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.
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.