uAvionix SkyLink Operating manual

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SkyLink
User and Installation Manual
REVISION B

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1 Proprietary Rights
© 2022 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.
Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this guide may be reproduced,
transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or stored in any storage medium, for any
purpose without the express written permission of uAvionix. uAvionix grants
permissions to download a single copy of this guide onto an electronic storage medium
to be viewed for personal use, provided that the complete text of this copyright notice is
retained. Unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is
strictly prohibited.
uAvionix®is a registered trademark of uAvionix Corporation and may not be used
without express permission of uAvionix.
2 Warranty
uAvionix products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship
for one year from purchase. For the duration of the warranty period, uAvionix, at its sole
option, will repair or replace any product which fails under normal use. Such repairs or
replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that
the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
This warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage, consumable parts, damage caused
by accident, abuse, misuse, water, fire or flood, damage caused by unauthorized
servicing, or product that has been modified or altered.
IN NO EVENT, SHALL UAVIONIX BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF, MISUSE OF, 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.
Warranty repair service shall be provided directly by uAvionix.

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3 Revision History
Revision
Date
Comments
A
January 2022
Initial Release
B
April 29 2022
Updates to installation procedures and updated diagrams

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4 Regulatory Statements
4.1 FCC Statement
The following required statement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
applies to United States based entities with the exception of direct sales to the U.S.
Government and units directly exported by uAvionix:
This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal
Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or
lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
4.2 SkyLink Use Prior to FCC Authorization
Those wishing to use SkyLink airborne and ground radios before they receive FCC
authorization must request one or more Experimental FCC Transmit Licenses.
First, though, one or more FAA Coordination Numbers must be requested and obtained,
signifying the FAA's approval to use its protected C-band frequencies. Once obtained,
each FCC transmit authorization applies to:
•One or more center frequencies
•Over a specific geographic area centered on a particular Latitude and Longitude
•Up to a specific maximum flight Altitude or antenna Height
•A specific duration of calendar time (e.g., six months)
For help with the FAA and FCC application processes, contact [email protected]m.
You can also reach out to Jim Davis, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, at
[e-mail].

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5 Contents
1Proprietary Rights ..................................................................................2
2Warranty.................................................................................................2
3Revision History.....................................................................................3
4Regulatory Statements ..........................................................................4
4.1 FCC Statement ...............................................................................4
4.2 SkyLink Use Prior to FCC Authorization.........................................4
5Contents.................................................................................................5
6Introduction ............................................................................................7
7System ...................................................................................................7
8Installation..............................................................................................9
8.1 Ground Radio System (GRS) .........................................................9
8.1.1 Mounting SkyLink GRS.............................................................9
8.1.2 Mounting SkyLink Hub ............................................................11
8.1.3 Connections ............................................................................12
8.2 Airborne Radio System (ARS)......................................................14
8.2.1 Mounting SkyLink ARS ...........................................................14
8.2.2 Connections ............................................................................14
9Configuration........................................................................................16
9.1 Ground Radio System (GRS) .......................................................16
9.1.1 SkyLink Hub Network Settings................................................16
9.1.2 GRS Settings...........................................................................18
9.2 Airborne Radio System (ARS)......................................................20
9.2.1 ARS Settings...........................................................................20
10 Operation .............................................................................................21
10.1 Radio Link .....................................................................................21
10.2 Mission Planner Example .............................................................22
11 Firmware Update..................................................................................23

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11.1 Hub Firmware Update...................................................................23
11.2 GRS Radio Firmware Update.......................................................24
11.3 ARS Radio Firmware Update .......................................................25
12 Support.................................................................................................25

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6 Introduction
SkyLink is an aviation-protected C-Band (5030-5091 MHz) bi-directional, Multiple Input Single
Output (MISO) dual Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) radio system.
Compliant with the RTCA DO-362A standard, SkyLink provides the information exchange
required for operators to safely control, monitor, and manage Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(UAS).
SkyLink radios seamlessly integrate with uAvionix SkyLine infrastructure, the first enterprise
managed command and control (C2) network. Skyline includes autonomous make-before-break
roaming between SkyLink ground radios and applications for planning, operating, and
monitoring real-time missions.
7 System
SkyLink Kit Components
Component
Part Number
1
SkyLink Ground Radio System (GRS)
UAV-1006090-001
2
SkyLink Airborne Radio System (ARS)
UAV-1006082-001
3
SkyLink Hub
UAV-1006103-001
4
truFYX GPS
UAV-1004957-001
5
Two GRS Directional Antennas
UAV-1006176-001
6
Two ARS Omnidirectional Antennas
UAV-1006288-001
7
GRS to Hub Wire Harness
UAV-1006647-001
8
M12 X-Coded Ethernet Cable
UAV-1005899-001
9
ARS Wire Harness
UAV-1006648-001
10
GRS Pole Mounting Kit
UAV-1006267-001
11
Hub Pole Mounting Kit
UAV-1006270-001
12
RS-232 to TTL Pixhawk Adapter
UAV-1006282-001
13
SMA Coaxial antenna leads
14
SkyLinkApp and Documentation
SkyLink GRS and ARS Radios
Each SkyLink radio system is a purpose-built diversity system with two receive channels
and one transmit channel. The system includes built-in link management that handles
remote configuration and performance statistics.
User Data Link
•Transparent bi-directional CNPC data link between GRS and ARS
Control Data Link
•Link management signaling between GRS and ARS including roaming functions
when passing pilot control from Serving GRS to Target GRS.

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SkyLink Hub
The SkyLink Hub provides a GPS receiver, POE++ power supply, and network access
to the ground system.
truFYX GPS
The truFYX provides GPS signal to the airborne system. Internal and external mount
configurations are available.
Figure 1 shows a typical system with a SkyLink Ground Radio System (GRS) and a
SkyLink Airborne Radio System (ARS) managed by uAvionix SkyLine infrastructure.
Figure 1 - SkyLink Radios with SkyLine Infrastructure

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8 Installation
8.1 Ground Radio System (GRS)
8.1.1 Mounting SkyLink GRS
Figure 2 - Mounting SkyLink GRS
The SkyLink Mounting Bracket is angled 6 degrees upward to maximize airborne
coverage.
1. Secure the SkyLink Mounting Bracket to a pole with the included stainless steel
hose clamps.
2. Align the GRS with the Mounting Bracket and slide the GRS into place over the
end of the bracket. The bracket will now hold the GRS in place.
3. Use the included mounting screw to fasten the GRS to the bracket.
4. Attach the GRS Directional Antennas, tighten, and adjust orientation.

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5. A directional arrow on the end cap of each antenna denotes the transmit and
receive direction of the antenna. The antennas have 110 degrees of horizonal
sector coverage (55 degrees on either side of the directional arrow). Point both
antenna arrows in the direction of your ARS for best performance.
Figure 3 Directional Antenna Orientation

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8.1.2 Mounting SkyLink Hub
Figure 4 Mounting SkyLink Hub
The SkyLink Hub Mounting Bracket is not angled. The Hub mounts perpendicular to the
pole, and the GPS antenna should point up.
1. Fasten the Hub Mounting Bracket to a pole with the included stainless steel hose
clamps.
2. Align the Hub with the Mounting Bracket and slide the Hub into place.
3. Use the included mounting screw to fasten the Hub to the bracket.

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8.1.3 Connections
Connect SkyLink GRS to the SkyLink Hub and connect the Hub to a POE++ switch with
network access. Ensure that the two directional antennas or RF loads are attached to
both RF ports on the GRS before powering on.
Figure 5 - SkyLink GRS Connections
The SkyLink GRS connects to the Hub with the provided LEMO harness. Table 1 below
shows the connector pinout.
Table 1 - SkyLink GRS Pinout
Pin
Type
GRS
Hub
LEMO 1M.308
1
GND
2
NAV
IN
OUT
3
CTRL RX
IN
OUT
4
CTRL TX
OUT
IN
5
PWR
24V
24V
6
USER RX
IN
OUT
7
USER TX
OUT
IN
8
PPS
IN
OUT

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Connect the Hub to the network via POE++ using the provided M12 X-Coded ethernet
cable.
Table 2 - SkyLink POE Specifications
POE Specifications
Standard
802.3bt POE++
Maximum Power
60W
Voltage Range
37 –57V
Maximum Current
350mA
Maximum Cable Resistance
20Ω
Supported Cabling
Shielded Cat 5
Supported Modes
Mode A (endspan), Mode B (midspan)
Power Management
Power Class 6
Maximum Cable Length
100 meters
Figure 6 - SkyLink M12 Connector Pinout
Caution!
Absolute maximum DC voltage +57 V. Higher DC voltage will permanently damage the
equipment.
!

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8.2 Airborne Radio System (ARS)
8.2.1 Mounting SkyLink ARS
Install the SkyLink ARS in the airframe in a location that allows easy access to the
autopilot and minimal RF coax length for antenna installation.
Install the omni antennas on the airframe in a location that reduces shadowing and
interference between the omni antenna and the GRS. Ideally one antenna on opposite
sides of the airframe. Refrain from installing the antennas near other antennas or other
electronic equipment already on the airframe to reduce EMI.
The truFYX GPS needs to be installed on top of the airframe in a location that reduces
shadowing and allows a clear view of the sky.
8.2.2 Connections
The SkyLink ARS offers seamless integration with the uAvionix George autopilot line,
Pixhawk, or any autopilot that has an available RS-232 communication line.
A wire harness is included with the following three terminations:
•GPS source for truFYX
•User data link for autopilot connection
•Control data link for ARS device setup and configuration
Ensure that the two omni antennas or RF loads are attached to both RF ports on the
ARS before powering on.
24v power source can be supplied through either the User data link or Control data link
connector.
Connection to an autopilot is done via the User data link to an available telemetry or
serial port. The SkyLink ARS uses RS-232 levels and has a default rate of 57600 8N1
George Autopilot
Connection to George autopilot will be made using serial 1 on the autopilots. For more
information on George G2i and George G3 pinout, please review the respective
manuals at
https://uavionix.com/products/george/
A Standard G3 Harness can be used instead of the included SkyLink Harness.
Pixhawk Autopilot
When connecting to a Pixhawk, use the included RS-232 to TTL adapter. Connect the
Pixhawk via the User data link. SkyLink must have an external 24v power supply
connected through the Control data link as the Pixhawk will not supply 24v.

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The Figure below shows each component and its corresponding pinout.
Figure 7 ARS Wiring Harness

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9 Configuration
9.1 Ground Radio System (GRS)
9.1.1 SkyLink Hub Network Settings
SkyLink Hub settings are accessed via web browser from a PC or mobile device on the
same Local Area Network (LAN) as the powered SkyLink Hub. The IP address assigned
by the DHCP server is the base URL. An IP Scan can be used to find the IP address of
the Hub. MAC addresses are printed on the Hub label.
Navigate to http://###.###.###.###/
NOTE: “###.###.###.###” is the IP address of the SkyLink Hub.
Figure 8 SkyLink Hub Web Page

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Settings
Websocket URL
SkyLine only. Registers the GRS with a SkyLine
network.
IP Address
Default 0.0.0.0 sets the GRS Hub to server mode.
A valid IP Address to set the SkyLink Hub to client
mode, and the Hub will attempt an outbound
connection to the IP Address.
User Port
TCP port for User data link.
Control Port
TCP port for Control data link.
Press the Save button to store the settings changes. These fields are non-volatile and
persist through power cycles.
Network Configuration
Advanced settings for network administrators.
On the main Hub settings page, click the Network Configuration link under Settings.
The Network Configuration settings are only used if the SkyLink Hub is connected to a
network without a DHCP server. These settings are ignored in a typical system.
In a network without DHCP, set the IP Address field to assign a static IP to the SkyLink
Hub.
Fill in the appropriate values for Subnet, Gateway, and DNS in the network and press
Save.
Note: If you add DHCP to your network or plug the Hub into a DHCP network, these
values will be ignored, and the DHCP server will assign values. Using these static
network settings within a DHCP network is not supported.
Figure 9 SkyLink Hub Network Settings

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9.1.2 GRS Settings
Open the uAvionix SkyLinkApp application using a Windows computer with network
access to your SkyLink GRS.
Input the IP Address of your SkyLink Hub and the Control Port from the SkyLink Hub
Settings page in the COM Settings box.
Optionally, next to Device Name, type in a friendly name for the radio and press Save.
This allows for quick switching between different radio connections.
When the Radios are linked, status data is shown for both the local and the remote
radios on the Status tab.
Figure 10 SkyLink App GRS Connection

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GRS Configuration
In SkyLinkApp, navigate to the Configuration Tab. This page is used for device settings
and setup as well as selecting the Frequency scheme for the system. The frequency
used MUST be within 5030 and 5091 MHz.
Figure 11 SkyLink App Radio Configuration
Station Type
SkyLink GRS = Ground
SkyLink ARS = Air
SkyLink GRS with SkyLine = Infrastructure
Frequency
Get / Set Radio C-Band Frequency in Hz
Versions
Get version details from connected SkyLink radios

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9.2 Airborne Radio System (ARS)
9.2.1 ARS Settings
Connect the ARS Control data link termination to the provided serial connector.
Connect the serial connector to a Windows computer.
Open the uAvionix SkyLinkApp application.
In the COM Settings box, next to Mode, choose Serial then select the Port that
corresponds with the connected radio (i.e. COM1).
Optionally, next to Device Name, type in a friendly name for the radio and press Save.
This allows for quick switching between different radio connections.
Figure 12 SkyLink App ARS Connection
ARS Configuration
See Section 9.1.2 –GRS Configuration.