UAvionix TailBeaconX mounting and performance

[vlittle]

Here is the result of my preliminary testing of the TBX:

1. My iPhone cannot communicate with it. My iPad Mini works, but needed a few attempts. Apparently this is a common problem (sad face).

2. I have successfully communicated with it on my PC using a terminal emulator feeding the SL70 protocol over serial-- providing altitude, squawk, and control information and having it echo back. If I don't keep up, it will echo default information will illegal altitude information, which seems normal (better to transmit illegal fields than a legitimate (but wrong) altitude.

3. All of this means that I should be able to provide a simple control head that feeds it using the SL70 protocol, (happy face).

At some point in the future, expect the huVVer-AVI display to have the transponder control function as well. Not a promise, but an aspiration.

VV

[MikeS]

I got mine with the AV-30, along with the output module that fits into the back of the AV-30. That module allows connection to various EFIS units so although I don't have an immediate need for it (the module), who knows just how it might come in handy in the future? It was only $35 I think.

Almost as soon as I got it the "X", the company issued a recall on the unit - mine at least. Have thy fixed whatever it was that prompted the recall?

I'll call uAvionix to get that questioned answered but just thought to mention it on the forum. It's great to see all the positive reviews of this technology. It allows round-the-world flight!

Mounting into a rear position light seems awkward doesn't it . . . lots of justified concern that it could get bashed somehow. I'm mounting mine inside the fuselage, LED disconnected. Fortunately my fuselage is made of wood.

Mike

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by MikeS

I'm mounting mine inside the fuselage, LED disconnected.

Mike, how are you disconnecting the LED light?

[Don Patrick]

I previously mounted my tailbeacon X in the lower rudder position on the 8. It was a bit of modifying to get it to fit.

Had a problem with it and built a fibreglass bracket and installed it in the right wing tip. After a number of issues with firmware and software updates it went **** up. UAvionics asked me to send it back for repair… once there, they told me it would cost me 1/2 the price of a new one to get one back. I had a beta model…long story.

Moving forward, it’s now installed in the right wing tip and is working well.

Here is a track from last night.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/CGLOV

I was concerned about the potential damage, oil contamination, so I moved it.

The light is still on….no issue.

Don

[terry.mortimore]

Hi gang, it’s early days, but I’m pleased to say I received a good performance report on my newly installed tailbeacon X.

It is mounted within the right wingtip and I was lucky to find a AV-10 control head.

Terry

[dafast1]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

I have one on my RV-6 and it's worked perfectly in the stock tail-light location.

Is the rudder bottom tip larger on the 6 than on the 7 or 9?
No way I’m seeing that the beacon can fit inside the tail light fairing on my 9 , let alone far enough in plus with space to rotate it to lock it in.
Have ANY 7 or 9 owners actually put in a beacon WITHOUT altering the rudder bottom tip fairing?

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by dafast1

Is the rudder bottom tip larger on the 6 than on the 7 or 9?

Can't say for sure. I know a -7 owner who re-glassed the fairing to make more room so he wouldn't need the extra white spacer.

Honestly, if you're going to the effort of glassing something, i'd glass in a support in the wingtip instead and put it there. The rudder position is too much of a damage liability, given the antennas are just PCB material sticking out in the air. Someone *will* eventually snap one off.

[Paul from Flyleds]

Yes, the RV9 tail fairing narrows down more than the other RV models. I had to redesign the Stand Alone Tail Strobe after the first -9 customer showed me it wouldn't fit.

Keep in mind you need a tail strobe there for night flight, so I have recommended lots of my customers move their Tail Beacon into a wing tip instead.

[dafast1]

Thanks guys; appreciate it.
How many inches rearward from the nav light wall did you build the support bracket?