This is the correct answer simplified.
This may be a dumb question, but here goes. I am planning serial ports for my AFS5500 and having difficulty figuring out what I can install and not. If I use the SV-GPS-2020 and a SV-ARINC, neither of these will use a serial port correct? They will use the SV network for connectivity? And if I need a serial output from the GPS for a transponder (TQ) to be ADSB out compliant, will this require a serial port from the EFIS or can it just be used stand alone? Sorry if a dumb question.
You have two type of serial data on the SkyView System. First you have the standard RS-232, and second, the SkyView Network Serial Bus. The SkyView Network Serial Bus is like a USB network. You hook up a 9 wire cable between all the units. Some plug into a SkyView Hub, like what Dynon/AFS sells, or they can be daisy chained together like the Screens, Comm Panel, Knob Panel and AP Panel as these units have two 9 pin D-Sub connectors on them. The other units that connect to the SkyView Network Serial Bus are, the Screens, the ADHARS, the EMS, the ARINC 429 modules. The Autopilot servos also tap off these data wires, the Green, Blue, White/Green, and White/Blue wires, for the data function. You will either buy a bunch of 9 wire patch cables, or you can make them. They are simple to make. The cheapest way is what I do, I buy a 30’ cable and cut it to the lengths I need and install a female 9 pin D Sub connector on each end. Start with the longest ones first. Normally the run to the autopilot servos. Everything is connected to everything one way or another.
The first serial data described is the old RS-232 data. You will only use the TX and RX lines. The basic systems you will use this for is first, the GPS module. You will also connect the Transponder, ADSB Receiver, and things like a SL-30/40, GTR200, etc type of COMM/NAV radio, or something like the Val Nav2000 so you can display VOR/LOC/GS data on your HSI or COMM frequencies on your display. It is described in the install manual as Serial Port 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. I mostly deal with the Dynon SkyView system, and we use theses outputs to other things like a HUD, and AOA aural warning system, and position source for a APRS transmitter, or to your 406 ELT.
As I said before, the ARINC module connects to the SkyView Network Serial Bus, not a serial port. You will then connect the output of your IFR GPS receiver, whatever you buy, to the large D-Sub connector on the ARINC module.
Don’t forget to program the serial ports to you correct type of unit that is connected to each serial port, and you will need to program the ARINC settings also. That is all in the install manual.
Good luck, and don’t sweat it, as it is not that hard once you get started.
Brian