uAvionix has decided to not use Mode C because it cannot deliver adequate performance : SkyEcho has an omnidirectional antenna- hence no azimuth detection is possible The use of signal strength is unreliable as a distance measure Mode C transponders don’t transmit unless triggered by a ground radar or TCAS. This doesn’t happen in many [...]
Ensure that the device is mounted vertically (power connector facing the ground) Minimize metal obstructions towards the front of the aircraft Power up well before departure so that GPS has time to acquire all satellites
Fully charge the device Power on and leave the device in an open area with very good visibility of the whole sky (away from hangars etc) Leave this way for a few hours so that it can acquire the full almanac
Hold down the power button until the lights flash (about 10 seconds). This re-sets the wireless system to no password.
The prime objective of SkyEcho is air-air surveillance. However, the CASA AC envisages SkyEcho being used for situational awareness. In Australia, it is envisaged that Airservices Australia will, in due course, enable the display of SkyEcho with a different symbology for the purposes of ATC situational awareness. Different symbology is required so that the ATC [...]
The objective of SkyEcho was initially to meet the United Kingdom Conspicuity device market. See https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/Electronic-Conspicuity-devices/ The UK CAA says “To reduce the safety risk of airborne conflict between GA in uncontrolled UK airspace we have developed a minimum technical specification for low power, lightweight, portable Electronic Conspicuity Devices that operates using ADS-B.” In the [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
The SkyEcho is both an ADS-B IN (receive) and ADS-B OUT device. Range is a function of transmit power. Depending on the output power of other aircraft, you will be able to SEE other aircraft over 270km (~150 NM) away. SkyEcho has a transmit power of 25W on 1090MHz (1090ES).
The ADS-B standard frequency for most of the world (all but the U.S.) is 1090Mhz. In the U.S. 1090Mhz as well as 978Mhz is used. SkyEcho transmits and receives on 1090Mhz.
Yes! SkyEcho has built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to connect and display nearby traffic on a compatible app. SkyEcho uses a common interface format called GDL 90. As of now (Nov 2016), SkyDemon, Foreflight, Avare, Naviator, iFly 740 and FltPlan Go are a few of the compatible applications. If you are a developer and [...]
Yes. Any aircraft equipped with ADS-B IN capability can see you. This includes other EC devices as well as installed avionics, and other third party systems such as the Garmin GDL39, PilotAware and Flarm.
Yes ATC can see you if you are transmitting within range of an ATC ADS-B ground station radio.
EC systems are designed for aircraft to aircraft visibility. An EC device will not meet standards to allow you to enter controlled airspace of a class in which a transponder is mandatory or a Transponder Mandatory zone (TMZ). In addition, EC device transmission must be deactivated when used in an aircraft with an Extended Squitter (ES) [...]
Configuration is accomplished by an internally hosted web page. See the Installation and Users Guide for further instructions. In order to display local traffic and a moving map, you will need to pair with a compatible EFB
If you are moving from one aircraft to another of similar size and type, you should not have to change anything. However other configuration fields exist for type of aircraft (light, glider, rotorcraft, etc.) as well as aircraft size, etc. EC devices are intended for voluntary carriage on registered and non-registered UK Annex II aircraft, [...]