Will there be a version with strobes?
All skyBeacon products now ship with an LED strobe. Note: Early experimental versions of skyBeacon did not have the strobe installed.
What about a matching version for the starboard (right) wing?
We've felt it most important to focus on the products that help you meet your mandate deadline, and we will be following up with starboard side options. For the experimental/LSA aircraft owners - we already offer skySensor - a starboard side ADS-B IN receiver and position/strobe light. Currently, these are available online and through our resellers. We will [...]
Will there be a version with aft (rear) position lights?
At this time there is not a wingtip mounted version with integrated rear position lights in development. There is a replacement rear position light without strobe in development under the working name tailBeacon.
Can I use SkyEcho in the U.S.
No. SkyEcho is currently approved for use as an ADS-B OUT device in the UK and Australia. Use of SkyEcho in the United States is prohibited by the FCC and FAA.
Do I have to mount a bunch of antennas on my plane exterior?
No, unlike some competitors, the echoUAT uses a single monopole antenna for Transmit and Receive. You will need to mount the UAT In/Out antenna and a GPS antenna if you do not already have a compliant GPS source.
Will I be able to see weather and traffic on my preferred EFB?
Yes, the echo transmits weather and traffic on the commonly used GDL90 data format to ensure support for most iOS and Android Apps via WiFi. Foreflight WingX FltPlan Go iFly GPS Avare Naviator AvPlan Aerovie EasyVFR Skydemon FlyQ
Do I need to upgrade or replace my existing Transponder to use the echoUAT?
A. No, the echo has a built-in Power Transcoder that works with most legacy Mode C transponders. That means no extra workload for you in the cockpit. echoUAT also supports direct wire options for Apollo, Garmin, Sandia and Trig models that support RS232 communication.
Does echoUAT meet the 2020 mandate?
Yes, echo does meet the FAA's 2020 ADS-B mandate for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft when paired with a suitable GPS position source such as SkyFYX or a 2020 compliant GPS provided by your EFIS manufacturer.
Will the echo work with my Dynon Skyview?
Yes, the echoUAT can be configured directly through the Dynon Skyview display to provide: Configuration of Echo through the EFIS GPS data Pressure Altitude Information Current Transponder Squawk
Does my GRT EFIS support echoUAT?
Yes, the echo is designed to work with the GRT EFIS allowing the EFIS to provide: Configuration of Echo through the EFIS GPS data Pressure Altitude Information Current Transponder Squawk ADS-B traffic display
Will the echoUAT work with my MGL EFIS?
Yes, the echo is designed to work with the MGL EFIS and has the following features: Configuration of Echo through the EFIS GPS data Pressure Altitude Information Current Transponder Squawk ADS-B traffic display
Which countries currently provide ADS-B weather?
The United States is currently providing weather services using the 978MHz(UAT) frequency.
Why can’t I receive weather data on the ground at my home field?
The FAA ground stations are designed to provide optimal service to in-flight aircraft. Weather reception will vary by location but most of our users report weather data reception between 500'-1500' AGL. The FAA provides an ADS-B coverage map as a reference.
Does pingBuddy meet the 2020 ADS-B mandate?
No, pingBuddy 2 is an ADS-B receiver. The 2020 mandate requires ADS-B transmit capablity. Learn more at the FAA ADS-B website.
How do I power PingBuddy?
PingBuddy 2 can be powered using any 5V micro USB power source. Existing USB chargers in aircraft or portable USB batteries work equally well.
Does PingBuddy 2 have a GPS or AHRS?
No, PingBuddy 2 is an ADS-B receiver. It utilizes the GPS in your Android or iOS device. If your device does not have an integrated GPS an external Bluetooth or GPS dongle is required.
What is Electronic Conspicuity?
Electronic Conspicuity (EC) is an umbrella term for a range of technologies that, in their most basic form, transmit the position of the host aircraft to other airspace users operating compatible equipment. More advanced devices can also transmit and receive, displaying and alerting pilots to other/conflicting traffic who have compatible EC devices. EC devices turn [...]
Is it only approved in the United Kingdom?
For now, yes. But many other European countries are exploring the concept, and it is possible that EASA may adopt the concept under a harmonized standard. EC devices are not approved for use in the U.S.A.
What does “portable” mean with regards to the SkyEcho?
The SkyEcho is a portable device that you can take with you from aircraft to aircraft and does not require physical or electrical installation into the airframe. EC devices use a 24-bit address in the same way as a transponder. This usually forms part of an aircraft's Certificate of Registration. However, as an EC device [...]
What does “portable” mean?
The SkyEcho (ATT-20B) is a portable device that you can take with you from aircraft to aircraft and does not require physical or electrical installation into the airframe. EC devices use a 24-bit address in the same way as a transponder. This usually forms part of an aircraft's Certificate of Registration. However, as an EC [...]