Microair Avionics Pty Ltd Airport Drive Bundaberg Queensland 4670 Australia Tel: +61 7 41 553048 Fax: +61 7 41 553049 e-mail: sales@microair.com.au Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual About This Document This supplement describes the installation option, and software controls for the T2000UAV-VL transponder, operating with software revision T2000UAV_01R6.5. Microair reserves the right to amend this supplement as required, to reflect any enhancements or upgrades the T2000 transponder series. Microair Avionics Pty Ltd to Initial release Change REVISION STATUS Revision 01R1 Date 01/12/10 T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 2 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS MICROAIR UAV TERMINAL SOFTWARE THE UAV COMMAND STRUCTURE DATA SPEED SERIAL DATA COMMAND SET INTRODUCTION T2000UAV-VL DESCRIPTION T2000UAV-VL ANTENNA OPTIONS SOFTWARE CONTROL Standby (s=t) Mode 3A (s=a) Mode C (s=c) Ident (i=s) Altitude (a=?) Altitude Source (d=?) Encoder Power (e=?) Voltage (v=?) Reply Annunciator (r=y) Ping Function (p=?) 1.0 2.0 2.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 3.4.5 3.4.6 3.4.7 3.4.8 3.4.9 3.4.10 4.0 5.0 MODE C ENCODER 6.0 7.0 8.0 WIRING 8.1 8.2 8.3 9.0 10.0 WIRING DIAGRAMS 11.0 PIN ASSIGNMENTS 12.0 SPECIFICATIONS 13.0 LIMITED WARRANTY CABLING POWER ON/OFF SUPPRESSION IN / OUT ANTENNA COAXIAL CABLE TECHNICAL DRAWINGS T2000UAV-VL MOUNTING BRACKETS 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 18 19 20 21 T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 3 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual INTRODUCTION 1.0 The T2000UAV-VL is a special version of the T2000 Transponder, designed for operation in unmanned aircraft. This product is partially compliant to TSO C74d due to the absence of a human interface. All control and exchange of data is made via a serial data interface (RS232). The T2000UAV-VL is based upon the certified T2000SFL transponder, and is compliant with the following:
TSO:
Environmental:
Hardware:
Software:
Transponder Function:
FCC:
C74d (INCOMP) RTCA/DO-160F RTCA/DO-254 RTCA/DO-178B RTCA/DO-144A Part 2, Part 87 T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 4 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual interface is accessed from 2.0 T2000UAV-VL DESCRIPTION The UAV-L version of the T2000SFL has no display. The chassis has been truncated by having the display housing milled off. The front face is plated off and sealed. A command set allows the UAVs flight management system to have full functional control over the transponder. The RS-232 the DB-25 connector on the rear face of the chassis. The T2000UAV-VL receives all identity code and altitude data over the RS-232 interface from the UAVs flight management system. The T2000UAV-VL features external lines for suppression in and suppression out functions. 2.1 T2000UAV-VL ANTENNA OPTIONS The T2000UAV-VL can be supplied with a standard BNC connector located on the rear face of the chassis, adjacent to the DB-25. Part Number: T2000UAV-VL_01R1 Order Number: T2000UAV-VL_MA1358_01R1-0 The T2000UAV-VL can be supplied with a standard TNC connector located on the rear face of the chassis, adjacent to the DB-25. Part Number: T2000UAV-VL_01R1 Order Number: T2000UAV-VL_MA1359_01R1-0 T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 5 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual SOFTWARE CONTROL 3.0 The T2000UAV-VL can be controlled by issuing of commands in the form of ASCII characters, sent and received over an RS232 interface. The command set can be used to either poll the transponder of the status of a parameter, or to command a function to a particular setting. 3.1 MICROAIR UAV TERMINAL SOFTWARE The T2000UAV-VL is supplied with UAV Control software to which it is capable of issuing all commands, and polling for all parameters. The terminal software is a simple EXE file, and is compatible with windows 98 through to windows XP operating systems. The terminal software is capable of issuing all of the commands, to either poll for any of the parameters, or to set any of the parameters to discrete values. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 6 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 3.2 THE UAV COMMAND STRUCTURE The T2000UAV-VL is controlled by a series of simple commands. The T2000UAV-VL can be commanded to set a code, and to operate in a particular mode. Once the code is set, and the operating mode decided, the T2000UAV-VL will operate until another command is received. The status the T2000UAV-VLs various operating parameters can be queried. A query command returns a value for that particular parameter. The operator can address the T2000UAV with a command from the command set, via an RS232 interface. The command requires the correct syntax, to be valid. The command string will consist of STXx=<command>ETX Where STX ETX x
<command> may be either ? or a string of ASCII characters, if the <command> is a ?, this will is the non-printable ASCII character (02) is the non-printable ASCII character (03) is a valid command evoke a response with the current status for that command 3.3 DATA SPEED The RS232 interface for the T2000UAV-VL has a data rate of:
Refer to section 10.0 for wiring details and pin assignments. 9600,N,8,1,P where 9600 = baud rate of 9600 8 = 8 data bits 1 = 1 stop bit P = with XON / XOFF T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 7 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 3.4 SERIAL DATA COMMAND SET CMD Action Write String Response Altitude
(Read/Write) Assigned Code
(Read/Write) Assign altitude source
(Read/Write) Encoder power control
(Read/Write) Ident
(Read/Write) Ping Function Reply Annunciator Operational Status
(Read/Write) Bus Voltage
(Read/Write) Software Revision a c d e i p r s v z a=?
a=xxxxx where xxxxx=altitude in feet a=#$*& where #$*&=altitude in feet c=2212 (set code to 2212) c=? (ask for assigned code) a=<current altitude data> eg 1234F a=xxxxx (writes altitude data in feet to T2000UAV) a=? (invalid altitude data) c=2212 (code write successful) c=<current assigned code>
d=g (set altitude source = Gillham) d=s (set altitude source = Serial) d=?
e=o (set encoder power always ON) e=c (set encoder power mode C only) e=?
i=s (Squawk Ident) i=? (ask for current ident status) p=?
r=y r=n r=?
s=t (command standby mode) s=a (command Mode A operation) s=c (command Mode C operation) s=? (ask for current operational mode) v=1 (set bus voltage to 14V) v=2 (set bus voltage to 28V) z=?
d=g (altitude source = Gillham) d=s (altitude source = Serial) d=<current altitude source setting>
e=o (Encoder power on in both mode A and C) e=c (Encoder power on in mode C only) e=<current encoder power state>
i=1 (1 = Ident active, 0 = Ident inactive) i=<current Ident state>
p=y (yes ping cycle was successful) p=n (no ping was not successful)
* is sent if a reply was made in the last 3.6 seconds no annunciation character is sent r=<current reply annunciation state>
s=t (command successful, mode = standby) s=a (command successful, mode = Mode 3A) s=c (command successful, mode = Mode C) s=<current operational mode>
v=13.6 (write successful, current voltage returned) v=24.8 (write successful, current voltage returned) z=<current software revision> eg T2000U xx-x.x.x T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 8 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 3.4.1 STANDBY (S=T) To bring the T2000UAV-VL to the standby condition, the s parameter is set to value t. Then the transponder can then be powered down. When the T2000UAV-VL is restarted, it will return in standby The transponder should be commanded to the standby condition, when the vehicle is on the ground. The transponder is typically set to mode 3A or mode 3A/C operation once airborne. 3.4.2 MODE 3A (S=A) The T2000UAV-VL transponder will respond to all mode A interrogations with the identity code set by the c parameter. The transponder will also reply to all mode C interrogations with just the framing pulse (no altitude data). This ensures visibility to TCAS operators, while the transponder is operating in mode A. 3.4.3 MODE C (S=C) The T2000UAV-VL will respond to all mode A interrogations with the identity code set by the c parameter, and all mode C interrogations with the encoders altitude data, as defined by the a parameter. The transponder will reply to both SSR and TCAS interrogations. 3.4.4 IDENT (I=S) The ident function is performed at the request of ATC to squawk ident. To initiate the ident function the i parameter is set to s. The T2000UAV-VL will switch to ident mode, which will add an additional data bit to the outgoing replies. The additional data bit makes the transponder return on the ATC display flash to assist the controller with identification. The transponder will remain in ident mode for 18 seconds, and then return to the previous mode of operation. 3.4.5 ALTITUDE (A=?) The T2000UAV-VL will reply with the current mode C value. If the T2000UAV-VL is configured to operate with an altitude encoder the T2000UAV-VL will reply with the current barometric altitude from the encoder. If the T2000UAV-VL is configured to operate with a serial altitude data source, the T2000UAV-VL will reply with the last received altitude data value. 3.4.6 ALTITUDE SOURCE (D=?) The T2000UAV-VL can accept altitude data for the mode C response either from a Gillham (d=g for 10 line parallel) source or from a serial (d=s for RS232) source. When d=g is selected the T2000UAV-VL will look to the 10 line Gillham input for data from an altitude encoder. When d=s is selected the T2000UAV-VL will look for altitude data to be passed via the a command on the RS232 serial data link. The altitude data source shall send the a=<altitude value> where the altitude value is between -1000 and 62000 feet, in increments of 100 feet. The altitude data source should issue this data report to the T2000UAV-VL no slower than 1Hz. Where the altitude data cannot be detected from the assigned source or the data cannot be encoded, no altitude data will be outputted. The mode C response will be framing pulses only. The T2000UAV-VL will question the altitude data with a=?, via the RS232 serial interface. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 9 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 3.4.7 ENCODER POWER (E=?) When using an altitude encoder, it may be desirable to only have it powered up when the transponder is operating in mode C. This may save power, as most encoders will typically draw 125 to 150mA when operating. The operator should allow up to 7 minutes for the encoder to warm up before valid altitude data is outputted from the encoder. 3.4.8 VOLTAGE (V=?) The T2000UAV-VL will report the current vehicle bus voltage by polling the v parameter. To use this function operator must first set the reference bus voltage by setting v=1 for 14V operation, or v=2 for 28V operation. 3.4.9 REPLY ANNUNCIATOR (R=Y) A conventional transponder normally has an annunciator of some type (typically a flashing LED) to indicate the rate of reply to SSR interrogations. This indication represents whether the transponder has made a reply to a sweep. The rotational speed of the radar is 100 deg/sec, hence the Annunciator should flash every 3.6 seconds. The equivalent function for the T2000UAV-VL is the r command which activates the reply annunciator. When activated (r=y), the T2000UAV-VL will send a single * character, if there was a reply made in the preceding 3.6 seconds. When not activated (r=n), no character is sent. The operator can query the status of the reply annunciator function (r=?), and the T2000UAV-VL will reply with the current function state. 3.4.10 PING FUNCTION (P=?) The ping function is a self test of the RF sections of the transponder, without the need for a transponder test set. The T2000UAV-VL will respond to the ping command (p=?) by emitting a narrow (invalid) pulse from the transmitter, and detecting the same pulse back through the receiver. If the T2000UAV-VL is able to complete the transmission cycle, p=y is returned to the operator. If the T2000UAV-VL is not able to complete the transmission cycle, p=n is returned to the operator. The ping function will only operate if the transponder is in mode a or c. The ping function will not operate while the transponder is in standby mode. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 10 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 4.0 T2000UAV-VL MOUNTING BRACKETS Microair recommends simple mounting brackets to secure the T2000UAV-VL transponder. The chassis features several M3 threaded holes to facilitate mounting. Never use the chassis lid screws as part of the mounting system for the transponder. Always locate the strap over the chassis at a point which remains clear of the filter lock nuts. Part Numbers: T2000UAV-VL_MA1394_01R1-0 T2000UAV-VL_MA1395_01R1-0 T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 11 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 5.0 MODE C ENCODER Use of a mode C altitude encoder is only possible where the output of the encoder (either Gillham or serial data) is directed through the UAVs flight management system, and included in the control/data serial data interface from the UAV to the T2000UAV-VL. 6.0 ANTENNA Mount the transponder antenna as per the manufacturers installation instructions. Try and keep the cable runs as short as possible. In a composite airframe a suitable ground plane will be required. Avoid mounting the antenna inside a fuselage that is all metal or carbon fibre. For fiberglass fuselages the antenna may be mounted internally, but must still point downwards and have an adequate ground plane. Alternatively an approved dipole strip antenna may be used. The dipole strip must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. To avoid possible interference the antenna must be mounted a minimum of 200mm (8 inches) from the T2000UAV-VL main unit. The transponder antenna should be mounted 2metres (78 inches) from the DME antenna, 1.5 metres (58 inches) from the ADF sense antenna, and 1metre (39 inches) from TCAS antennas. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 12 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 7.0 COAXIAL CABLE The T2000UAV-VL allows for 1.5dB cable loss from the unit to the antenna. The installer should consider carefully what type of coaxial cable is to be used, so that this loss limit is not exceeded. The cable should be terminated with silver plated BNC connectors where possible. Microair recommends the following:
Cable Bending Radius Max Length TX Power RX Sensitivity Loss @ 1Ghz RG58/C/U
(Mil Spec) RG213/A/U
(Mil Spec) RG223/U
(Mil Spec) RG400
(Mil Spec) Belden 8262 URM-43 50mm
(2) 125mm
(5) 100mm
(4) 50mm
(2) 50mm
(2) 50mm
(2) dB/m 0.76dB/m 0.21dB/ft 0.26dB/m 0.08dB/ft 0.47dB/m 0.14dB/ft 0.60dB/m 0.18dB/ft 0.68dB/m 0.21dB/ft 0.47dB/m 0.14dB/ft 2.0m 7ft 5.75m 19ft 3.2m 10ft 2.5m 8ft 2.2m 7ft 3.2m 10ft 142W 142W 142W 142W 142W 142W
-70dBm
-70dBm
-70dBm
-70dBm
-70dBm
-70dBm The loss figures in this table are a guideline only. When installed the power output at the antenna shall be greater than 125W and receiver sensitivity shall be better than -69dBm, to be compliant with RTCA/DO-144A. IMPORTANT NOTE Do not exceed the minimum bending radius. Tight bends will introduce losses in the cable, which may affect the performance of the transponder. When fixing the coax cable in the airframe, do not strangle the cable with tight cable ties. This can distort or damage the coax screen. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 13 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 8.0 WIRING The T2000UAV-VL Transponder receives primary power (14V or 28V dc) from the aircrafts power source. Power connections, voltage, and circuit breaker requirements are shown on the wiring diagram. The length of the power supply wires to parallel pins should be approximately the same length, so that the best distribution of current can be effected. It is very important to secure all D series plugs before operation. Aircraft vibration may disconnect a D series plug if it not secured. Where possible, the antenna coaxial cable should be run separately to all other wiring on the aircraft from the transponder. 8.1 CABLING Microair recommends that wiring for all of the T2000UAV-VLs functions and connections be run at the time of installation, even though they may not be required at this stage. Adding additional wiring to the loom at a later stage may be very difficult. All wiring should be installed in accordance with FAA AC43.13-1A Chapter 11 or equivalent. Microair recommends the following cable types for connection of the T2000UAV-VL:
18 AWG TEFZEL 22759/16-16 Red and Black Wire 22 AWG TEFZEL 22759/16-22 22 AWG TEFZEL 27500-22TG1T14 Wire or Single core shielded When terminating the DB plugs for connection to the T2000UAV-VL, ensure that the wires are securely soldered to the pins, and that each wire is separately insulated with heatshrink tubing. The DB-9 plug is secured to the T2000UAV-VL with a slide latch backshell kit supplied with the transponder. Power Input External Connections T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 14 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 8.2 POWER ON/OFF The T2000UAV-VL has no ON/OFF control function. The unit is on from the moment power is applied to the unit. There is no software OFF command. When power is removed from the T2000UAV-VL, it will not respond to any software command. When the T2000UAV-VL is turned on, it is always in standby mode. The mode A code will default to the last mode A code used. IMPORTANT NOTE Always bring the T2000UAV-VL to standby before turning off the power. If the transponder is powered off while it is in the process of transmitting, damage may occur to the internal power supply and/or the transmitter. Damage of this type is not covered by the warranty. No mode C code will be outputted until the T2000UAV-VL is supplied with altitude data (either serial or Gillham) which can be encoded by the transponder. The T2000UAV-VL shares the same software with the T2000UAV-L transponder, which is able to receive altitude data from an altitude encoders Gillham interface. For the T2000UAV-VL it is important to set the altitude data source command to d=s for serial altitude input. The default value is always d=g (Gillham). 8.3 SUPPRESSION IN / OUT The suppression IN line is wired to other avionics such as DME, to suppress the transponders transmissions, at times critical to the other equipments operation. The T2000UAV-VL will go into suppression (no transmissions) when the suppression line is above 5Vdc. The maximum voltage for the suppression IN line is 20Vdc. The T2000UAV-VL will NOT be in suppression (normal operation) while the suppression IN line is below 5Vdc. The suppression OUT line does the reverse of the IN line. It is wired to other avionic equipment to allow the T2000UAV-VL to suppress their transmissions at times critical to the T2000UAV-VLs operation. When the T2000UAV-VL is transmitting, the suppression OUT line is raised to 5Vdc. When the T2000UAV-VL is NOT transmitting the suppression OUT line is held at 0Vdc. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 15 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 9.0 TECHNICAL DRAWINGS T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 16 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 17 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 10.0 WIRING DIAGRAMS T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 18 of 21 1st December 2010 T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual Microair Avionics 11.0 PIN ASSIGNMENTS PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 4 PIN 5 PIN 6 PIN 7 PIN 8 PIN 9 DATA GROUND RS232 TX RS232 RX POWER IN (10-33Vdc) GROUND SUPPRESSION IN NOT WIRED NOT WIRED SUPPRESSION OUT T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 19 of 21 1st December 2010 Microair Avionics T2000UAV-VL Install and User Manual 12.0 SPECIFICATIONS RTCA Compliance Transmitter Receiver Input Power Operational Modes Temperature Dimensions Weight DO-144A DO-160F DO-178B Level C DO-254 Level C 1090MHz +/-0.2MHz 200W Pulse Output 80nS Rise Time 120nS Fall Time
-15 to 71dBm Dynamic Range 1030MHz Centre Frequency
+/-5MHz Pass band @ -3dB 10-33Vdc 100-150mA @ 28V 150-200mA @ 14V Standby Mode 3A (4096 codes) Mode 3A/C
-20 C to +55C Width 61mm Height 56mm Length 131mm 320 g (10 oz) Specifications are subject to change without notice. T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 20 of 21 1st December 2010 13.0 LIMITED WARRANTY T2000UAV-VL Installation and User Manual 01R1.doc Page 21 of 21 24th April, 2009