uAvionix AV-20-E Display TailBeaconX Interface
Product Information
Specifications
- Product Name: AV-20-E
- Software Version: 1.7.1
- Manufacturer: uAvionix Corporation
- Weight: Not specified
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows 7 or later
Product Usage Instructions
Applicability
This Service Bulletin applies to the uAvionix AV-20-E UAV-1003626-001, with operating software releases 1.6.5 or earlier.
Verification Process:
- Navigate to the SETUP page.
- Press both left and right buttons simultaneously.
- Highlight SYSTEM INFO with the up or down buttons on the left.
- Enter the SYSTEM INFO screen by pressing the ‘SEL’ button on the right.
- If the SW VERSION displayed is 1.6.5 or earlier, proceed with this Service Bulletin.
Description
This Service Bulletin provides instructions for loading uAvionix AV-20-E UAV-1003626-001 with updated software release 1.7.1.
Time Required
For field software update, up to 90 minutes is required to perform this update procedure.
Required Items
- Windows PC running Windows 7 or later
- Available serial port or appropriate USB to RS-232 converter
- Female DB-9 with solder or crimp terminals + 7 female pins
- Male DB-9 with solder or crimp terminals + 2 male pins
- 22-24 AWG wire
- uAvionix AV Update Tool for Windows (UAV-1005199-001)
- AV-20-E Software as shown in Table 4 Software Update Files
Software Update Files
Download the software update file below:
- Filename: UAV-1004134-002-av20e-1_7_155c62c2.bin
- Version: 1.7.1
- SW Part Number: UAV-1004134-003
- SHA1 Hash: 72c4bc083482008dd67617884a9a1955ca146d9d
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is the software update compatible with all operating systems?
- A: The software update is compatible with Windows 7 or later operating systems.
- Q: How long does it take to perform the software update?
- A: Up to 90 minutes are required for the field software update procedure.
- Q: What items are required for the AV-20-E software update?
- A: The required items include a Windows PC, serial port or USB to RS-232 converter, DB-9 connectors, wire, AV Update Tool, and the software update file.
Product Information
2021-2024 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.
- uAvionix Corporation
- Bigfork, MT
- www.uavionix.com
- support@uavionix.com
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. AV-20, AV-20-E, AV-20-S BeaconX, tailBeaconX, and skyBeaconX are trademarks of uAvionix Corporation and may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.
Patent uavionix.com/patents
Revision History
| Revision | Date | Comments |
| A | 6/28/2024 | Initial release |
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.
Planning Information
Applicability
This Service Bulletin applies to the uAvionix AV-20-E UAV-1003626-001, with operating software releases 1.6.5 or earlier. Use Table 1 to determine applicability of the software update.
| Hardware P/N Marking Applicability | |
| UAV-1003626-001 | Verify by procedure |
Parts identified above as “Verify by procedure” may have software released
or earlier installed. To determine what version of the software is installed:
- Navigate to the SETUP page.
- Press both left and right buttons simultaneously.
- Highlight SYSTEM INFO with the up or down buttons on the left.
- Enter the SYSTEM INFO screen by pressing the ‘SEL’ button on the right.
- If the SW VERSION displayed is 1.6.5 or earlier proceed with this Service Bulletin.
Description
This Service Bulletin provides instructions for loading uAvionix AV-20-E UAV-1003626-001 with updated software release 1.7.1.
Time Required
For field software update, up to 90 minutes is required to perform this update procedure.
Weight and Balance
- No change.
Electrical Load Data
- No change.
Applicable Publications
The following documents are applicable to the software release 1.7.1
| Title | Part Number | Revision |
| AV-20-E Installation Manual | UAV-1004048-001 | A |
| AV-20-E Pilot’s Guide | UAV-1004049-001 | A |
Required Items
AV-20-E updates are performed using a Windows PC with a serial port and appropriate cable. The following items are required
| Quantity | Description |
| 1 | Windows PC running Windows 7 or later |
| 1 | Available serial port or appropriate USB to RS-232 converter Examples: FTDI, Parallax 28030, Sabrent CB-8P6F or similar |
| 2 | Female DB-9 with solder or crimp terminals + 7 female pins |
| 1 | Male DB-9 with solder or crimp terminals + 2 male pins |
| 4’ | 22-24 AWG wire |
| 1 | uAvionix AV Update Tool for Windows (UAV-1005199-001) |
| 1 | AV-20-E Software as shown in Table 4 Software Update Files. |
Download the software update file below.
| Filename | Version | SW Part Number | SHA1 Hash |
| UAV-1004134-002-av20e-1_7_1-
55c62c2.bin |
1.7.1 | UAV-1004134-003 | 72c4bc083482008dd67
617884a9a1955ca146d 9d |
uAvionix software update files are available for download from the uAvionix
Support website at no charge, at:
Click on the link in the section AV-20-E v1.7.1 Firmware and save it to your Windows PC or laptop. The uAvionix AV Update Tool is available on the website linked above in the section AV Update Tool. Download it to your PC. Ensure the software and any necessary update tools have been downloaded prior to visiting the aircraft. An internet connection is required to download the software and application. An internet connection is not required to perform the update.
Update Notes
AV-20-E configuration settings will be preserved during the update procedure when possible. However, please take note of all settings before performing the update, and verify settings are correct after the update has been applied. Additional configuration settings have been added. See the installation manual for details for each setting. If pitot and static lines were not previously connected, ensure appropriate approval and connect the lines now to ensure full performance and functionality. Ensure you are running a previous version of AV-20-E software. Specifically, your AV-20-E should currently be running 1.6.5 or earlier.
Update Procedure
Serial Update Preparation
- If the AV-20-E is connected to a tailBeaconX, it must be disconnected to update software. The update uses the same serial port pins as the tailBeaconX. You must also disable tailBeaconX in software as described in § 8.2.
- If a tailBeaconX is installed, skip to step 4. If tailBeaconX is not installed, add wires to pins 3 and 4 to the AV-20-E harness. Add an additional ground wire to either the existing ground on the AV-20-E harness (pin 9) or attach the ground wire directly to aircraft ground.
- Connect the other end of these new wires to a female DB-9 connector. Upon completion of wiring, connect the new assembly to an available serial port or USB serial adapter.
- If a tailBeaconX is installed, we recommend building a new “Go Between” wiring harness just for updating software rather than modifying the existing harness. An example is shown in Figure 1. The wiring schematic is shown in Figure 2.
- Connect the serial+USB cable to your PC and the harness, connect the harness to the AV-20 and apply power.
All connections are provided on the single 9-Pin D-sub connector and the two pneumatic fittings
| Pin | Function | Type | Comment |
| 1 | OAT Supply | Output | OAT Sensor Supply Line |
| 2 | Serial Input | Input | Reserved |
| 3 | AV-XPORT Input | Input | RS-232 Software Update |
| 4 | AV-XPORT Output | Output | RS-232 Software Update |
| 5 | Power | Power | +12 to +28 VDC |
| 6 | OAT Sensor | Input | OAT Sensor Input |
| 7 | Audio H | Output | Altitude Alerts / Other |
| 8 | Audio L | Output | To Audio Panel Ground |
| 9 | Ground | Power | To Aircraft Ground |
Table 5 – AV-20-E DB-9 Male Connector Pinou
| Pin | Function |
| 1 | |
| 2 | Serial Output |
| 3 | Serial Input |
| 4 | |
| 5 | Ground |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 |
Table 6 – Standard DB-9 Female Pinout for reference
Serial Update Procedure
- Connect the AV-20-E to the Windows PC through the DB-9 connection previously installed in Section 8.1.
- Apply power to the AV-20-E.
- Go to the SETUP page and scroll down to PAGE ENABLE.
- If the XPDR CTRL page is enabled, disable it and power cycle the AV- 20-E. This step is required for the AV Updater application to detect the AV-20-E.
- Launch the previously downloaded AV Updater application.
- On the AV Updater tool, select the appropriate COM Port from the dropdown menu and click “Connect”.
- Proper connection has been made when the message “Unit Detected” has appeared on the bottom left corner of the AV Updater Tool. The screen on the AV-20-E will go black for the remainder of this procedure. If “Unit Detected” does not appear, re-check your wired connections or contact uAvionix Support for additional guidance.
- Once proper connection has been made, select the software file toupload to the AV-20-E by clicking “Open File” and selecting the previously downloaded software file as identified in Table 4. Note that you need to select “AV-20 Update Files” in the lower right corner
A confirmation dialog will appear with the filename and a calculated SHA1 hash. To confirm integrity of the file, compare the displayed SHA1 hash tothat in Table 4. Note that the hash is not case sensitive.
When confirmed, press OK and the main dialog will re-appear.
Press “Write Firmware” to begin the upload.
DO NOT POWER OFF THE AV-20-E OR CLOSE THE UPDATER TOOL UNTIL THE UPDATE IS COMPLETE.
- When the AV Update Tool displays “100%” and the lower status reads “Update Complete” the process is complete.
- The unit will automatically restart. Upon restart of the unit, verify the startup screen indicates the updated software version.
THE SCREEN OF THE AV-20-E WILL GO BLACK WHILE THE DEVICE REBOOTS, THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL AND THE STARTUP SCREEN WILL APPEAR AFTER REBOOTING. - If the unit was removed to perform the update it can now be reinstalled as per the installation manual.
- Any new wiring added for the update process should be properly secured.
- If the XPDR CTRL page was disabled in step 4, re-enable it now and power cycle the AV-20-E.
- Following the completion of update, follow Section 10 to perform required post-installation procedures.
Troubleshooting
The following steps are to aid in identifying update issues
| Issue Possible Reason and Remedy | |
| Update Tool | |
|
Update Tool does not connect. |
Disable Transponder
– On SETUP screen, under PAGE ENABLE, turn off the XPDR page (red X). Re-enable it after the update. |
| Check wiring.
– AV-20-E must be powered separately from serial cable. Serial end of cable does not provide power. – Check pinouts. – Check signal ground wire. |
|
| Check COM port.
– Does a new COM port get created when the cable is plugged into the USB port? Try another port or check for a Windows device driver problem. Follow cable manufacturer instructions. – Are you using the COM port associated with the USB cable? – Are you using the recommended USB cable? – Is another application using this COM port? |
|
|
Unit has black screen after update |
Update was interrupted before it could complete
– Boot into bootloader mode as follows: – Press and hold bottom left and right buttons while powering up. – Hold for 10 seconds before releasing – Retry the update with the updater tool – Make sure power stays on during the update |
| Device settings may need to be reset
– Hold upper and lower left buttons while powering up. – Release buttons after splash screen has cleared |
|
| Contact Product Support | |
| Calibration Operations | |
| Pitot Zero will not run | Device detects airborne condition based on vibration
– Isolate the device from strong vibration sources like air data test sets, machinery, etc. |
| Airspeed trim will not run | Device detects airborne condition based on vibration
– Isolate the device from strong vibration sources like air data test sets, machinery, etc. |
| Hard Calibration will not run | Device detects airborne condition based on airspeed
– Run Pitot-Zero operation first, then retry hard Calibration – Calibrate airspeed trim, then retry |
| Altitude trim will not run | Device detects airborne condition based on airspeed
– Run Pitot-Zero operation first, then retry altitude trim – Calibrate airspeed trim, then retry |
| Post-Update Operation | |
| Transponder page missing | On SETUP screen, under PAGE ENABLE, turn on the XPDR page (green checkmark). |
| VFR Squawk Code unexpected | Using the skyBeacon phone/tablet application, check that the tailBeaconX has a default squawk code that is the desired VFR squawk code. |
Post-Accomplishment Verification and Actions
Verify Update Versions
On restart, verify that the startup screen displays the correct version number. Access the SETUP page to complete post-accomplishment verification steps.
- Navigate to the SETUP page.
- Press both left and right buttons simultaneously.
- Highlight SYSTEM INFO with the up or down buttons on the left.
- Enter the SYSTEM INFO screen by pressing the ‘SEL’ button on the right.
- If the SW VERSION displayed is 1.7.1, the update is verified.
If the new software version is not 1.7.1, contact uAvionix Support.
System Checkout
Review the settings in the aircraft log book and verify that the AV-20-E settings are intact. Review the “AV-20-E Installation Manual” UAV- 1004048-001 Rev A §9 Instructions for Continued Maintenance & Operation prior to returning to service. Version 1.7.1 and greater uses pitot-static data to assist the attitude algorithm. Performing the Air Data – Pitot Zero procedure found in the Installation Manual is particularly important. It is strongly recommended to execute a Hard Cal calibration procedure and to calibrate airspeed and altitude with an air data test set in addition to the Pitot-Zero.
Support
For additional questions or support please visit:
Maintenance Record
When post-accomplishment verification and system checkout is completed, make appropriate entries in the Aircraft Maintenance Log Book.
Maintenance Record
Service Bulletin UAV-1007941-001 Rev A to install software v1.7.1 for AV- 20-E UAV-1003626-(___), has been complied with.
A copy of this form may be submitted by visiting:
Documents / Resources
 |
uAvionix AV-20-E Display TailBeaconX Interface [pdf] Instruction Manual AV-20-E, AV-20-E Display TailBeaconX Interface, AV-20-E, Display TailBeaconX Interface, TailBeaconX Interface, Interface |
