Be advised that uAvionix has come out with a service bulletin,
mandating an update for the software in their SkyBeacon & TailBeacon ADS-B units.


https://uavionix.com/tailbeacon-softwar ... s-b-1-5-1/

Doesn't it apply only to the tailbeacon?

JP256 wrote:Doesn't it apply only to the tailbeacon?

No, applies to both SkyBeacon and TailBeacon. I installed it today. Took a lot...maybe three minutes.

MTV

Good to know, I still have my kit in the box.

Ardent wrote:Good to know, I still have my kit in the box.

Just upload the SB thingie on a computer, and load it when you do the setup. Easy, and I am NO tech wizard, believe me.

MTV

mtv wrote:
Just upload the SB thingie on a computer, and load it when you do the setup. Easy, and I am NO tech wizard, believe me.

Ditto.

mtv wrote:

JP256 wrote:Doesn't it apply only to the tailbeacon?

No, applies to both SkyBeacon and TailBeacon. I installed it today. Took a lot...maybe three minutes.

MTV

You guys have to actually READ the SB. The units all use the same firware, but this SB is only for the tailbeacon installed under STC SA04427CH.

Greg-

I sat in my plane waiting for oil temp to come up, I downloaded everything I could find on uavionics from the email I got. Never got anywhere, can it not be done from the phone you set it up with?
I don’t own a computer, if I did, it wouldn’t be a pc.

StillLearning wrote:can it not be done from the phone you set it up with?

For sure. you can do it with the Ap.

Bigrenna wrote:....You guys have to actually READ the SB. The units all use the same firware, but this SB is only for the tailbeacon installed under STC SA04427CH. Greg-

They actually put out separate service bulletins for the Skybeacon & Tailbacon.
I believe that the same firmware update package is used on both devices

https://uavionix.com/skybeacon-software ... s-b-1-5-1/

https://uavionix.com/tailbeacon-softwar ... s-b-1-5-1/

A friend of mine, who is a uAvionix "qualified installer" (kinda like an asst manager at McD),
called the factory & he was told that the update can't be done using the app--
it must be done as per the SB.
What a PITA, it woulda been nice if they'd modified the app with the update-
then we could just download the revised app & install the update with our phones
instead of going through all this rigamarole.

hotrod180 wrote:"qualified installer" (kinda like an asst manager at McD....

Hahahaha. That’s awesome. Thx for clarification. I hadn’t seen the other note.

If I can’t do it with the app I set it up with, then I guess it won’t get done.
I looked again, it says it requires a pc with windows 7 or newer.
Not impressed, until now I liked the simplicity of the tail beacon.

StillLearning wrote:If I can’t do it with the app I set it up with, then I guess it won’t get done.
I looked again, it says it requires a pc with windows 7 or newer.
Not impressed, until now I liked the simplicity of the tail beacon.

The other ADSB I considered was the Garmin GDL82.
Do you know anyone who's installed one?
It's a much more involved set-up-- involves a laptop, USB cord, etc etc.
And I'm sure there will be updates / upgrades required for those at some point too--
ah, the joys of modern, computer-based avionics!
This update was a bit of a PITA but I'm still glad I went with the Tailbeacon.

Do you know anyone else who's running a Tailbeacon or Skybeacon?
Maybe they can do the update for you.
I'm not sure where your "basalt" location is,
but if you're near me I'll be glad to do it.

I have had the GDL82 for over two years with no problem. Updates are simple with a portable windows computer. The problem is getting to the unit. I have to remove carpeting, a seat and covers to update it. But as I said other than that no problem with the unit.