uAvionix RT-2087/ZPX-A Manual

UAV-1005667-001 Rev A ECCN 7A994 Page 1 | 48
RT-2087/ZPX-A
User and Installation Guide

RT-2087/ZPX-A User and Installation Guide
UAV-1005667-001 Rev A ECCN 7A994 Page 2 | 48
© 2021 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.
uAvionix Corporation
300 Pine Needle Lane
Bigfork, MT 59911
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®and Ping®are registered trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and
may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.
ZPX-A, ZPX-B, ZPX-R, ZPX-G, ZPX-SK, ping200X, tailBeaconX,
skyBeaconX, tailBeacon, skyBeacon, and skyBeacon Installer are
trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and may not be used without express
permission of uAvionix.
Patent uavionix.com/patents

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1 Revision History
Revision
Date
Comments
A
30 Jun 2021
Initial release.

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2 Warnings / Disclaimers
All device operational procedures must be learned on the ground.
uAvionix is not liable for damages arising from the use or misuse of this
product.
This equipment is classified by the United States Department of
Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as Export Control
Classification Number (ECCN) 7A994.
These items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for
export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate
consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold,
transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person
other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their
original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first
obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by
U.S. law and regulations.

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3 Limited Warranty
uAvionix products are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for two years from the installation of ZPX-A in or on the
platform. For the duration of the warranty period, uAvionix, at its sole
discretion, will repair or replace any product which fails in normal use. Such
repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts
and labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any
transportation cost.
Restrictions: This warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage,
consumable parts, damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire or
flood, theft, damage caused by unauthorized servicing, or product that has
been modified or altered.
Disclaimer of Warranty: IN NO EVENT, SHALL UAVIONIX BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE 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 Service: Warranty repair service shall be provided directly by
uAvionix. Proof of purchase for the product from uAvionix or authorized
reseller is required to obtain and better expedite warranty service.
Please contact uAvionix support with a description of the problem you are
experiencing. Also, please provide the model, serial number, shipping
address and a daytime contact number.
You will be promptly contacted with further troubleshooting steps or return
instructions. It is recommended to use a shipping method with tracking and
insurance.

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4 Contents
1Revision History .................................................................................3
2Warnings / Disclaimers.......................................................................4
3Limited Warranty ................................................................................5
4Contents.............................................................................................6
5System Information.............................................................................9
5.1 Certification Applicability...............................................................9
5.2 AIMS-Certified Performance.........................................................9
5.3 Applicable P/Ns ..........................................................................10
5.4 System Functions (derived from ping200X) ................................10
5.5 Deviations...................................................................................11
5.6 FCC ID........................................................................................12
5.7 Environmental Qualification Form...............................................13
5.8 Continued Airworthiness.............................................................14
5.9 System Limitations......................................................................15
Installation .........................................................................................15
5.10 Regulatory Compliance...............................................................15
6System Specifications ......................................................................16
6.1 System Functionality...................................................................16
6.2 ZPX-A AIMS-Certified Specification............................................16
General Specifications.......................................................................16
Mode S Transponder Specification....................................................17
ADS-B OUT Specification..................................................................17
Internal Altitude Sensor/Encoder Specification ..................................18
Control Interface Specification...........................................................18
Position Interface Specification..........................................................18
System Interfaces..............................................................................18

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Serial Data Interfaces........................................................................19
7Installation........................................................................................20
7.1 Unpacking and Inspecting...........................................................20
7.2 Applicable Part Numbers ............................................................20
7.3 Installation Material and Tools ....................................................20
7.4 Additional Required Equipment...................................................21
7.5 Mounting.....................................................................................21
7.6 Wiring .........................................................................................22
Wiring Diagram..................................................................................23
Transponder......................................................................................24
7.7 Antenna......................................................................................24
7.8 Static Pressure Port....................................................................25
7.9 Cooling Requirements ................................................................26
8Control and Configuration Interface..................................................26
9Position Interface..............................................................................26
10 Configuration and Calibration ........................................................27
10.1 Configuration ..............................................................................28
10.1.1 ICAO Address..........................................................................29
10.1.2 Aircraft Maximum Speed..........................................................30
10.1.3 Aircraft Stall Speed ..................................................................30
10.1.4 Aircraft Length / Width..............................................................30
10.1.5 Aircraft Registration..................................................................31
10.1.6 GPS Antenna Lateral / Longitudinal Offset...............................31
10.1.7 Aircraft Emitter Type ................................................................32
10.1.8 ADS-B In Capability .................................................................32
10.1.9 Baro Altitude Source................................................................32
10.1.10 Serial Port Baud Rate............................................................32
10.1.11 SIL / SDA ..............................................................................32
10.1.12 Default Control Mode ............................................................33

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10.1.13 Default Squawk.....................................................................33
10.1.14 Baro Altitude Resolution........................................................33
10.1.15 In / Out Protocols...................................................................33
10.2 Control........................................................................................34
10.3 Post-Installation Checks..............................................................35
10.4 Altitude Encoder Calibration........................................................37
11 Normal Operation ............................................................................38
12 Maintenance.....................................................................................38
13 Support.............................................................................................38
Appendix A Control Interface ...................................................................39
A.1 UCP............................................................................................39
A.1.1 Control Message...................................................................39
A.1.2 Heartbeat Message...............................................................41
A.2 UCP-HD......................................................................................41
A.2.1 Control Message...................................................................41
A.2.2 Transponder Status...............................................................41
A.3 Apollo..........................................................................................42
A.3.1 Supported Input Messages....................................................42
Appendix B Position Interface...................................................................43
Appendix C Equipment Compatibility and Interconnect Drawings.............44
C.1 Compatible Control Protocols......................................................44
C.2 Compatible Position Protocols ....................................................44
C.3 Compatible Equipment................................................................44
C.3.1 Standalone (control optional) with truFYX GPS........................45
C.3.2 AV-30-C or AV-30-E Control Head with truFYX GPS...............46
C.4 Third-party Equipment ................................................................47
C.4.1 ZPX-A Configuration................................................................47
C.4.2 Controller Configuration ...........................................................48
C.4.3 Interconnect.............................................................................48

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5 System Information
5.1 Certification Applicability
This installation manual provides mechanical and electrical information
necessary to install the RT-2087/ZPX-A (ZPX-A). It is not equivalent to an
approved, airframe-specific maintenance manual, installation design
drawing, or installation data package. The content of this manual assumes
use by competent and qualified personnel using standard maintenance
procedures in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
and other related accepted procedures. The conditions and tests required
for approval of this article are minimum performance standards.
Those installing this AIMS-certified article either on or within a specific type
or class of aircraft must determine that the aircraft installation conditions
are within the standards, which include any accepted integrated functions
not specified by the standards.
5.2 AIMS-Certified Performance
ZPX-A is based on the uAvionix TSO-certified ping200X, with the addition
of an enable/disable control for the Mode A X-bit. ZPX-A is designed to
meet the performance requirements of the applicable FAA Technical
Standard Orders (TSOs), RTCA Minimum Operational Performance
Standards (MOPS), and DoD AIMS performance and test standards
outlined below.
Function
Document
Class
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR BEACON
SYSTEM/MODE SELECT (ATCRBS /
MODE S) AIRBORNE EQUIPMENT
TSO-C112e
(INCOMPLETE)
RTCA/DO-181E
Level 2els Class 1 [1]
1090 MHz EXTENDED SQUITTER
AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT
SURVEILLANCE –BROADCAST (ADS-B)
TSO-C166b
RTCA/DO-260B
Class B1S
AUTOMATIC PRESSURE ALTITUDE
CODE-GENERATING EQUIPMENT
TSO-C88b
Pressure altitude sensor
compliant to 35,000 ft MSL
(Internal).

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Function
Document
Class
AIMS “Civil-Only Capability” Transponder
Requirements
AIMS 17-1000,
App. G, §1.1
Modes 3/A, C, S ELS, and
ADS-B Out
AIMS Test Standard for UAS X-Bit Control
AIMS 1101
§1.8.1
AIMS 1101 Test §5.21 is
required
[1] Anticipating RTCA/DO-181F Level 2 Transponder requirements, ZPX-A does not
support the UM protocol, does not support the Comm-A protocol, and does not have the
capability to process and transmit air-initiated Comm-B messages. See Section 5.5 for
additional details.
5.3 Applicable P/Ns
Description
P/Ns
RT-2087/ZPX-A Module
UAV-1005423-001
ZPX-A Software (AIMS-certified)
UAV-1002393-005
ZPX-A Firmware (AIMS-certified)
UAV-1002391-001
5.4 System Functions (derived from ping200X)
System Function
DO-178C DAL
DO-254 DAL
Mode S Transponder
C
C
1090 MHz ADS-B Out
C
C
Internal BaroAlt Sensing/Encoding
C
C

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5.5 Deviations
Deviations from TSO and AIMS 17-1000 requirements are noted below.
Doc.
Deviation
C112e
From TSO-C112e paragraphs 3.e and 6.f to use DO-178C
instead of DO-178B
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F for a Level 2 “Basic Transponder”, UM
field support is not implemented
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F for a Level 2 “Basic Transponder”,
Comm-A is not supported
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F for a Level 2 “Basic Transponder”,
broadcast interrogations are not supported
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F for a Level 2 “Basic Transponder”,
multisite message protocols, as they apply to Comm-B and
Level 2 transponders, are not supported
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F for a Level 2 “Basic Transponder”, Air-
Initiated Comm-B is not supported
C112e
Anticipating DO-181F, and in compliance with ICAO Annex 10
Volume IV requirements for equipment certified after January
1, 2020, ATCRBS/Mode S All-Calls interrogations (Long P4)
are not replied to
C166b
From TSO-C166b paragraph 3.e and 6.h to use DO-178C
instead of DO-178B.
C166b
Anticipating DO-260C, Airborne Velocity subtypes 3 and 4 are
not supported
C88b
From TSO-C88b paragraph 3.e and 6.h to use DO-178C
instead of DO-178B.
C88b
From TSO-C88b paragraph 3.d to use DO-160G instead of
DO-160E.

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Doc.
Deviation
17-1000
Barometric pressure altitude is limited to 101,350 ft rather than
126,750 ft [ref: AIMS 17-1000, §4.9.8 (Altitude Transmission)].
17-1000
ZPX-A is a non-diversity, single channel transponder and
should be installed only on platforms that can meet antenna
radiation requirements using a single antenna [ref: AIMS 1101,
Appendix G, §3.3 (Diversity)].
5.6 FCC ID
Model
FCC ID
RT-2087/ZPX-A
2AFFTP200S

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5.7 Environmental Qualification Form
Test Description
DO-160G
Category / Value
Temperature and Altitude
4.0
Equipment tested to Categories B2, C4
Low temperature ground survival
4.5.1
-55°C
Low Temperature Short-Time
Operating
4.5.1
-35°C
Low Temperature Operating
4.5.2
-35°C (see Note 1)
High Temperature Operating
4.5.4
+70°C
High Temperature Short-Time
Operating
4.5.3
+70°C
High Temperature Ground Survival
4.5.3
+85°C
Loss of Cooling
4.5.5
Cooling not required.
(+70°C operating without cooling)
Altitude
4.6.1
35,000 feet (see Note 2)
Decompression
4.6.2
Category B2, C4
Overpressure
4.6.3
Category B2, C4
Temperature Variation
5.0
Category B
Humidity
6.0
Category A
Operation Shock
7.0
Category B
Crash Safety
7.0
Category B Type 5
Vibration
8.0
Aircraft Zone 2, Type 5 - Category S(M)
Explosion
9.0
Category X (see Note 3)
Waterproofness
10.0
Category X
Fluids Susceptibility
11.0
Category X
Sand and Dust
12.0
Category X
Fungus
13.0
Category X
Salt Spray
14.0
Category X
Magnetic Field
15.0
Category Y
Power Input
16.0
Category BX
Voltage Spike
17.0
Category B
AF Conducted Susceptibility
18.0
Category B
Induced Signal Susceptibility
19.0
Category AC
RF Susceptibility
20.0
Category TT
RF Emissions
21.0
Category B
Lightening Induced Transient
Susceptibility
22.0
Category A2XXXX
Lightening Direct Effects
23.0
Category X
Icing
24.0
Category X
Electrostatic Discharge
25.0
Category A
Fire, Flammability
26.0
Category X
Notes:
1. Tested to operating low of -45 OC when used with an external altitude encoder.
2. Tested to 50,000 ft.
3. Category X => Untested; Unspecified

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5.8 Continued Airworthiness
Maintenance of the ZPX-A is "on condition" only.
Periodic regulatory function checks of the transponder and altitude encoder
must be performed. Every 24 months, or after any maintenance is
performed where data correspondence error could be introduced:
1. The transponder must be tested, inspected, and found to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.413, as described in 14 CFR 43
Appendix F.
2. The internal altitude source must be tested to ensure correspondence
to the primary flight altimeter (if used and applicable), as described in
AC 43-6D and 14 CFR 43 Appendix E, to meet the maintenance
requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.411. If the altitude encoder
demonstrates correspondence errors in excess of ±125 feet, then
calibration as described in Section 10.5 must be performed. If the
error cannot be corrected using the calibration procedure, the unit
must be repaired or replaced.
Annually, confirm the ADS-B software version is current per Service
Bulletins available at the uAvionix website.
The aircraft must be returned to service in a means acceptable to the
appropriate aviation authority.
Note: Transponders certified after January 1, 2020 must not respond
to ATCRBS/Mode S All-Calls (Long P4 interrogation). This may
lead to unexpected results with some transponder test sets.
Note: Mode S transponders must respond to Mode S Only All-Calls
only when airborne. ZPX-A can be placed in an airborne state
for test purposes by entering “Ground Test Mode” using the
“ping200X Control & Config” Windows application, or by using
certain compatible control heads. For more detail see Section
10.3.

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5.9 System Limitations
Installation
This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards
required by DoD AIMS 17-1000. If installing this article on or in a specific
type or class of aircraft, separate approval for installation is required. As an
example, for a military UAS to gain platform approval requires verification
of functionality and performance in accordance with AIMS 1102 and 1103.
5.10 Regulatory Compliance
Aircraft using ZPX-A must evaluate their needs to be compliant with 14
CFR 91.215, 91.225 and 91.227. While in transponder airspace specified in
14 CFR 91.215, ZPX-A must be maintained to 14 CFR Part 91.413.
While in ADS-B OUT airspace specified in 14 CFR 91.225, ZPX-A must be
configured and equipped to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 91.225 and
91.227.
For ZPX-A to meet the ADS-B OUT requirements of 14 CFR 91.225 and
91.227, a compliant position source must be connected. See Section 9 and
Appendix B for details on the position interface, and Appendix C for
representative compatible equipment.
To meet 14 CFR 91.225 and 91.227 with no operational limitations,
dynamic (in-flight) control is necessary. See Section 8 and Appendix A for
details on the control interface, and Appendix C for compatible equipment.
For additional guidance on ADS-B OUT installation and approval, refer to
AC 20-165B (“Airworthiness Approval of ADS-B OUT Systems” dated 7
Dec 2015).

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6 System Specifications
6.1 System Functionality
ZPX-A is a Mode S, Level 2els, Class 1 transponder with support for ADS-
B extended squitter, elementary surveillance, and SI code. A control that
provides for enabling X-bit for Mode 3/A replies is provided. The nominal
conducted power output is about 54 dBm, meaning AIMS 17-1000 App. G,
§3.1 transmit power of 52 dBm (158 W) is met when the antenna cable has
< 2 dB attenuation. ADS-B OUT meets DO-260B Class B1S.
This transponder replies to both legacy Modes A and C interrogations and
to Mode S interrogations from both ground radar and airborne collision
avoidance systems. In all cases, the interrogations are received by the
transponder on 1030 MHz, and replies are transmitted on 1090 MHz.
6.2 ZPX-A AIMS-Certified Specification
General Specifications
Characteristic
Specification
Width
46.99 mm
Height
9.50 mm
Depth
59.15 mm
Weight
45 g
Operating temperature range
-35°C to +70°C (internal barometer)
-45°C to +70°C (external barometer)
Maximum pressure altitude [1]
35,000 ft (internal barometer)
101,350 ft (external barometer)
Input voltage range
9 to 30.3 VDC
Power Consumption
0.4 W –STBY
1.7 W –ON / ALT
14V current
0.16A idle
0.25A maximum
28V current
0.13A idle
0.20A maximum
Inrush Current Limit [2]
1A
Export Compliance
ECCN 7A994
FCC ID
2AFFTP200S
[1] Maximum altitude of 101,350 ft is a dynamic range limitation of altitude encoding.
[2] Inrush and internal short-circuit protection is internally current-limited to 1A.

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Mode S Transponder Specification
Characteristic
Specification
Transmit frequency
1090 MHz
Transmit power
~54 dBm –Class 1
Transponder Level
2els
Receive frequency
1030 MHz
AIMS Certified Modes
3/A, C, S ELM, ES ADS-B OUT
ATCRBS sensitivity
-74 dBm
Mode S sensitivity
-74 dBm
RF Impedance
50 Ω
RF Connector
SMA
ADS-B OUT Specification
Characteristic
Specification
Transmit frequency
1090 MHz
Class
B1S
Downlink Format
DF=17

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Internal Altitude Sensor/Encoder Specification
Characteristic
Specification
TSO-C88b Operating Range
-1,000 ft to 35,000 ft
(for TSO compliance)
Maximum Differential Pressure
Altitude (static port to installation
environment)
36,000 ft
Maximum Rate of Altitude Change
20,000 fpm
Static Pressure Port
M3 barb fitting
Control Interface Specification
Characteristic
Specification
Physical
RS-232
Rate and properties
57,600 bps 8N1
Protocols
UCP, UCP-HD and Apollo
Position Interface Specification
Characteristic
Specification
Physical
RS-232
Rate and properties
115,200 bps 8N1
Protocols
MAVLink
Note: For more position interface details, see Appendix B.
System Interfaces

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Serial Data Interfaces
Function
Protocol
Message Type
CONTROL and
CONFIGURATION
2400 –115200 bps
UCP RX
[0x2B] Transponder Configuration
[0x2C] Message Request
[0x2D] Transponder Control
[0x2E] GNSS Data
UCP TX
[0x00] Heartbeat
[0x0A] Ownship
[0x25] Identification
[0x0B] Geo Alt Ownship
[0x28] Sensor, Barometer
[0x2B] Transponder Configuration
[0x2F] Transponder Status
POSITION
115200 bps
MavLink RX
[0xCA, Length 51] Navigation Data
Note:
•Details of the UCP packets can be found in UAV-1002375-001 uAvionix UCP Transponder
Interface Control Document (Rev. T or later).
•Details of the Navigation Data Message can be found in UAV-1001912-001 uAvionix MavLink
OEM Protocol ICD.

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7 Installation
7.1 Unpacking and Inspecting
Carefully unpack the device and make a visual inspection of the unit for
evidence of any damage incurred during shipment. If the unit is damaged,
notify the shipping company and file a claim for the damage. To justify your
claim, save the original shipping container and all packing materials.
7.2 Applicable Part Numbers
Part
Part Number
Rev
RT-2087/ZPX-A Micro Transponder
UAV-1005423-001
ZPX-A Certified Software
UAV-1002393-005
ZPX-A Certified Firmware
UAV-1002391-001
ping200X USB Configuration Adapter
UAV-1004050-001
Ping200X Control & Config PC Application
UAV-1004567-001
V3.27
RT-2087/ZPX-A User and Installation Guide
UAV-1005667-001
A
7.3 Installation Material and Tools
ZPX-A requires configuration, either using the available uAvionix Windows-
based application, or dynamically using the described configuration
protocol. Typical installations will be configured using:
•Ping200X Control & Config” Windows application
•ping200X USB configuration adapter
ZPX-A may require standard aviation parts for installation, such as:
•Screws or appropriate hardware
•Wire
•Shielded wire (2 or 3 conductor)
•Circuit breakers