SkyEcho 2 - ADSB light doesn't come on...

[Philster2001]

Hi,

 

I have a SkyEcho 2 which I use with OzRunways. I can always see other traffic no worries (dark blue dots), but only the GPS green light comes on, and I've had times when it seems other ADSB equipped aircraft can't see me, and I can't see myself on FlightRadar24 (should I be able to?). I'm having trouble finding out whether the ADSB light should come on or if I've configured it wrong to transmit my information. Ozrunways seems to be configured Ok for transmit.

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Cheers

[Garfly]

Philster,

 

As soon as I turn my unit on, the middle green "ADS-B" light starts flashing - even before it gets networked to the iPad/OzRwys.

So that suggests to me a problem with your SE2, itself.  (There are tech savvy folks on-site who'll know more.)

 

In any case, OzRwys does have an indicator on its main map page (upper right corner) confirming the traffic IN/OUT status

(both of its own [cell-tower based] system and any integrated ADSB device.)

 

So if you're not seeing the green radio-wave symbol (see pic) together with your ID 1234 and '1200') then you know your SE2 is not transmitting.

 

 

 

 

More info here:

 

 

OzRunways Knowledge Base - SkyEcho 2 ADS-B IN/OUT

SUPPORT.OZRUNWAYS.COM

 

Edited November 6 by Garfly

[Bosi72]

From your phone/tablet/ipad connect to Skyecho wifi.

Once connected, open browser and

1. type ip address 192.168.4.1 (this might be different).

2. Tap SkyEcho Setup

On Setup screen below, confirm 1090ES Transmit is ticked as Enabled. Also confirm other parameters including your rego and hex code.

If not, tick Enable, Apply, Main page, then Setup again to confirm the change is applied.

 

If ADS-B led is not blinking, then I suggest to contact uavionix support.

 

Let us know how you go.

 

[Philster2001]

Thanks will definitely try that when I’m at the plane next…cheers

[Philster2001]

Also have contacted CASA for a ICAO code…

[Bosi72]

15 minutes ago, Philster2001 said:

Also have contacted CASA for a ICAO code…

Assuming this is VH aircraft, the ICAO HEX code should be written on your aircraft's "Certificate of registration", under Notes at the bottom of the document.

You don't need to fly to test it, should be able to do that on the ground.

[skippydiesel]

Just acquired a SkyView. Reading Mounting instructions - 

 

"SkyEcho 2 should be placed vertically orientated on an aircraft window with the optional suction cup mount with line of sight and visibility in the direction of travel and to the sky for the internal GPS. Installation location can significantly impact the receive and transmit range of the device."

 

I have a Sonex, all metal aircraft, including glare shield, which could "shield" the "view" of the SkyView, if mounted as per above instructions.

 

I would like to mount the SkyView unit;

• On its back (horizontal) - to minimise interruption of pilot view forward 
• Central on my "glare shield - nice & symmetrical

This will give the unit an uninterrupted view of the sky up, forward,  fair back & both sides.

 

Anyone tried this? If so what if any was the impact on the units IN/Out performance?

 

 

 

 

[Bosi72]

The most issues with SE2 are charging-related, i.e. under-powered. You need to find a good 12v to 5v converter/charger, but note even some brand names aren't up to specs. Alternatively, a good external battery (car jumpstart) will do the job.

 

Another issue is overheating, which I resolved by opening and redirecting air from the vents at the wing roots onto the dashboard.(Cessna)

 

Positioning wise, it will perform good as long as it can see the sky.

I keep it on a dashboard on a velcro, surrounded with aluminium from almost all sides (it is fast back Cessna, not omnivision).

 

 

[kgwilson]

On 06/11/2024 at 7:27 PM, Philster2001 said:

Also have contacted CASA for a ICAO code…

The SE2 will not function without the approved Hex code supplied by CASA. The blue dots you are getting are most likely other OZrunways traffic which are transmitted via the mobile network not ADSB Out equipped aircraft. When you get the code go through the Setup from the SE2 manual EXACTLY. Do not miss any steps. If there are things you do not understand give Uavionix (Australia) a ring and they will sort it out for you.

[kgwilson]

1 hour ago, Bosi72 said:

The most issues with SE2 are charging-related, i.e. under-powered. You need to find a good 12v to 5v converter/charger, but note even some brand names aren't up to specs. Alternatively, a good external battery (car jumpstart) will do the job.

 

Another issue is overheating, which I resolved by opening and redirecting air from the vents at the wing roots onto the dashboard.(Cessna)

 

Positioning wise, it will perform good as long as it can see the sky.

I keep it on a dashboard on a velcro, surrounded with aluminium from almost all sides (it is fast back Cessna, not omnivision).

 

 

Correct, your standard phone charger will likely not cut it. Again read the manual regarding charging and use the supplied USB cable. Use a QC3 standard charger of at least 18 watts. It will not adequately charge at less than 2.5 amps. See the section from the manual below.

 

8.2.1 Connection Notes
It is important to choose an appropriate power supply and cable to ensure proper charging of SkyEcho.
1. It is recommended for fastest charging that the chosen USB power supply should be compliant with the Quick Charge 3 (QC3) standard. Use one which provides at least 18W. SkyEcho will not adequately charge at less than 2.5 amps.
2. SkyEcho has a high-capacity battery that will permit up to 12 hours of use. It is recommended that, where practical, charging is conducted at least monthly on the power supply until full.
3. Regardless of adapter output, it is not recommended that the SkyEcho be used permanently in-aircraft using a 12V USB adapter as the SkyEcho will consume more power than can be provided by the adapter.
4. While SkyEcho is fitted with a USB-C charging socket, it is not USB PD compliant. USB PD chargers will not properly handshake with and charge the SkyEcho. Instead, use only chargers equipped with USB-A output ports, and utilize the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable.
5. Computer USB ports (Mac or PC) cannot deliver sufficient power to charge a SkyEcho.

 

My aircraft is all Aluminium and positioning my SE2 on the left side of the bubble canopy provides full view of the sky & around 270 degrees of horizontal view. The best place in a C172 in my opinion is on the top of the panel in the middle.

[kgwilson]

5 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

Just acquired a SkyView. Reading Mounting instructions - 

 

"SkyEcho 2 should be placed vertically orientated on an aircraft window with the optional suction cup mount with line of sight and visibility in the direction of travel and to the sky for the internal GPS. Installation location can significantly impact the receive and transmit range of the device."

 

I have a Sonex, all metal aircraft, including glare shield, which could "shield" the "view" of the SkyView, if mounted as per above instructions.

 

I would like to mount the SkyView unit;

• On its back (horizontal) - to minimise interruption of pilot view forward 
• Central on my "glare shield - nice & symmetrical

This will give the unit an uninterrupted view of the sky up, forward,  fair back & both sides.

 

Anyone tried this? If so what if any was the impact on the units IN/Out performance?

 

 

 

 

Uavionix recommend mounting the SE2 vertically as the antenna is at the top. You could try both by putting a bit of velcro on the bottom & the back & changing position in flight when traffic comes in to view & see if the aircraft disappears or not

[skippydiesel]

Hi kgwilson,

 

Yes , I had planned to use Velcro (my glare shield has a looped pile carpet like covering).

 

"......as the antenna is at the top."

 

I understand that the antenna is at one end  (lights) of the SkyView  "box" -  but I would have thought an uninterrupted "view" of sky above, aproximately 240 degree horizontal and probably similar side to side view would have delivered a more panoramic surveillance of aircraft direction of travel & on each side.

18 hours ago, Bosi72 said:

The most issues with SE2 are charging-related, 

Is there any reason why I can't have it plugged in to ship power? I have powered USB ports.

 

Another issue is overheating, which I resolved by opening and redirecting air from the vents at the wing roots onto the dashboard.(Cessna)

Is the overheating from sun or the device itself?

 

18 hours ago, Bosi72 said:

 

Positioning wise, it will perform good as long as it can see the sky.

Thats encouraging.

 

I keep it on a dashboard on a velcro, .........................

I have the same idea

 

 

 

[Bosi72]

>Is there any reason why I can't have it plugged in to ship power? I have powered USB ports.

Nobody said you can't have it plugged in the aircraft, however as per manufacturer's notes (see kgwilson's post above) it needs a proper charger. If you want to keep it permanently in the aircraft, you will need a QC3/18W+/2.5Amp+ charger.

 

have a look at:

https://uavionix.com/downloads/skyecho/SkyEcho 2 User and Installation Guide REV N.pdf

page 18.  8.2.1 Connection Notes

 

If you use "standard" usb charger, it will charge, however over the time, it will use/drain more power than it charges, and it will eventually stop working. 

The workaround is to keep it charged at home on a high-powered wall charger, then top-up in the aircraft.

Some people are using small car jumpstart batteries with high-power usb ports as a workaround. 

 

 

>Is the overheating from sun or the device itself?

The device will get warm(ish) on its own, but it won't overheat.

However Sun will make SkyEcho2 overheat, same as ipads, phones...

 

[coljones]

13 hours ago, Bosi72 said:

 

Edited Sunday at 02:29 PM by coljones
Bugger

[skippydiesel]

19 hours ago, Bosi72 said:

>Is there any reason why I can't have it plugged in to ship power? I have powered USB ports.

Nobody said you can't have it plugged in the aircraft, however as per manufacturer's notes (see kgwilson's post above) it needs a proper charger. If you want to keep it permanently in the aircraft, you will need a QC3/18W+/2.5Amp+ charger.

My aircraft USB ports (x2) claim to have 2.7 amp output. No mention of QC3 

19 hours ago, Bosi72 said:

 

>Is the overheating from sun or the device itself?

The device will get warm(ish) on its own, but it won't overheat.

However Sun will make SkyEcho2 overheat, same as ipads, phones...

 

Hmmm! Not a great feature for a device that by definition, must be in sunlight.

[kgwilson]

That is not enough to keep the SE2 charged. It will slowly discharge as it consumes more power than is being put in. Why bother anyway. A fully charged SE2 will operate independently for a full 12 hours. When did you fly for that long? When the battery light changes from green to yellow it has 66% power left, when it changes to red there is 33% left You can easily check the actual battery level from your phone or tablet when it is connected via WIfi. In the browser enter 192.168.4.1/stats & you will get a huge list of statistics one of which is the current battery level.

[Bosi72]

7 minutes ago, skippydiesel said:

Hmmm! Not a great feature for a device that by definition, must be in sunlight.

Agree, but unfortunately to my knowledge, there is no direct competition in Adsb-Out EC space (portable that fits into a pocket). The next step is transponder fixed to dashboard with cooling fans, heatsinks, $$$, etc..

 

I found opening vents at the wing root helps with the cooling.

 

In any case, these are some of the issues I have encountered over past 3-4 years, you might be lucky and not having any of these issues..

Cheers 

[skippydiesel]

59 minutes ago, kgwilson said:

That is not enough to keep the SE2 charged. It will slowly discharge as it consumes more power than is being put in. Why bother anyway. A fully charged SE2 will operate independently for a full 12 hours. When did you fly for that long? When the battery light changes from green to yellow it has 66% power left, when it changes to red there is 33% left You can easily check the actual battery level from your phone or tablet when it is connected via WIfi. In the browser enter 192.168.4.1/stats & you will get a huge list of statistics one of which is the current battery level.

My big plan is to tour in my aircraft - having a device that may require  a 240V wall charger, to bring it up to speed, may be problematic from time to time.

 

All my other electronic gizmos, can be charged in the aircraft. Wish I had known this before I made the purchase - such is life!😈

[skippydiesel]

1 hour ago, Bosi72 said:

Agree, but unfortunately to my knowledge, there is no direct competition in Adsb-Out EC space (portable that fits into a pocket). The next step is transponder fixed to dashboard with cooling fans, heatsinks, $$$, etc..

 

I found opening vents at the wing root helps with the cooling.

 

In any case, these are some of the issues I have encountered over past 3-4 years, you might be lucky and not having any of these issues..

Cheers 

Thanks  for the "heads up" Bosi72.

 

I fly a Sonex - pretty tight. Only cockpit ventilation, two eyeball vents.😈

[BurnieM]

Buy a power bank.

These can be charged in the plane and then recharge the SkyEcho overnight.

Also good for any other device (phone, camera etc) you need to charge away from mains power.

Just work out the capacity you need.

 

Edited Monday at 12:07 AM by BurnieM

[Garfly]

And maybe find a white hankie to shield it from the sun's heat.

Your buyer's remorse is sure to lessen the first time it saves your bacon.

(Or even just saves some needless worry once in a while  ;- )

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 12:33 AM by Garfly

[pmccarthy]

I charge my Skyecho overnight on a 2.4 amp USB point. Gets to full charge. It seems to run indefinitely if I then plug it into the USB point in the aircraft while it is turned on.

[kgwilson]

2.4 amps x 5 volt output is 12 watts so Uavionix are being conservative & older aircraft systems are unlikely to be able to achieve that. I'd test the output amps from the power supply at cruise RPM with everything else on to see what current can be obtained. The cable size will also limit the output as well as the fuse but unless it is very fine cable (doubtful) most wiring would be able to achieve a minimum of 5 amps so long as the electrical system can deliver that. 5 amps x 5 volts is 25 watts. Cigarette lighter with USB outlets that can deliver QC3 at 25 watts are very cheap on websites like AliExpress, often less that $5.00 & include a digital output display.

[spacesailor]

Has any one tried a piece of silver glare shield.  ( most cars use black ) .

I had a cut piece behind the Delica mirror,  were the sun blinds don't meet .

It will take that hot glare off your SE .

spacesailor

[Blueadventures]

On 06/11/2024 at 1:34 PM, Philster2001 said:

Hi,

 

I have a SkyEcho 2 which I use with OzRunways. I can always see other traffic no worries (dark blue dots), but only the GPS green light comes on, and I've had times when it seems other ADSB equipped aircraft can't see me, and I can't see myself on FlightRadar24 (should I be able to?). I'm having trouble finding out whether the ADSB light should come on or if I've configured it wrong to transmit my information. Ozrunways seems to be configured Ok for transmit.

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

Cheers

Do you need to recheck its configuration?  Just a guess.  Cheers.