Levil Aviation Beacon 978 Series User manual

Rev 1.0
978 UAT (ADS-B out)
INSTALLATION AND PILOT’S GUIDE

Beacon 978 Installation Manual
2
Revision table
Date
Revision
Comments
Section
July 22,2017
1.0
First Revision
Nov 14, 2017
1.1
Adjustments by Ricardo L
8.2.4
Warranty
Levil Aviation warrants this product to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase. The following
are not covered: software, damage resulting from accident, neglect, misuse, fire, or flood,
improper voltage supply or failure to follow operational guidelines supplied with this product.
Extended warranty is available for purchase on our website Please register your product online
at: http://aviation.levil.com
IN NO EVENT, SHALL LEVIL AVIATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE,
MIUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

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Beacon 978 Installation Manual
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Beacon 978 series: A Smarter, Simpler ADS-B out. The Levil Beacon is an externally
mounted pod in the shape of an aerodynamic antenna that contains all essential components
necessary to comply with FAA’s requirement to have ADS-B out for 2020, when flying in
controlled airspace. The design objective was to minimize installation time and cost,
addressing the biggest challenges when trying to comply with the 2020 mandate. The Beacon’s
unique design allows it to be mounted underneath the fuselage, which makes it compatible with
most aircrafts. It minimizes wiring time by incorporating the following:
FEATURES
Beacon
978
Beacon
978G
Transponder “sniffer” to decode squawk code sent by existing
transponders and relay the information through the ADS-B freq.
position source (WAAS GPS) that satisfies with 14 CFR §91.227
Pressure transducer for Pressure Altitude indication or comparison.
Communication ports to connect LCD screen or other avionics
ADS-B out transmitter (978 MHz UAT frequency) and antenna
2.0 COMPLIANCE AND USE
 The BEACON 978 series is for use in Experimental and Light Sport Aviation only.
It meets the Minimum Operational Performance Standards of DO-282B Class A1S (transmit-
only aircraft with single antenna) and the performance requirements of TSO-C154c. However,
the BEACON 978 series is NOT TSO’d. You may only install the Beacon on aircraft with
Experimental Airworthiness Certificates. For LSA owners, the installation must be performed in
accordance with an applicable consensus standard (as an alteration) and authorized by the
aircraft’s manufacturer.

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3.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specification
Description
Transmission Frequency
978MHz
Transmission Power
20 Watts
Receiver Frequency
1090 MHz (auto squawk function)
Power Requirements
9-32 V
Power consumption
Temperature Range
-30 C to +70 C
Max Altitude (Pressure)
27,000 ft
Max Altitude (GPS)
60,000 ft
Weight
8oz (Beacon) 4oz (LCD)
Length
5” (13 cm)
Height
4” (10 cm)
Width
2” (5 cm)
Horizontal Position
Accuracy (GPS Only) 1
≤ 6.5 meters RMS
Horizontal Position
Accuracy (GPS + SBAS)
1
≤ 4.0 meters RMS
Vertical Position Accuracy
1
≤ 8.0 meters RMS
Velocity Accuracy 1
≤ 0.1 meters / second RMS
System Design
Assurance (SDA)
2
Source Integrity Level
(SIL)
3
Patent
Pending

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4.0 INSTALLATION
4.1 BEACON INSTALLATION
1. Remove Beacon from packaging. Hardware accessories (nuts, studs, aluminum plate)
can be used for actual installation.
2. Use the aluminum plate to trace the pattern for holes on the belly of the aircraft or
somewhere with clear view to the ground towers. Install the Beacon978 at least 3 feet
away from other antennas, such as DME or transponder. If aircraft shell is not rigid
enough, you may use the aluminum plate provided on the inside to provide more rigidity:
Note: If the aircraft is made of fiber glass or any other non-metallic material. A square foot
aluminum plate must be placed on the inside of the aircraft on the base of the BEACON
3. GPS source. On Beacon model 978G, the GPS is embedded inside, so only an active
antenna connection is necessary. On Beacon model 978, an external GPS source is
required to be wired into the Cannon plug using RS232.
4. Follow the wiring diagrams below according to your Beacon model:
GPS Active Antenna (50ohm)
(only required on BEACON 978G)
Communication and Power to LCD
Power supply (9-32) and GND
GPS Position source COM2 (NOT
required on BEACON 978G)
Aluminum plate
Gasket
Aircraft airframe
AFT
FORWARD

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For Beacon978G:
For Beacon978 (requires external GPS source):
*PINS B, H, L and K are for future use, Do not connect.
Note: cables sizes
- Power cable #18-20 (blue cables)
- Signal cable #22-24 (red cables)
GND
POWER (9-32V)
External Time Mark +
Signal GND
External Time Mark -
RS232 RX (output from
external GPS source)
LCD Screen DB9 connector
GND
POWER (9-32V)

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Beacon Cheat Sheet
4.2 LCD INTERFACE INSTALLATION
This is the control head for the Beacon used for initial configuration and during flight as an
interface for transponder functions and commands. Use the Beacon harness, or recommended
wiring diagram to connect the LCD’s DB9 to
the cannon plug. Power will be supplied to
the LCD by the Beacon. DO NOT connect
LCD interface to 12V-24V.
If your aircraft is equipped with a Mode-C or
Mode-S transponder, the LCD interface is
not required to be in the panel. Our sniffer
technology will automatically decode the
transponder squawk code without you
having to enter it twice. However, having the
LCD available is recommended. We
designed the screen as small as possible so
that it fits even in the smallest panels. It is a
great source of feedback regarding altitude
(both pressure and GPS) and verification of
correct squawk code. It is also an interface
for certain commands such as “squawking
anonymous” during VFR flights, and other
ADS-B operations.

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4.3 GPS (position source)
4.3.1 SMA connector (Beacon 978G only)
The SMA connector on the Beacon 978-s is for a GPS antenna (not included with
the Beacon 978). You may use off-the-shelf active GPS antenna with a 50ohm load,
which can be located remotely or inside the aircraft with as much clear view to the sky as
possible. If your GPS antenna uses BCN connections, use the supplied BNC to SMA
adapter. It is recommended to use the Beacon with TSOd GPS antennas.
4.3.2 External GPS receivers (Beacon 978)
When using external GPS receivers make sure they comply with the
requirements for 2020. For GPS equipment, you may install an uncertified GPS on
amateur-built and light-sport aircraft with experimental airworthiness certificates.
However, the GPS equipment must meet the performance requirements of a GPS TSO.
You can ask the equipment manufacturer, stating the device meets the performance
requirements of either TSO-C166b or TSO-C154c.
Here is a list of approved GPS sources:
Levil Aviation: iLevil2 AW or iLevil3 AW (with the certified GPS option)
GARMIN: GNS 400W-530W series (with appropriate software update)
Note: If you have a specific GPS that is not listed above, contact us at
[e-mail] with your suggestion.
5.0 LCD NAVIGATION
The LCD interface has one button (push and rotate) and has three different modes:
On power ON, the LCD interface will display the company name “LEVIL AVIATION”, firmware
and serial number, followed by the Home Page. To navigate between the screen modes, use
the button as follows:
Home Page -> PUSH and RELEASE button to enter Main Menu
Home Page -> PUSH and HOLD button for 4 seconds to enter Settings Menu
Main Menu -> Rotate the button to go through the Menu Items

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Main Menu -> PUSH and RELEASE to enter a Menu Items
Main Menu -> Scroll down to “EXIT” to EXIT the Main Menu
Settings Menu -> Rotate the button to go through the Menu Items
Settings Menu -> Push and RELEASE to enter a Menu Item
Settings Menu -> Scroll down to “EXIT” to EXIT the Settings Menu
Menu Items -> Rotate the button to adjust settings, PUSH and RELEASE button to go to next
character or exit
Menu Items -> PUSH and HOLD button for 2 seconds to cancel editing a setting (back to menu)
6.0 CONFIGURING YOUR BEACON
You must configure your ADS-B parameters before using the Beacon in flight. Enter the
Settings Menu by pressing and holding the Navigation Button for 5 seconds. Then follow the
instructions below for each parameter:
6.1 ICAO ADDRESS
The ICAO address is a 24-bit number issued to the aircraft by the registration authority
of the aircraft. To edit the ICAO Address, rotate the button until you find the corresponding HEX
value (either a capital letter A-F, or a digit number 0-1), then Push and RELEASE to go to the
next field. You must enter all 6 HEX values. If you don’t know your ICAO address, you can look
it up using your N-number at http://faa.gov (N-look up is on the top right). Your ICAO Address
will show under the “Mode S (base 16 hex)” field on FAA’s N-look up report.
6.2 ICAO ADDRESS TYPE (“ADDRESS TYPE”)
Parameter
Description
ICAO Address
Default. Always set to ICAO for 91.227 Compliance
Temporary Address
For aircraft not assigned an ICAO (paragliders, lighter than air etc)
6.3 AIRCRAFT LENGTH (“LENGTH METERS”)
Use the two fields to enter the length of your aircraft (in meters, rounded up) from nose
to tail. Size of your aircraft will be broadcasted by the Beacon when on the ground and taxing.
For example:
For 4.3 meters: For 11.9 meters:
METERS
05
METERS
12

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6.4 AIRCRAFT WIDTH (“WIDTH METERS”)
Enter the width (wingspan) of your aircraft (in meters). Size of your aircraft will be
broadcasted by the Beacon when on the ground and taxing. Example:
For 5 meters: For 12 meters
METERS
05
METERS
12

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6.5 ANTENNA OFFSET
If your GPS Antenna is not mounted in the exact center of the aircraft, you may enter the
upper bound offset (aft from the nose, and left/right from the roll axis) so that ATC can
accurately track your position for ground surveillance.
6.5.1 “ANTENNA OFFSET P“6.5.1 “ANTENNA OFFSET R”
6.6 CALL SIGN (“CALL SIGN”)
Enter your 8 digit call sign (tail number) of your aircraft. If your call sign is less than 8
digits, leave the remainder of the items blank:
Upper Bound of the GPS Antenna
Offset Along Lateral (Pitch) Axis,
Left or Right of Longitudinal
(Roll) Axis
(meters)
Direction
0 -NO DATA (default)
LEFT
“L”
2
4
6
0 (no offset)
RIGHT
“R”
2
4
6
Upper Bound of the GPS Antenna
Offset Along Longitudinal (Roll)
Axis, Aft from Aircraft Nose
0 to 60 meters
SELECT
N464CP
METERS
2R
LEFT
RIGHT
METERS
03

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6.7 EMITTER CATEGORY (“EMITTER CATEGORY”)
Choose from the following list the category that best describes your aircraft, then enter
the corresponding index on the screen:
index
Description
index
Description
01
Light airplane < 15500 lbs
10
Lighter than air
02
Small airplane <75000 lbs
11
Parachutist/skydiver
03
Large airplane <300000 lbs
12
Ultralight/hang glider/paraglider
04
High Vortex (i.e B757)
14
UAV
05
Heavy Airplane > 300000 lbs
15
Space/transatmospheric aircraft
06
High maneuverable > 5G
17
Surface Vehicle (emergency vehicle)
07
Rotorcraft
18
Surface Vehicle (service vehicle)
09
Glider/Sailplane
19
Point Obtacles (tethered balloons)
6.8 TRANSPONDER TYPE (“TRANSP. TYPE”)
Select the transponder type installed on your current aircraft, if any. Default: Mode C.
6.9 SQUAWK SYNCHRONIZATION (“SQUAWK SYNC.”)
Squawk synchronization allows your Beacon to decode the current squawk code being
transmitted by your transponder (Mode C or Mode S). This way, the user does not have to input
this information twice when given a new flight plan ID (squawk code) by ATC.
Synchronization Options
NO
No sync. Squawk codes have to be manually inserted
into the Beacon’s LCD interface.
SNIFFER
Beacon’s internal Sniffer decodes squawk and
altitude from Mode C or Mode S transponder
wirelessly
COM1
Beacon decodes squawk code and altitude from
Mode C or Mode S transponders that are approved by
Levil and are connected via RS-232 to COM1

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SIGNAL
LEVEL --
6.10 CALIBRATE SNIFFER (“CALIB SNIFFER”)
If SQUAWK SYNCHRONIZATION (section 6.9) is set to “SNIFFER”, you can calibrate
the signal level of the receiver portion to read your transponder code. The signal level varies
from 1 to 8, 1 being the lowest amplification:
The calibration procedure is an autonomous function where the transponder sends a specific
squawk code, the sniffer looks for this squawk code at different signal level settings. Manual
adjustments of the signal level are not allowed. In order to calibrate the Sniffer, you must have:
Corresponding transponder type selected (Mode C or Mode S)(section 6.8)
Squawk synchronization set to “Sniffer” (section 6.9)
Either be flying outside controlled airspace (with not active flight plan), or on the ground
1. Squawk “1200” on your transponder and activate it (no altitude)
2. Select “CALIB SNIFFER” under Settings Menu
3. Rotate the button to go to option “CALIB NOW”, PUSH and RELEASE button to select
4. Wait for calibration procedure to end. This process may take up to 30 seconds.
5. Finally, verify the resulted Sniffer Signal Level is NOT “- -“on your screen. If the sniffer
was able to capture a 1200-squawk code correctly, the signal level will vary from 1 to 8.
6. PUSH and RELEASE to exit the calibration menu.
Sniffer Signal Level
1
Minimum amplification needed (transponder
signal output is strong)
2
3
4
Default amplification
5
6
7
8
Maximum amplification needed (sniffer may
have difficulty capturing transponder signal)
--
Calibration procedure could not verify a
transponder squawk code of “1200”, or sniffer
hasn’t been calibrated yet. See calibrating
instructions below.
PROGRESS
█▐▌█
SIGNAL
LEVEL 02

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6.11 GPS SOURCE (“GPS SOURCE”)
Select the corresponding source for position. Only the devices listed below have been
tested with the BEACON and are known to satisfy the position source requirements for 2020.
Model Version
Select
Description
BEACON 978-s
INTERNAL
Use internal position source.
BEACON 978
ILEVIL
Use iLevilAW with certified GPS
connected on COM2 and
TimeMark pins
GARM.430
For Garmin 400W –530W with
Main software version 5.03 or later
and GPS software version 5.0 or
later (available from your local
Garmin supplier)

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ALTITUDE
+01500 FT
ALTITUDE
-00050 FT
ALTITUDE
+12550 FT
ALTITUDE
18125 FT
ALTITUDE
09050 FT
6.12 CALIBRATE ALTITUDE (“CALIB ALTITUDE”)
The internal pressure sensor is calibrated from factory. You may perform an
inspection/maintenance routine every 2 years. You can check the pressure altitude reported by
the Beacon on the LCD interface by selecting “Pressure” under “Select Altitude” on the Main
Menu and “SQUAWK SYNC” set to “OFF” under Settings Menu to prevent it from reading the
transponder altitude.If calibration is needed follow the steps below:
6.12.1 LOW ALTITUDE (“CALIB LOW”)
While on the ground, set the altimeter setting on your reference altimeter
(pressure based, not GPS) to standard pressure (29.92inHg or 1013 hPa). Input the altitude
shown on your reference altimeter on the LCD in feet using the appropriate decimals and +/-
sign:
-50 feet 1500 feet 12550 feet
NOTE:
Verify that the LCD interface is configured to display “Pressure” under “Select Altitude” on the
Main Menu and that “SQUAWK SYNC” is set to “OFF” under Settings Menu. Otherwise the
LCD interface may not display pressure altitude being read by the internal pressure sensor, but
a GPS or Transponder decoded altitude instead.
To verify the calibration, go back to the main screen and check the altitude.
Once the calibration procedure is done place the “SQUAWK SYNC”back to “SNIFFER”under
the settings menu
6.12.1 HIGH ALTITUDE (“CALIB HIGH”)
Take the airplane to a higher altitude or use dedicated equipment on the ground
to simulate a high altitude (18,000ft is ideal), set the altimeter setting on your reference altimeter
(pressure based, not GPS) to standard pressure (29.92inHg or 1013 hPa). Input the altitude
shown on your reference altimeter on the LCD in feet using the appropriate decimals:
9050 feet 18125 feet

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NOTE:
Verify that the LCD interface is configured to display “Pressure” under “Select Altitude” on the
Main Menu and that “SQUAWK SYNC” is set to “OFF” under Settings Menu. Otherwise the
LCD interface may not display pressure altitude being read by the internal pressure sensor, but
a GPS or Transponder decoded altitude instead.
To verify the calibration, go back to the main screen and check the altitude.
Once the calibration procedure is done place the “SQUAWK SYNC”back to “SNIFFER”under
the settings menu.
6.13 DISABLE PRESSURE ALTITUDE (“DISABLE P.ALT”)
In case of pressure altitude malfunction, due to transponder malfunction, problems on
the static line, or requested by ATC, you can disable its transmission on the ADS-B output. It will
automatically select GPS as the primary source of altitude. Default: No (pressure altitude not
disabled)
6.14 COM1 BAUD
COM1 is not operational on firmware 16. This is for future integration of external
transponders that are capable of sending the altitude through RS232.
6.15 COM2 BAUD
COM2 is used for external GPS data required on Beacon978. Select the appropriate
baud rate that your external GPS is using to transmit.
6.16 Enter VSO
Enter your Stall speed with landing configurations (VSO)
6.17 EXIT
Exit Configuration Menu, goes back to Home.

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NO GPS
FIX
DATA
ERROR
8.0 HOME PAGE
8.1 NORMAL OPERATION
Displays Squawk code and altitude information. If user pressed IDENT (either on the
transponder or Beacon LCD), the screen will indicate this action with “IDT”
8.2 WARNINGS/MESSAGES
8.2.1 DATA ERROR
This message is displayed if there is no communication from the Beacon to the
LCD display, either by total system failure (ADS-B inoperable) or harness not connected
properly.
8.2.2 NO GPS
This message is displayed during initialization or when GPS does not have a
valid position fix.
Note: This message will disappear as soon as the GPS obtains a valid position entering the
normal operations screen
IDT->1200
18125 FT
SQK->1200
18125 FT
“->” Appears if sniffer decoded a valid
message during the last second.
Squawk Code currently transmitted on the
ADS-B freq.
Altitude currently transmitted on the ADS-B
freq. (might be GPS or pressure, depending
on “Select Altitude” value

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***->1200
18125 FT
ICAO
ERROR
SNIFFER
ERROR
MANUAL
MODE ON
PUSH TO
CONFIRM
8.2.3 ICAO ERROR
This message appears when an ICAO address has not been configured properly
(i.e ICAO 0x000000)
SNIFFER ERROR
When using sniffer to auto-squawk, the display will be updated every second with
the decoded data from the transponder. If sniffer stops decoding data due to transponder being
disabled (STB), improper calibration of sniffer or flying into none controlled airspace (no
transponder interrogations from ground towers), The Beacon will warn the pilot after 40 seconds
of not receiving data by flashing the three screens below. A user response is required to return
to normal operation. the
- Push the button to confirm
- After pushing “CONFIRM” the screen will show the following:
Note: If a valid squawk code is not received, the Beacon will transmit the last
squawk code used. THE USER MUST INPUT NEW SQUAWK CODES MANUALLY
while in MANUAL MODE ON (***). If a valid squawk code from the transponder is
received, the stars *** will change automatically displaying “SQK”, the screen will go
back to normal operation (Section 8.1) and new squawk codes are automatically
synced from the transponder.
-There must be a radar for transponder interrogation for the sniffer to work
The stars “***” will appear meaning
that no valid squawk code from
the transponder is being
received

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CONFIRM
SQK 1200
SQUAWK
UNKNOWN
8.2.5 SQUAWK UNKNOWN
There might be cases where the decoded squawk code sent by the transponder
matches a specific altitude sent by the transponder, causing a confusion as to what is
altitude and what is squawk code. These cases are rare but may occur. The Beacon will
send a Squawk Unknown warning and prompt the pilot to confirm the current squawk
code.
9.0 MAIN MENU
PUSH and RELEASE the button from the Home page to enter this menu. It contains basic
commands and configurations that are commonly used.
9.1 SQUAWK CODE
Menu Item
Description
“Code 0000”
Allows user to enter assigned squawk code
“VFR 1200”
Assigns 1200 as squawk code
“EMGCY. 7700”
Assigns 7700 as squawk code, enables EMERGENCY status
“NO COMM 7600”
Assigns 7600 as squawk code, no Communication
Emergency
“HIJACK 7500”
Assigns 7500 as squawk code, Hijack emergency
9.2 IDENT
Allows the user to IDENT when requested by ATC.
9.3 SELECT ALTITUDE SOURCE
Allows user to select primary source of Altitude that gets transmitted on the ADS-B
signal. If GPS is used as default (recommended), pressure altitude will also be transmitted as
secondary altitude.
9.4 SQUAWK ANONYMOUS
Only available when an active flight plan is NOT present. When squawking anonymous,
the Beacon chooses a temporary ICAO address and assigns 1200 as the squawk code. If a
squawk code (other than 1200) is entered (or decoded from the transponder using sniffer),
anonymous is automatically canceled.
9.5 EXIT