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 parts of Australia or even at low altitudes below ATC radar coverage.

1. Ensure that the device is mounted vertically (power connector facing the ground)
2. Minimize metal obstructions towards the front of the aircraft
3. Power up well before departure so that GPS has time to acquire all satellites

1. Fully charge the device
2. Power on and leave the device in an open area with very good visibility of the whole sky (away from hangars etc) 
3. 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.

1. The prime objective of SkyEcho is air-air surveillance. However, the CASA AC envisages SkyEcho being used for situational awareness.
2. 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.
3. Different symbology is required so that the ATC know that this symbol is not to be used for aircraft to aircraft separation, because the device, including the GPS, has not been certified to support that level of performance.
4. The Australian device, unlike the UK variant, transmits a SIL=1 and SDA=1 with the objective of enabling ATC visibility and visibility to certified ADS-B IN applications.
5. In 2020, the Airservices Australia ATC system has not yet been modified to display SkyEcho. With a new ATC system on the way, and with the COVID crisis, there is uncertainty about when this capability may be delivered by Airservices Australia.
6. Of course, to be visible to ATC, SkyEcho will also need to within range of an Airservices Australia ADS-B ground station.  SkyEcho does not transmit the same power as a “normal” ADS-B capable transponder, so will not have the same range as a transponder.

1. 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/
2. 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.”
3. In the UK, the output of SkyEcho is not normally provided to ATC.  The idea is clearly focussed on air-air surveillance.
4. SkyEcho was authorized to operate in Australia after CASA published changes t CAO 20:18 in mid-2020. CASA also published guidance in AC 91-23 (https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/advisory-circular-91-23-ads-b-enhancing-situational-awareness.pdf) which notes ATC situational awareness with EC devices like SkyEcho.

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.

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 is designed to be portable and to also be used by unregistered aircraft, the 24-bit address will be programmable by the user.   The device is small enough to sit on your glare shield and fit easily in your flight bag.

Refer to the guidelines under the section titled “How to use 24-bit addresses with Electronic Conspicuity Devices” section available on the Electronic Conspicuity page.

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).

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 would like to confirm compatibility please contact us.

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.

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