Support: ping200XR-TSO
Here you’ll find everything you’ll need to install, maintain, and learn about your ping200XR-TSO. In addition to that you can fill out a support ticket for advanced problems and get into the details of Certification and Documentation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ping200XR?
The ping200XR is a complete, high-performance Mode S transponder with integrated ADS-B Out (1090ES) and precision SBAS GPS, purpose-built for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drone) operating in controlled airspace. Delivering a powerful 250W transmit output and a certified barometric altimeter accurate to 50,000 ft, it fully satisfies FAA/EASA ADS-B Out mandates (14 CFR 91.227) and enables safe BVLOS and IFR operations. Lightweight (just 52 grams), compact (47×72×10 mm), and highly configurable (supporting any combination of Mode A/C/S + Extended Squitter), the ping200XR is the professional-grade solution for commercial and government UAV platforms that need reliable “see and be seen” capability alongside air traffic control compatibility.
What should I do first when powering on my ping200XR?
Make sure to connect a dummy load on the antenna port during bench testing to prevent damage. Do not connect a real antenna indoors. Connect 9-30.3VDC (3S-8S LiPo).
How do I connect to configure the ping200XR?
Use a USB/RS232 adapter for initial setup on ping200XR (appears as serial device). Wire per diagram on page 29 of the user/install manual found here.
Do I need GPS for initial power-up?
No, but GPS lock is required for ADS-B OUT as well as an ICAO.
What do the LEDs mean on ping200XR?
There are no external LEDs on the ping200XR. There are status indicators on the control tab of the app. Maint Req: Green/Red
GNSS Avail: Green/Red GNSS Fix: Green/Red
TX System: Green/Red
What’s included in the box?
Can I apply power without an RF or GPS antenna?
Do Not apply power to the ping200XR without 50Ω dummy load or a SMA dipole antenna. You can power on and configure the unit without a GPS antenna, but you will need one for operations.
What transponder antenna must I use?
Standard 50Ω vertically polarized antenna with VSWR ≤ 1.5:1 over the 1030 to 1090 MHz frequency band • TSO-C74 or TSO-C112 antennas that meet the above specification
uAvionix non-TSO SMA dipole, P/N UAV-1004675-003 is available for purchase.
Where should I mount the GPS antenna?
Top of airframe, unobstructed 360° view. MMCX connector will be needed. This antenna should be mounted at a minimum of 4 feet from any aircraft transmit antennas and have a clear view of the sky with no obstructions.
How do I wire power and data?
Follow the installation instructions found in the installation manual of the ping200XR. pg 25
How should the ping200XR be grounded?
Connect case ground to airframe ground for best RF performance.
Where do I get the Configuration and control app?
The app can be found on the ping200XR support page of the website under the header “Utilities” here. The app is called “ping200X Control and Config App UAV-1004567-001” but applies to the ping200XR as well as the ping200X.
How do I install the control and configuration app?
Click on the title of the app and it will start to download. You may get a warning on your computer that tries to block the download. Click on the 3-dots next to the warning and choose the keep option. Then click the down arrow next to delete and choose “keep anyway”.
What devices can I download the control app on?
The ping200X Control and Config App is a Window based application, found here . You will need a windows based computer. The app does not work on iOS devices.
How do I connect my computer to the app?
In order to connect it to your device you will need an RS-232 to USB adapter. The wiring diagram can be found in the user/install manual located here.
How to set transponder mode STBY/ALT?
This is done in the configuration and control app. See manual for more detailed instructions.
How do I set the ICAO address?
Use ping200X Control and Configuration App (found here under the “utilities” header) → enter 24-bit hex from FAA registry (e.g., A12345). DO NOT use 000000 as the ICAO address.
Do I need to enter GPS antenna offset?
Yes – measure lateral/longitudinal from aircraft reference point (nose or firewall). Enter into the ping200X control and configuration app.
How do I calibrate the altitude encoder?
The ping200XR altitude encoder is calibrated and manufacturing before it is shipped out.
What is the default squawk and control mode?
1200 (in the U.S.), STBY. Change via ping200X control and configuration app or control head.
How to enter ground test mode on ping200XR?
Once the ping200XR is powered on, in the control app under the “Service” tab there is a button labeled “Enable Ground Test Mode”. This allows you to make inputs into the “GPS Location Data” of the “Control” tab to simulate flight data. Sun Avionics (located here) is a good source for inexpensive avionics test-sets.
Are there Instructions for Continued Airworthiness?
Yes, the instructions for continued airworthiness is found in the installation manual (found here) on pg 15. Maintenance of the ping200XR is “on condition” only. Periodic regulatory function checks of the transponder and altitude encoder must be performed every 24 months or after any maintenance is performed where data correspondence error could be introduced.
RF exposure precautions?
Keep 12″ distance during transmit.
How do I avoid damaging connectors?
Use finger-tight SMA (5–7 in-lb). Do not over-torque.
What should I do before flight?
Ground test only – verify: GPS lock, ADS-B, Mode S (Mode S requires transponder test set). Sun Avionics (located here) is a good source for inexpensive avionics test-sets.
Mission Planner FAQs
ping200XR and MIssion Planner FAQs
What software versions are required for ping200XR integration with Mission Planner?
ArduPilot ≥4.6.0 Beta 4; Mission Planner ≥1.3.82; ping200X Control and Configuration app ≥3.34; ping200XR firmware ≥3.5.0.
Is ping200X compatible with ArduPilot flight controllers like PX4?
Yes, tested with PX4; similar for other ArduPilot controllers. Use MAVLink for control.
How do I wire ping200XR to an ArduPilot controller?
Use 4-wire RS-232 (TX/RX/GND/PWR); add RS-232/TTL converter for TTL ports like TELEM2. 57600 baud.
What if my controller uses TTL logic?
Required: RS-232 to TTL converter; ping200X is RS-232 only.
Can I use MAVLink for all control?
Yes, via autopilot; supports squawk, mode, IDENT. Direct UCP also works.
How do I configure ping200XR before connecting to Mission Planner?
Use ping200X Control and Configuration app: set ICAO, baud 57600, UCP In/Out; valid ICAO required for transmit.
What ArduPilot parameters do I set in Mission Planner?
ADSB_TYPE=3; ADSB_RF_CAPABLE=8; ADSB_RF_SELECT=2; SERIALx_BAUD=57; SERIALx_PROTOCOL=35; BRD_SERx_RTSCTS=0.
How to enable fused GPS position from ArduPilot?
Set ADSB_OPTIONS=1; SIL/SDA=0/0 in app (non-certified; for GNSS denial areas).
What MAVLink messages are used?
Dynamic (ID 202): position/velocity; Static (ID 201): ICAO/callsign; Traffic (ID 246): reports.
How do I control ping200XR in Mission Planner?
Data tab > Transponder: set STBY/ON/ALT, squawk, IDENT; shows status/SIL/SDA.
How to put ping200XR in ground test mode?
Automatic via GPS on-ground flag; suppress ADS-B, reply to Mode S. Test: stationary, verify no broadcast.
Can I integrate pingRX for ADS-B In?
Yes; wire to separate serial; set ADSB_TYPE=3, ADSB_RF_CAPABLE=11, ADSB_RF_SELECT=3. Displays traffic.
Why is ping200XR offline in Mission Planner?
Check wiring/shifter, baud match, parameters; restart. Common: no ICAO, timeout (5s Dynamic).
How to handle fused GPS SIL=0 issues?
Non-compliant for rule airspace; use for backup only. Set to enable if needed.
What if no traffic shows with pingRX?
Set ADSB_LIST_RADIUS/ALT=0 for testing; ensure GPS lock for filtering.