tailBeaconX EXP FAQs

This means that the AV-30 is not communicating with the tailBeaconX. There are a few reasons for this: (1) The tailBeaconX is not getting power or is turned off. (2) The AV-30 TX and RX wires are not connected properly or have come loose. Check for continuity of the wires from pin 4 and 5 on the AV-30. (3) The tailBeacon needs to be reset to defaults. Jumper the orange and the gray wires (pin 4 & 5) and power on the tailBeaconX. You will need to re-configure the tailBeaconX.

Make sure the tailBeaconX is in STBY mode. This is completed from the transponder page of the AV-30.

Please reference this video to understand how to use the transponder page.

Tech Tip Tuesday: tailBeaconX Display

In this demonstration video, we will be providing a review regarding the tailBeaconX display on the AV-30. The tailBeaconX for the transponder will be found on the fourth page.

At the bottom right of the AV-30 display screen, you will note that it will say: “1:3” noting which page number you are on. You will want to press the right (HLD BRT) button 4X. The fourth page will show “AI” at the bottom right of the screen instead of 1:3 or 2:3. This is where the transponder will be if you have the tailBeaconX connected to the AV-30 unit. If it is connected but not displaying, follow the instructions below:

1. Go back to the first page, by pressing the right button 1X.
2. Then you will go into the INSTALL Menu by pressing the left button 3X.
3. Using the center knob, you will rotate to the right to select. Rotate until you see “SERIAL 2” and press the center knob 1X. Rotate the center knob to the right 1X again until you see “SERIAL 2 BEACONX” and press the center knob 1X to make this selection.
4. Press the left button 1X to select “DONE.”

At this point, you will want to go back to the AI page by pressing the right button 4X. If you see the error “TMOUT” on the bottom right corner of the AV-30 unit, make sure the tailBeaconx is turned on. If it is turned on and you are not receiving the information, you are most likely having issues with your connections back to the tailBeaconX.

Once the tailBeaconX is connected, it will display your GPS integrity (NIC; left middle) and GPS accuracy (NACp; right middle). What you will want to see in those locations is a number between 8-10. Displaying a “7” for the NIC is acceptable but will want to keep it closer to 8-10.

The mode that will default to ALT mode (top right), and it will default to that every time you cycle power. You will also see the pressure altitude being displayed on the bottom left (PALT), as well as the SQWK on the top left.

If you wish to change the SQWK code, follow the instructions below:

1. Press the center button 1X and the SQUAWK code with a 4-digit entry will populate.
2. Using the center knob, turn to the right to select the digit you desire and then press the center knob 1X to make selection. The cursor will automatically move to the next digital for you to change. Repeat process until all 4 digits are inserted.
3. Once the fourth digit is inserted and you have pressed the center knob 1X to make selection, the screen will go back to the regular display, and you will see your SQWK code populate on the top left of the AV-30 screen.

If you wish to go to VFR, follow the instructions below:

1. First, press the center knob 1X.
2. Press the right button (HLD BRT) 1X to select VFR.

If you wish to change your flight ID, follow the instructions below:

1. You will press the center button 1X to bring up the SQWK code.
2. Press and hold the center knob until the screen changes from SQWK code to FLIGHT ID.
3. Using the center knob, rotate to select your FLIGHT ID information. As you make selection, you will rotate the center knob, and then press the center knob 1X to make selection. The cursor will automatically move to the next.
   • If you would like to clear it, press the right button 1X to CLEAR.
   • Once you are done, press the left button 1X to select DONE.

If you wish to change the MODE, follow the instructions below:

1. First, you will press the center knob 1X to pull up the SQWK code, and you will see MODE grayed out on the bottom left of the screen.
2. Next, press and hold the right button until you see MODE highlighted (gray to white font color).
3. Once MODE is highlighted, you can press the right button to change the mode.
   • Pressing 1X will change to STANDBY MODE—the GPS and the pressure altitude goes away.
   • Pressing 2X will go to ON—your BARO and altitude information will not be available.
   • Pressing 3X will go back to ALT (altitude) MODE.
     • NOTE: It is always good to keep it in altitude mode unless you need to cycle through it. Because it will be transmitting while you’re on the ground, but it will be transmitting that you are on the ground and not in the air.
   • Once you are done, click the left button 1X to select DONE.

The tailBeaconX needs to see the sky for GPS data. If you have a non-metalic fuselage and you mount the tailBeaconX in the vertical orientation as per the installation manual then it should work. We suggest that you place a handheld GPS int the location that you intend the tailBeaconX to be installed to check for good GPS reception, position, and strength. If this is on a certified aircraft, you may need to see a field approval or submit a 337 for the deviation.

The tailBeaconX is the transponder and does not require and shouldn’t be used with a Mode C transponder. It does however require the installation of a control head. There are various option for our EXP customers such as the AV-20-E, AV-30-E, GRT, MGL, AFS, and others.

With the latest software on the AV-30-E the tailBeaconX can be configured from the AV-30-E. Ground test mode also can be accessed through the install menu of the AV-30-E.

For additional customer support, please submit a Support Ticket to the uAvionix customer support team.