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  #11  
Old 01-18-2017, 07:19 AM
copem16 copem16 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Waretown, NJ
Posts: 5
Default FreeFlight

The app for configuring the UAT via the FWF125 wifi module is ADSB MPI, its an Android app. There is currently no Apple app to configure this system. If the TC978 controller is not used, the personality module supplied with the UAT should be connected via a dongle during configuration. It saves the programming and would have to be reconnected if the UAT ever gets replaced.
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  #12  
Old 01-18-2017, 08:34 AM
jliltd jliltd is offline
 
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Location: Rancho San Lorenzo
Posts: 885
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isaac View Post
The Garmin 327 transponder control output doesn't transmit the altitude encoder labels. Altitude Encoder data has to be provided to the FreeFlgiht XVR on a separate serial port input. The Dynon 180 output supplying altitude encoding data to the transponder should be used to provide altitude encoding data to the FreeFlight XVR.
To clarify what Isaac wrote, the Freeflight TC978 control head has a built-in digital encoder with a static pressure connector on the back of the controller. If you, like me, are not using a modern EFIS with serial altitude output this built-in encoder is an added benefit when installing the Freeflight control head since it can serve as a primary or secondary digital altitude source, with automatic failover switching of encoder signal in the case of a second encoder onboard. The TC978's altitude encoding signal not only provides altitude to it's own Freeflight LRU but also to the GTX 327 and any other onboard digital device that can use a RS-232 altitude source. I didn't realize this until I received my unit and inspected the TC978 controller finding the brass barbed static pressure fitting on the back. It's like a freebie. That's when I changed my plans of having the GTX 327 stand-alone, and instead made room for the TC978 controller on the panel so I could remove my Trans-Cal RS 232 blind encoder and use it somewhere else.

When I called Freeflight technical support they encouraged the installation of the TC978 as a matter of course. They also told me if I didn't install the TC978 (despite having a GTX 327) then I would have to install ADS-B out status annunciator lights somewhere on the panel (yuk). Combine this with having to install a maintenance serial port, personality module and and using an older laptop with a serial port running terminal software to configure the ADS-B parameters, it really does make everybody's life easier to go ahead and install the TC978.

On a related note, I opted to substitute an AT575-9 GPS antenna from an old Apollo GPS360 in place of the big 'ol honkin' RAMI AV-801 antenna that Freeflight includes with their units.


(Used AT atnenna. O-ring gasket temporarily removed during old silicon sealant clean-up)

That substitution of WAAS antennas is allowed per the installation instructions as they list the old Apollo GPS antenna part number as an approved alternate. The AT575-9 is lower profile, less drag and has a smaller footprint for tight spaces. Here is a photo I took of both antennas side by side, with the included Freeflight RAMI AV -801 GPS antenna on the left and the re-purposed Apollo AT575-9 GPS antenna mounted and sealed on an Aviat Husky wing root fairing on the right. The Husky, with it's interfacing structure, just didn't have enough real estate for the Freeflight RAMI antenna:

[

One final note. My install is for the "out "only version TXL. I am a real believer in being able to choose or change my "in" source by using any of a myriad of portable "in" choices out there. All the while with options like built-in attitude AHRS and/or backup battery power (like GDL-39 3D etc...). Portable "ins" are also "dual band" pickup up both frequencies despite my out being UAT only. This separate in/out scheme allows the flexibility of being more future proof. And it's cheaper to only buy only one portable ADS-B receiver, especially if you own and fly multiple aircraft and take the "in" with you and pop it in place before engine start.

The FreeFlight UAT ADS-B unit with built-in WAAS GPS, when combined with an existing or used GTX 327 and a portable dual-band receiver is about as cheap a set up as is currently possible. Used GTX 327's are a bargain on the used market right now.

I couldn't find a better price on the TXL out unit than Walt's price above. It is exactly what I paid for the same unit.

Jim
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Last edited by jliltd : 01-19-2017 at 04:16 PM.
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  #13  
Old 01-19-2017, 10:21 AM
jliltd jliltd is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Rancho San Lorenzo
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Here is a photo of the face of the TC978 controller:



Here are some photos of the TC978 control head with the built-in digital encoder while fitting items into my new subpanel:





Jim
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  #14  
Old 01-19-2017, 01:30 PM
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RONSIM RONSIM is offline
 
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Location: Largo, FL
Posts: 1,029
Default How do you change codes if using the control head

With my G327, I just push the appropriate number ---- if I use the control head, do I have to do something different. I used to have an Apollo 70 that required moving a curser, select a number, move the curser, select a number, etc --- that is one reason I do not consider a Trig TXP.

Ron

Edit -- Reply to Jliltd (next post) --- thanks very much for the info ---- the Freeflight becomes a serious option if my Navworx (wonderful box) gets neutered!

Ron
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RV-10 Co-built, maintained, flown (sold)
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Last edited by RONSIM : 01-23-2017 at 01:28 PM. Reason: reply
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  #15  
Old 01-19-2017, 04:13 PM
jliltd jliltd is offline
 
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Location: Rancho San Lorenzo
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Nope. You don't have to do anything different. It's business as usual. Just enter your squawk code in the GTX 327 as you always have. The Freeflight control head squawk code is slaved to the transponder's controls.

That is by FAA mandate. The FAA wanted to make sure a pilot did not have to enter the same squawk code into two different places. So effectively the Freeflight head is used during installation to program the aircraft parameters quickly and easily. Then for the rest of it's life it will advise the pilot of the ADS-B out status and any error annunciations. All along providing an RS-232 altitude encoding source if hooked up to the static system. It can also be used to adjust any ADS-B settings in the future and keeps the setup information for the particular aircraft in non-volatile memory.

So think of the TC978 as an alternative to irritating ADS-B panel status lights that also replaces the blind encoder.

Jim
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  #16  
Old 02-06-2017, 07:31 PM
RobinHou RobinHou is offline
 
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Location: Pasadena, California
Posts: 214
Default Gray Code

Does the TC978 have gray code output? I still have KT-76A and Narco AT-50 on my aircraft and don't want to replace them if I don't need to.

Never mind; I found its installation manual and TC978 does not have gray code output. I just need to keep my old encoder.

Last edited by RobinHou : 02-06-2017 at 07:45 PM. Reason: Answer my own question.
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  #17  
Old 02-07-2017, 09:34 AM
Rupester Rupester is offline
 
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Location: Mahomet, Illinois
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DennisRhodes View Post
Thanks for the replys . The RANGER Lite FDL-978-XVRL may be my next choice if my Navworx 600EXP get unplugged.
My thoughts exactly. This thread is VERY helpful, especially since I have a dual GRT Sport setup.
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  #18  
Old 02-07-2017, 09:00 PM
Tankerpilot75 Tankerpilot75 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt View Post
In case anyone is interested I have a RANGR TXL in stock ready to go - $1995 (ADS-B out only, includes TC978 head and GPS antenna).

Walt
Walt,

The more I read the more confused My mind becomes. My RV7A has two 430s (non-WAAS) and a 330 (non-ES) and dual GRT Horizon WS EFIS. I read about GRT's Fly Safe 2020 gps and thought I would get that gps and upgrade my 330 to ES for an all in cost of less than $2,000. Then I foundout the Fly Safe gps doesn't play well with my Garmin 330. I then thought I'd go with the Garmin 20A gps but the equipment and upgrade cost jumped up to around $2,500 with no FAA rebate. I also don't know how difficult the installation of the 20A in my airplane would be. In any event neither approach addresses ads-b in? I do have the FlightBox ads-b in from Open Source Solutions and have thought seriously about using that to feed data to my Horizon WS and iPad.

I live in OKC so a trip to TX wouldn't be that difficult but I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger. Do you think there is a chance some reputable company might pick up the NavWorX system? I really did like the possibilities it offered. I respect your insights and want to hear what your thoughts are.
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Superior XPIO-360, Hartzel CS prop, Aerotronics panel with Dual GRT Horizon WS, EIS, Garmin 340, 335 w/WAAS gps, Dual 430s (non-WAAS), TruTrak 385 A/P with auto-level, Electric trim, Tosten 6 button Military Grips, FlightBox wired to WS, Dynon D10A w/battery backup, 406 MHz ELT. Custom Interior, New TS Flightline hoses, Great POH!
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  #19  
Old 02-08-2017, 06:36 AM
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Walt Walt is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tankerpilot75 View Post
Walt,

The more I read the more confused My mind becomes. My RV7A has two 430s (non-WAAS) and a 330 (non-ES) and dual GRT Horizon WS EFIS. I read about GRT's Fly Safe 2020 gps and thought I would get that gps and upgrade my 330 to ES for an all in cost of less than $2,000. Then I foundout the Fly Safe gps doesn't play well with my Garmin 330. I then thought I'd go with the Garmin 20A gps but the equipment and upgrade cost jumped up to around $2,500 with no FAA rebate. I also don't know how difficult the installation of the 20A in my airplane would be. In any event neither approach addresses ads-b in? I do have the FlightBox ads-b in from Open Source Solutions and have thought seriously about using that to feed data to my Horizon WS and iPad.

I live in OKC so a trip to TX wouldn't be that difficult but I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger. Do you think there is a chance some reputable company might pick up the NavWorX system? I really did like the possibilities it offered. I respect your insights and want to hear what your thoughts are.
I like to keep things simple, so my opinion would be to pull the 330 and sell it, install a 335/345 with internal GPS. They fit the same space (actually smaller and lighter than the 330), work great and backed by a company you can count on. I would have to look into the whether the 345 would interface to the GRT, not sure about that. The FF units are great units as well but it would be more work to install than just replacing the xpdr in your case.

If you use Foreflight or Garmin Pilot the 345 will wirelessly connect to your Ipad and provide GPS position, weather/traffic and backup attitude.
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EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
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  #20  
Old 02-08-2017, 09:09 AM
Rupester Rupester is offline
 
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Location: Mahomet, Illinois
Posts: 2,195
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Are there schematic wiring diagrams available for the Freeflight ADS-B products? I've looked at their website and don't see any. (The Trig site, OTOH, offers several different schematics, depending on configuration.)
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