PROXALERT R5 Manual

Pilot’s Guide
PROXALERT R5
Aircraft Proximity Alerter
Version 1.4

2
Proxalert Inc.
Copyright © 2004 Proxalert Inc
Document NUMBER PX-UM-R5-US-2004-05-12 -Version 1.4

3
Thank you !
You have selected the Proxalert R5 aircraft proximity alerter to help ensure safe and enjoyable flights. Good choice!
Our Design Team has worked very hard to bring this complex piece of technology to you at a reasonable price and with outstanding reliability.
We recommend that you visit our web site to benefit from the latest enhancements with free software upgrades. This proprietary software is referred to as
‘firmware’ in this manual. You can download firmware updates using the upgrade module built into your R5.
Quick support is available by telephone or email. Our contact information is provided at this end of this manual.
How to read this Manual:
We recommend you unpack your unit and check that all accessories are included. Take time to understand the menu structure. You can install your R5
unit in your aircraft or you can familiarize yourself with the functions at home using a regular power transformer delivering 6 to 16 volts DC over a 2.5 mm
jack. Make sure the positive polarity is connected to the center of this connector. Also, you can use the R5 from your car using the cigarette plug cable
included in your R5 kit.
Set the horizontal range to 10 Nm and the vertical range to Unlimited and operate your R5 unit close to a window. Your R5 unit will most probably detect
cruising commercial aircraft.
Your will need to be in your aircraft to check the cruise altitude alerter and local transponder. For the first flight with your R5 unit we recommend you fly
with a fellow pilot so you will have time to explore the versatility of your R5 unit. You don’t have to constantly monitor the R5 unit LCD panel when airborne.
If a threat is present both a visual and audio alert will be sent. You will only need to read your unit LCD panel at this time to get the threat altitude
separation and distance. If you receive an alert, immediately try to make visual contact.

4
Contents
Contents .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Important information.................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Cautions and limitation..........................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Brief description...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
An aircraft proximity alerter.................................................................................................................................................................................................9
A cruise altitude alerter..........................................................................................................................................................................................................9
A local transponder tester......................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Unpacking your R5 unit ............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
The R5 user’s interface..............................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Front panel............................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Back panel.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Menu structure...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Set LCD display ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Set Display mode...................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Set cruise altitude range.......................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Set audio modes.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Start firmware upgrade........................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Display System information.................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Display Calibration information..........................................................................................................................................................................................19
Exit.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19

5
Setting up your R5 unit..............................................................................................................................................................................................................20
Placement ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
Electrical wiring....................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Power Supply......................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
External aircraft power....................................................................................................................................................................................................22
External battery pack.......................................................................................................................................................................................................22
External power brick.......................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Antenna...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Direct mount (standard configuration)............................................................................................................................................................................23
Remote mount.................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
External antenna..............................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Audio..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Quiet cabin......................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Noisy environment..........................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Operating your Aircraft Proximity Alerter................................................................................................................................................................................26
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Horizontal range setting.......................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Vertical range setting............................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Threat Squawk code.............................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Principle of evaluation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Limitations..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Altitude reserved combination used as squawk code.......................................................................................................................................................28
Multiple threats with same squawk codes (1200 or 7000)...............................................................................................................................................28
Threat Altitude reporting.....................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Principle of evaluation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Mode A only transponder....................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Ranking by altitude proximity.............................................................................................................................................................................................29
Ranking by distance proximity............................................................................................................................................................................................29
Absolute MSL or Relative ..................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Limitations..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................30
Altitude substitution........................................................................................................................................................................................................30
Multiple threats with same squawk code.........................................................................................................................................................................30

6
Vertical trend indicator........................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Principle of evaluation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Limitations..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Estimated Distance (eNm)....................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Principle of operation..........................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Resolution...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Limitation ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Multiple threats with same squawk code.........................................................................................................................................................................33
Threat transponders apparent output power.....................................................................................................................................................................33
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Traffic Alerts.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Visual warning....................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Visual alert..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Audio alert ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Operating your Cruise Altitude Alerter .....................................................................................................................................................................................35
Principle of operation...........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
How to set a proper altitude tolerance range .......................................................................................................................................................................35
In flight usage........................................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Upon reaching your cruise altitude......................................................................................................................................................................................36
Leaving level to climb or descend.......................................................................................................................................................................................36
Limitations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Precision and resolution......................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Pressure balancing holes .....................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Operating your Local Transponder Tester................................................................................................................................................................................38
Principle of operation...........................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Limitations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................39
Code corresponding to an altitude.......................................................................................................................................................................................39
Optimal distance between R5 antenna and transponder antenna.........................................................................................................................................39
Proximity and altitude alerter off during operation .............................................................................................................................................................39
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................40

7
Firmware upgrade procedure..............................................................................................................................................................................................40
Permanent installation...............................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Mechanical ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Antenna .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Power.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Audio......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Appendix A.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................42
Specification..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................42
Appendix B.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
Proxalert Customer Service .................................................................................................................................................................................................43
Appendix C.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................44
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) approvals...............................................................................................................................................................44

8
Important information
Please read carefully all instructions before first in-flight usage.
As with all technology, this unit has certain limitations you should be aware of if you are to get the best results.
Cautions and limitation
The Proxalert R5 may not detect all aircraft flying in the detection volume. The purpose of this unit is to provide you with additional
information to help you make visual contact with threat aircraft.
As a pilot in command you stay responsible to apply the ‘See and Avoid’ concept.
Information provided by your Air Traffic Controller always supersedes the unit indication, which may in some conditions be inaccurate.
Connect the audio out port to your headset thru the accessories included in your R5 kit. Never connect your headset directly to the unit
you may miss important Air Traffic Controller messages.
Always connect the power inlet of your unit to a DC source with a voltage of less than 16 volts or use only a power converter
recommended by Proxalert Inc.
Reversing the polarity of the power supply voltage or powering the unit from an AC source or powering the unit from a voltage source
higher than 16 volts will not only damage the unit but also pose a fire hazard or even an electric shock.
Always feed the unit through an appropriate rating fuse. (1A or less)
Do not use or expose your R5 unit to liquid, snow or rain.
To avoid damage, the built-in pressure sensor is located inside the unit. Two holes (left side and back side) balance the internal
pressure with the external pressure. Do not obstruct these two holes. This will prevent the built-in altimeter from accurately measuring
your own altitude and therefore put a traffic threat out of the vertical detection window.
To operate or store your unit the ambient temperature must be within these limits: –20ºC (-4ºF) to +55ºC (130ºF)

9
Brief description
The R5 unit integrates three devices into one tiny package:
An aircraft proximity alerter
The R5 collision avoidance system detects transponder replies from aircraft flying in your vicinity and simultaneously displays squawk code, altitude and
estimated distance of up to three traffic threats. The R5 is a passive device so you need to be under radar coverage. Once a threat is identified, a vertical
trend symbol will inform you if the threat aircraft is climbing, descending or leveling. The R5 increases your ability to visually locate threat traffic and better
apply the ‘See and Avoid’ concept. Refer to ‘Proximity alerter’ section.
The R5 shielded volume is programmable in vertical and horizontal ranges to match your actual flight condition.
The slant detection range (when airborne) expands from some feet to 5 nautical miles. The internal high performance, low power radar reply processor
eliminates threat aircraft found outside the vertical detection range. The vertical detection range is programmable from +/-1000 to +/-5000 feet.
An Unlimited vertical mode (to use on ground only) allows detection of aircraft cruising at up to FL440.
A visual and audible alert will be triggered should a traffic threat enter your programmed shielded volume.
A cruise altitude alerter
The R5 also includes a simple but powerful cruise altitude alerter. A single pushbutton activates or de-activates your cruise altitude monitor.
The cruise altitude tolerance may be set according to actual flight conditions. Refer to ‘Cruise Altitude Alerter’ section.
A local transponder tester
Flying with a functional transponder is key to your safety. Your R5 unit gives you the ability to monitor your own aircraft radar transponder replies to
ground radar sensors and active anti collision systems (TCAS). Both your squawk code and altitude can be monitored. Refer to ‘ transponder tester’
section.

10
Unpacking your R5 unit
Your R5 kit contains the following items. Before preparing your unit for use, please check that all these parts are included.
Contact your Proxalert representative for part replacement.
Description Quantity
ÀThe R5 unit 1
ÁCigarette lighter plug cable 1
ÂBand-L antenna 1
ÃMounting legs 2
ÄMounting screws 2
ÅAudio cable 1
ÆImpedance adapter cable 1
ÇAudio Y adapter 1
ÈRubber feet 4
&Pilot’s Guide 1
*Warranty card 1

11
The R5 user’s interface
Front panel
The front panel includes a back lighted LCD display, two LEDS (red and orange), four range setting pushbuttons arranged in a cross pattern and three
colored function pushbuttons.
LCD display fields Pushbuttons LED
SQ
Threat squawk code
MAIN
Power on/off switch
RR
Blink when radar reply received (Orange)
ALT
Threat altitude
MENU
Enter/Leave Menu
AD
At least one aircraft in range (Red)
TDY
Threat vertical trend
SCA
Set Cruise Altitude
DIST
Threat estimated distance
H+
Increase Horizontal range
RPS
Composite Radar reply per second
H-
Decrease Horizontal range
MSL
Your MSL altitude
V+
Increase Vertical range
ALTA
Altitude alerter status
V-
Decrease Vertical range
Note: During the firmware (software) upgrade process,
the LED’s have different functions.
#
Number of aircraft in range
V
Actual vertical range setting
H
Actual horizontal range setting
Note: The black pushbuttons are also used to navigate in the MENU.

12
Back panel
The back panel includes four connectors. Each connector type is different so there is no risk of misconnecting cables during set-up.
Name TypeFunction Direction Cable to use
AUDIO OUT Jack ¼” female socket Audio Low level output Z=100 ohms Output AUDIO cable ±
SERIAL PORT Cannon™ DB9 female Asynchronous Serial port (RS232) Bi directional Not included
ANTENNA BNC male receptacle Antenna input Z=50 ohms Input Band-L Antenna ®
DC 6 .. 16 V Jack 2.5 mm socket DC Power supply 6 to 16 volts Input (+ in the center) Cigar plug cable -
•Audio out, Serial Port and DC 6..16-v electrical interface are equipped with EMC protection to avoid radio frequency emission.
•Applying a DC power supply voltage exceeding 16 volts may permanently damage the unit.
•Reversing the DC power supply voltage polarity may permanently damage the unit.

13
Menu structure
To enter the Main menu from the threat display screen press the MENU pushbutton (Yellow).
The Main menu is structured in two rows of four icons (submenu). The lower row icons are ‘connected’ to parameters or functions useful when not
airborne. The upper row of icons should only be used during normal operation. For an easier access these upper icons are graphical.
Set Contrast
Set backlight On / Off
Start firmware upgrade
Display Altitude in relative or Absolute MSL
Rank threats by altitude or distance proximity
Display unit serial number
Display unit hardware revision
Display unit firmware revision
Set cruise altitude alerter tolerance range
Display distance chain calibration
Display altimeter chain calibration
Display unit internal temperature
Enable / disable Proximity alarm
Enable / Disable Altitude alerter alarm
Enable / Disable System alarm Leave Menu
•To leave MENU move cursor to EXIT icon then press MENU button
•Press MENU pushbutton to get into submenu
•Press black pushbutton to move between submenu icons (H+ : Right, H-: Left, V+ : Up, V-: Down)
•SCA blue pushbutton is inactive when MENU is displayed

14
Set LCD display
LCD display contrast varies with temperature and view angle. Adjust the contrast setting according to these parameters.
Backlight operation increases power consumption. If you operate your unit from battery and during daylight we recommend switching
the backlight to OFF position.
Press MENU key to get to LIGHT submenu
Press H+ increase contrast
Press H-decrease contrast
Press V-to get to BACKLIGHT option.
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
Press H-to set backlight OFF
Press H+ to set backlight ON
Press V+ key to get to CONTRAST option.
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel

15
Set Display mode
Y
our R5 offers different ways to display crucial threat information. A traffic threat may be ranked by altitude proximity or distance proximity.
The top LCD line always displays the threat posing the highest collision hazar
d according to the ranked method you have selected.
Threat altitude may be displayed in absolute MSL as received by the radar processor or as signed altitude relative to your own altitude by using
your own altitude information measured from the built in altimeter.
See also ‘Operate your R5’ chapter to learn more about these two functions.
Press MENU
to get to DISPLAY MODE submenu
Press H+ to set ALT mode to Relative
Press H-to set ALT mode to Absolute
Press V-to get to RANKED option
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
Press H+ to set RANKED mode to ALT
Press H-to set RANKED mode to DIST
Press V+ to get to ALT mode option
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel

16
Set cruise altitude range
Press MENU
to get to CRUISE ALTITUDE ALERTER submenu
Press H+ to increase Range
Press H-to decrease Range
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel

17
Set audio modes
Press MENU to get to AUDIO MODE submenu
Press H+ to set Proximity alarm to On
Press H-to set Proximity alarm to Off
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
Press H+ to set Altitude alerter alarm to On
Press H-to set Altitude alerter alarm to Off
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
Press H+ to set System alarm to On
Press H-to set System alarm to Off
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel

18
Start firmware upgrade
Press MENU
to get to the UPGRADE FIRMWARE submenu
Press H+ to start the firmware upgrade
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
If you return to the MENU main panel the unit
firmware will not be erased or damaged.
The unit is ready to upgrade waiting for
communication with the host personal computer.
The yellow LED is ON.
Display System information
Press MENU to get to SYSTEM submenu
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
SN : Unit serial number
HW rev. : Hardware revision
FW rev. : Firmware revision

19
Display Calibration information
Press MENU to get to CALIBRATION submenu
Press MENU to return to MENU main panel
Exit
Press MENU to leave MENU panel
The unit is now back to normal operation

20
Setting up your R5 unit
Placement
We recommend installing your R5 unit above the instrument panel. In most modern cockpits, this location offers the best ‘view’ for the R5 antenna,
maximizing its ability to detect traffic and providing the most accurate calculation of distance. The L-shape of the R5 maximizes visibility of the display
panel with minimal obstruction of your view through the windshield.
The volume of metal included in your R5 unit has been minimized to avoid interference with your magnetic compass. Locate your unit at least at 2” from
your magnetic compass. The same rule must be applied to the R5 power cable as electrical current creates a magnetic field that may also influence your
compass indication.
The low power consumption of your unit helps to maintain an acceptable internal temperature minimizing any risk of degradation. You can check the
internal temperature using the CAL submenu. During elevated temperatures and when exposed to direct sunlight, it may be useful to protect the top of
your R5 with a white or metallic foil. Do not obstruct the two pressure balancing holes located on the left side and back side of your unit.
The R5 unit kit includes a unique mounting option with two flexible legs.
The picture above shows how to install these two legs on the R5 unit.
Finally stick the rubber feet to the R5 to prevent your unit from
slipping during turbulence. Use three rubber feet to compensate
for non-plane glare shield.
Securing your R5 unit with Velcro mounting tabs is also an option if you own your aircraft.