Support: tailBeacon
Here you’ll find everything you’ll need to install, maintain, and learn about your tailBeacon. In addition to that you can fill out a support ticket for advanced problems and get into the details of Certification and Documentation.
My aircraft is not listed
Under FAA Memo titled “Installation Approval for ADS-B OUT Systems,” the FAA explains that after an STC is achieved for ADS-B OUT equipment, additional installations can be accomplished on aircraft not listed under the AML STC by an A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA) so long as the installation does not require airframe modification. This process requires completion of a two-page FAA form known as a 337. We are providing a mostly complete sample tailBeacon Form 337 here. Once the form is completed your installer will mail it to the FAA office in Oklahoma City. The process is normal for many ADS-B installations and your installer is likely familiar with the process. If your installer has questions please ask them to contact us.
Service Bulletins
Documentation
STC Documentation
tailBeacon STC Installation Manual UAV-1002514-001 [ Revision D – 12/12/24 ]FAQs
Knowledge Base
What does the small red LED flashing light mean?
The tailBeacon is searching for GPS satellites. The most likely cause is you may be inside a hangar or do not otherwise have a clear view of the sky. If you are outside with clear view of the sky and it continues to blink the check your grounding.
What does the small solid blue LED mean?
This means that the WiFi on the unit has failed and the unit will need to be sent in for repair or replacement. Please submit a support ticket.
What does the small solid red LED light mean?
Either the unit is not configured or the unit has failed. Connect to the units wifi and confirm that it has been configured.
How can I confirm that my tailBeacon is transmitting?
There are 2 ways that you can confirm that you are transmitting.
- If you have Foreflight and an ADS-B IN unit like a Sentry, you can connect to the device in Foreflight and click on devices, click on the ADS-B in that is displayed. 3/4 of the way down the page you will see Ownship. If it is detected then you are transmitting. This can be checked during flight.
- Once you flight is done you can pull an ADS-B performance report. This report will show you if you were being picked up by an ADS-B tower. Know that you have to be within 30NM and a high altitude to be seen by the ADS-B tower.
Why is there water in my tailBeacon?
The tailBeacon has a static port so that it can sense altitude. As such it is open to the atmosphere so condensation may form. This is normal however there should be no standing water in the unit. The components have a conformal coating to protect them form the moisture.
A service loop can be added to help prevent it filling with water. Here is a Video that will help.
How can I troubleshoot my tailBeacon?
Request an ADS-B performance report. Common failures are:
NIC – Please read the GPS troubleshooting guide
.BALT – If this is 100% then you will need to contact support and submit a ticket.
Mode 3A failure – Check that the software has been updated to 1.5.1
Air on Ground – Check the the Vso is set correctly to the stall speed of the aircraft.
The tailBeacon light does not light up how do I fix it?
Make sure you connect to the app and confirm that the light has been enabled.
APP issues
- Turn off the power to the Beacon
- Close ALL apps on your device (On Apple devices that involves swiping the app away and Androids require a Force close)
- Turn on Airplane mode (This will turn off Wifi on most devices so you will need to turn it back on. The main reason for doing this is to stop cellular data from being transmitted and interfering with the lower power Wifi signal. If you have a newer Samsung phone, we have seen instances where the Bluetooth also needs to be turned off. )
- Power on the Beacon product (You now have 5 minutes to connect to the Beacon before the wifi shuts off. Once connected it will stay active until you get airborne)
- Open the wifi page of the smart device (Located under Settings for Apple devices and Connections for Android users)
- When you see the Beacon-XXXX wifi SSID pop up, tap it and enter the passphrase EXACTLY as printed on the supplied card or sticker.
- Wait until it shows connected (You will get a note about No internet connection. This is normal)
- Now open the skyBeacon app, it will open to the Monitor page. Enter your aircraft information
- If this is still not working, you may need to have the aircraft outside
How do I find my tailBeacon Password?
The tailBeacon passcode can be found with either the units serial number or wifi SSID. Wth this information you can use our password tool on the support page of uAvionix.com.
ATC reports that they are seeing me as two aircraft, what is the cause"?
The most likely cause is that your tailBeacon is not in sync with your transponder. The transponder transmits your squawk code on 1090 MHz, the tailBeacon transmits on 978 mhz. If the tailBeacon does not “see” your transponder it transmits “0000” (withe 1.5.1 software) while your transponder may be transmitting “1200”. Please adjust the transponder monitor threshold to so that the tailBeacon shows the same squawk code that is on your transponder.
You can also refer to this article about adjusting the threshold.
How do I update my tailBeacon software?
Please follow our Service Bulletin.
If you only have a tablet or smart device you can use this method.
Support Articles for tailBeacon
Support Articles
- Mode 3A failure on PAPR
- Update SkyBeacon Software
- Can the tailBeacon be used on rotorcraft?
- skyBeacon app or password issues?
- Do I need to have a newer digital transponder to use with skyBeacon or tailBeacon?
- Do I need to have the skyBeacon app turned on and connected each time I fly?
- Why doesn’t the Monitor screen in the mobile app reflect the changes I’ve made?
- Do I need the internet to configure the skyBeacon or tailBeacon?
- How is the installation tested to ensure it meets the FAA Requirements?
- What does the Operational Flight Evaluation consist of?
- My tailBeacon questions have not been answered, where do I go for support?
- Which aircraft will have STCs for installation of tailBeacon?
- Does installation of tailBeacon require rudder balancing?
- Will there be a version with a strobe or anti-collision light?
- Does the tailBeacon meet the U.S. ADS-B 2020 mandate?
- I don’t have a Cessna 172. How do I install tailBeacon?
- Will tailBeacon work outside the U.S.?
- What needs to be documented?
- Do the aircraft position/nav lights need to remain on during all operations?
- How is my device protected from theft?
- How does tailBeacon install?
- How long does a typical installation take?
- Which transponders does the tailBeacon work with?
- Which aircraft can I install tailBeacon on?
- The following aircraft have been reported to have fitment issues by customers
- My aircraft is not on the AML, how can I install the skyBeacon?
- Tips for a Successful tailBeacon/skyBeacon Flight
- I am not seeing my flights on FlightAware or Flightradar24 or there are only partial sections of the flight displayed
- Opening the skyBeacon IOS App