FreeFlight FDL-978-XVR ADS-B Transceiver Install Question

[newsum]

I am getting ready to install a FreeFlight FDL-978-XVR ADS-B Transceiver in my RV6 that is equipped with GRT Sport HS and Garmin GTX-327 transponder. I have FreeFlight's "Equipment Installation Manual" (Document No: 87343, Revision E) for reference.

The FDL-978-XVR part no. 87098‐00 that I am installing has the following RS-232 serial ports:
RS-232 port #1 (Tx and Rx) reserved for the FDL-978-XVR internal GPS.
RS-232 port #2 (Tx and Rx) available
RS-232 port #3 Tx and Rx) reserved for the TC978 control head that will not be installed.
I am however planning to install the wiring and connector for the TC978, as it can be used to configure the FDL-978-XVR for normal operation.
RS-232 port #4 (Rx only) available.

Later versions of the FLD-978-XVR have a RS-232 port #5 Rx/Tx but the part number I have (87098‐00) doesn?t have it.

On first glance, it looks like there should be enough RS-232 serial I/O ports on the FDL-978-XVR for my install. GTS-327 input (Rx#2), Alt Encoder input (Rx#4), and possibly the Tx#2 output to the GRT EFIS).

..?.but, the FreeFlight installation manual requires that if either the Rx or Tx of a serial port pair is assigned to a specific function the other half of the Rx/Tx pair must either be NOT used or configured as the same function. And therein lies my problem.

The FDL-978-XVR does have a RS-422 Rx/Tx pair and an external RS-422 to RS 232 converter could be a possibility but I would rather not install additional parts.

I am in hopes that someone who has experience installing the FreeFlight FDL-978-XVR could comment on how they managed a FDL-978-XVR install or if I am overlooking something.

[dothetime]

you ever get a solution? I am looking at a similar install.
Dave

[AaronG]

My solution was to install the TC978 head in the panel, and use the Alt encoder in the head. The head then transmits the encoder info through port 3. Port 2 for efis, port 4 for transponder.

Aaron

[Isaac]

The solution to my install problem required sending the UAT transceiver back to FreeFlight to have the HW/SW upgraded from part no. 87098‐00 to the latest part number 87098-00-FX00. The -FX00 has an additional RS-232 port (actually 2 additional ports as there is an RS-422 output that can be configured to an RS-232 serial port via the maintenance port.

The upgrade was covered under warranty so I only had to pay the shipping costs to send it back. I was pretty pleased with the FreeFlight tech support I received and how FreeFlight resolved the problem for me.

I have since done the ADS-B FAA test flight and received the $500 rebate. I have the GRT Sport HS EFIS and having ADS-B traffic on the display is a real plus. I am amazed at how many aircraft are out there that I was oblivious to before.

The FreeFlight UAT has been flawless in my experience. Configuration was straight forward and simple using the TC978 Controller. I don't have the controller installed in normal operation just wired it and used it to do the initial configuration.