Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:05 am
by SP1
Like many people, I’m building a Sonex because it strikes the right balance between affordability and performance, with great emphasis on affordability. I’m doing a very basic panel and really like the Uavionix products. The TailbeaconX is a good /cheap way to be ADS-B compliant, which is especially important for me as I fly under a Mode C veil.
To use the TailbeaconX with the Sonex, I 3D printed an adaptor using carbon reinforced nylon and was able to get what I really think is a nice install. Here’s a set of pics showing the process that I followed, starting with the finished product.
I should have sanded the 3D printed part prior to painting, but overall it looks pretty good.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:09 am
by SP1
After printing the adaptor, the next step was tracing a pattern and cutting a hole. I temporarily stuck the adaptor on the tail, and traced an outline.
It was pretty straightfoward to use my CAD program to create a template, and I aligned the outline to my trace. Next, I used a fine tooth saw to cut the fiberglass, drilling holes in the corner to prevent any issues.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:10 am
by SP1
A little test fit
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:11 am
by SP1
Showing off the embedded threads.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:13 am
by SP1
I wasn’t sure what color to paint my plane so I just did white primer. Like I said, I should have sanded first before painting. I think it’s important to tape up the inside to prevent paint interfering with the epoxy.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:16 am
by SP1
If I was smart and planned ahead, I would not have added the fiberglass tip before running the wires. Using a janky boroscope, some luck, and lots of cursing, I was able to get plastic edge protectors through the 1/4" hole in the front leading edge and fish the wire through.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:21 am
by SP1
To prep for epoxying, I taped up the exterior of the tail and the adaptor, and cleaned the parts with alcohol. I made sure the threaded inserts were well taped! I also roughed the surface up with the grittiest sandpaper I had before the wipe.
I mixed up some West Marine slow curing epoxy and added flox until it had a paste consistency then generously applied to both parts. After aligning the pieces I used a tongue depressor to scrape up the excess and do some contouring. The thickness of the epoxy helped keep the part in place. Before it cured I removed the tape.
Sorry, not a lot of pics since I was focused on getting done before it all cured…
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:25 am
by SP1
Lessons learned:
- Best to do all this before completing the vertical stab
- Sand the 3D printed part
- make sure you test fit and add marks to show direction
- Slow cure epoxy gives you plenty of time to work, and fret.
- Epoxy gets everywhere. Cover up your parts with tape!
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 10:26 am
by Bryan Cotton
Nice job!
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 9:55 pm
by fastrichard
That mount for a TailbeaconX looks like a good idea. I have only recently acquired a 3d printer, just a cheap Ender3 and have yet to print any material other than PLA. Would you be able to provide files and printer settings I might be able to use to duplicate that mounting adapter? Unfortunately My vertical tail is already complete, so I would be fighting the same issues with routing the wires that you encountered.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 12:15 am
by BRS
Does the epoxy stick to nylon?! Perhaps the carbon particles will make it work. Let us know.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 12:51 am
by SP1
fastrichard wrote:That mount for a TailbeaconX looks like a good idea. I have only recently acquired a 3d printer, just a cheap Ender3 and have yet to print any material other than PLA. Would you be able to provide files and printer settings I might be able to use to duplicate that mounting adapter? Unfortunately My vertical tail is already complete, so I would be fighting the same issues with routing the wires that you encountered.
Fast Richard
Shoot me a PM with your email.
Settings are pretty machine specific. Sorry can’t be much more help.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 1:59 am
by SP1
BRS wrote:Does the epoxy stick to nylon?! Perhaps the carbon particles will make it work. Let us know.
It’s going to be awhile before the setup gets flight tested (90% done…), but it seems to hold up very well.
The filament manufacture does recommend using epoxy for bonding as opposed to other adhesives.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 1:45 pm
by builderflyer
[quote=“SP1”]Like many people, I’m building a Sonex because it strikes the right balance between affordability and performance, with great emphasis on affordability. I’m doing a very basic panel and really like the Uavionix products. The TailbeaconX is a good /cheap way to be ADS-B compliant, which is especially important for me as I fly under a Mode C veil. /quote]
I’m also a fan of the Tailbeaconx and am currently installing one in an old Cessna that I’m bringing back to life and don’t want to be unneccesarily restricted as to where it can go. But, as you probably know, ADS-B out is not required beneath the Mode C veil. It’s required above Mode C airspace, in Mode C airspace, but not beneath the Mode C veil. Just wanted to clarify the point if my memory hasn’t totally died at this point.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 1:47 pm
by jerryhain
How much would you want to print one for me? No access to a 3D printer and I’m installing the tailbeacon I’m pulling off my 172.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 4:42 pm
by Panther16
Mode C vail is not a shelf. It is a vail around most B and C airspace and does require ADSB out.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:42 pm
by SP1
Bryan Cotton wrote:Nice job!
Thanks Bryan! I’m just really proud of making the part from an original idea and putting it together well.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:44 pm
by SP1
jerryhain wrote:How much would you want to print one for me? No access to a 3D printer and I’m installing the tailbeacon I’m pulling off my 172.
Jerry,
Please send me a PM with an address so I can figure out shipping cost.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2022 1:49 am
by rick9mjn
your installing / building looks very good…
.just to add my .02 cents<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
when you go to program your Tailbeacon “with your airplane info” make ““SURE”” you are with in 6 FEET of the Tailbeacon…
i spent / waisted, hours and hours, doing the update on my tailbeacon last spring,
while, trying to update the Tailbeacon from 20 feet away.
note; that 20ft., distant’s was quoited in the install manual
..good day / rick
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2022 11:04 am
by builderflyer
Panther16 wrote:Mode C vail is not a shelf. It is a vail around most B and C airspace and does require ADSB out.
Of course, you’re mostly correct. When the original poster said mode C veil, my dying brain read it as class C airspace, so my remarks in response were just plain wrong. But the mode C veil is only found around class B airspace. I’m not aware that it exists around any class C airspace.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2022 4:08 pm
by MichaelFarley56
builderflyer wrote:
Panther16 wrote:Mode C vail is not a shelf. It is a vail around most B and C airspace and does require ADSB out.
Of course, you’re mostly correct. When the original poster said mode C veil, my dying brain read it as class C airspace, so my remarks in response were just plain wrong. But the mode C veil is only found around class B airspace. I’m not aware that it exists around any class C airspace.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
You are absolutely correct Art. A Mode C veil is normally a 30 nm ring centered around a Class B airspace. There is no veil around a Class C airspace.
One small correction for something I read earlier: a Mode C transponder AND ADS-B Out is required when operating in the Mode C veil.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:16 am
by Weatherpilot
Regarding the TailbeaconX install - Could you send me the .stl file so I can print one please?
Going with the TailbeaconX and the AV-20 to control it. Already have an EFIS so I’m going to pass on the AV-30E. I have AV-30C’s in my 1957 172 and they work fine but I think the 2.5" AV-20 will do just fine.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:40 am
by badaero
I am installing an AV20E and TailbeaconX also, my son has a 3d printer and we have been discussing printing something like you have done. If you can share your file it would be much appreciated.
Bruce
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:33 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi all,
just to make clear to everyone, the mode c veil is airspace in a 30nm ring from the primary airport. class b airspace . does not include the actual class b airpace.
surface to 10,000 msl . yes you need a mode c and adsb out to operate in the veil.
WaiexN143NM
Michael
retired faa
atc 38 yrs
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:57 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi all,
Some other helpful hints ,tail beacon install. be very careful installing the mounting ring.
the unit is a insert twist and lock. dont force it . you can crack the circuit board!
be careful tightening the screws!
this i got from VAF vans airforce
lots of good posts, some sharp folks on that site.
if you break the circuit board uavionixs will give you a $1K credit towards a new one.
over 100 have been broken!
ebay has many for sale, just be sure to get the origional password to change the n number and info.
have fun.
michael.
Re: Uavionix TailbeaconX install
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:59 am
by rick9mjn
to add my 02 cents, to the " helpful hints " ;
when you program the tailbeacon, make sure your p.c. that you are using to program, is with 6 feet of the tailbeacon
, the manual says 12 or 20 feet, but when i programed mine, it programed best within 6 foot…
…good day
