FreeFlight ADS-B FDL-978 Series User manual

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
Part Numbers
87098-XX-XXXX
This document contains FreeFlight Systems proprietary information. It is loaned for limited purposes only and
remains the property of FreeFlight Systems. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of
FreeFlight Systems and must not be disclosed to persons not having need of such disclosure consistent with the
purpose of the loan. The document is to be returned to FreeFlight Systems upon request and/or upon completion of
the use for which it was loaned.

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
a
FDL-978
ADS-B Transmitter and Transceivers
Pilot Guide/User Manual
Publication Number: 87351
Revision B
June 25, 2015
NO PART OF THIS MANUAL MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS
OR USED TO MAKE A DERIVATIVE WORK (SUCH AS TRANSLATION,
TRANSFORMATION, OR ADAPTATION) WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION
OF FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS.
FreeFlight Systems 2015 ©
3700 Interstate 35 S.
Waco, TX 76706-3756
USA
1 [phone]

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
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FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
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
3700 Interstate 35 S.
Waco, TX 76706
+1 254.662.0000
+1 800.487.4662
http://www.freeflightsystems.com
Copyright © FreeFlight Systems. All rights reserved.

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
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History of Revisions
Dates of Original and Change pages are:
Revision ….. A …………… June 13, 2013
Revision ….. B …………… June 25, 2015
Change Description Page No. Date
Added description of external control feature and reverse
video displayed on the TC978 Controller. 2-4 June 25, 2015
Incorporated FDL-978 Lite Series equipment and
configuration, along with software release 001F updates. All pages

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Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Description ..................................................................................................................1-1
2TC978 CONTROLLER....................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Display 2-1
2.2 Mode Selection Knob ..................................................................................................2-2
2.3 CODE Knob.................................................................................................................2-4
2.4 External Control and Reverse Video............................................................................2-4
2.5 Push Buttons...............................................................................................................2-5
2.6 Warning Messages......................................................................................................2-6
2.7 No Remote Link...........................................................................................................2-8
2.8 Fault Annunciation.......................................................................................................2-8
3MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Anonymous Mode .......................................................................................................3-1
3.2 ADS-B Annunciator ..................................................................................................... 3-1
APPENDIX A ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................A-1
APPENDIX B LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................B-1
List of Figures
Figure 1. TC978 Components......................................................................................2-1
Figure 2. ALT Mode Display (Typical)..........................................................................2-2
Figure 3. Mode Selection Knob....................................................................................2-2
Figure 4. CODE Knob ..................................................................................................2-4
Figure 5. Warning MSG Icon........................................................................................2-8
Figure 6. Fault Annunciator Light.................................................................................3-1
List of Tables
Table 1. Mode Descriptions..........................................................................................2-3
Table 2. Common VFR Squawk Codes........................................................................2-4
Table 3. Warning Messages.........................................................................................2-7

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1 Introduction
The FreeFlight Systems (FFS) FDL-978 Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-
B) Transmitters and Universal Access Transceivers (UAT) are a 978 Megahertz (MHz) class
B1/B1S and class A1H/A1S equipment designed to share aircraft position, velocity, and other
flight information with other aircraft and ground station equipment.
The FDL-978 ADS-B equipment satisfy the DO-282B Minimum Operational Performance
Standards (MOPS) and the TSO-C154c requirements for UAT ADS-B class B1, B1S, A1H and
A1S equipment and is fully compliant with the Airborne Surveillance & Separation Assurance
Processing (ASSAP) EVAcq (Class C1) requirements of TSO-C195a and RTCA/DO-317A.
The FDL-978 equipment is intended to provide an ADS-B transmitter or transceiver solution to
meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate for ADS-B Out installation on every
aircraft operating in U.S. airspace by 2020 (14 CFR §91.225, AC 90-114), while providing a
solution for ADS-B In applications.
1.1 Description
This document contains instructions for operating the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment. Depending
on the installation requirements, the FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment may use the TC978 Controller.
This guide is valid for the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment Part Numbers (P/N’s) 87098-XX-XXXX.
The software version and Technical Standard Order (TSO) compliance data are found on the
unit identification labels.
The material provided in this manual includes the following:
•Section 1 - Presents a brief introduction to the system.
•Section 2 - Describes user instructions for data entry, modes, displays, and functions
using the TC978 controller.
•Section 3 - Describes the Anonymous Mode and ADS-B Annunciator when used to
report failure status.
•Appendix A - Defines the acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual.
•Appendix B - Outlines the Limited Warranty details for this product.

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2 TC978 Controller
The FDL-978 ADS-B equipment may interface to a TC978 Controller (P/N 87349) used in-flight
by the pilot to control output of ADS-B messages. The TC978 Controller receives its power from
and communicates with the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment. The TC978 Controller consists of the
following components:
•Monochrome Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
•VFR (Visual Flight Rules) button
•FN button (Function)
•CODE knob
•ENT button (Enter)
•Mode Selection knob
•IDT button (Ident)
Figure 1. TC978 Components
2.1 Display
The wave symbol under the aircraft image traveling upward indicates that
the FDL-978 equipment is receiving ASD-B messages.
The wave symbol under the aircraft image traveling downward indicates
that the FDL-978 equipment is transmitting ASD-B messages.
The wave symbol under the aircraft image traveling upward and downward
indicates the FDL-978 equipment is transmitting and receiving ADS-B
messages. The FDL-978 ADS-B Transceiver equipment receives ADS-B
transmissions regardless of the transmission mode.

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The pressure altitude is displayed as a Flight Level in hundreds of feet. The Flight Level shown
may not match the indicated altitude on the altimeter due to non-standard atmospheric
conditions.
Figure 2 shows the ALT Mode display of the FDL-978 ADS-B Transceiver equipment:
•Squawk Code
•Call Sign/Flight ID
•Reported pressure altitude in hundreds of feet
Figure 2 also shows the FDL-978 ADS-B Transceiver equipment powered on in Airborne
Transmission mode with a pressure altitude of flight level 400 feet being displayed , as defined
in Table 1.
Figure 2. ALT Mode Display (Typical)
2.2 Mode Selection Knob
The Mode Selection knob controls power to the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment and operating
modes. The knob rotates between the different operating modes, as defined in Table 1.
Figure 3. Mode Selection Knob

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There is no functional difference between the two ALT positions.
Table 1. Mode Descriptions
OFF Power is removed from the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment.
SBY The FDL-978 ADS-B equipment is on and will not transmit any ADS-B
messages, but will still receive ADS-B messages if the ADS-B equipment has
receive capabilities.
ALT When airborne, the control should always be set to either of the two
ALT positions unless otherwise directed by ATC.
The FDL-978 ADS-B equipment is placed in Transmission Mode with pressure
altitude reported in transmitted messages (applies to both ALT positions).
The FDL-978 equipment automatically switches between Airborne and Ground
Mode. In Airborne Mode ALT is displayed below the aircraft image and in
Ground Mode GND is displayed below the aircraft image.
Airborne Transmission Mode
Ground Transmission Mode
ON The FDL-978 ADS-B equipment is placed in Transmission Mode with no
pressure altitude reported in transmitted messages.
The FDL-978 equipment automatically switches between Airborne and Ground
Transmission Mode. In Airborne Mode ON is displayed below the aircraft
image and in Ground Mode GND is displayed below the aircraft image.
Airborne Transmission Mode
Ground Transmission Mode
Suppression of pressure altitude reporting is indicated by FL---.

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2.3 CODE Knob
The CODE knob is used to set Squawk Codes and the Call Sign/Flight ID. Press the FN button
until either the Squawk Code or Call Sign/Flight ID is highlighted at the top of the display.
Turning the CODE knob will highlight the first digit on the display, then the digit can be modified
as required by rotating the CODE knob. Press the ENT button to advance to the next digit and
repeat until the Flight ID entry is complete. When the ENT button is pressed on the last digit,
the new Squawk Code or Call Sign/Flight ID will replace the previous value. If the code entry is
not completed within 7 seconds the changes are ignored and the previous code is restored.
Figure 4. CODE Knob
Table 2. Common VFR Squawk Codes
1200 VFR code in the USA
7500 Hijack Code
7600 Loss of communications
7700 Emergency Code
The Call Sign/Flight ID should correspond to the Aircraft Identification entered on the flight plan.
The aircraft registration should be used as the Call Sign/Flight ID unless a company designator
and flight number is available. Use only letters and digits. If the Call Sign/Flight ID is less than
eight characters long entering a blank character will end new entry.
2.4 External Control and Reverse Video
The TC978 provides control to the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment or the FDL-978 system can be
configured for external control. External control inputs, such as Squawk Codes, Call Sign/Flight
ID, and mode control (IDENT, Altitude Inhibit, transmit Standby), are needed by the FDL-978
ADS-B equipment. If an external controller is configured and functional with the TC978 installed
the TC978 displays status, but locks out user control inputs. Mode control is always provided by
the external controller, so the position of the Mode Selection Knob only serves to turn on power
to the ADS-B system. When in external control mode the TC978 will display the Squawk Code
and/or Call Sign/Flight ID in reverse video, as shown below.

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
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2.5 Push Buttons
The TC978 control inputs, such as Squawk Codes, Call Sign/Flight ID, and mode control
(IDENT, Altitude Inhibit, transmit Standby) are configurable by the TC978 only when
external controls are not being used.
IDT Press the IDT button when ATC instructs you to “Ident” or “Squawk Ident.”
FN Pressing the FN button provides access to changing the Call Sign/Flight ID.
You may either directly rotate the CODE knob or press the ENT button and the
first character of the Call Sign/Flight ID will be highlighted. Use the rotary
CODE knob to select your choice of alpha-numeric characters. Press the ENT
button again and the cursor moves to the next character. You must press the
ENT button each time, all the way through the eight characters, to save your
Call Sign/Flight ID change.
Pressing the FN button again allows the user to view the present Global
Positioning System (GPS) position being transmitted.

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FN Pressing the FN button a third time allows the user to adjust the brightness level
of the screen. Turning the CODE knob to the right will make the screen brighter.
Turning the CODE knob to the left will decrease the brightness. When the desired
brightness is reached, press the FN button to lock the brightness setting.
If there are any errors, the fourth press of the FN button allows user to view the
FDL-978 ADS-B equipment WARNINGS.
The next FN button press returns to the main Squawk Code view.
VFR Pressing the VFR button sets the ADS-B to the pre-programmed Squawk Code or
VFR Call Sign/Flight ID. Pressing the VFR button again restores the previous
Squawk Code or Call Sign/Flight ID. To toggle the Squawk Code the display must
be in the Squawk Code view. To toggle Call Sign/Flight ID the display must be in
the Call Sign/Flight ID view.
ENT The ENT button enters a digit in the code selector.
2.6 Warning Messages
If the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment detects a malfunction, the MSG icon appears in the center of
the display to indicate that warning messages are present. The MSG icon will remain as long as
the malfunction is present. Depending on the nature of the malfunction, the FDL-978 ADS-B
equipment may not transmit ADS-B messages.

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Cycle power on the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment. If the problem persists, contact an
Authorized Service Center.
Table 3. Warning Messages
Message Potential Cause
Synth Unlock Transceiver can’t lock to carrier
frequency.
TX Fault Generic Transceiver Fault – POST, transmit, address, broadcast, or nominal
rate failure.
Tx Power Low Transceiver power too low.
Tx PSU High Transceiver power supply voltage too
high.
Tx PSU Low Transceiver power supply voltage too
low.
Squitter Fail Transceiver modulation fault.
Remote Hot FDL-978 ADS-B equipment internal
temperature too high.
No ADS-B Pos The unit is not receiving digital serial
communication from the GPS.
GPS Fault GPS has reported unavailable position or
a fault.
Top Ant Fault Top antenna disconnected.
Bot Ant Fault Bottom antenna disconnected.
PSU Fail Internal DC Power Supply failure.
ADC Fault ADC or Altitude encoder fault or not
responding.

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Figure 5. Warning MSG Icon
To enter the Warning View mode, press the FN button four times and WARNING will be
displayed top center along with a brief description of the fault. In this mode, the Controller
continually requests the active warning messages from the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment and
displays them on the Controller. Press the FN button again to exit this mode and return to
normal operation.
Warning/Troubleshooting messages are described in Section 3.
2.7 No Remote Link
If the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment loses communication with the TC978 after power-up, the
TC978 display will be as shown below.
If the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment loses communication with the TC978 before power-up, the
TC978 display will be as shown below.
2.8 Fault Annunciation
If the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment detects a catastrophic internal failure the screen will indicate
FAULT with a brief statement of the problem. No ADS-B messages will be transmitted when a
fault has been detected.

FDL-978 ADS-B Equipment
Pilot Guide/User Manual
FFS Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
3-1
3 Miscellaneous
3.1 Anonymous Mode
ADS-B Out messages broadcast the registered ICAO address and call sign to identify the
aircraft for the purpose of utilizing ATC services. The FDL-978 systems have an Anonymous
Mode feature that will broadcast a random, temporary, ICAO address and no call sign when
enabled. This feature can only be enabled through a dedicated pilot interface.
When Anonymous Mode is enabled the previous call sign will continue to be displayed in the
TC978, but will not be broadcast. When Anonymous Mode is disabled, the FDL-978 resumes
broadcasting the registered ICAO address and Call Sign. Anonymous Mode can be disabled by
the pilot, or whenever the squawk code is changed from 1200.
Anonymous Mode is not available in aircraft with a Mode S transponder.
The Anonymous Mode can only be enabled when the squawk code is set to 1200, no
flight plan is filed, and ATC services are not requested.
The FDL-978 equipment defaults to the registered aircraft ICAO address and call sign
when initially powered on. Anonymous Mode will not be enabled within the first 90
seconds after the FDL-978 is powered on.
The FDL-978 equipment will automatically revert back to the default ICAO address and
call sign when the squawk code is changed from 1200.
In Anonymous Mode you’re unable to receive Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) or Visual Flight
Rule (VFR) separation services. Also potential loss of enhanced search and rescue
benefits, and potential negative impacts to ADS-B IN applications could occur.
3.2 ADS-B Annunciator
If the aircraft is not equipped with a TC978, or MFD capable of displaying failure conditions, a
separate ADS-B annunciator will be installed as shown in the following figure. The annunciator
is required to identify two types of failure conditions – an ADS-B Device Failure and a Position
Source Failure.
Cycle power on the FDL-978 ADS-B equipment. If the problem persists, contact an
Authorized Service Center.
Figure 6. Fault Annunciator Light
Normal
Operation ADS-B Device Failure
(TX Fault) ADS-B Position Source Failure (GPS Fault)
Light Status Off Steady ON Flashing

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