FreeFlight ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series Service manual

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ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Information
Part Numbers
P/N 87334-XX-XXXX
Document No. 88552
Disclaimer: This manual revision is a controlled engineering release copy which is currently under review
and pending TSO approval. This document has been loaned only to specific customers and must not be
redistributed without the written consent of FreeFlight Systems Engineering

ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Information
Document No: 88552 Rev A
FFS Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.
a
Proprietary Information
This document contains FreeFlight Systems proprietary information. It is furnished to FreeFlight
Systems customers by the rights expressly granted by contract and may not, in whole or in part,
be duplicated or its contents disclosed to unauthorized personnel without prior written consent
from FreeFlight Systems.
The information provided in this document is subject to change without notice. Please visit the
FreeFlight Systems website (http://www.freeflightsystems.com) or contact Product Support for
updated materials regarding your products.
For Product Support, Repair, or Sales, please contact us directly or an authorized FreeFlight
Systems Dealer.
Product Support Department:
Phone: [phone], ext. 503
Direct: +1.254.662.7083
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 503
Email: [e-mail]
Repair Department:
Phone: [phone], ext. 502
Direct: +1.254.662.7082
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 502
Email: [e-mail]
Sales Department:
Phone: [phone], ext. 501
Direct: +1.254.662.7081
Toll Free: 1.800.487.4662, ext. 501
Email: [e-mail]
Our normal business hours are Monday –Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., U.S. CST (UTC -06:00).
FreeFlight Systems
7333 Interstate 35 S.
Robinson, TX 76706
+1 254.662.0000
+1 800.487.4662
http://www.freeflightsystems.com
Copyright © FreeFlight Systems. All rights reserved.

ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A
b
FFS Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.
History of Revisions
Dates of Revision are:
Revision –A (Initial Release).........………………………….August-20-2020

ADS-B FDL-DB Dual Band Series
Installation Manual
Document No. 88552 Rev A
FFS Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.
i
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ...............................................................................................1-1
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS.......................................................................................................1-1
1.1.2 FCC WARNING.....................................................................................................................1-2
1.1.3 NON-TSO FUNCTIONS ..........................................................................................................1-2
1.2 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS..................................................................................................1-3
1.3 ALERT SYMBOL USAGE................................................................................................................1-5
1.4 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................1-6
1.4.1 TC978 CONTROLLER............................................................................................................1-7
1.4.2 UAT ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................1-8
1.4.3 GPS ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................1-8
1.5 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS.....................................................................................................1-9
1.5.1 FDL-DB SERIES...................................................................................................................1-9
1.5.2 TC978 CONTROLLER..........................................................................................................1-10
1.6 PARTS AND EQUIPMENT.............................................................................................................1-11
1.6.1 FDL-DB SERIES ITEMS.......................................................................................................1-11
1.7 REQUIRED MATERIALS NOT SUPPLIED........................................................................................1-12
1.7.1 LIST OF OTHER APPROVED GPS ANTENNAS ........................................................................1-12
1.7.2 FT-9000 RAMP TESTER ....................................................................................................1-13
SECTION 2 FDL-DB DUAL BAND SERIES INTERFACES...............................................................2-14
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT...................................................................................2-14
2.2 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING..............................................................................................................2-14
2.2.1 FDL-DB SERIES.................................................................................................................2-15
2.2.2 TC978 CONTROLLER..........................................................................................................2-16
2.3 COOLING REQUIREMENTS..........................................................................................................2-16
2.4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS .......................................................................................................2-17
2.4.1 INTERFACE –DB-62 PINOUT ...............................................................................................2-17
2.5 INTERFACE DETAILS ..................................................................................................................2-19
2.5.1 POWER INPUT.....................................................................................................................2-19
2.5.2 PERSONALITY MODULE .......................................................................................................2-20
2.5.3 STATUS LEDS....................................................................................................................2-20
2.5.4 REMOTE POWER CONTROL .................................................................................................2-21
2.5.5 TC978 CONTROLLER INTERFACE.........................................................................................2-21
2.5.6 CONFIGURABLE SERIAL INTERFACES....................................................................................2-21
2.5.6.1 Serial Ports –RS-232/RS-422................................................................................................2-22

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

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

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

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6.3 WARNING MESSAGES................................................................................................................6-56
6.3.1 TC978 WARNING MESSAGE TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................6-56
SECTION 7 TYPICAL INTERCONNECT DIAGRAMS .......................................................................7-58
7.1 TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ...........................................................................................7-58
7.1.1 GARMIN GNS 430W/530W DISPLAY AND GPS, GTX-330 TRANSPONDER .............................7-1
7.1.2 CHELTON FLIGHTLOGIC DISPLAY,GSL-71 CONTROLLER,NO TRANSPONDER .........................7-2
7.1.3 ASPEN DISPLAY AND CONTROL,GTX 327 TRANSPONDER......................................................7-3
7.1.4 MODE A/C TRANSPONDER,TC978 CONTROLLER...................................................................7-4
7.1.5 GARMIN GNS 480, SL-70 TRANSPONDER,TCAS..................................................................7-5
7.1.6 GARMIN GMX-200 DISPLAY,GTX-330 TRANSPONDER..........................................................7-7
7.1.7 GARMIN GTX-330ES TRANSPONDER WITH FDL-DB-XVR GPS SOURCE ...............................7-8
7.2 EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC INSTALLATIONS...........................................................................................7-1
7.2.1 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1201 GPS.........................................................................................7-1
7.2.2 FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS 1203C GPS......................................................................................7-1
7.3 EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY AND FUNCTIONS ................................................................................7-1
SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE INTERFACE DIAGRAMS ......................................................................8-1
SECTION 9 WARNING DISCLAIMER ..................................................................................................9-1
SECTION 10 LIMITED WARRANTY.....................................................................................................10-2
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: TC978 CONTROLLER ...................................................................................................................1-7
FIGURE 2: FDL-DB SERIES MOUNTING DIMENSIONS....................................................................................2-15
FIGURE 3: TC978 DIMENSIONS...................................................................................................................2-16
FIGURE 4: FDC-485/422 SERIAL CONVERTER.............................................................................................2-23
FIGURE 5: INLINE MPI CONNECTOR AND COMPATIBLE MPI DEVICES ............................................................2-27
FIGURE 6: PERSONALITY MODULE ASSEMBLY..............................................................................................2-33
FIGURE 7: STATIC LINE CONNECTION..........................................................................................................2-38
FIGURE 8: TERA TERM TERMINAL SETUP.....................................................................................................5-18
FIGURE 9: TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING TELNET.....................................................5-19
FIGURE 10: NETWORK HARDWARE CONNECTIONS.......................................................................................5-20
FIGURE 11: TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING A REMOTE NETWORK SERVER PORT........5-21
FIGURE 12: EXAMPLE TERA TERM NETWORK CONNECTION SETTINGS USING TELNET....................................5-21
FIGURE 13: FDL-DB SERIES HELP MENU....................................................................................................5-23
FIGURE 14: FDL-DB SERIES ADS MENU ......................................................................................................5-24
FIGURE 15: FDL-DB SERIES BIT MENU........................................................................................................5-24
FIGURE 16: FDL-DB SERIES COMM MENU...................................................................................................5-25

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

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

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1-1
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
This document contains installation data, specifications, and information for the FreeFlight
Systems (FFS) Dual Band Automatic Dependent Surveillance –Broadcast (ADS-B) FDL-DB
Dual Band series. The FDL-DB Series is the same size with the same mechanical mounting
interface as the FDL-978 Single Band (UAT) Series. The FDL-DB Series uses a female 62-pin
D-Sub connector that contains all the same electrical connections and interfaces of the FDL-978
Series 44-pin D-Sub connector as well as additional interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, audio
output, and optional additional ARINC-429 I/O.
The FDL-DB Series is an ADS-B dual band receiver with an optional UAT ADS-B transmitter.
The FDL-DB Series meets the ADS-B UAT equipment class A1H/A1S 978 Megahertz (MHz)
(UAT) and 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) equipment class A1S/A1 receiver
requirements of TSO-C154c, TS0-166b, TSO-C157b, and TSO-C195b. When equipped with the
internal class Beta 1 Global Positioning System (GPS), the FDL-DB Series systems also meet
the requirements of TSO-C145d.
1.1.1 Equipment Limitations
For a compliant installation in accordance with the TSO and the Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR), the FDL-DB Series installations must meet the following
requirements
❖TSO-C145d
“The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum
performance standards. Those installing this article, on or in a specific type or class of
aircraft, must determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within the TSO
standards. TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The
article may be installed only according to 14 CFR part 43 or the applicable airworthiness
requirements.”
❖PRAIM Standards
TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The article may
be installed only according to 14 CFR part 43 or the applicable airworthiness
requirements.
❖TSO-C154c
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). If you are installing this article on or in a specific type or
class of aircraft, you must obtain separate approval for installation.”
❖TSO-C166b
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). If you are installing this article on or in a specific type or
class of aircraft, you must obtain separate approval for installation.”
❖TSO-C157b
“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a
technical standard order (TSO). Installation of this article requires separate approval.”
❖TSO-C195b

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“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by
a technical standard order (TSO). Installation of this article requires separate approval.”
CDTIs integrated with this article must be analysed for latency. This article’s ownship
and traffic total latency is <1.25 seconds and the uncompensated latency is 0 seconds
from current UTC second (not including serial data transmission time).
❖The antenna installation must comply with the specifications in Section 2.10 for UAT
antennas and Section 2.12 for GPS antennas.
Certified installations must be approved by a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
or Type Certificate (TC)
1.1.2 FCC Warning
RF Exposure Warning –while this device is operating a minimum distanceof 4 cm
from the antennas should be maintained to all persons nearby.
1.1.3 Non-TSO Functions
The FDL-DB Series does not contain any functions outside the scope of the above TSO
certifications

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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 theinstructions provided may
cause serious damage to equipment, or unintended operation, if not followed.
Notes are identified to provide additional information or explanation to the user.

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

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There are two (top and bottom) ADS-B antenna connectors. The units can be configured
to use the top, bottom, or both (diversity) antennas.
Personality Module Interface
A personality module installed in the aircraft connector allows configuration settings to
automatically be retrieved and set when a transceiver or receiver unit is removed and
replaced in the aircraft.
1.4.1 TC978 Controller
Figure 1: TC978 Controller
Polarized sunglasses may interfere with the display visibility of the TC978.
The TC978 Controller provides operational functionality, status display, and limited configuration
setup for the FDL-DB Series. It is optional for the FDL-DB-XVR control and status interface.
The controller has a DB-9 connector for electrical interface and a static pressure port. The
controller contains a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with controls and built-in Altitude Encoder.
TC978 low voltage input power is provided by the connected FDL-DB Series equipment. The
TC978 uses serial interface to the FDL-DB Series for control and also provides remote on/off
power control and serial altitude output.
The following is a short summary of the TC978 Controller features:
Display and Controls
The TC978 has an LCD status display, IDT (identify) button, VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
button, FN (function) button, ENT (enter) button, Mode Selection knob, and CODE
knob.
Altitude Encoder
The TC978 has a built-in altitude encoder to measure pressure altitude.
Input Power
The TC978 receives low-voltage power from the FDL-DB-XVR.
Serial Interface
An RS-485 serial data link is used to connect the TC978 to the FDL-DB-XVR.
Remote On/Off
System on/off power is controlled with the Mode Selection knob.

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Altitude Output
Pressure altitude data is output on an RS-232 serial port.
The TC978 is not required if the FDL-DB-XVR is connected to a transmit controller
(transponder) and/or display that can provide, as a minimum:
•Mode A code entry and display
•IDENT control and display
•ADS-B transmit and ADS-B position failure status annunciations
1.4.2 UAT Antenna Requirements
The FDL-DB Series requires an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antenna(s) with at least one of the
following: TSO-C66, C74, C112, or C154. Ensure that the antenna has 50Ω impedance with a
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) < 1.7:1 at 978 MHz. The Comant CI-101 and RA Miller
AV-22 ball antennas and the Comant CI-105 blade antenna meet these requirements.
In Class A1H ADS-B equipment (TSO-C154c) installations, antenna diversity (meaning a top
and bottom antenna) is required. In Class A1S (single antenna) installations only one antenna
(bottom) is used. For airworthiness approval of ADS-B out systems (AC 20-165B) single bottom
mounted antenna (TSO-C154c Class A1S) installations are allowed.
1.4.3 GPS Antenna Requirements
The FDL-DB Series (with internal GPS) require a TSO-C144 (DO-228) antenna. A TSO-C190
(DO-301) compliant GPS antenna may be used for the FDL-DB Series. Installation of a TSO-
C190 antenna is only recommended for anticipated future upgrades to TSO-C145c Class Beta
2, 3, or 4 navigation sensors and avoids the need for a GPS antenna change at that time.
The performance of the internal GPS is affected by the gain, noise figure, impedance, and
frequency selectivity characteristics of the antenna. They should be used only with the
recommended antenna and cable (See Section 2.11.2). Use of other antennas or cables may
not meet all the performance characteristics required by TSO-C145d & TSO-166b.