...............................................................................................................12-20
12.19 INSTALLATION DRAWINGS ........................................................................................................12-20
12.20 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS .........................................................................................12-21
12.21 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS.......................................................................................12-23
SECTION 13 LIMITED WARRANTY.....................................................................................................13-1
List of Figures
FIGURE 1. FDL-978-XVR WI-FI MPI BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL) ..................................................................1-6
FIGURE 2. FDL-978-XVR WI-FI TRANSCEIVER BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL)....................................................1-6
FIGURE 3. FDL-978-RX BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL) .....................................................................................1-7
FIGURE 4. FDL-978 SERIES .........................................................................................................................1-7
FIGURE 5. TC978 CONTROLLER ...................................................................................................................1-9
FIGURE 6. FDL-978 SERIES MOUNTING DIMENSIONS ....................................................................................2-2
FIGURE 7. TC978 DIMENSIONS.....................................................................................................................2-3
FIGURE 8. PERSONALITY MODULE ASSEMBLY..............................................................................................2-15
FIGURE 9. TC978 CONTROLLER KNOBS AND BUTTONS..................................................................................3-2
FIGURE 10. FDL-978 CONTROLLER DISPLAY (TYPICAL).................................................................................3-3
FIGURE 11. MPI MODULE ...........................................................................................................................3-24
FIGURE 13. MPI MODULE TOP VIEW ...........................................................................................................3-24

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FIGURE 14. DB-9 CONNECTOR...................................................................................................................3-25
FIGURE 15. MPI BACK VIEW .......................................................................................................................3-25
FIGURE 16. FDL-978 SERIES AND FDL-978 LITE SERIES DIMENSIONS...........................................................8-1
FIGURE 17. TC978 CONTROLLER DIMENSIONS..............................................................................................8-2
FIGURE 18. TC978 FITTED CUT-OUT.............................................................................................................8-2
FIGURE 19. TC978 CONVENTIONAL CUT-OUT................................................................................................8-3
FIGURE 20. INTERNAL GPS AND TRANSPONDER............................................................................................9-1
FIGURE 21. EXTERNAL GPS AND TRANSPONDER...........................................................................................9-2
FIGURE 22. GPS 430W/530W CONFIGURATION ...........................................................................................9-3
FIGURE 23. XPDR MONITOR ........................................................................................................................9-4
FIGURE 24. ALTITUDE ENCODER...................................................................................................................9-5
FIGURE 25. ASPEN AVIONICS DISPLAY ..........................................................................................................9-6
FIGURE 26. ALTERNATE DISPLAYS ................................................................................................................9-7
FIGURE 27. ALTERNATE DISPLAYS (CONT’D) .................................................................................................9-8
FIGURE 28. GPS ARINC-743 PRAIM..........................................................................................................9-8
FIGURE 29. SERIAL AIRCRAFT WI-FI MODULE WITH DISPLAY..........................................................................9-9
FIGURE 30. FDL-978-RX RECEIVER WITH INTERNAL GPS...........................................................................9-10
FIGURE 31. OFF-THE-SHELF RS-232 TO USB CONVERTER .........................................................................10-1
FIGURE 32. SERIAL-TO-USB MPI CABLE AND USB-MPI..............................................................................10-1
FIGURE 33. SERIAL-TO-WI-FI MPI ..............................................................................................................10-2
FIGURE 34. SERIAL-TO-WI-FI AIRCRAFT MODULE ........................................................................................10-3
FIGURE 35. OPTIONAL DISCRETE INPUTS/OUTPUTS .....................................................................................10-3
FIGURE 36. FDL-978 LITE SERIES..............................................................................................................12-1
FIGURE 37. FDL-978-TXL WI-FI MPI BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL)...............................................................12-3
FIGURE 38. FDL-978-XVRL WI-FI TRANSCEIVER BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL)..............................................12-3
FIGURE 39. FDL-978-XVRL (TYPICAL).....................................................................................................12-21
FIGURE 40. FDL-978-TXL (TYPICAL)........................................................................................................12-22
List of Tables
TABLE 1. SERIAL AND ARINC PORT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS...................................................................3-10
TABLE 2. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS...............................................................................3-11
TABLE 3. DISPLAY OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS................................................................................3-11
TABLE 4. FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION DATA INTERFACES .......................................................................3-12
TABLE 5. SERIAL PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS............................................................................3-15
TABLE 6. SERIAL PORT INPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS ...................................................................................3-16
TABLE 7. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ........................................................................3-17

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TABLE 8. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS................................................................................3-18
TABLE 9. ARINC 429 PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS.....................................................................3-18
TABLE 10. ARINC PORT INPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ..............................................................3-19
TABLE 11. GPS-743 INPUT ARINC LABELS ................................................................................................3-19
TABLE 12. GPS-PRAIM-743 INPUT ARINC LABELS....................................................................................3-19
TABLE 13. TRANSPNDER-CNTRL INPUT ARINC LABELS ...............................................................................3-20
TABLE 14. ADC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS..........................................................................................3-20
TABLE 15. AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS........................................................................................3-20
TABLE 16. ADC &AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS............................................................................3-20
TABLE 17.TRAFFIC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS......................................................................................3-21
TABLE 18. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS...............................................................3-21
TABLE 19. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS....................................................3-21
TABLE 20. TRAFFIC FORMAT OUTPUT ARINC LABELS .................................................................................3-22
TABLE 21. GPS-743 OUTPUT LABELS ORDER.............................................................................................3-23
TABLE 22. SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS..................................................................................12-12
TABLE 23. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS...........................................................................12-12
TABLE 24. TYPICAL TRANSPONDER CONNECTIONS (1).................................................................................12-22

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SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
This document contains installation data, specifications, and instructions for operating the
FreeFlight Systems (FFS) Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent
Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) FDL-978 Series and FDL-978 Lite Series. This manual
contains information about the following:
•FDL-978 Series
oFDL-978-XVR Transceivers
oFDL-978-RX Receivers
•FDL-978 Lite Series
oFDL-978-XVRL Transceiver
oFDL-978-TXL Transmitter
The FDL-978-XVR and FDL-978-XVRL with identical information will be referred to as the “FDL-
978-XVR(L)” from this point forward, unless otherwise specified.
The FDL-978 Series and FDL-978 Lite Series are UAT equipment class A1H/A1S 978
Megahertz (MHz) equipment that meet the requirements of TSO-C154c, TSO-C157a, and TSO-
C195a. When equipped with the internal class Beta 1 Global Positioning System (GPS), the
systems also meet the requirements of TSO-C145c.
Sections 1 through 11 contain information and installation details for the FDL-978
Series with general references to information and installation details that are
common with the FDL-978 Lite Series. Specific information and installation
details for the FDL-978 Lite Series is contained in Section 12. The FDL-978 Lite
Series Section 12 contains the appropriate references to Section 1 through 11
information and installation details that are common with the FDL-978 Series.
Therefore for FDL-978 Series installation start with Section 1 and for FDL-978
Lite Series installation start with Section 12.
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

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Item Definition
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
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
hPa hectopascal
in inch(es)
lb pound(s)
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
MHz megahertz
M meter
mm millimeter
MPI Maintenance Port Interface

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Item Definition
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
Rx Receive
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation System
SSI signal strength indication
STC Supplemental Type Certificate
TC Type Certificate
TCAS Traffic Collision Avoidance System
TIS Traffic Information Service
TNC Threaded Neill–Concelman
TSO Technical Standard Orders
Tx Transmit
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

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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 following the instructions
provided may cause serious injury to personnel or damage to equipment if not
followed.
Cautions are identified when failure to properly following the instructions provided
may cause serious damage to equipment if not followed.
Notes are identified to provide additional information or explanation to the user.
1.4 General System Description
Information about the FDL-978.
The FDL-978-XVR(L) (ADS-B In & Out) transmits and receives position, velocity, and other flight
information to and from other aircraft and ground station equipment via a UAT data link. The
FDL-978-RX (ADS-B In only) receives position, velocity, and other flight information from other
aircraft and ground station equipment via a UAT data link. The FDL-978-TXL (ADS-B Out only)
transmits position, velocity, and other flight information to other aircraft and ground station
equipment via a UAT data link. The FDL-978 Series and FDL-978 Lite Series satisfy the
Technical Standard Order (TSO) requirements referenced in Section 1.1 and the associated
MOPS for UAT ADS-B class A1H/A1S/B1S equipment.
The FDL-978-XVR Transceivers provide both UAT transmit (ADS-B Out) and UAT receive
(ADS-B In) capability. The transceiver part numbers covered by this installation manual are:
The -FX models include RS-232 (Port 5) on DB-44 connector.
•87098-00 FDL-978-XVR Transceiver with GPS
•87098-10 FDL-978-XVR Transceiver without GPS
•87098-00-FX00 FDL-978-XVR Transceiver with GPS
•87098-10-FX10 FDL-978-XVR Transceiver without GPS
The FDL-978-RX Receivers provide UAT receive (ADS-B In) capability only and are intended
for use with external ADS-B Out transmitters, including Mode-S Transponders with built-in ADS-
B Out. The receiver part numbers covered by this installation manual are:
Receiver models include RS-232 Port 5 on DB-44.
•87098-00-FR00 FDL-978-RX Receiver with GPS
•87098-10-FR10 FDL-978-RX Receiver without GPS

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GPS data, pressure altitude data, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and pilot control
inputs are received by the FDL-978 Series through configurable RS-232/422 serial, ARINC 429,
and/or discrete interfaces. ADS-B and TCAS Traffic, FIS-B (NEXRAD, METARs, NOTAMs,
SIGMETs, etc.) information, system health/status, etc. are output on multiple configured serial
links and/or discrete signals to be connected to pilot displays.
The FDL-978-XVR and transponder must receive altitude data obtained from the
same pressure altitude sensor.
Installations where the transponder and/or display cannot provide the required control and
status, the TC978 Controller (FDL-978-XVR optional) can be used to control the UAT
transmitter and display status. The TC978 Controller also contains a TSO-C88b/ETSO-C88a
certified pressure altitude encoder and RS-232 serial output to share altitude sensor data with a
transponder. The TC978 Controller also displays the pressure altitude received directly by the
FDL-978-XVR and outputs the altitude on its RS-232 serial output.
The systems can also be installed with a single bottom UAT antenna in
installations where the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require
antenna diversity.
The installation drawing shown in Figure 1 identifies a TC978 Controller, FDL-978-XVR
Transceiver, two UAT antennas, FWF-125 Wi-Fi Transceiver, MPI Module, connected to an
Android tablet ADS-B Maintenance Port Interface (MPI) app, and a GPS antenna. Additionally,
connections are shown to an external altitude sensor (shared with the transponder), the
transponder suppression bus, and an air/ground detection switch. The GPS data can optionally
be provided by an existing aircraft GPS source if it meets the interface requirements of the FDL-
978-XVR (FFS Navigation Interface Protocol (RS-232 or RS-422) such as the FFS 1201,
Garmin series 400/500 with GPS ADS-B Plus interface, or ARINC 743B compatible GPS (e.g.
1203/1203C) through an ARINC 429 bus.

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Figure 1. FDL-978-XVR Wi-Fi MPI Block Diagram (Typical)
Figure 2. FDL-978-XVR Wi-Fi Transceiver Block Diagram (Typical)
The FDL-978-RX must receive pressure altitude data; however, it does not have
to be from the same pressure altitude sensor to the transponder.
The installation drawing shown in Figure 3 identifies the main difference between the FDL-978-
XVR and FDL-978-RX installations. The receiver installation does not require any connections
to a transponder or transponder transmit control. GPS data and pressure altitude sensor data
are required for receivers as well as transceivers.