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).