This document describes the VT-2000 Secondary Surveillance Radar Transponder Mode-S, a device designed for safe operation in aircraft. The manual provides detailed information on its functions, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description
The VT-2000 transponder is a critical piece of avionics equipment that transmits the aircraft's identity and altitude to air traffic control (ATC) radar systems. It operates in Mode-S, Mode-A, and Mode-C, ensuring compatibility with various ATC systems. The device features a clear display for operational status and settings, including Squawk code, flight mode (Standby, Ground, ON, ALT), and flight level.
Key functions include:
- Squawk Code Entry: Allows the pilot to enter a 4-digit transponder code (Squawk) assigned by ATC. This is done via a numeric keypad. The system provides immediate activation of the entered code and allows for correction of incorrect entries. A dedicated VFR button quickly sets a pre-configured VFR Squawk code.
- Standby Squawk Entry: Enables the pilot to pre-enter a Squawk code that can be quickly swapped with the active Squawk.
- Mode Selection: The pilot can select between Standby (SBY), Ground (GND), ON, and ALT modes.
- SBY (Standby): The transponder is powered on but deactivated, meaning it does not respond to ATC interrogations.
- GND (Ground): The transponder is active but only responds to Mode-A/C/S intermode All-Calls, not general interrogations. This mode is typically used when the aircraft is on the ground.
- ON: The transponder is active and responds to interrogations, but altitude information is suppressed (sent as null). This mode should only be used when requested by ATC.
- ALT (Altitude): The transponder is fully active, responding to interrogations and transmitting altitude information. This is the standard operating mode in Europe.
- IDENT Function: Activates the IDENT feature for 18 seconds upon ATC request, making the aircraft's return on radar more prominent.
- Stopwatch (Timer): A built-in stopwatch function allows for timing operations, with options to start, stop, and reset.
- Altitude Monitor (AltMonitor): This feature allows the pilot to set a reference altitude and receive visual and audible alerts if the aircraft deviates from this reference. It indicates deviations as "above" or "below" the reference, with corresponding arrow indicators suggesting climb or descent. The reference altitude can be adjusted in 100 ft increments.
- Countdown: A countdown timer function, adjustable in 30-second increments, with options to start and stop.
- Flight-ID / Aircraft Registration: Allows the entry of the aircraft's Flight ID or registration number, which is transmitted in Mode-S replies. This should only be changed when necessary, typically matching the callsign in the flight plan.
Important Technical Specifications
The document highlights several technical aspects crucial for the device's operation and integration:
- Firmware Version Display: The device displays the firmware version of its control panel (UI) and transponder main unit (XP), as well as the FPGA version, upon startup.
- Brightness Control: The LCD backlight intensity can be adjusted manually, automatically via an ambient light sensor, or controlled via the aircraft's dimming bus. Configuration for dimming bus and ambient light settings requires specialized avionics expertise.
- Installation Data: The "Installation" menu provides access to aircraft-specific data such as Mode-S address (24-Bit), Flight-ID/aircraft registration, altimeter source (AltSrc), and on-ground interface configuration (OTG). These values are not user-editable in normal operation and require consultation of the installation manual for changes.
- Max Speed: Displays the maximum speed of the aircraft.
- Category: Displays the aircraft category.
- A1090-In: Indicates if ADS-B In is installed on board.
- L/W Code: Provides information on aircraft dimensions.
- Password Protection: Advanced setup parameters are password-protected, with a "Key" parameter used for generating maintenance passwords.
Usage Features
The VT-2000 is designed for intuitive use with a clear display and a combination of softkeys and a numeric keypad.
- Menu Navigation: Menus are navigated using the numeric keypad, with specific keys for moving the cursor up/down and selecting/exiting menu items.
- Value Entry: Values in editable fields are changed by selecting the field, entering digits via the keypad, and confirming. Incorrect entries can be corrected using the CLR key.
- Error and Warning Indications: The system provides both visual and audible alerts for errors and warnings. Errors (e.g., "SQUIT" for squitter failure, "VSUP" for low voltage) are critical malfunctions that put the device into standby mode and require professional service. Warnings (e.g., "VSUP" for low voltage, "PRSS" for pressure sensor issues) indicate conditions that may lead to malfunction and require user intervention to prevent further issues. Warnings are displayed in yellow, while errors are red.
- Weight-on-Wheels Integration: If the aircraft is equipped with a weight-on-wheels switch and the transponder is configured accordingly, manual switching to ON or ALT modes is prevented when the aircraft is on the ground.
Maintenance Features
The manual emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and provides guidance on handling errors and warnings:
- Error Handling: If a severe error is detected, the transponder automatically switches to standby mode, stops responding to interrogations, and emits an audible warning. This warning can be acknowledged with the CLR key. If the error persists after switching modes (SBY to ON or ALT), it indicates a persistent fault requiring a licensed technician (LTB) or supplier intervention.
- Warning Handling: Warnings indicate operational conditions that may lead to a malfunction. The system continues to operate, possibly with limitations. Warnings are displayed in yellow and accompanied by an audible alert, which can be cleared with the CLR key. If the condition causing the warning resolves, the warning automatically clears.
- Error/Warning Codes: A table lists various error and warning codes (e.g., SQUIT, VSUP, ANT, PRSS, COMM, TXPL, FPGA, V36) with their descriptions and possible causes, such as sender output stage defects, low battery, antenna faults, CAN-Bus communication errors, or internal logic failures. Errors marked with an asterisk (*) may indicate installation problems.
- Responsibility: The aircraft owner/operator is responsible for complying with legal requirements related to the transponder's operation.
- Power Management: To prevent damage from voltage spikes, the transponder must always be switched off when starting or shutting down the aircraft engine. Damage caused by voltage spikes is not covered by warranty.
This comprehensive overview ensures that users can effectively operate, monitor, and maintain the VT-2000 transponder, contributing to flight safety and compliance with air traffic regulations.
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