skyBeacon STC - Balise aéronautique uAvionix - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Wingtip position light with integrated ADS-B Out (UAT), strobe light, and anti-collision light
Brand	uAvionix
Model	skyBeacon STC (UAV-1001856-002)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	3.665 in (93.10 mm) x 4.504 in (114.4 mm) x 1.192 in (30.28 mm)
Weight	3.5 oz (100 g)
Input Voltage Range	9 to 33 VDC
Current Consumption (14V)	0.5 A max
Current Consumption (28V)	0.25 A max
Operating Temperature Range	-45°C to +70°C
Maximum Pressure Altitude	18,000 ft (UAT usage restricted below 18,000 ft MSL per §91.225)
Certifications	TSO-C145d, TSO-C154c, TSO-C30c, TSO-C96a, TSO-C88b; FAA STC
Primary Functions	ADS-B Out (UAT 978 MHz), position light (red), anti-collision strobe light, altitude reporting via connected transponder
Mounting Location	Wingtip, forward left position light hole
Mounting Hardware	Three 6-32 screws with O-ring seals (torque 8-10 in-lbs)
Wiring Connections	Red (nav light power 14/28V), Yellow (strobe light power 14/28V), Black (aircraft ground)
Configuration Interface	iOS/Android app via Wi-Fi; refer to User and Installation Guide UAV-1001421-001
Maintenance	No scheduled maintenance; periodic inspection of O-rings and screws; keep lens clean
Safety Warnings	Not for use on aircraft with TCAS/ACAS; not compatible with SatCom; keep at least 3 ft from transponder antenna; do not connect yellow wire to high-voltage anti-collision supply
Repairability / Spare Parts	Spare O-rings (P/N UAV-1002038-001), mounting screws (various lengths), crimp splices (UAV-1001487-001); unit is not user-serviceable beyond replacement
Included in Box	skyBeacon unit, mounting screws, O-rings, crimp splices; fairing (for specific Cessna models if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions - skyBeacon STC uAvionix

What aircraft are compatible with the skyBeacon STC?

The skyBeacon STC is approved for a list of aircraft models (see Approved Models List or AML). It mounts to existing wingtip position light holes with three 6-32 screws. For many Cessna models (150, 152, 172, 182, etc.), an adaptive fairing may be required (P/N UAV-1002301-001 or UAV-1002302-001). Always verify compatibility with your specific aircraft before installation.

Does the skyBeacon STC replace my existing position and strobe lights?

Yes, the skyBeacon integrates a red position light (Type I per TSO-C30c) and a white anti-collision strobe (Class II per TSO-C96a). It also provides ADS-B Out (UAT) and interfaces with your existing transponder for altitude reporting. The unit mounts directly to the wingtip, replacing the original left forward position light assembly.

Do I need a separate ADS-B transponder with skyBeacon?

No, skyBeacon itself is a UAT ADS-B Out device. However, it requires a companion altitude-reporting transponder (TSO-C88, C106, or C10) to meet 14 CFR 91.225 and 91.227. The transponder must have an altitude source compliant with TSO-C88 or equivalent. skyBeacon provides the ADS-B Out function; the transponder handles altitude encoding and legacy Mode A/C/S replies.

How do I configure the skyBeacon after installation?

Configuration is done via a free iOS/Android app (search 'uAvionix') over the skyBeacon's built-in Wi-Fi. Follow the steps in the 'skyBeacon User and Installation Guide' (UAV-1001421-001 Section 10). You will set the aircraft's ICAO address, call sign, and other ADS-B parameters. The app also performs a self-test to verify proper installation.

What is the maximum altitude for skyBeacon UAT operation?

The UAT function is restricted to below 18,000 feet MSL per 14 CFR §91.225. The unit's maximum pressure altitude is 18,000 ft. Above that, ADS-B Out via UAT is not permitted; however, the position and strobe lights can still be used.

Can I install skyBeacon on an aircraft with an existing TCAS or ACAS system?

No. The manual explicitly states that skyBeacon should not be installed if the aircraft has an active TCAS/ACAS system. It also should not be installed on SatCom-equipped aircraft, as the GPS has not been demonstrated compatible with SatCom.

What tools and skill level are required for installation?

Installation requires basic avionics skills: ability to access wingtip wiring, strip and crimp wires (18-22 AWG), and use a screwdriver (torque to 8-10 in-lbs). You will need a drill if adding a fairing. Follow AC 43-13-2B. The manual assumes competent and qualified personnel. A placard must be installed per AFM Supplement UAV-1002111-001.

How do I verify the skyBeacon is working correctly?

After installation, apply power to the position and strobe circuits; the red light should illuminate steady and the white strobe should flash. Then, use the smartphone app to configure and run a built-in self-test. Optionally, fly in ADS-B coverage and request an FAA Compliance Report at adsbperformance.faa.gov.

What replacement parts are available for the skyBeacon?

Available spares include O-ring seals (P/N UAV-1002038-001, pack of 6), mounting screws (various lengths: UAV-1001459-001 for 1.25", -002 for 1.5", -003 for 1.75"), and crimp-type wire splices (P/N UAV-1001487-001). The unit itself is non-repairable and must be replaced if defective.

Is the skyBeacon approved for night VFR and IFR operations?

Yes, the position and anti-collision lights meet TSO-C30c (Type I) and TSO-C96a (Class II), respectively, making it suitable for night VFR and IFR. The ADS-B Out function is approved for all classes of airspace where UAT is allowed (below 18,000 ft). Refer to your aircraft's flight manual supplement for operational limitations.

USER MANUAL skyBeacon STC uAvionix

Cross-sectional view of a mechanical device showing internal components and housing (no text or symbols visible)

FAA APPROVED

UAV-1002305-001

Rev C

NOV 27 2018 AIR-7C2 MC CHICAGO ACO BRANCH C & A DIVISION

© 2018 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.

Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this guide may be reproduced, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of uAvionix. uAvionix grants permissions to download a single copy of this guide onto an electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that the complete text of this copyright notice is retained. Unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.

uAvionix ^® and Ping ^® are registered trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.

skyBeacon, Continuous Calibration, Power Transcoder, Echo Installer, and Ping Installer are trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.

skyBeacon technologies are patent pending.

1 Revision History

Revision	Date	Comments
A	9/10/2018	Initial release
B	10/18/2018	Update part number and system limitations
C	11/4/2018	Update transponder limitation to include altitude source

2 Warnings / Disclaimers

uAvionix is not liable for damages arising from the use or misuse of this product.

This equipment is classified by the United States Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 7A994.

These items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.

3 Table of Contents

1 Revision History....3
2 Warnings / Disclaimers....4
3 Table of Contents ....5
4 System Information....6

4.1 Certification....6
4.2 TSO Authorization....7
4.3 System Limitations....8

5 System Specifications....9

5.1 Physical Specifications 9
5.2 System Interfaces....10

6 Installation 11

6.1 Unpacking and Inspecting....11
6.2 Mounting....11
6.3 Unit Installation Overview....12
6.4 Mounting Dimensions 13
6.5 Mounting Procedure on Wingtips 14
6.6 Mounting Procedure on Wingtips with Adaptive Fairing ..... 16

6.6.1 Fairing Configuration 18

6.7 skyBeacon System Configuration 18
6.8 Flight Checks....18

7 Support....19

4 System Information

4.1 Certification

This installation manual provides mechanical and electrical information necessary to install skyBeacon. The content of this manual assumes use by competent and qualified personnel using standard maintenance procedures in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulation and other related accepted procedures.

Those installing this article on an aircraft listed on the Approved Models List shall verify the compatibility of existing STCs with this STC prior to returning the aircraft to service.

4.2 TSO Authorization

Function	TSO/RTCA/SAE	Class/Type
Airborne Navigation Sensor Using the Global Position System (GPS) Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS)	TSO-C145d INCOMP RTCA/DO-229D	Beta 1
Universal Access Transmitter (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Equipment Operating on Frequency of 978MHz	TSO-C154c RTCA/DO-260B	B1S
Position Light (Red)	TSO-C30c SAE/AS8037	Type I
Anti-Collision Light	TSO-C96a SAE/AS8017D	Class II
Automatic Pressure Altitude Reporting Code-Generating Equipment	TSO-C88b SAE/AS8003

4.3 System Limitations

Installation

This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a technical standard order (TSO) and when installed on aircraft approved on the AML can be approved for return to service after installation.

If you are installing this article on or in a specific type or class of aircraft, not listed on the AML you must obtain separate approval for installation.

TCAS/ACAS system

skyBeacon should not be installed if the aircraft has an active TCAS/ACAS system.

SatCom

The skyBeacon GPS has not been demonstrated as compatible with SatCom equipment and should not be installed on SatCom equipped aircraft.

Transponder

A companion altitude-reporting transponder is required to be installed for 14 CFR 91.225 and 91.227 compliance, unless installed on an aircraft excepted from the requirements of 14 CFR 91.215 and 91.225.

The transponder's altitude source must comply with TSO-C10(), TSO-C106() or TSO-C88() and meet the requirements of 14 CFR 91.217.

Transponder antenna

skyBeacon should be installed at least 3 feet from any operating transponder antenna.

5 System Specifications

5.1 Physical Specifications

Characteristics	Specifications
Width	3.665 in (93.10 mm)
Height	4.504 in (114.4 mm)
Depth	1.192 in (30.28 mm)
Weight	3.5oz (100 grams)
Operating Temperature Range	-45°C to +70°C
Maximum Pressure Altitude [1]	18,000 ft
Input Voltage Range	9 to 33 VDC
14V Current	0.5A Max
28V Current	0.25A Max

[1] UAT usage is restricted to below 18,000 feet MSL ( §91.225 ).

5.2 System Interfaces

graph TD
    A["Aircraft Power"] --> B["Transponder"]
    A --> C["Position Light Breaker"]
    A --> D["Anti-Collision Light Breaker"]
    C --> E["RED"]
    D --> F["YELLOW"]
    G["Aircraft Ground"] --> H["BLACK"]
    I["uAvioni Device"] --> J["Wi-Fi"]
    K["iOS/Android Device"] --> L["Wi-Fi"]

6 Installation

6.1 Unpacking and Inspecting

Carefully unpack the device and make a visual inspection of the unit for evidence of any damage incurred during shipment. If the unit is damaged, notify the shipping company to file a claim for the damage. To justify your claim, save the original shipping container and all packing materials.

6.2 Mounting

skyBeacon is a wingtip, forward, left position light. The assembly should be mounted as far outboard on the aircraft as practical, parallel to the vertical and horizontal centerlines of the aircraft. Ensure that when mounted, the fin and top of the assembly are free from obstructions.

Note: Installation of the skyBeacon must be in accordance with AC 43-13.2B, Chapter 1

6.3 Unit Installation Overview

skyBeacon is mounted with three 6-32 screws to the existing holes and nut plates in the end of the wing. Two O-rings per screw must be used between the screw and skyBeacon assembly.

6.4 Mounting Dimensions

6.5 Mounting Procedure on Wingtips

For aircraft where the skyBeacon mounts to the mounting holes as shown in Section 6.4, and the wingtip configuration is as shown in the figure below, install the skyBeacon per the instructions and with hardware noted below.

"CLEAN INSTALL" REQUIRES NO ADDITIONAL FAIRING/ADAPTERS

Item	Description	Qty	P/N
1	skyBeacon	1	UAV-1001856-002
2	O-ring Seals (1mm x 5mm EPDM)	6	UAV-1002038-001
3	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.25")	3	UAV-1001459-001
	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.5")		UAV-1001459-002
	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.75")		UAV-1001459-003
4	Nav Light Power (Red) 14/28V	Ref
5	Strobe Light Power (Yellow) 14/28V	Ref
6	Aircraft Ground (Black)	Ref
7	Wingtip	Ref
8	Aircraft Nav Light Power 14/28V	Ref
9	Aircraft Strobe Light Power 14/28V	Ref
10	Aircraft Ground	Ref
14	Mounting Hole with 6-32 Thread with locking feature	3
15	Crimp type Wire Splices 18-22 AWG (not shown)	3	UAV-1001487-001

1) Remove fasteners retaining the existing position and strobe lights from wingtip.

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Access wiring to disconnect the existing position and strobe lights. Prepare the wire ends (Items 8, 9, 10) per AC 43-13 for crimp type wire splices.

Note: If aircraft is not equipped for wing strobe functionality, stow the skyBeacon yellow wire (Item 5) per AC 43-13.

2) Splice wires using (Item 15) environmental splices or equivalent.

WARNING: DO NOT connect the skyBeacon yellow wire (Item 5) to a high voltage anti-collision power supply. Only connect the yellow wire directly to 14/28V aircraft power or stow per AC 43-13.

3) Attach the skyBeacon (Item 1) to the wing tip as follows:

a) Position skyBeacon onto the wingtip and confirm alignment with existing mounting holes (Item 14) as shown in Section 6.4.
b) Install 2 O-ring seals (Item 2) onto each screw (Item 3).

Note- the O-ring nearest the head of the screw must be replaced if the screw is tightened and subsequently removed.

c) Use the appropriate length mounting screws (Item 3) to attach skyBeacon to the wingtip. Tighten screws to 8-10 in-lbs.

4) Apply power to the Position light and confirm position light operation.
5) If equipped apply power to strobe light and confirm strobe light operation.
6) Install placard as defined in AFM Supplement document UAV-1002111-001 Section 2.2.
7) Go to Section 6.7 for skyBeacon setup.

6.6 Mounting Procedure on Wingtips with Adaptive Fairing

For aircraft that attach to the mounting holes as shown in Section 6.4 but use a fairing to cover a portion of the position lights, an additional adaptive fairing may be used to improve or refine fit of the installation. If desired, install the skyBeacon utilizing a fairing identified in section 6.6.1 per the instructions and with hardware noted below.

Item	Description	Qty	P/N
1	skyBeacon	1	UAV-1001856-002
2	O-ring Seals (1mm x 5mm EPDM)	6	UAV-1002038-001
3	Mounting Screws	3
	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.25")	AR	UAV-1001459-001
	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.5")	AR	UAV-1001459-002
	Mounting Screw (6-32 x 1.75")	AR	UAV-1001459-003
4	Nav Light Power (Red) 14/28V	Ref
5	Strobe Light Power (Yellow) 14/28V	Ref
6	Aircraft Ground (Black)	Ref
7	Wingtip	Ref
8	Aircraft Nav Light Power 14/28V	Ref
9	Aircraft Strobe Light Power 14/28V	Ref
10	Aircraft Ground	Ref
11	skyBeacon adaptor fairing	1	See Section 6.6.1
12	Hole for wire pass through	Ref

UAV-1002305-001 16

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Item	Description	Qty	P/N
13	Hole for mounting	Ref
14	Mounting Hole with 6-32 Thread with locking feature	3
15	Crimp type Wire Splices 18-22 AWG (not shown)	3	UAV-1001487-001

1) Remove fasteners retaining the existing fairing, position and strobe lights from wingtip.
2) Access wiring to disconnect the existing position and strobe lights. Prepare the aircraft wire ends (Items 8, 9, 10) per AC 43-13 for crimp type wire splices.
3) Fit the skyBeacon fairing to the wingtip.

Modify the skyBeacon fairing as needed for best fit to existing wingtip per AC 43-13.

4) Locate mounting holes (Item 13) and wire pass through holes (Item 12) to match the wingtip.
5) Drill clearance hole for #6 screws through the skyBeacon fairing (Item 11) for the mounting holes and a 0.5-1" hole for the wire pass through.
6) Splice wires using (Item 15) environmental splices or equivalent.

Note: If aircraft is not equipped for wing strobe functionality, stow the skyBeacon yellow wire (Item 5) per AC 43-13.

WARNING: DO NOT connect the skyBeacon yellow wire (Item 5) to a high voltage anti-collision power supply. Only connect the yellow wire directly to 14/28V aircraft power or stow per AC 43-13.

7) Attach the skyBeacon (Item 1) to the wing tip as follows
a) Position skyBeacon and skyBeacon fairing onto the wingtip and confirm alignment with existing mounting holes (Item 14).
b) Install 2 O-ring seals (Item 2) onto each screw (Item 3).

Note: the O-ring nearest the head of the screw must be replaced if the screw is tightened and subsequently removed.

UAV-1002305-001 17

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c) Use appropriate length mounting screws (Item 3) to attach skyBeacon to the wingtip fairing. Tighten screws to 8-10 in-lbs.

8) Apply power to the Position light and confirm position light operation
9) If equipped apply power to strobe light and confirm strobe light operation
10) Install placard as defined in AFM Supplement document UAV-1002111-001 Section 2.2.
11) Go to Section 6.7 for skyBeacon setup.

6.6.1 Fairing Configuration

The fairing required for each model aircraft is as follows:

Make	Model	P/N
Cessna	150L, 150M, 152, 185E, 180H, 182N	UAV-1002301-001
Cessna	172L, 172M, 172N, 172Q, 172R, 172RG, 182Q, 182R, 182S, 182T, T182T, R182, 180J, 180K, A185K, U206G, TU206F, TU206G, 177B, 177RG	UAV-1002302-001

6.7 skyBeacon System Configuration

Follow instructions provided in the "skyBeacon User and Installation Guide" UAV-1001421-001 Section 10 to configure the system and perform post-installation checks.

6.8 Flight Checks

If the owner desires to further confirm the skyBeacon was installed and configured properly, perform a flight within ADS-B airspace coverage and request a FAA flight test compliance report.

To perform an ADS-B Out flight check requires flying in airspace where ADS-B coverage exists. In some areas in the country, you may need to be

UAV-1002305-001 18

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at a higher altitude to ensure coverage. Use of a portable ADS-B In with an EFB (or equivalent) can provide the pilot an indication that the airplane is within ADS-B coverage.

If a dedicated flight is desired, perform a take-off, climb, simple maneuvers (standard rate turns around a point for example), descend and land. Do not perform any aerobatic maneuvers. Further guidance for flight test procedures can be found in AC 20-165B.

Upon completion of the flight, request an ADS-B Aircraft Operation Compliance Report (ACR) at the Public ADS-B Performance Report Request Internet site:

https://adsbperformance.faa.gov/PAPRRequest.aspx

7 Support

For additional questions or support please visit:

http://www.uavionix.com/support/