XPLORER ADS-B Receiver
Installation Manual
87214, Revision A
December 3, 2012
III-1
SECTION III CONFIGURATION AND CHECKOUT
3.1 GENERAL
This section contains installation configuration, checkout, and basic operating
procedures.
3.2 ENABLING TRAFFIC OUTPUT (TIS-B)
XPLORER is capable a providing both FIS-B and TIS-B (traffic) data to a display. FIS-B
data is provided by default. However, due to the manner by which the TIS-B data is
managed by the ADS-B ground infrastructure, it is necessary that the aircraft receiving
and displaying the TIS-B data demonstrate that it is a current and valid client in the air
space system. This is accomplished by having a certified ADS-B Out system operating
on the ownship.
As delivered, XPLORER has TIS-B data transmission to the display turned off. To turn
on TIS-B data transmission, XPLORER must be “TIS-B activated”. The first step in
activating an XPLORER for TIS-B data transmission is to obtain a key from FreeFlight
Systems which is specific to the XPLORER serial number. Please go to
www.freeflightsystems.com/xplorer
or contact FreeFlight Systems at the telephone
number located on the last page of this manual for additional information on obtaining
the key.
The method used for entering the key is dependent upon which version of XPLORER is
being activated, either WiFi or RS-232.
For the WiFi version of XPLORER, activating TIS-B is accomplished by entering the key
using a compatible application. Please reference the Xplorer support page at
www.freeflightsystems.com/xplorer
for additional information and the download link
for the key installation software.
For the RS-232 version of XPLORER, the key is entered by using the Maintenance
Interface. Please reference Section 3.4 below for information on how to set the key.
3.3 PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT
Before the unit is installed and tested, verify that all cables are properly secured. With
the XPLORER removed, turn on the power and verify the following:
1. Verify that aircraft DC bus voltage is present on pin 8 of P6
2. Verify that ground is present on pin 7 of P6.
3. Verify that the UAT antenna coax center conductors are not shorted to its shield
or aircraft ground.
When the above conditions are verified, turn off the master power. Properly attach the
external connectors to the XPLORER. During initialization the XPLORER unit performs
a comprehensive diagnostics test on several internal functions such as power, memory,
serial interfaces, and GPS. A failure of a system component will be annunciated by the
XPLORER System Status LED.