T2000 User Manual V27
T2000 User Manual V27
T2000 User Manual V27
Airport Drive
Bundaberg
Queensland 4670
Australia
Tel: +61 7 41 553048
Fax: +61 7 41 553049
e-mail: [email protected]
Microair Avionic T2000 Transponder User Manual
Microair reserves the right to amend this manual as required, to reflect any
enhancements or upgrades to the T2000 Transponder series.
Statement:
The T2000SFL owner accepts all responsibility for obtaining the proper licensing before using the transponder. The coverage you can
expect from the T2000SFL is limited to “line of sight”. Low altitude or aircraft antenna shielding by the aircraft itself may result in a
reduced range. Range can be improved by climbing to a higher altitude. It may be possible to minimize antenna shielding by locating the
antenna where dead spots are only noticed during abnormal flight attitudes.
The T2000SFL should be turned off before starting or shutting down aircraft engine(s).
MICROAIR DOCUMENTS
Microair T2000 Users Manual T2000-DOC-001
Microair T2000 Installation Manual T2000-DOC-002
Microair T2000 Flight Manual Supplement T2000-DOC-003
Microair T2000 Service Manual T2000-DOC-004
Microair T2000 User Manual Supplement (use with user manual 2.5) T2000-DOC-005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 4
T2000 CONTROLS ................................................................................................................................... 6
TURNING ON ........................................................................................................................................... 6
BACKLIGHTING ..................................................................................................................................... 6
TURNING OFF ......................................................................................................................................... 6
TRANSPONDER OPERATION.............................................................................................................. 7
DISPLAY LAYOUT ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
DISPLAY FUNCTION..................................................................................................... 8
CONTROL FUNCTIONS................................................................................................ 9
SELECTMODE KNOB ............................................................................................................................ 9
CODE SELECT KNOB .......................................................................................................................... 10
ON KEY ................................................................................................................................................... 10
MODE KEY............................................................................................................................................. 11
QNH OR BARO (BAROMETRIC PRESSURE).......................................................................................................... 12
ASSIGNED (ALTITUDE) ........................................................................................................................................... 13
BUFFER ALT.............................................................................................................................................................. 13
ALTITUDE (UNITS) ................................................................................................................................................... 15
VOLTAGE ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
ALERT TONE.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
ENTER KEY............................................................................................................................................ 18
TOGGLE KEY ........................................................................................................................................ 18
VFR – HOT KEY .................................................................................................................................... 19
ID KEY..................................................................................................................................................... 19
INTRODUCTION
The Microair T2000 Transponder is designed to operate in the environment of a Radar Beacon System. This
system interrogates the transponder, which in turn replies with an identity code and altitude information. The
radar system consists of a network of ground stations, which sweep the horizon like a conventional radar. When
the transponder in the aircraft detects the radar sweep (is illuminated), the transponder replies with a burst
transmission giving its identity code and altitude.
The system presents the replies from all transponders in range of the ground stations on a single display screen.
This allows ATC to easily locate, identify, and see the altitude of all traffic in their airspace.
A transponder’s reply is termed a squawk. Hence the current code being used by the transponder is termed the
squawk code. At times of high airspace activity, ATC may wish to uniquely identify an individual aircraft with a
request to squawk ident. The pilot uses the ident control on the transponder to make the transponder’s squawk on
the ATC display flash for a short period. The ident control should not be used unless ATC request it.
ATC will issue a code to an aircraft requesting entry into its controlled airspace. This code is normally unique
for each aircraft, each time that aircraft passes through the airspace. The code is 4 digits long, and each digit can
range from 0-7.
There are several special codes, which are used to identify General Aviation aircraft, and some special situations
which aircraft could encounter. Misuse of these codes may result in legal charges against the user.
IMPORTANT NOTE
ALWAYS check the standby code, BEFORE transferring it to the ACTIVE
position.
Code 2100 is a test code that can be used by qualified personal to test the transponder to ATC.
The user should check the Civil Aviation Rules/Regulations to determine the VFR General Aviation transponder
code for their country.
T2000 CONTROLS
All of the T2000’s functions and features can be accessed
from the controls on the front face.
CONTROL DESCRIPTION
1 ON Key
2 MODE Key
3 ENTER Key
4 IDENT Key
5 TOGGLE Key
6 CODE SELECT Knob
7 SELECTMODE Knob
8 VFR Key
TURNING ON
The T2000 is turned on by pressing the ON key. The T2000 will go
through a start up routine displaying self test messages, and ending
with the operational display. The backlighting is also tested during
start up.
ON KEY
BACKLIGHTING
The T2000SFL has an LCD display which is backlit. The backlighting has a low and a high brightness level to
enhance the display in low light conditions, and darkness.
TURNING OFF
The T2000 is turned off by holding down the ON Key. The word
SHUTDOWN is displayed and the T2000 counts down from 3-0,
then turns off. If the ON Key is lifted before the count is finished, the
T2000 returns to the operational screen.
ON KEY
TRANSPONDER OPERATION
The transponder can be operated in the following modes:
If requested by ATC the user can squawk ident (ID key). The transponder will add an extra piece of data to the
transmission, to make the code and altitude information flash on the ATC radar display.
When operating in ALT mode, altitude data is received from a separate altitude encoder. This data is passed
back to the transponder to be included in the response transmission to ATC. The Microair T2000 is compatible
with any industry standard altitude encoder, with parallel output.
The display can present the active and standby codes. The standby code can be changed at any time, and then
toggled to become the active code. The T2000 can replace the standby code with the encoder altitude, or supply
voltage.
In addition to the required TSO functions, the Microair T2000 offers a number of other useful features, which
can be displayed by the operator either as a pop-up message, audio beep, or a display option.
DISPLAY LAYOUT
The Microair T2000 SFL is a 57mm diameter face version to fit the standard 2 ¼ inch instrument hole. The
mounting is by 4 x M4 machine screws, located through the panel and screwed into threaded holes in each
corner of the transponder’s front face.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Use only the factory supplied screws or M4 x 12mm machine screws. Do
NOT oversize the holes, or use over-length screws. These actions may
damage internal components of the transponder.
DISPLAY FUNCTION
The SFL is a dual line display of 8 characters each, with the active code on the top line, and the standby code on
the bottom. The display is LCD, with preset backlighting.
Standby Code
Never Transmitted
Displayed Altitude
Altitude generated by
FL Flight Level Encoder, and may be
Altitude units are in Flight Levels adjusted for barometric
pressure (QNH/Baro)
When the altitude is displayed, the standby code is saved into memory. To display the standby code again, press
the toggle key once to make it appear on the bottom line. Press the toggle key again to exchange the active and
standby codes. After 10 seconds of inactivity, the lower line will revert to displaying the altitude.
Pressure Altitude (PA) is the Encoder altitude. The encoder’s barometric adjustment is preset to 1013 millibars
(29.92HG). If the Encoder is not powered or not fitted, the message NO ALT will appear on the display.
It is possible to input the QNH / Baro (barometric pressure) given by ATC, into the T2000 to adjust the
displayed pressure altitude. This feature will allow the user to adjust the displayed altitude to read the same as
the aircraft’s altimeter.
IMPORTANT NOTE
When passing upwards through the transition level/layer, the altimeter
and transponder should both be set to 1013mb (29.92HG). When passing
down through the transition level/layer, the altimeter and transponder are
reset to the QNH/ Baro (barometric pressure) given by ATC.
The T2000 will transmit the encoder altitude (pressure altitude) only, in accordance with normal mode C
operation. The adjusted QNH / Baro altitude is never transmitted.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
This section describes the transponder control keys and their functions. Many of the control keys have more
than one function, and some keys access multi-option menus, which can be scrolled.
SELECTMODE KNOB
The SELECTMODE knob allows the user to switch the transponder
between the 4 operating modes.
Selectmode Knob
STANDBY In standby the transponder is powered up, but will not transmit.
On the active display line the letter S appears on the left hand side.
ON Will reply to Mode A and C interrogations, but with no mode C encoder information. Mode C blind
encoder is normally powered up in this mode, but can be powered down if encoder power option is set
OFF (refer E/C POW in Initialisation and Setup section).
On the active display line the letter A appears on the left hand side.
ALT Will reply to Mode A and C interrogations, with the mode C encoder information. In the absence of a
valid encoder input, only the C framing pulse will be sent.
On the active display line the letter C appears on the left hand side.
ALT DISPLAY The standby code is replaced with the encoder altitude. If the pressure has been set via the QNH /
Baro option of MODE MENU, the displayed altitude will be adjusted for barometric air pressure.
Altitude will be displayed in units set in ALTITUDE option of MODE MENU.
The DISPLAY ALT only displays altitude if a valid encoder input is being received. When
climbing above the transition level/layer, the user must reset the transponder at the same time as the
aircraft’s altimeter to 1013mb or 29.92HG.
On the active display line the letter C appears on the left hand side.
Code Select
ON KEY
Refer to TURNING ON section for basic operation.
The ON key tuns on the T2000 and adjusts the back lighting.
To turn off the T2000, the ON key is held down. The display counts
down from 3 to 0 then turns off.
On Key
MODE KEY
The MODE key can be used to access two separate menus:
Mode Key
• If the transponder is turned on, by holding down the MODE key, and pressing the ON key, the T2000 will
start in PROGRAM MODE. The MODE key must be held down, until the start-up self-test messages have
been displayed.
• If the transponder is ON and in normal operation, press the MODE key to access the MODE MENU. The
first item of the MODE MENU is displayed. Step through the MODE MENU by pressing the MODE key.
After the last menu item the T2000 returns to the operational display currently in use.
The MODE MENU is designed to allow the operator fast easy access to functions and parameters, which may
need to be adjusted in flight.
The QNH / Baro can be entered here to allow the T2000 to compensate the displayed altitude for surface
pressure, and hence read the same as the aircraft’s altimeter. The default QNH is 1013mb or Baro is 29.92HG.
If the QNH / Baro is set to 1013mb or 29.92HG, the altitude displayed will default to the unadjusted pressure
altitude direct from the encoder. If the QNH / Baro is set to a discrete value (normally provided by ATC), the
encoder pressure altitude displayed will be adjusted for that QNH / Baro value.
The barometric units are set in the BARO option of the PROGRAM MODE. When MB is selected the QNH
screen is displayed, and when HG is selected the Baro screen is displayed.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The T2000 will only transmit the encoder pressure altitude. The
adjusted QNH / Baro altitude is NEVER transmitted, even when it is
selected for display.
ASSIGNED (altitude)
The user can input an assigned altitude given by ATC. When used with the altitude buffer value, an audio alert
and display indicator advises when the aircraft has climbed or descended, from the assigned altitude.
When the Altitude option of the mode menu is set to Feet, the
Assigned altitude is adjusted in feet.
When the Altitude option of the mode menu is set to Flight Level,
the Assigned altitude is adjusted in feet.
When the Altitude option of the mode menu is set to Metres, the
Assigned altitude is adjusted in Metres.
Press the CODE SELECT knob to increase the height value in units
of 500FT / 100M / FL50.
Press the ENTER key to return the ASSIGNED ALTITUDE to the default value of 0, or
Press the Toggle key to save the height value, and return to the operational display.
If Assigned is set to 0, the altitude alert function is disabled. The assigned altitude function is only active when
the SELECTMODE knob is set to DISP ALT.
BUFFER ALT
The user can input a buffer altitude, above and below the assigned altitude, to define a height band in which to
fly. When the aircraft exceeds the upper or lower limit, an indicator alert message will be displayed. The alert
message advises the pilot of how far, above or below the assigned altitude the aircraft is. If the Alert Tone
function is ON, an audio tone is heard as well.
If the ALTITUDE option in the PROGRAM MODE is set to FEET or FL, the Buffer Alt increments are in
feet. If ALTITUDE is set to METRES, the Buffer Alt increments are in metres.
ALTITUDE BUFFER
ALTITUDE BUFFER
If the aircraft climbs or descends outside the altitude buffer limits, a Hi / Lo warning is displayed on the lower
line.
T2000 advises the pilot that the aircraft is 500 feet above
the Assigned altitude. If the Alert Tone function is set on,
an audio warning tone is heard.
T2000 advises the pilot that the aircraft is 500 feet below
the Assigned altitude. If the Alert Tone function is set on,
an audio warning tone is heard.
ALTITUDE (units)
The altitude data can be displayed as feet, flight level, or metres. Once the Altitude units are set, all altitude data
is displayed in these units.
The only exception is when the Altitude is set to FL, the Buffer Alt is still displayed and set in FEET.
IMPORTANT NOTE
When operating in upper airspace it may be necessary to measure altitude
in units of FLIGHT LEVEL instead of FEET. The T2000 allows the pilot
to change altitude units (and change back), at any time during operation,
via the ALTITUDE item of the MODE menu.
VOLTAGE
The VOLTAGE function will display the aircraft’s supply voltage, and by rotating the CODE SELECT knob,
display the over/under voltage alert levels, and the receive voltage. Receive volts are used for diagnostic
function only and have no relevance to normal operation.
Press MODE key (5 times) To select Voltage option. Input voltage is displayed on lower line
Rotate CODE SELECT knob A/C VOLT is displayed. Set to either 14 or 28 in PROGRAM MODE.
Rotate CODE SELECT knob Over voltage set point high is displayed ( eg O/V 16.00 )
Rotate CODE SELECT knob Under voltage set point low is displayed ( eg U/V 10.00 )
Rotate CODE SELECT knob Rx Level is displayed ( eg 120 ). Received signal strength.
Rotate CODE SELECT knob Display returns to the input voltage
Press toggle key Display returns to current operational display
When the transponder is operating in normal display operation mode, the over and under input voltage alert
message is displayed on the lower line.
Aircraft Voltage
This parameter is set in PROGRAM MODE, as the nominal
aircraft voltage. The T2000 can accept input voltages from 10-33
volts, but the voltage monitoring has to be told what the nominal
supply voltage is.
Receive Strength
This is a measure of the received signal strength from ATC.
ALERT TONE
The Alert Tone function is used by the T2000’s altitude alert function. When set ON, the Alert can be heard
from either the cabin speaker, or through the headphones, when amplified through an audio panel. The beep
tone is produced at a very low level, and cannot be heard directly with headphones or speaker.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Pressing the MODE key again returns the display to the operational screen.
The user can press the toggle key at any point in the MODE menu to return to
the operational screen.
ENTER KEY
The ENTER key is a confirmation key used to confirm information the user has inputted. After pressing the
ENTER key, the display will typically give the message SAVED, for a short period.
Enter Key
TOGGLE KEY
This key acts as a toggle switch, exchanging the active and standby codes.
Toggle Key
When the transponder is operating in DISPLAY ALT the bottom line displays the
encoder altitude instead of the standby code. The standby code is stored in memory.
To toggle the active and standby codes in this mode, push the toggle key once to
display the standby code on the bottom line. The standby code is displayed for 10
seconds. Push the toggle key again to exchange the active and standby codes. Once
the codes have been exchanged, the display will revert back after 10 seconds, to
displaying the altitude on the bottom line.
The toggle key is also used to return to the operational screen from the MODE and PROGRAM MODE
menus.
To transfer the VFR code to the active position, press the toggle key. If no code is
entered, after 10 seconds idle the standby position will revert back to the original
VFR code.
ID KEY
The ID key ( Ident ) when pressed, adds additional code information
to the transmission for ATC. The code will flash on the ATC display
as a means of uniquely identifying the aircraft’s code from any other.
The T2000 has the option of a remote ID switch (pin 16).
1200
5400
The T2000 has many other features, which can be programmed. Microair recommend, that the full setup
procedure be carried out prior to first flight. This section provides detailed procedures on the various parameters
and functions that can be setup from the front panel.
The following procedures provide step by step instructions to program the transponder options.
PROGRAM MODE
To start the T2000 in PROGRAM MODE, hold down the MODE
key, and then press the ON key. Keep the MODE key held down until
the start up self test messsages have been displayed.
VOLT MON
The T2000 can monitor aircraft voltage, and alert the pilot to the
aircraft electrical system over or under voltage conditions. This is the
aircraft supply voltage not just the transponder voltage, and is very
useful for troubleshooting aircraft electrical problems.
A/C VOLT
The T2000’s voltage monitoring system must be told what the
nominal input voltage is. Most aircraft have either 14V or 28V
electrical systems.
If you are operating from a 12V battery, select the 14V option.
O/V SET
This menu item sets the OVER voltage alert level, for the voltage
monitoring system. The maximum input voltage for the T2000 is 33V,
but we suggest that the alert level be set much lower, perhaps 2 volts
over the nominal supply volatge: eg O/V = 16V for 14V aircraft.
U/V SET
This menu item sets the UNDER voltage alert level, for the voltage
monitoring system. The minimum input voltage for the T2000 is 10V,
but we suggest that the alert level be set higher, perhaps 3 volts below
the nominal supply voltage: eg U/V = 11V for 14V aircraft.
E/C POW
This item controls the output volts for an external encoder if required.
The power supplied for the encoder can be turned OFF when the
transponder SELECTMODE knob is in the ON position (mode A).
Power is only supplied when operating in the ALT position (mode C).
This function is provided to save power when operating solely from a
battery supply.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Some encoders can take up to 10 minutes to warm up. NO ALT is displayed
until altitude data is received from the encoder.
Shorting the encoder power supply pins at the rear of the T2000, will result
in internal damage and void the warranty (refer to Installation Manual)
VFR CODE
This item sets the default VFR code which can be hot key accessed
from the V (VFR) key. For most countries the default general aviation
code is 1200. We recommend that this code be used.
BARO
This item sets the barometric pressure units used by the T2000. The
user can select from MB = millibars, or HG = inches Mercury. We
recommen that the user selects the same unit as those used in the sub-
scale of the aircraft’s altimeter.
REM STBY
For aircraft using the remote standby line (pin 15), the operation of the
switch can be changed by the T2000 software. The remote switch
holds the T2000 in standby (S) regardless of what position the
SELECTMODE knob is in.
If the remote switch releases the T2000 from standby by closing, the operation is NORM (normal).
If the remote switch releases the T2000 from standby by opening, the operation is REV (reverse).
IMPORTANT NOTE
If a remote switch is fitted, and it becomes faulty, the operation of the
switch can be changed with this feature. If the T2000 will not change from
standby, go to PROGRAM MODE and change the Rem Stdby. This may
release the T2000.
IMPORTANT NOTE
For security, once you enter and confirm your NAME/REG it cannot be
changed without the transponder being returned to an authorised service
facility. If a NAME/REG has previously been entered, this PROGRAM
MODE item will not be displayed again.
Press the toggle key at any time to return to the operational display mode.
EXIT PROGRAM
This is the end of the PROGRAM MODE menu. The user can exit
by pressing the ENTER key. The T2000 will restart in the operational
mode.
The user can exit the PROGRAM MODE menu at any time, from
any menu item, by pressing the toggle key.
To re-enter the PROGRAM MODE menu the T2000 must be turned off, and re-started using the ON and
MODE keys (refer PROGRAM MODE section).
Q. When I am asked to Sqwawk Ident ( ID ) the I indicator stays on for a long time. Why ???
A The I or ident character, is used to denote that the transponder reply now includes the ident information,
to make the return flash on the ATC display. The ident will stay on for 20 seconds before returning to
normal operation.
Q When asked to go to mode C from mode A, the altitude does not appear on the ground station for some
time, usually after 8 minutes, is this normal?
A Yes, if the encoder has the option for mode C only power on (see setup), then when in mode A it will
have no power applied to it, in mode C the power is applied for the first time. Some encoders have a
warm up period of up to 10 minutes, and the encoder information will be missing for this period. One
way to overcome this is to have the encoder power on selected to ALL (in the options, setup) . This
means that as soon as the unit is turned on, the encoder will be running. For power conservation (Gliders
etc) we recommend power on mode C only.
Q I have mode C selected and when I taxi around an S appears instead of C, even though the
SELECTMODE knob is not set to standby!
A. The unit has probably had the external standby switch wired to an air-switch. When the aircraft lands,
and slows down, the airflow over the switch is unable to hold back the spring operation of the air-switch.
The T2000 will switch from the operating mode from the SELECTMODE knob, to standby and the S
appears on the display. When the aircraft takes off again, the airflow increases, and operates the external
standby switch, and the T2000 reverts back to the SELECTMODE setting.
The external standby can be wired as a stick mounted switch. Be aware of this switch when flying, as the
T2000 will operate outside standby, until the switch is operated.
Check the Rem Stby function in the PROGRAM MODE menu to ensure the switch is operating the
correct way.
Q I have noticed that sometimes when I switch on the Avionics Master switch, the T2000 turns on by itself,
without pressing the ON key. Why?
A The T2000’s ON key is software controlled. The T2000 will remember if it was on or off. When the
power is turned on again, the T2000 will revert to its last operational condition, and turn on.
In normal operation we advise using the on/off button on the T2000 to turn the unit off before switching
off the master. This will give the T2000 protection against possible voltage surges when the master is
turn on again. In some installations however, the use of an avionics master tends to make this process
obsolete for some – we still recommend turning it off and on via the T2000 on/off button!
Q Whilst flying outside normal radar coverage I have noticed that the reply symbol still flashes from time
to time – what causes this?
A Other aircraft fitted with TCAS systems can still interrogate non TCAS equipped aircraft like yours.
This then lets them know where you are, and is displayed on their TCAS screens. The TCAS aircraft
could be 100 or more miles away and at altitudes +30,000ft!
Q I have tried to power up my T2000 on the bench from a dc power supply, but it won’t start up properly.
What is going on ?
A The T2000 has a number of large capacitors fitted, and at the moment of turn on they will try to charge
up. When this happens, an “in rush” of current occurs. If the power supply cannot cope with this “in
rush” the supply voltage will dip to the point where the T2000 will detect a power failure, and reboot.
The answer is to connect a battery across the power supply to cushion the “in rush” and allow the T2000
to get past this point.
Prolonged operation with the T2000 in reboot may result in a NO COMM error on the display. If this
message appears, the communications between the microprocessor has been disturbed, and will require
factory service.
This concludes our FAQ’s , you can log on to www.microair.com.au for other FAQ and technical data.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Microair Avionics Pty Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Microair Avionics will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace any
components, which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will
be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labour. The customer
shall be responsible for any transportation costs for return of this product
to Microair Pty Ltd.
This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, unauthorized alteration, or repairs carried
out by parties other than Microair or an approved Microair service centre. This warranty does not cover failures
where the product has not been installed or operated, in accordance with the provisions of the User and
Installation manual(s).
It shall be at Microair Pty Ltd’s sole discretion to decide if a defect is a result of material or workmanship
failure.
To obtain warranty service, CALL the Microair Avionics Support line in Australia:
Phone: ++ 61 7 41 553048
Fax: ++ 61 7 41 553049
Email: [email protected]
Contact Microair Avionics for instruction on the return of product for service or repair. Please ensure that you
are able to supply the date of purchase, product type reference, serial number, method of return and date of
return. All product returning to Microair Avionics should be marked clearly:
Microair may at it discretion, refer product returns for repair or service, to a service facility closest to you.
Microair Avionics Pty Ltd reserves the right to repair or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the
purchase price at it’s sole discretion.
SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH
OF WARRANTY.