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 G
FFS Copyright © 2016 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 G
b FFS Copyright © 2016 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
Revision …… G …………… April 8, 2016

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FFS Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved. i
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 1-2
1.3 ALERT SYMBOL USAGE ................................................................................................................ 1-4
1.4 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 1-5
1.4.1 TC978 CONTROLLER .......................................................................................................... 1-10
1.4.2 UAT ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 1-11
1.4.3 GPS ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................... 1-11
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................... 1-12
1.5.1 FDL-978 SERIES ................................................................................................................ 1-12
1.5.2 TC978 CONTROLLER .......................................................................................................... 1-13
1.6 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................. 1-14
1.6.1 FDL-978 SERIES ITEMS ...................................................................................................... 1-14
1.6.2 FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION KITS ................................................................................... 1-14
1.7 MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT SUPPLIED ................................................................................. 1-17
1.7.1 LIST OF OTHER APPROVED GPS ANTENNAS ........................................................................ 1-17
1.7.2 FT-9000 RAMP TESTER .................................................................................................... 1-18
SECTION 2 FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 2-2
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................... 2-2
2.2 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING ................................................................................................................ 2-2
2.2.1 FDL-978 SERIES .................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.2.2 TC978 CONTROLLER ............................................................................................................ 2-4
2.3 COOLING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 2-4
2.4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................................... 2-5
2.4.1 INTERFACE – DB-44 PINOUT ................................................................................................. 2-5
2.5 INTERFACE DETAILS .................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.5.1 POWER INPUT ....................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.5.2 PERSONALITY MODULE ......................................................................................................... 2-7
2.5.3 STATUS LEDS ...................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.5.4 REMOTE POWER CONTROL ................................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.5 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE........................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.6 CONFIGURABLE SERIAL INTERFACES ...................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.6.1 Serial Ports – RS-232/RS-422 .................................................................................................. 2-9
2.5.6.2 ARINC 429 Ports .................................................................................................................... 2-10
2.5.7 DISCRETE INPUTS ............................................................................................................... 2-10

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2.5.7.1 Air/Ground Input ..................................................................................................................... 2-11
2.5.7.2 Traffic Test Input ..................................................................................................................... 2-11
2.5.7.3 Anonymous Mode Input .......................................................................................................... 2-11
2.5.8 DISCRETE OUTPUT ............................................................................................................. 2-12
2.5.8.1 UAT Status Output .................................................................................................................. 2-12
2.5.8.2 TX Suppression Output........................................................................................................... 2-12
2.5.9 TIME MARK INPUT/OUTPUT .................................................................................................. 2-12
2.5.10 MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 2-13
2.6 TC978 CONTROLLER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS....................................................................... 2-14
2.6.1 TC978 INTERFACE – DB-9 PINOUT...................................................................................... 2-14
2.7 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE DETAILS .................................................................................. 2-14
2.7.1 POWER............................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.7.2 REMOTE ON ....................................................................................................................... 2-15
2.7.3 TMAP BUS ......................................................................................................................... 2-15
2.7.4 ALTITUDE OUT .................................................................................................................... 2-15
2.7.5 TC978 CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................ 2-15
2.8 PERSONALITY MODULE INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 2-16
2.9 WIRING CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................... 2-18
2.10 UAT ANTENNA INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 2-18
2.10.1 UAT ANTENNA GROUND PLANE........................................................................................... 2-19
2.10.2 UAT ANTENNA CABLE ......................................................................................................... 2-19
2.11 GPS ANTENNA INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 2-20
2.11.1 ANTENNA POWER ............................................................................................................... 2-21
2.11.2 RECOMMENDED CABLE ....................................................................................................... 2-21
2.11.3 SATCOM COMPATIBILITY ................................................................................................... 2-21
2.12 TC978 STATIC PRESSURE CONNECTION .................................................................................... 2-21
2.13 EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................................... 2-22
2.13.1 NON-TSO FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................ 2-23
2.14 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE COMPLIANCE ................................................................................ 2-23
SECTION 3 FDL-978 SERIES CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT ................................................. 3-1
3.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 TC978 CONTROLLER OPERATION.......................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.2.1 Display ...................................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2.2 Warning Messages ................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.1.2.3 Fault Annunciation .................................................................................................................... 3-3
3.2 PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT ............................................................................................................. 3-3

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3.3 INSTALLATION SETUP AND CONFIGURATION .................................................................................. 3-4
3.3.1 FDL-978-XVR CONFIGURATION ITEM SUMMARY.................................................................... 3-5
3.3.2 FDL-978 SERIES SERIAL AND ARINC PORT CONFIGURATION DETAILS ................................... 3-7
3.3.2.1 Serial Port Input Configuration ................................................................................................ 3-10
3.3.2.2 Serial Port Output Configuration ............................................................................................. 3-12
3.3.2.3 ARINC 429 Port Input Configuration ....................................................................................... 3-13
3.3.2.4 ARINC 429 Port Output Configuration .................................................................................... 3-16
3.4 MPI MODULE OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 3-19
3.4.1 INSTALLATION ADAPTER ...................................................................................................... 3-19
3.4.2 MPI MODULE ...................................................................................................................... 3-19
3.4.3 ADS-B MPI APP ................................................................................................................. 3-19
3.5 MPI HARDWARE CONFIGURATION .............................................................................................. 3-20
3.5.1 TERMINAL PROGRAM INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 3-20
3.5.1.1 MPI Serial Connection Settings .............................................................................................. 3-21
3.5.1.2 Terminal MPI Wi-Fi Connection Settings ................................................................................ 3-21
3.5.1.3 Initial MPI Connection ............................................................................................................. 3-22
3.5.2 TERMINAL MAINTENANCE COMMANDS .................................................................................. 3-23
3.5.2.1 “help or ?” Command .............................................................................................................. 3-23
3.5.2.2 “ads” Command ...................................................................................................................... 3-24
3.5.2.3 “bit” Command ........................................................................................................................ 3-24
3.5.2.4 “comm” Command .................................................................................................................. 3-24
3.5.2.5 “control” Command ................................................................................................................. 3-25
3.5.2.6 “gps” Command ...................................................................................................................... 3-25
3.5.2.7 “info” Command ...................................................................................................................... 3-25
3.5.2.8 “Reset” Command .................................................................................................................. 3-25
3.5.2.9 “rxstatus” Command ............................................................................................................... 3-26
3.5.2.10 “cnfg” Command ..................................................................................................................... 3-27
3.5.2.11 Deleted ................................................................................................................................... 3-28
3.5.2.12 “cnfg defaults” Command ........................................................................................................ 3-28
3.5.2.13 “set” Command ....................................................................................................................... 3-29
3.5.2.13.1 Serial and ARINC Port Settings ............................................................................................ 3-29
3.5.2.13.1.1 “set serial in” Command ................................................................................................ 3-29
3.5.2.13.1.2 “set serial out” Command .............................................................................................. 3-30
3.5.2.13.1.3 “set arinc in” Command ................................................................................................. 3-31
3.5.2.13.1.4 “set arinc out” Command .............................................................................................. 3-31
3.5.2.13.2 ADS-B Transmit Settings ...................................................................................................... 3-32
3.5.2.13.2.1 “set addr” Command ..................................................................................................... 3-32
3.5.2.13.2.2 “set call sign” Command ............................................................................................... 3-32

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3.5.2.13.2.3 “set gps” Command ...................................................................................................... 3-32
3.5.2.13.2.4 “set nacv” Command..................................................................................................... 3-33
3.5.2.13.2.5 Set gps “set rx” Command ............................................................................................ 3-33
3.5.2.13.2.6 “set emit cat” Command ................................................................................................ 3-34
3.5.2.13.2.7 “set squat” Command ................................................................................................... 3-34
3.5.2.13.2.8 “set threshold” Command ............................................................................................. 3-35
3.5.2.13.2.9 “set acsize” Command .................................................................................................. 3-35
3.5.2.13.2.10 “set uatant” Command .................................................................................................. 3-35
3.5.2.13.2.11 “set gpsant” Command ................................................................................................. 3-36
3.5.2.13.2.12 “set modeArx” Command .............................................................................................. 3-36
3.5.2.13.2.13 “set disableSquawkTx” Command ................................................................................ 3-36
3.5.2.13.3 Display Output Settings......................................................................................................... 3-37
3.5.2.13.3.1 “set max trgs” Command .............................................................................................. 3-37
3.5.2.13.3.2 “set cheltonCSA” Command ......................................................................................... 3-37
3.5.2.13.3.3 “set trafVelVal” Command ............................................................................................. 3-37
3.5.2.13.3.4 “set displayout” ............................................................................................................. 3-38
3.5.3 TERMINAL MAINTENANCE PORT INTERFACE SECURITY .......................................................... 3-39
3.5.3.1 “setpw” Command .................................................................................................................. 3-39
3.5.3.2 “checkpw” Command .............................................................................................................. 3-39
3.5.3.3 “resetpw” Command ............................................................................................................... 3-40
3.5.3.4 “maint ascii pw” Command ..................................................................................................... 3-40
3.5.3.5 Resetting Forgotten Password ................................................................................................ 3-40
3.6 CONFIGURATION AND SETUP USING TC978 ................................................................................ 3-41
3.6.1 ENTERING CONFIGURATION MODE ....................................................................................... 3-41
3.6.2 FDL-978-XVR CONFIGURATION MODE OPERATION ............................................................. 3-41
3.6.2.1 Aircraft Mode S (or ICAO) Address ......................................................................................... 3-42
3.6.2.2 VFR Squawk Code ................................................................................................................. 3-42
3.6.2.3 VFR Flight ID .......................................................................................................................... 3-42
3.6.2.4 Groundspeed Threshold ......................................................................................................... 3-43
3.6.2.5 Aircraft (Emitter) Category ...................................................................................................... 3-44
3.6.2.6 Squat Switch Type .................................................................................................................. 3-44
3.6.2.7 Serial IN Channel X Data Type ............................................................................................... 3-45
3.6.2.8 Serial IN Channel X Line Speed ............................................................................................. 3-46
3.6.2.9 Serial OUT Channel X Data Type ........................................................................................... 3-46
3.6.2.10 Serial OUT Channel X Line Speed ......................................................................................... 3-47
3.6.2.11 ARINC IN Channel X Data Type ............................................................................................. 3-48
3.6.2.12 ARINC IN Channel X Interface Speed .................................................................................... 3-48
3.6.2.13 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Data Type .............................................................................................. 3-49
3.6.2.14 ARINC OUT Chan 1 Interface Speed ..................................................................................... 3-49

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3.6.2.15 Select Max Targets Output ..................................................................................................... 3-50
3.6.2.16 GPS Certification .................................................................................................................... 3-50
3.6.2.17 GPS NAC Velocity .................................................................................................................. 3-51
3.6.2.18 Aircraft Length ........................................................................................................................ 3-51
3.6.2.19 Aircraft Width .......................................................................................................................... 3-51
3.6.2.20 GPS Reference Position Offset .............................................................................................. 3-52
3.6.2.21 Mode A/C Receiver Sets Squawk ........................................................................................... 3-53
3.6.2.22 1090 MHz Receiver Installed .................................................................................................. 3-53
3.6.2.23 UAT Receiver Installed ........................................................................................................... 3-53
3.6.2.24 UAT Antenna Diversity............................................................................................................ 3-54
3.6.2.25 UAT Antenna Check Ground .................................................................................................. 3-54
3.7 TC978 TEST AND CALIBRATION ................................................................................................. 3-55
3.7.1 LOCAL VOLTAGE SUPPLY TEST ............................................................................................ 3-55
3.7.2 TC978 ALTITUDE ENCODER CALIBRATION ........................................................................... 3-55
3.7.2.1 Calibration Equipment............................................................................................................. 3-55
3.7.2.2 Calibration Procedure ............................................................................................................. 3-55
3.7.3 PRESSURE ALTITUDE REPORTED ......................................................................................... 3-57
SECTION 4 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 4-58
4.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................. 4-58
4.2 FDL-978-XVR LED TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE ................................................................ 4-58
4.2.1 UAT STATUS LED/DISCRETE FAULT INDICATIONS ................................................................ 4-59
4.3 WARNING MESSAGES ................................................................................................................ 4-60
4.3.1 TC978 WARNING MESSAGE TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................. 4-60
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 ............................................................................. 5-3
SECTION 6 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 6-1
6.1 ALTITUDE ENCODER FORMAT ....................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 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
9.1 TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ............................................................................................. 9-1
9.1.1 GARMIN GNS 430W/530W DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ............................. 9-1
9.1.2 CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY, GSL-71 CONTROLLER, NO TRANSPONDER ......................... 9-2

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9.1.3 ASPEN DISPLAY AND CONTROL, GTX 327 TRANSPONDER ...................................................... 9-3
9.1.4 BENDIX KING KSN 765/770 DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-327 TRANSPONDER ............................. 9-4
9.1.5 MODE A/C TRANSPONDER, TC978 CONTROLLER................................................................... 9-5
9.1.6 GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER, TCAS .................................................................. 9-6
9.1.7 GARMIN MX-20 DISPLAY AND CONTROL, NO TRANSPONDER .................................................. 9-7
9.1.8 GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER .......................................................... 9-8
9.1.9 GARMIN GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-978 GPS SOURCE ....................................... 9-9
9.2 EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC INSTALLATIONS ......................................................................................... 9-11
9.2.1 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1201 GPS ....................................................................................... 9-11
9.2.2 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1203C GPS .................................................................................... 9-11
9.3 EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY AND FUNCTIONS .............................................................................. 9-12
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
12.7.11.1 Initial MPI Connection ........................................................................................................... 12-11

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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
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 Serial IN Channel 4 Data Type ............................................................................................. 12-18
12.13.2.7 Aircraft Length ...................................................................................................................... 12-18
12.13.2.8 Aircraft Width ........................................................................................................................ 12-18
12.13.2.9 GPS Reference Position Offset ............................................................................................ 12-18
12.13.2.10 1090 MHz Receiver Installed ................................................................................................ 12-20
12.13.2.11 UAT Receiver Installed ......................................................................................................... 12-20
12.14 TC978 TEST AND CALIBRATION ............................................................................................... 12-21
12.15 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................. 12-21
12.16 RTCA/DO-160 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS ................................................................... 12-21
12.17 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 12-21
12.18 ADS-B COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................... 12-21
12.19 INSTALLATION DRAWINGS ........................................................................................................ 12-21
12.20 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS ......................................................................................... 12-22
12.21 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS ....................................................................................... 12-24
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) .................................................... 1-7

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FIGURE 3. FDL-978-RX BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL) ..................................................................................... 1-8
FIGURE 4. FDL-978 SERIES ......................................................................................................................... 1-8
FIGURE 5. TC978 CONTROLLER ................................................................................................................. 1-10
FIGURE 6. FDL-978 SERIES MOUNTING DIMENSIONS .................................................................................... 2-3
FIGURE 7. TC978 DIMENSIONS ..................................................................................................................... 2-4
FIGURE 8. INLINE MPI CONNECTOR AND COMPATIBLE MPI DEVICES ............................................................ 2-13
FIGURE 9. PERSONALITY MODULE ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................. 2-17
FIGURE 10. TC978 CONTROLLER KNOBS AND BUTTONS ................................................................................ 3-1
FIGURE 11. TC978 CONTROLLER DISPLAY (TYPICAL) .................................................................................... 3-2
FIGURE 12. INSTALLATION ADAPTER (P/N 87988-00) .................................................................................. 3-19
FIGURE 13. MPI MODULE (P/N 87710-00) .................................................................................................. 3-19
FIGURE 14. TERA TERM TERMINAL SETUP ................................................................................................... 3-20
FIGURE 15 . TERA TERM SERIAL PORT SETUP ............................................................................................. 3-21
FIGURE 16. TERA TERM WI-FI CONNECTION SETTINGSINITIAL MPI CONNECTION .......................................... 3-22
FIGURE 17. FDL-978 SERIES AND FDL-978 LITE SERIES DIMENSIONS ........................................................... 8-1
FIGURE 18. TC978 CONTROLLER DIMENSIONS .............................................................................................. 8-2
FIGURE 19. TC978 FITTED CUT-OUT............................................................................................................. 8-2
FIGURE 20. TC978 CONVENTIONAL CUT-OUT ................................................................................................ 8-3
FIGURE 21. GARMIN GNS 430W/530W DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ................................... 9-1
FIGURE 22. CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY, GSL-71 CONTROLLER ............................................................. 9-2
FIGURE 23. ASPEN DISPLAY AND CONTROL, GTX 327 TRANSPONDER............................................................ 9-3
FIGURE 24. BENDIX KING KSN 765/770 DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-327 TRANSPONDER ................................... 9-4
FIGURE 25. MODE A/C TRANSPONDER, TC978 CONTROLLER ........................................................................ 9-5
FIGURE 26. GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER, TCAS ....................................................................... 9-6
FIGURE 27. GARMIN MX-20 DISPLAY AND CONTROL, NO TRANSPONDER ........................................................ 9-7
FIGURE 28. GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ............................................................... 9-8
FIGURE 29. GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-978 GPS SOURCE ......................................................... 9-9
FIGURE 30. 1201 WIRING DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................ 9-11
FIGURE 31. 1203C WIRING DIAGRAM .......................................................................................................... 9-11
FIGURE 32. OFF-THE-SHELF RS-232 TO USB CONVERTER ......................................................................... 10-1
FIGURE 33. SERIAL-TO-WI-FI MPI .............................................................................................................. 10-2
FIGURE 34. SERIAL-TO-WI-FI AIRCRAFT MODULE ........................................................................................ 10-3
FIGURE 35. FDL-978 LITE SERIES .............................................................................................................. 12-1
FIGURE 36. FDL-978-TXL WI-FI MPI BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL) ............................................................... 12-3
FIGURE 37. FDL-978-XVRL WI-FI TRANSCEIVER BLOCK DIAGRAM (TYPICAL) .............................................. 12-3
FIGURE 38. FDL-978-XVRL (TYPICAL) ..................................................................................................... 12-22
FIGURE 39. FDL-978-TXL (TYPICAL) ........................................................................................................ 12-23

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List of Tables
TABLE 1. MPI PINOUT ................................................................................................................................ 2-14
TABLE 2. SERIAL AND ARINC PORT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ..................................................................... 3-5
TABLE 3. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ................................................................................. 3-6
TABLE 4. DISPLAY OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .................................................................................. 3-7
TABLE 5. FDL-978 SERIES INSTALLATION DATA INTERFACES ......................................................................... 3-7
TABLE 6. SERIAL PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ............................................................................ 3-10
TABLE 7. SERIAL PORT INPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS ................................................................................... 3-11
TABLE 8. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ........................................................................ 3-12
TABLE 9. SERIAL PORT OUTPUT BAUD RATE SETTINGS ................................................................................ 3-13
TABLE 10. ARINC 429 PORT INPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ................................................................... 3-13
TABLE 11. ARINC PORT INPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .............................................................. 3-14
TABLE 12. GPS-743 INPUT ARINC LABELS ................................................................................................ 3-14
TABLE 13. GPS-PRAIM-743 INPUT ARINC LABELS .................................................................................... 3-15
TABLE 14. TRANSPNDER-CNTRL INPUT ARINC LABELS ............................................................................... 3-15
TABLE 15. ADC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS .......................................................................................... 3-15
TABLE 16. AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS ........................................................................................ 3-15
TABLE 17. ADC & AHRS FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS ............................................................................ 3-15
TABLE 18.TRAFFIC FORMAT INPUT ARINC LABELS ...................................................................................... 3-16
TABLE 19. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ............................................................... 3-16
TABLE 20. ARINC 429 PORT OUTPUT SPEED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .................................................... 3-16
TABLE 21. TRAFFIC FORMAT OUTPUT ARINC LABELS ................................................................................. 3-17
TABLE 22. GPS-743 OUTPUT LABELS ORDER3 ............................................................................................ 3-18
TABLE 23. DEFAULT MPI PORT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ......................................................................... 3-21
TABLE 24. TERA TERM WI-FI CONNECTION SETTINGS .................................................................................. 3-21
TABLE 25. GARMIN SYSTEM CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ................................................................................ 9-1
TABLE 26. CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY, GSL-71 CONTROLLER SETTINGS ............................................... 9-2
TABLE 28. BENDIX KING KSN 765/770 DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-327 TRANSPONDER .................................... 9-4
TABLE 29. MODE A/C TRANSPONDER, TC978 ............................................................................................... 9-5
TABLE 30. GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER, TCAS ......................................................................... 9-6
TABLE 31. GARMIN MX-20 DISPLAY AND CONTROL........................................................................................ 9-7
TABLE 32. GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER ................................................................. 9-8
TABLE 33. GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-978 GPS SOURCE ........................................................... 9-9
TABLE 34. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONTROL FUNCTIONS FOR VARIOUS FDL-978 CONTROLLERS ......................... 9-12
TABLE 35. COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE VERSIONS ............................................................................................ 9-12
TABLE 36. SERIAL PORT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS .................................................................................. 12-12

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TABLE 37. ADS-B TRANSMIT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ........................................................................... 12-12
TABLE 38. TYPICAL TRANSPONDER CONNECTIONS (1) ................................................................................. 12-24

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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
o FDL-978-XVR Transceivers
o FDL-978-RX Receivers
 FDL-978 Lite Series
o FDL-978-XVRL Transceiver
o FDL-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.

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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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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.