TRA 3500 Manual Rev H - 8 Ball Flying ClubThe TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter unit provides AGL altitude information from 0 feet up to 2500 feet maximum. The system consists of a TRA 3500

FreeFlight Systems3700 Interstate 35Waco, TX 76706(254) 662-0000

Publication Number 1910-3500-01Revision H

TRI 40 Digital Indicatorand

TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter System

Operation/Installation Manual

FreeFlight Systems3700 Interstate 35Waco, Texas 76706(254) 662-0000Printed in USA

Publication Number 1910-3500-01Revision H

Title PageT-1

TRI 40 Digital Indicator and

TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter System

Operation/Installation Manual

February 28, 2002

Revision HFebruary 28, 2002 TC-1

TRI 40 DIGITAL INDICATORTRA 3500 RADAR ALTIMETER UNIT

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Table of Contents

SECTION I .............................................................................................................................. 1-11. DESCRIPTION, SPECIFICATIONS AND ACCESSORIES..................... 1-1

1.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ 1-11.2. DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT ................................................. 1-11.3. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 1-11.4. SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES ........................ 1-3

1.4.1. ACCESSORIES REQUIRED, BUT NOT SUPPLIED ........ 1-31.4.2. ACCESSORIES OPTIONAL, BUT NOT SUPPLIED ........ 1-3

SECTION II ............................................................................................................................. 2-12. OPERATION ................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1. FUNCTIONAL OPERATION TRA 3500 ...................................... 2-12.2. FUNCTIONAL OPERATION TRI 40 DIGITAL

INDICATOR .................................................................................... 2-2

SECTION III ............................................................................................................................ 3-13. INSTALLATION ........................................................................................... 3-1

3.1. GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................... 3-13.2. UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT ......................... 3-13.3. EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION TRA 3500 .................................... 3-13.4. EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION TRI 40 ......................................... 3-2

SECTION IV ............................................................................................................................ 4-14. INSTALLATION DRAWINGS .................................................................... 4-1

SECTION V ............................................................................................................................. 5-15. SYSTEM TESTING ...................................................................................... 5-1

5.1. PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST - TRA 3500/TRI 40 ........................... 5-15.2. FINAL TESTING TRA 3500/TRI 40 ............................................... 5-1

SECTION VI ............................................................................................................................ 6-16. WARRANTY ................................................................................................. 6-1

6.1. LIMITED WARRANTY OF FREEFLIGHT PRODUCTS ........... 6-1

Revision HFebruary 28, 2002 1-1

SECTION I

1. DESCRIPTION, SPECIFICATIONS AND ACCESSORIES

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual contains information relative to the installation and operation of the TRI 40DIGITAL INDICATOR and TRA 3500 RADAR ALTIMETER UNIT manufactured byFreeFlight Waco, Texas.

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT

The TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter unit provides AGL altitude information from 0 feet up to2500 feet maximum. The system consists of a TRA 3500 receiver/transmitter unit, twoantennas and one TRI 40 indicator.

1.3 SPECIFICATIONS

The technical characteristics of the TRA 3500 receiver, transmitter, antennas, and TRI 40 arelisted in Tables 1.3-1 and 1.3-2.

1.3.1 TRA 3500 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Type: Dual antenna, FMCWAltitude Range: 0 to 2500 feetSystem Accuracy: 0 to 100 feet +5 feet

100 to 500 feet +5%500 to 2500 feet +7%

Frequency Range: 100 MHz sweep within 4200 to 4400 GHZ rangeInput Voltage: Approximately 20 volts DC from indicatorInput Current: 600 maAltitude Output: DigitalSelf-test: Ground or flight, initiated at indicatorEnvironment: -40 deg. C to +50 deg. CPhysical: 2 ea. Antennas - 4.125" W x 4.375" L x .45" H 1 ea. R/T unit

3" W x 6.875" L x 3" HWeight - 4.25 lbs. (includes 2 antennas, cables and R/Tunit).

1-2Revision H

February 28, 2002

1.3.2 TRI 40 DIGITAL INDICATOR TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Power supply: Input voltage + 27.5 VDC +20% Power - 20 Wattsnominal (includes power to R/T unit)

Environment: -20 deg. C to +55 deg. CPhysical: Size - 7 1/2" L x 3 1/2" W x 1 3/8" H, weight - 3/4 poundMounting: Front panel mounting, requires one-half of a 3" ATI

mounting space

Functional Characteristics

Altitude range: 0 ft. to 2500 ft.Digital displayresolution: 1 ft. from 0 ft. to 30 ft.

5 ft. from 30 ft. to 100 ft.10 ft. from 100 ft. to 400 ft.20 ft. from 400 ft. to 1000 ft.50 ft. from 1000 ft. to 2500 ft.

Display hysteresis: Less than half the above resolutions.Unlock display: “U” when unlocked or displaying test altitude.Decision height: Set in 50 ft. increments from 0 ft. (OFF) to 600 ft., plus 700

ft., 800 ft. and 900 ft.Display update rate: 2 times/second minimum.Gear warning: Aural and visual alert at 100 ft. when gear is up and aircraft

is descending. May be disabled for fixed gear aircraft.Analog outputs: A. 2.5 mv/ft., 0 volts = 0 ft., 3000 ohm max load, 0 ft.

to 2500 ft. rangeB. 20 mv/ft., 0.4 volts = 0 ft., 3000 ohm max load, 0 to

500 ft. rangePreset trip points: Eight open collector outputs provide preset decision height

trip points every 100 ft. from 100 ft. to 800 ft.Display disable: Two inputs, ground or 28 volt DC disable signal, for use

with strut switch or airspeed switch, optional use.Aural alerts: Decision height alert - 1 KHz tone for 1 second Gear

warning - 1 KHz tone modulated at 100 Kz, for 1 secondSelf-test: Display all 8’s for 2 seconds, DH lights for first second with

DH aural alert, and adds GEAR WARN with aural for nextsecond. During next period test altitude is displayed withfarthest left digit showing “U”. DH and GEAR lightfunction normally during this period as do all outputs exceptpreset DH trips remain open.

Displays: Type - LED, amber seven segment Dimming - automaticcontrol Data entry/controls:DECISION HEIGHT knobs,enters desired DH as read on right side of display.SELF-TEST button energizes TEST mode when pushed.


1.4 SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

The TRI 40 installation kit (1901-3041-00) includes:

ITEM FREEFLIGHT P/N QUANTITY

Connector, 25 pin female 9-2190-188-10 1Hood W/L lever 9-2190-188-20 1Screw; 4-40 x 3/8 blk. oxi. 9-2804-068-10 4

The TRA 3500 installation kit (1901-3501-00) includes:


Coax Cable Assy 1900-0432-12 1Antenna 9-1203-115-00 1

The TRA 3500 hardware kit (1901-3501-05) includes:


Button head cap screw 9-2806-115-00 8Connector BNC UG88/U 9-2122-102-00 1Mounting Tray 1900-3121-02 1

1.4.1 ACCESSORIES REQUIRED, BUT NOT SUPPLIED


RG 58A/U coax, 50 ohms 9-6026-103-00 A/RCircuit Breaker 3 Amp

1.4.2 ACCESSORIES OPTIONAL, BUT NOT SUPPLIED


DH Light Assembly 0136-0020-00 1


SECTION II

2. OPERATION

2.1 FUNCTIONAL OPERATION TRA 3500 RECEIVER/TRANSMITTER/ANTENNA

The TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter system utilizes a solid-state voltage controlled oscillator(VCO) for its transmitter. This low power, low voltage device is the ultimate in reliability andsimplicity. This technology allows FreeFlight Systems to continue to offer small, lightweight,reliable equipment.

The TRA 3500 receiver/transmitter and antennas weigh only 4.5 pounds.

The TRA 3500 system monitors above ground altitude from 0 feet to 2500 feet. The pilot mayselect a decision height altitude with the DH set and be alerted automatically when the aircraftdrops below that altitude.

When flying with the TRA 3500 system, the unit may occasionally unlock for intermittentperiods of time at altitudes between 1500 and 2500 feet as a result of unfavorable reflectivityof terrain below the aircraft. Highly unfavorable terrain may be generally described as dry,loose soil, e.g., tilled dry ground or sand.

The TRA 3500 system may also be observed to unlock when the aircraft is banked or in anattitude of pitch. The antenna beam width of the TRA 3500 system provides for bank anglesof 30 degrees when below 1500 feet; this angle decreases to 20 degrees above 1500 feet. Incases of rapid descent or climb, the pitch of the aircraft may reduce the sensitivity of the TRA3500 system, particularly between 1500 feet and 2500 feet.

In cases of extremely rapid descent, both the response time of the system and pitchof the aircraft may prevent lock-on and normal operation. At a descent rate of 500feet/minute, the TRA 3500 system will provide normal lock-on below 2500 feet.

When flying the TRA 3500 system over terrain which changes abruptly, e.g., a cliff or ravine,the system is limited by response time of the unit. The TRA 3500 system surveys grounddirectly below the aircraft, and cannot be relied on as a forward looking or warning device.

2-2Revision H

February 28, 2002

2.2 FUNCTIONAL OPERATION TRI 40 DIGITAL INDICATOR

The TRI 40 is a half-height 3 inch ATI LED digital and DH indicator, 28 VDC. The TRI 40weighs only .75 pounds for a total system weight of 2.25 pounds.

The half-height panel indicator features a highly visible yellow seven segment display.

Indicator numerals are automatically dimmed with changes in cockpit lighting. Displayresolution varies from 1 foot between 0 foot to 30 feet up to 50 feet between 1000 feet to2500 feet. The display update rate is two times per second minimum. The DH (decisionheight) can be set in 50 foot increments between 0 foot to 600 feet, plus 700, 800 and 900feet.

A push to test button permits checking the system’s readiness either in flight or on the ground.A complete DH alerting program includes an audio tone, 1 KHz supplied externally, plus afront panel DH light.

In addition the TRI 40 has a Gear Warning Aural Alert which is a 1 KHz tone modulated at100 Hz for one second plus a visual alert gear light on the front panel.

When the TRI 40 is turned on the unit goes into self-test mode. The display will read all 8’sfor 2 seconds; DH lights for the first second with DH aural alert and adds Gear Warn withaural for the next second. During the next period test altitude is displayed with farthest leftdigit showing “U”. DH and Gear Light function normally during this period, as do all outputsexcept preset DH trips remain open.

When in any condition of unlock, TRI 40 is designed to blank out the AGL display. However,when taxiing the AGL display may wander up and down scale due to reflections frombuildings, etc. The strut switch eliminates the false readings while on the ground.


SECTION III

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

This section contains suggestions and factors to consider before installing a TRA 3500 radaraltimeter into an aircraft. Adherence to the suggestions will assure satisfactory performancefrom the system.

3.2 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT

Exercise extreme care when unpacking each unit. Make a visual inspection of each unit forevidence of damage incurred during shipment. If a claim for damage is to be made, save theshipping container to substantiate the claim. When all equipment and the installation kit hasbeen inspected, save the packing material and container in case the unit is to be stored orreshipped. See 1.4 for equipment and parts supplied.

3.3 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION TRA 3500

The optimum installation would have the antennas mounted in an area on the belly of theaircraft centerline which is entirely free of extraneous protrusions and with the plane of theantenna parallel to the ground. Viewing angle: the antennas should be mounted so that noprotrusion is visible to the antenna with a +45 degree conic area below the aircraft.

NOTE:The antennas shall always be mounted with the arrows pointing to thefront and rear of the aircraft as shown in Drawing No. 9-1120-0008-02,with +6 deg. maximum pitch. Antennas should mount at least 18" apartand within 40" of each other. The maximum separation of the antennasshould be the same distance as the antenna height from the ground or40".

TRANSMIT antenna mounts in front and RECEIVE antenna mounts to the rear. R/T unitmounts inside, positioned such that the antenna cables will connect to the rear of the unit.

DO NOT mount the antenna closer than three (3) feet to a DME, transponder, ADF orVHF antenna.

Avoid locations near high heat sources or where fuel, oil or excessive moisture may collect.Bond and shield all parts of the aircraft electrical system such as generators and ignitionsystems.

The antenna cables must be cut to an exact length for the radar altimeter to read 0 footaltitude at the point of touchdown. A simulated touchdown position can be obtained byjacking up the aircraft until the landing gear is unloaded. Aircraft pitch atitude at the point oftouchdown must also be considered. Refer to Figure 4-1 to determine cable lengths.

3-2Revision H

February 28, 2002

3.3 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION TRA 3500 (CONTINUED)

Measure the height of the antenna from the ground. Use the distance and refer to chart todetermine the length of each cable. For example: if antenna height is five feet, each antennacable should be cut to ten feet in length.

TRA 3500 T/R unit installation layout is shown in Figure 3-4. The unit can be mounted onits own or with optional mounting tray.Route cable from T/R unit to indicator away from circuits carrying high current, pulsetransmitting equipment, 400 Hz circuits and other sources of interference. Do not route withADF antenna cables. It is recommended that the cable from the T/R unit to the indicator berouted by itself away from other cables.

3.4 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION TRI 40

One recommended location for the TRI 40 indicator is in the top two rows of the instrumentpanel with the other primary instruments. This allows full utilization of the radar altimeterduring the critical approach phase when the pilot must go from instruments to visual with theleast amount of eye movement.

1. Modify panel per cutout dimensions on the TRI 40 outline drawing.2. Hook up the DH audio and tell the customer about it. Connect the audio to an

unswitched headphone input, if possible. Some isolation amplifiers require a D.C.return to operate properly. This requires the use of small 500 ohm transformer on theoutput of the TRI 40 as its output is capacitor coupled.

3. The audio output level may be adjusted to suit the pilot by inserting a smallscrewdriver through the hole on the top cover of the TRI 40.

TRI 40 Outline Drawing and Installation Wiring Diagram are shown on Figure 4-5 andFigure 4-6.

NOTE:Aircraft which exhibit electrical noise on the airframe or have surfaces orpanels which are not properly bonded can cause the altimeter to attampt to"relock" above 2500 feet AGL. This can cause erratic altitude displays and/or aural and visual alerts when the crew least expect them.

Thorough bonding of all control surfaces, gear doors, access panels, etc.should cure the symptom, but in certain extreme circumstances it may benecessary to install an on/off switch to disable the unit above 2500 feet AGL.

Refer to TRI-40 Installation Diagram, Figure 4-6 for optional switch. Thiscondition is only noticable above 2500 feet AGL and will not degradeperformance below 2500 feet AGL.


SECTION IV

4. INSTALLATION DRAWINGS

Figure 4-1Antenna Cable Requirements

4-2Revision H

February 28, 2002

Figure 4-2Antenna Mounting Template

Revision HFebruary 28, 2002

Figure 4-3TRA 3500 Antenna Outline and Instructions

4-3/4-4

.


Figure 3-4 (Sheet 1 of 2)TRA 3500 Outline and Installation Drawing

4-5/4-6

FreeFlightTRA 3500


Figure 3-4 (Sheet 2 of 2)TRA 3500 Outline and Installation Drawing

4-7/4-8

FreeFlightTRA 3500


Figure 4-5TRI 40 Outline Drawing

4-9/4-10


Figure 4-6TRI 40 Installation Wiring Diagram

4-11/4-12


SECTION V

5. SYSTEM TESTING

5.1 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST - TRA 3500/TRI 40

1. Turn on power (after starting engines).2. Verify the display will read all 8’s for two seconds; DH lights for first

second with DH aural alert and adds Gear Warn with aural for next second.3. During next period test altitude is displayed with farthest left digit showing “U”. DH

and Gear light function normally during this period as do all outputs except presetDH trips remain open.

4. After the self-test mode, the display will show an 0 feet.5. Set DH selector to desired altitude.

NOTE:If aircraft is equipped with strut switch the test mode will not operate onthe ground unless the strut switch is disabled.

5.2 FINAL TESTING TRA 3500/TRI 40

With the aircraft above 2,500 feet AGL in open area:

1. With the system powered, AGL display should have a “U” in the farthest left digit.2. Put the aircraft into a 500 foot per minute descent.3. The indicator should start reading altitude at 2500 feet AGL and read down to zero at

touchdown.

6-1Revision HFebruary 28, 2002

SECTION VITWO YEAR UNLIMITED WARRANTY

What does your warranty cover?Any defect in materials or workmanship of FreeFlight Systems equipment.This warranty applies only to equipment sold after January 1, 1999.

How does your warranty become effective?Your warranty does not become effective unless you mail your completed Warranty Registration card to us within 15 days after installation of yourFreeFlight equipment.

For how long?Two years from date of original installation of the equipment, but not more than three years from date of purchase.If you receive repair or replacement of equipment under this warranty, the warranty remains in effect on the repaired or replaced equipment for theremainder of the original two-year term.

What will we do to correct problems?Repair any equipment found to be defective in materials or workmanship.If we choose, we may replace the equipment rather than repairing it.We will be responsible for the cost of labor and materials for repair or replacement of any equipment found to be defective in materials or workmanship.

How do you make a warranty claim?Contact your nearest Authorized FreeFlight Systems dealer for repair or replacement of any equipment defective in materials or workmanship.If directed by your Authorized FreeFlight Systems dealer, or if you are unable to contact a FreeFlight Systems dealer, send the equipment to ourfactory:Properly pack your equipment, we recommend using the original container and packing materials.Include in the package a copy of the sales receipt or other evidence of date of original purchase and installation. If the equipment was a gift, provide astatement specifying the date received and installed. Also note your name, address, daytime telephone number, and a description of the defect.Ship the equipment UPS or equivalent. You must prepay the shipping charges. Ship to:

FreeFlight Systems3700 Interstate 35Waco, TX 76706(254) 662-0000 Phone (254) 662-9452 FAX

We will pay surface shipping charges to return the equipment to you.

What does your warranty not coverFreeFlight Systems equipment purchased "As New" from other than an Authorized FreeFlight Systems Dealer or Distributor.Malfunctions or failures resulting from the way the equipment was installed or from installation not in accordance with factory instructions.Certificated Aircraft: Installation by other than an FAA Repair Station (USA), approved installation facility (non-USA) and/or without

— Appropriate air-worthiness approval(s) as required by governing aviation authority;— Form 337;— Logbook entry.

Experimental Category Aircraft: Installation without— Appropriate air-worthiness approval(s) as required by governing aviation authority;— Form, 8130-(x).— Logbook entry.

Fuses and batteries.Use of equipment for purposes other than those for which is was designed.Accidental or deliberate damage, alterations of any kind, inadequate storage or maintenance.Warranty repair by anyone other than FreeFlight Systems Authorized Dealer with factory approval.

For conditions not covered by this warranty, you will receive an estimate of costs before the repair is initiated. Repairs will be billed to you at the normalrepair rates of the facility that performs the repairs.

Are there any other limitations or exclusions?Any implied warranties are in effect only as long as this warranty is in effect.This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damage such as damage to other equipment or to your aircraft that results from defectscovered by this warranty.Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

How does state law relate to this warranty?This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

TRA 3500 Manual Rev H - 8 Ball Flying ClubThe TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter unit provides AGL altitude information from 0 feet up to 2500 feet maximum. The system consists of a TRA 3500

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