SPIDER Spider 8, Instruction Manual

Page: 7 / 34

6
There are many options for this antenna, ideally there will be one available on the aircraft
already. Spidertracks does have experience with an antenna (P/N: S67-1575-109)
manufactured by Sensor Systems (Appendix E). This carries an FAA TSO-C129.
The Spider is a low power transmitting device (mW range). Minimising losses between the
device and the antenna should be considered in the installation process. There should be
not more than 2dB of losses between the two components, including insertions. Antenna
cable should be RG-178 or similar. In the case where a cable of significant length is
required, it may be necessary to use a higher grade.
1.4. Power
Power supply must be stable in the range of 10 V - 32 V DC and capable of delivering at
least 1.5 A peak current. The Spider is supplied with a 2m auxiliary power lead and can be
connected directly to an auxiliary power outlet. The power lead is fuse protected within the
cigarette lighter adapter plug.
As auxiliary power sockets wear they can become loose and disrupt the power supply to
the Spider, which in turn can lead to unreliable performance (see 4.1). In more permanent
installations it is recommended to hard-wire the lead to the avionics bus. This is generally
considered a minor modification when conducted by a LAME or certified technician
(Appendix D).
NB: If removing the auxiliary plug to hard-wire into the aircraft’s power, the Spider must be
protected by a 3A in line fuse.
1.5. Keypad
The remote keypad provides I/O functionality and should be mounted somewhere practical
in the cockpit but within reach of the pilot(s). The keypad is on a 2m lead and connects to
the Spider’s Mini USB port.
1.6. General Purpose Input Output
The General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) allows signals from equipment on the aircraft to
be sent through the Spider to the Spidertracks website, e.g., Take off and Landing
messages from the helicopter collective switch.