Microair Avionics T2000ADSB Transponder User Manual

Microair Avionics T2000ADSB Transponder

USER MANUAL

• Microair Avionics Pty Ltd
• ACN 646 664 459 601 Curtin Ave East Pinkenba QLD 4008 Australia
• Phone: +61 7 4160 8200
• Email: support@microair.aero, sales@microair.aero
• Web: www.microair.aero

T2000ADSB Transponder
User Manual
About This Document

Microair Avionics has developed the T2000ADSB transponder to provide for aircraft surveillance requirements of ATCRBS Mode 3A/C with ADS-B.

This is a controlled document, and may not be copied, amended, or distributed without the prior consent of Microair Avionics Pty Ltd.

DOCUMENT REVISION STATUS

Manual.

T2000ADSB User Manual 01R2

Page 2 of 24
24th March 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. ATCRBS CODES
3. MODE 3A/C
4. MODE ADSB
5. T2000ADSB DISPLAY
6. LAYOUT
7. DISPLAY FUNCTION
8. CONTROL FUNCTIONS
9. SELECTMODE KNOB
10. CODE SELECT KNOB
11. INFORMATION SELECT KEY

  * PA – PRESSURE ALTITUDE
  * UT – TIME UTC
  * TR – TRACK
  * X – LATITUDE (WHERE X = N OR S)
  * X – LONGITUDE (WHERE X = E OR W)
  * GA – GPS ALTITUDE

Product Information

The T2000ADSB Transponder is a product developed by Microair Avionics Pty Ltd. It is designed to meet the aircraft surveillance requirements of ATCRBS Mode 3A/C with ADS-B.

This user manual provides detailed information on the T2000ADSB Transponder, including its display layout, control functions, and various modes of operation.

Please note that this document is a controlled document and should not be copied, amended, or distributed without prior consent from Microair Avionics Pty Ltd.

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction
The introduction section provides an overview of the ATCRBS codes, Mode 3A/C, and Mode ADSB.

T2000ADSB Display
The T2000ADSB display section explains the layout of the transponder’s display and its various functions.

Control Functions
The control functions section describes the different knobs and keys on the T2000ADSB transponder:

• SelectMode Knob: This knob is used to select the desired mode of operation.
• Code Select Knob: This knob is used to set the ATCRBS code.
• Information Select Key: This key is used to select various information options, including pressure altitude, time UTC, track, latitude, longitude, and GPS altitude.

Refer to the specific sections in the user manual for detailed instructions on using each control function.

About This Document
Microair Avionics has developed the T2000ADSB transponder to provide for aircraft surveillance requirements of ATCRBS Mode 3A/C with ADS-B.
This is a controlled document, and may not be copied, amended, or distributed without the prior consent of Microair Avionics Pty Ltd.
© Microair Avionics Pty Ltd

DOCUMENT REVISION STATUS

Manual.
| |

INTRODUCTION

The T2000ADSB has been designed to operate seamlessly in two different modes, to satisfy aircraft surveillance requirements:

• ATCRBS Mode 3A/C
• ADS-B

Both mode of operation will operate simultaneously. ADS-B operates at all time power is applied and the data required for a message is available. ATCRBS operates when the aircraft is airborne.
The ADS-B messages are derived from an inbuilt GPS source. The T2000ADSB also has an inbuilt altimeter but is designed to operate with any TSO-c88a compliant altimeter or encoder, depending on user preference.

ATCRBS Codes
Aircraft operating in controlled airspace will be allocated a unique 4 digit code. Aircraft operating outside but in close proximity to controlled airspace may be allocated a code but would generally squawk that countries VFR code (1200 in most countries).
There are also several special codes, which are used to identify aircraft in special situations. These include:

• 1200 Civil VFR Flights OCTA not participating in Radar Information Service (RIS). General Aviation Code (US and other countries)
• 7000 VFR General Aviation Code (Europe)
• 7500 Unlawful Interference Code
• 7600 Radio Communications Failure
• 7700 Emergency Code

IMPORTANT NOTE
ALWAYS check the standby code, BEFORE transferring it to the ACTIVE position.

Code 2100 is a test code that can be used by qualified personnel to test the transponder to ATC.
The user should check the Civil Aviation Rules/Regulations to determine the VFR General Aviation transponder code for their country.
The ADS-B message includes information, which describes the aircraft’s “status”. The aircraft’s status is determined by the currently selected mode A ID code.

Example:

• Code 7500 is selected Aircraft status = UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE
• Code 7600 is selected Aircraft status = NO COMMUNICATION
• Code 7700 is selected Aircraft status = EMERGENCY

For all other mode A codes the aircraft status will be NO EMERGENCY.

Mode 3A/C
The Microair T2000ADSB Transponder is compliant to RTCA/DO-144, and will operate in the environment of a Radar Beacon System. This system interrogates the transponder, which in turn replies with identity code and altitude information. The radar system consists of a network of ground stations, which sweep the horizon like conventional radar. When the transponder in the aircraft detects the radar sweep (is illuminated), the transponder replies with a burst transmission giving its identity code and altitude.

The system presents the replies from all transponders in range of the ground stations on a single display screen. This allows ATC to easily locate, identify, and see the altitude of all traffic in their airspace.
A transponder’s reply is termed a squawk. Hence the current code being used by the transponder is termed the squawk code. At times of high airspace activity, ATC may wish to uniquely identify an individual aircraft with a request to squawk ident. When the pilot uses the ident control on the transponder, a distinctive indication appears on the ATC display. The ident control should not be used unless ATC requests it.
ATC will issue a code to an aircraft requesting entry into its controlled airspace. This code is normally unique for each aircraft, each time that aircraft passes through the airspace. The code is 4 digits long, and each digit can range from 0-7.

Mode ADSB
The Microair T200ADSB is compliant with RTCA/DO-260, and will transmit ADSB squitter messages containing the aircraft’s position (from and GPS source), identity, altitude, and status (eg normal, no comm., emergency, etc).

The feature which makes ADS-B transponders different to Mode A/C or Mode S types is they are not dependent on radar to interrogate them. The ADS-B transponder will issue a series messages called extended squitters. These messages are sent at a rate of approximately 6 messages per second. The position information in these messages is sourced from a compliant GPS receiver that in addition to position and velocity also provides integrity. Integrity is a measure of the quality of the satellite data available to the receiver in that location at that time. The GPS receiver must be capable of calculating the integrity as a value to be sent in the squitter message. If the integrity falls below a certain level the position data cannot be used by ATC.
Other aircraft may be equipped with ADS-B receivers (ADSB in), which can receiver and decode ADS-B extended squitter messages. This information can then be displayed in the cockpit to give the crew an accurate indication of the traffic situation around them.
The ADS-B message data for the aircraft status is linked to the mode A code. If the pilot selects a mode A code to indicate an abnormal situation (eg 7600 = No Communications), the aircraft status data will change to reflect this.

T2000ADSB DISPLAY

Layout
The Microair T2000ADSB is a 57mm diameter face version to fit the standard 2 ¼ inch instrument hole. The mounting is by 4 x M4 machine screws, located through the panel and screwed into threaded holes in each corner of the transponder’s front face.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Use only the factory supplied screws or M4 x 12mm machine screws. Do NOT oversize the holes, or use over-length screws. These actions may damage internal components of the transponder.

Microair T2000ADSB SFL
Refer to the T2000ADSB Installation manual for full details on how to install your transponder.

Display Function
The T2000ADSB has a dual line display of 8 characters each, with the active code on the top line, and the standby code on the bottom. With the SELECTMODE knob set to either the ON or ALT positions, the active code is displayed on the top line, and the standby code is displayed on the bottom line.
In the top left corner the operational mode character (X, A, or C character) is displayed. Next to it is the ADS-B annunciator (* character) which remains on when the ADS-B squitter has transmitted. At the top right is the Mode A/C annunciator (R character) which flashes with every transponder reply transmitted. If the ID key is pressed to activate the ident function, the R character is replaced with an I character while the ident function is operating.

With the SELECTMODE knob in the ALT DISPLAY position, the active code is displayed on the top line, and the various position, velocity and time (PVT) information is displayed on the bottom line. Refer section 3.3 below.

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

This section describes the transponder control keys and their functions. Many of the control keys have more than one function, and some keys access multi- option menus, which can be scrolled.

SELECTMODE KNOB
The SELECTMODE knob allows the user to switch the transponder between the 4 operating modes.

STANDBY| In standby the transponder is powered up, but will not transmit in any mode A/C replies. ADSB is active.
On the active display line the letter X appears on the left hand side.
---|---
ON| The T2000ADSB will reply to Mode A interrogations with the active ID code displayed on the top line. The T2000ADSB will also reply to mode C interrogations, sending framing pulses only, in accordance with mode 3 requirements.
On the active display line the letter A appears on the left hand side.
ALT| Will reply to Mode A and C interrogations, with the mode C encoder information. In the absence of a valid encoder input, only the C framing pulse will be sent.
On the active display line the letter C appears on the left hand side.
ALT DISPLAY| The standby code is replaced with the data display option selected by pressing the (I) info button.
On the active display line the letter C appears on the left hand side.

CODE SELECT Knob
The CODE SELECT knob can be rotated clockwise to scroll upwards, and counter- clockwise to scroll downwards. Each digit of the code is adjusted separately. The adjust function starts with the left hand digit, and is moved across to the next digit by pushing the CODE SELECT knob inwards. After 10 seconds of inactivity the cursor will revert to the left hand digit.

To increase the digit value, rotate the CODE SELECT knob clockwise. To reduce the digit value, rotate anticlockwise.
Only values from 0-7 can be selected.

INFORMATION SELECT KEY
The Information Select key is used to cycle through a number of different T2000ADSB information screens as shown below. Note that the Information Select button only displays data when the Code Select Knob is turned to the ALT DISPLAY setting.

PA – PRESSURE ALTITUDE
Pressure Altitude (altitude with reference to 1013Mb) OR Q – Altitude with reference to the set QNH in either Feet or Meters
If the altitude units are set to feet the altitude is followed by the F character. If the altitude units are in metres, the altitude is followed by the M character. If no QNH or BARO value has been entered (default 1013mB or 29.92HG), the raw encoder output is displayed as “pressure altitude”, and the characters PA appear at the lower left. If a QNH / BARO value has been set, the Q character appears at the lower left.

UT – TIME UTC
Displays UTC time. LT (Local Time) is functionality that will arrive soon.

TR – TRACK.
This screen shows the GPS derived true track and GPS derived ground speed in KTS.

X – LATITUDE (WHERE X = N OR S).
This screen shows the GPS derived latitude as DD.DDD i.e. S27.3250 or N54.2814

X – LONGITUDE (WHERE X = E OR W).
This screen shows the GPS derived longitude DDD.DDD i.e. E153.083 or W007.125

GA – GPS ALTITUDE.
GPS Altitude is derived as the Height above WGS-84 ellipsoid.

MODE KEY
Press the MODE key to access the MODE MENU. The first item of the MODE MENU is displayed. Step through the MODE MENU by pressing the MODE key. After the last menu item the T2000ADSB returns to the operational display currently in use

The MODE MENU is designed to allow the operator fast easy access to functions and parameters, which may need to be adjusted in flight.

Backlighting
Flight ID
Buffer Altitude
back to Operational Mode

ASSIGNED (ALTITUDE)
The user can input an assigned altitude given by ATC. When used with the altitude buffer value, an audio alert and display indicator advises when the aircraft has climbed or descended, from the assigned altitude.

of feet and hundreds of feet
Rotate CODE SELECT knob| Increment displayed value.
Press ENTER key| To set default value. The default is 0.
Press ENTER or toggle key| To save and display returns to current operational display

When entering an altitude…

Press the CODE SELECT knob to Change increment display value between thousands of feet and hundreds of feet.

Rotate the CODE SELECT knob to increase or decrease the height value.

Press the ENTER key to return the ASSIGNED ALTITUDE to the default value of 0,

Press the Toggle key to save the height value, and return to the operational display.

If Assigned is set to 0, the altitude alert function is disabled. The assigned altitude function is only active when the SELECTMODE knob is set to DISP ALT.

QNH (BAROMETRIC PRESSURE)
The altitude encoder outputs a pressure altitude relative to a fixed pressure of 1013mb (29.92inHg) and this is the altitude always reported in the Mode C reply and ADS-B extended squitter messages. The aircraft’s altimeter however is normally adjusted for actual surface pressure before take off and during flight. This means the encoder altitude may not be the same as the altimeter reading.
The QNH can be entered here to allow the T2000ADSB to compensate the displayed altitude for surface pressure, and hence read the same as the aircraft’s altimeter. The default QNH is 1013mb (or 29.92 if inHg selected, see programming mode below). If the QNH is set to 1013mb, the altitude displayed will default to the unadjusted pressure altitude direct from the encoder. If the QNH is set to a discrete value (normally provided by ATC), the displayed encoder pressure altitude will be adjusted for the QNH value. The pilot can select any barometric pressure over the range 900 – 1100mB (or 27.00 – 31.99inHg).

The default is 1013
Press ENTER key| To set default value.
Press toggle key| Display returns to current operational display

IMPORTANT NOTE
The T2000ADSB will only transmit the encoder pressure altitude. The adjusted QNH altitude is NEVER transmitted, even when it is selected for display.

BACKLIGHTING
The T2000ADSB LCD display backlight has 11 levels available from 0 – 100%. The level set is remembered and set once the self test is completed during the net power up. Off to its brightest level:

backlight brightness (up to 100%) and counter clockwise to decrease the brightness (down to 0%) in 10% increments.
Press toggle key| Setting is saved & the display returns to current operational display

For battery operators, Microair Avionics recommends that the backlighting be set off to save power.

FLIGHT ID
For most sport and general aviation aircraft the Flight ID will be the aircraft’s registration or call sign and is not likely to be changed. Once the flight ID is inputted, it is saved into memory, and will be recalled when the transponder is next turned on. The Flight ID defaults to the A/C ID from the PROGRAM MODE menu.

If the Flight ID is not entered, the ADS-B message will transmit “null” values in the Aircraft Identification message.

The default ID is the aircraft ID.
Press CODE SELECT knob| Moves cursor to the next character.
Press ENTER key| To set default value. Default value is blank.
Press toggle key| Display returns to current operational display

There are rules governing the correct makeup of the flight ID, to ensure the ADS-B message is formatted correctly. In most cases the flight ID will be the aircraft’s registration. The default value of the flight ID is the aircraft ID that is inputted in the PROGRAM MODE menu
The flight ID can have a maximum of 8 characters and can consists of capital letters A-Z and the numbers 0-9 with spaces in the trailing unused positions (spaces are not allowed in within the Flight or Aircraft IDs.

BUFFER ALT
The user can input a buffer altitude, above and below the assigned altitude, to define a height band in which to fly. When the aircraft exceeds the upper or lower limit, an indicator alert message will be displayed. The alert message advises the pilot of how far, above or below the assigned altitude the aircraft is. If audio output is connected to the aircrafts audio system, an audio tone is heard as well.

the range 0 to 2000′
Press ENTER key| Save and move to the next item
Press Toggle key| Save and Display returns to current operational display

With the Assigned altitude set at 3500 feet, and the Buffer Alt set at 200 feet, the display alerts will occur over 3700 feet and under 3300 feet.
The alert tone is heard as the aircraft passes out of the buffer zone.
No alert will be displayed while the aircraft remains inside the 3700-3300 buffer.

If the aircraft climbs or descends outside the altitude buffer limits, a Hi / Lo warning is displayed on the lower line.

• T2000ADSB advises the pilot that the aircraft is 500 feet above the Assigned altitude. An audio warning tone is heard.

• T2000ADSB advises the pilot that the aircraft is 500 feet below the Assigned altitude. An audio warning tone is heard.

ENTER KEY
The ENTER key is a confirmation key used to confirm information the user has inputted. After pressing the ENTER key, the display will typically give the message SAVED, for a short period.
The ENTER key is also used to quick-set a parameter to a default value.

The ENTER key is also used to acknowledge alerts and error messages. When an alert or error message appears on the lower line of the display, the pilot can press the ENTER key to acknowledge the alert / message. The display will then revert to the previous operational display.
Some alerts or error messages, if the alert or error situation continues, will after a preset time display again on the lower line, to remind the pilot that the alert / error still exists.

TOGGLE KEY
This key acts as a toggle switch, exchanging the active and standby codes.

When the transponder is operating in ALT DISPLAY the bottom line displays the encoder altitude instead of the standby code. The standby code is stored in memory. To toggle the active and standby codes in this mode, push the toggle key once to display the standby code on the bottom line. The standby code is displayed for 10 seconds. Push the toggle key again to exchange the active and standby codes. Once the codes have been exchanged, the display will revert back after 10 seconds, to displaying the altitude on the bottom line.
In all modes of operation, only the active code is transmitted.
The toggle key is also used to return to the operational screen from the MODE and PROGRAM MODE menus.

VFR – HOT KEY
To bring the stored VFR code to the standby line press the ENTER key then the VFR key.
The VFR key will default the standby code immediately to the stored VFR code. Typically this code will be 1200 for a General Aviation aircraft. The VFR key calls the value set in the VFR option of the PROGRAM MODE menu. To transfer the VFR code to the active position, press the toggle key. If no code is entered, after 10 seconds idle the standby position will revert back to the original VFR code.

ID KEY
To initiate the Ident function press the ENTER key then the ID key. The ident function will operate for approx 18 seconds.
The ID key (Ident) when pressed, adds additional code information to the transmission for ATC. The code will flash on the ATC display as a means of uniquely identifying the aircraft’s code from any other.

The ID key only needs to be pressed briefly to activate the ident function.
Ident data is also added to the ADS-B message to ensure that the ident function is transmitted in all modes.

ERROR MESSAGES

The T2000ADSB monitors a number of internal and external functions, and will display warnings if potential problems are detected.

This message is displayed if the altitude encoder cannot be detected. The pilot can acknowledge the message by pressing the ENTER key. If the fault remains the error message will display again in 5 minutes. The T2000ADSB will remain in mode A.

This message is displayed if the GPS cannot be detected.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following questions are common to most users and may help you understand the operation of the T2000ADSB, some of these are explained in the user manual but may have been missed by the reader:

Q. When I am asked to Sqwawk Ident ( ID ) the I indicator stays on for a long time. Why ???

The I or ident character, is used to denote that the transponder reply now includes the ident information, to make the return flash on the ATC display. The ident will stay on for 18 seconds before returning to normal operation.

Q. When asked to go to mode C from mode A, the altitude does not appear on the ground station for some time, usually after 8 minutes, is this normal?

Yes if the external encoder has a warmup time. The T2000ADSB internal altimeter has no warmup time. We recommend using the internal encoder where power conservation (Gliders etc) is essential.

Q. Whilst flying outside normal radar coverage I have noticed that the reply symbol still flashes from time to time – what causes this?

Other aircraft fitted with TCAS systems can still interrogate transponder equipped aircraft like yours. This then lets them know where you are, and your contact information is displayed on their TCAS screens. The TCAS aircraft could be 100+ miles away and at altitudes +30,000ft!

Q. What is the NIC value ?
ADS-B operation require a very accurate GPS as a source of position data. The GPS must also be very reliable, to be able to provide this data when required. The combination of accuracy and reliability are termed integrity. The NIC value is a measure of the GPS integrity.

Q. Why does the ground track vary from the aircraft’s compass heading and airspeed ?

The ground track represents the path the aircraft is traveling across the ground. This track is influenced by the effect of the wind component. A crosswind component can make the ground track bearing vary considerably from the compass heading. A headwind or tailwind can make the ground track speed vary higher or lower than the indicated airspeed.

Q. Why is there a flight ID and an aircraft ID, if they are both the same ?

For most sport and light GA aircraft the flight ID and the aircraft ID will be set to the aircraft’s registration. For IFR and scheduled flight aircraft this will not always be the case. The Flight ID is what is actually transmitted in an ADSB Identification and Category Message, the Aircraft ID is the default value for the Flight ID.

Q. What is the ICAO CODE? How do I find out what my aircraft’s ICAO CODE is?

The ICAO CODE is a unique code for every registered aircraft in the world. The code is partly based on the aircraft registration, and is expressed as a 24 digit binary (1’s and 0’s) number. The ICAO CODE is also expressed as a hex- decimal number, which uses the digits 0-9 and letters A-E.
Aircraft owners or operators can contact their civil aviation authority to be advised of the ICAO CODE for their aircraft’s registration.

LIMITED WARRANTY

The warranty period for any Microair Avionics manufactured article is dependent on Condition of the article at time of sale and the Purchase Date.
For New Articles the warranty period commences from Date of Purchase and, unless specified uniquely for the product purchased, is valid for 12 months or the minimum period defined by applicable consumer law, whichever is the longer. In the absence of original Proof of Purchase, the warranty will be valid for 12 months from Date of Factory Shipment as determined by Microair Avionics.
For Factory Reconditioned Articles offered for sale, the warranty period commences from Date of Purchase and is valid for 12 months.
For Factory Exchanged Articles the warranty period commences from the Date of Purchase of the original article and is valid for the remainder of the original warranty period.
For Repaired Articles the warranty period commences from the date of Factory Shipment and is valid for 6 months for the original defect only.
Microair Avionics will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace any components, which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labour. The customer shall be responsible for any transportation costs for return of this product to Microair Pty Ltd or an approved Microair Service Centre.
This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, unauthorised alteration, or repairs carried out by parties other than Microair Avionics or an approved Microair Avionics Service Centre. This warranty does not cover failures where the product has not been installed or operated, in accordance with the provisions of the User and Installation manual(s).
It shall be at Microair Avionics sole discretion to decide if a defect is a result of material or workmanship failure.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUARY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE, AND COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROAIR AVIONICS PTY LTD BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT.
Microair Avionics may at its discretion, refer product returns for repair or service, to a service facility closest to you. Microair Avionics reserves the right to repair or replace the product or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion.
To obtain warranty service, please email or call Microair Avionics in Australia. Domestic or International Return instructions are available on our website. Please follow these instructions carefully.

Phone: +61 7 4160 8200
Email: support@microair.aero
Website: www.microair.aero

References

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