Garmin 0181200 User Manual

SPECIFICATION

DRAFT

CONTROL DRAWING

NOTES:

1. DESCRIPTION: Installation Documentation - GRA 5500 Installation Manual

2. PAGE SIZE: Letter: Width = 8.5 inches, Height = 11 inches, Double-sided Tabloid: Height = 17.0 inches,

3. PAGINATION: 26 double-sided letter sheets, 4 double-sid ed tabloid sheets, 7 single-sided tabloid sheets.

REVISIONS

REV. DATE DESCRIPTION ECO NO.

A 12/20/12 Initial release - - -

AVIATION REVIEW REQUIRED

Width = 11 inches, Single-sided Tabl oid: Width = 17.0 inches, Height = 11 inches,

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9. This part shall comply with Garmin Banned/Restrictive Substance List, GPN 001-00211-00

The following files have been archived under the above ARCHIVE FILENAME.

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CONFIDENTIAL

Portable Document Format, contains Installation Manual and Release
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Released By: Scale: N/A AVIATION REVIEW REQUIRED Sheet 1 of 1

SIZE A Part Number: 190-01277-00 Rev A

GRA 5500 Installation Manual

GRA 5500

Radar Altimeter
Installation Manual

DRAFT

190-01277-00 December, 2012 Revision A

© Copyright 2012

DRAFT

Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

All Rights Reserved

Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied,

transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without

the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a

single copy of this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic

storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any revision hereto,
provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete
text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of

this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.

Garmin International, Inc.

1200 E. 151st Street

Olathe, KS 66062 USA

Telephone: [phone]

Aviation Panel-Mount Technical Support Line (Toll Free) 1.888.606.5482

www.garmin.com

Garmin (Europe) Ltd.

Liberty House, Bulls Copse Road

Hounsdown Business Park

Southampton, SO40 9RB U.K.

+44/ (0) 870.8501241

Garmin AT, Inc.

2345 Turner Rd., SE

Salem, OR 97302 USA

Telephone: [phone]

RECORD OF REVISIONS

Revision Revision Date Description

A 12/20/12 Production Release

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page A Rev. A

INFORMATION SUBJECT TO EXPORT CONTROL LAWS

WARNING

WARNING

Warnings are used to bring to the installer’s immediate attention that not only
damage to the equipment but personal injury may occur if the instruction is
disregarded.

CAUTION

Cautions are used to alert the individual that damage to equipment may

result if the procedural step is not followed to the letter.

NOTE

Notes are used to expand and explain the preceding step and provide further
understanding of the reason for the particular operation.

DRAFT

This document may contain information which is subject to the Export Administration Regulations
("EAR") issued by the United States Department of Commerce (15 CFR, Chapter VII, Subchapter C) and
which may not be exported, released, or disclosed to foreign nationals inside or outsi de of the United States
without first obtaining an export license. The preceding statement is required to be included on any and all
reproductions in whole or in part of this manual.

DEFINITIONS OF WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES

This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This Notice is being
provided in accordance with California's Proposition 65. If you have any questions or
would like additional information, please refer to our web site at www.garmin.com/prop65

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page i

.

CURRENT REVISION DESCRIPTION

DRAFT

Revision

A All All Initial Release

Page

Number(s)

Section

Number

DOCUMENT PAGINATION

Section Page Range

Table of Contents i – viII

Section 1 1-1 – 1-4
Section 2 2-1 – 2-14
Section 3 3-1 – 3-18

Section 4 4-1 – 4-6
Appendix A A-1 – A-8
Appendix B B-1 – B-2
Appendix C C-1 – C-5

Description of Change

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page ii Rev. A

Aviation Limited Warranty

DRAFT

All Garmin avionics products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for: one
years from the date of purchase for new Remote-Mount and Panel-Mount products; one year from the date
of purchase for new portable products and any purchased newly-overhauled products; six months for
newly-overhauled products exchanged through a Garmin Authorized Service Center; and 90 days for
factory repaired or newly-overhauled products exchanged at Garmin in lieu of repa ir . W ithin the applicable
period, Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such
repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the
customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not apply to: (i) cosmetic
damage, such as scratches, nicks and dents; (ii) consumable parts, such as batteries, unless product damage
has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (iii) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse,
water, flood, fire, or other acts of nature or external causes; (iv) damage caused by service performed by
anyone who is not an authorized service provider of Garmin; or (v) damage to a product that has been
modified or altered without the written permission of Garmin. In addition, Garmin reserves the right to
refuse warranty claims against products or services that are obtained and/or used in contravention of the
laws of any country.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ST ATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY
LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace (with a new or newly-overhauled replacement
product) the product or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH
REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY.

Online Auction Purchases: Products purchased through online auctions are not eligible for warranty
coverage. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty
service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not
replace missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.

International Purchases: A separate warranty may be provided by international distributors for devices
purchased outside the United States depending on the country. If applicable, this warranty is provided by
the local in-country distributor and this distributor provides local service for your device. Distributor
warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Devices purchased in the United States or
Canada must be returned to the Garmin service center in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada,
or Taiwan for service.

Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
1200 East 151st Street Liberty House, Bulls Copse Road
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Hounsdown Business Park
Phone:[phone] Romsey, SO40 9RB, U.K.
FAX:[phone] Phone:44/ (0) 870.8501241
FAX:44/ (0) 870.850125

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
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DRAFT

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DRAFT

PARAGRAPH PAGE

Section 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................1-1

1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Equipment Description ................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Interface Summary..........................................................................................................1-1

1.4 Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. 1-2

1.4.1 Environmental Qualification Form.......................................................................................1-2

1.4.2 Physical Characteristics........................................................................................................1-2

1.4.3 General Specifications..........................................................................................................1-2

1.4.4 Performance Specifications..................................................................................................1-3

1.4.5 Power Requirements.............................................................................................................1-3

1.5 Certification ..................................................................................................................... 1-3

1.5.1 TSO Compliance and Limitations........................................................................................1-4

1.5.2 TSO Deviations....................................................................................................................1-4

1.6 Operating Instructions......................................................................................................1-4

1.7 Reference Documents...................................................................................................... 1-4

Section 2 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW........................................................2-1

2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Installation Materials ....................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2.1 Available Equipment............................................................................................................2-1

2.2.2 Additional Equipment Required...........................................................................................2-2

2.2.3 Approved Radar Altimeter Antennas...................................................................................2-2

2.3 Installation Considerations .............................................................................................. 2-3

2.3.1 Multiplex Operation (Dual and Triple Unit Installations).................................................... 2-3

2.3.2 Installation Approval Considerations for Pressurized Aircraft ............................................2-3

2.3.3 Antenna Location Planning Guidance..................................................................................2-4

2.3.4 Antenna Installation Considerations...................................................................................2-10

2.4 Electrical Bonding ......................................................................................................... 2-10

2.5 Cabling and Wiring........................................................................................................ 2-10

2.5.1 Antenna Coaxial Cables (Requirements and Fabrication Guidance).................................2-11

2.6 Cooling Requirements ................................................................................................... 2-14

2.7 Mounting Requirements ................................................................................................ 2-14

Section 3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.....................................................3-1

3.1 Unpacking Unit................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 Wiring Harness Installation ............................................................................................. 3-1

3.3 Backshell Assembly......................................................................................................... 3-2

3.4 Antenna Installation......................................................................................................... 3-2

3.5 Unit Installation ............................................................................................................... 3-2

3.5.1 Installation Procedure (see Figure 3-1) ................................................................................3-2

3.5.2 Removal Procedure (see Figure 3-1)....................................................................................3-2

3.6 Downloading and Installing the GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool ........................... 3-4

3.7 Post Installation Configuration and Checkout Procedures .............................................. 3-5

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
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PARAGRAPH PAGE

DRAFT

3.7.1 GRA 5500 Configuration/Checkout for Varying Installation Types...................................3-5

3.7.2 Using the GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool...................................................................3-6

3.7.3 Zero-Foot Calibration........................................................................... ..... .... .....................3-16

3.7.4 Built-In Self-Test Functionality.........................................................................................3-16

3.8 Continued Airworthiness................................................................................................3-18

Section 4 SYSTEM INTERCONNECTS .........................................................4-1

4.1 Pin Function List ..............................................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 P55001....................................................................................................... .... .......................4-1

4.2 Power Functions...............................................................................................................4-3

4.2.1 Aircraft Power........................................................................................... .... ..... .... .............. 4-3

4.3 Serial Data Connections ...................................................................................................4-3

4.3.1 HSDB Over RS-422...................................................................................... ..... .... ..... .........4-3

4.3.2 ARINC 429 ..........................................................................................................................4-4

4.3.3 Configuration Module..........................................................................................................4-4

4.3.4 USB......................................................................................... .... .........................................4-5

4.4 Discrete I/O ......................................................................................................................4-5

4.4.1 Active Low Discrete Inputs ................................................................................................. 4-5

4.4.2 Altitude Alert (Annunciator) Outputs..................................................................................4-6

Appendix A Referenced Tables........................................................................A-1

Appendix B Outline and Installation Drawings .............................................B-1

Appendix C Interconnect Examples ................................................................C-1

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page vi Rev. A

LIST OF FIGURES

DRAFT

FIGURE PAGE

Section 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................1-1

Section 2 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW........................................................2-1

Figure 2-1 Standard Dual and Triple End-to-End System Layouts....................................... 2-6

Figure 2-2 Compact Dual and Triple End-to-End System Layouts....................................... 2-7

Figure 2-3 Dual and Triple Side-by-Side System Layouts.................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-4 Hybrid Triple System Layout .............................................................................. 2-9

Figure 2-5 Coaxial Cable Requirements.............................................................................. 2-12

Figure 2-6 TNC Connector Installation............................................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-7 Heat Shrink Positioning ..................................................................................... 2-13

Figure 2-8 GRA 5500 Mounting Rack ................................................................................ 2-14

Section 3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.....................................................3-1

Figure 3-1 GRA 5500 Installation ......................................................................................... 3-3

Figure 3-2 GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool (New Installation)..................................... 3-7

Figure 3-3 GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool Status Tab (Normal Operation) ................ 3-9

Figure 3-4 GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool Configuration Tab................................... 3-10

Figure 3-5 GRA 5500 Retrofit Installation Tool Software Tab........................................... 3-13

Section 4 SYSTEM INTERCONNECTS..........................................................4-1

Figure 4-1 View of J55001 connector, from front of unit ..................................................... 4-1

Appendix A Referenced Tables........................................................................A-1

Appendix B Outline and Installation Drawings.............................................B-1

Figure B-1 GRA 5500 Outline Drawing................................................................................B-1

Figure B-2 GRA 5500 Connector/Rack Assembly Drawing.................................................B-2

Appendix C Interconnect Examples................................................................C-1

Figure C-1 Garmin Integrated Flight Deck (GIFD) and non-GIFD (retrofit)

Interconnect Example ............................................................................................................C-1

Figure C-2 Garmin Integrated Flight Deck Interconnect Example .......................................C-2

Figure C-3 Non-Garmin Integrated Flight Deck (retrofit) Interconnect Example ................C-3

Figure C-4 GRA 5500 USB Dongle Cable............................................................................C-4

Figure C-5 GRA 5500 Configuration Module Interconnect Example ..................................C-5

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page vii

LIST OF TABLES

DRAFT

TABLE PAGE

Section 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................1-1

Table 1-1 Physical Characteristics......................................................................................... 1-2

Table 1-2 General Specifications........................................................................................... 1-2

Table 1-3 Performance Specifications................................................................................... 1-3

Table 1-4 Power Requirements.............................................................................................. 1-3

Table 1-5 TSO Compliance................................................................................................... 1-4

Table 1-6 Reference Documents............................................................................................ 1-4

Section 2 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW........................................................2-1

Table 2-1 Available Units...................................................................................................... 2-1

Table 2-2 Available Equipment............................................................................................. 2-1

Table 2-3 Additional Equipment Required............................................................................ 2-2

Table 2-4 Approved Radar Altimeter Antennas.................................................................... 2-2

Table 2-5 System ID Discrete Inputs..................................................................................... 2-3

Section 3 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.....................................................3-1

Table 3-1 Pin Contact Part Numbers..................................................................................... 3-1

Table 3-2 Recommended Crimp Tools.................................................................................. 3-1

Table 3-3 Recommended Insertion Tools.............................................................................. 3-1

Table 3-4 Recommended Removal Tools ............................................................................. 3-2

Table 3-5 ARINC 429 Channel 1 Settings .......................................................................... 3-11

Table 3-6 ARINC 429 Channel 2 Settings .......................................................................... 3-11

Section 4 SYSTEM INTERCONNECTS..........................................................4-1

Table 4-1 P55001 Connector................................................................................................. 4-1

Table 4-2 Aircraft Power....................................................................................................... 4-3

Table 4-3 HSDB Over RS-422.............................................................................................. 4-3

Table 4-4 ARINC 429............................................................................................................ 4-4

Table 4-5 ARINC 429 Output Labels.................................................................................... 4-4

Table 4-6 Configuration Module........................................................................................... 4-4

Table 4-7 USB Connections .................................................................................................. 4-5

Table 4-8 Active Low Discrete Inputs................................................................................... 4-5

Table 4-9 Alert Outputs.........................................................................................................4-6

Appendix A Referenced Tables........................................................................A-1

Table A-1 Recommended Coaxial Length ........................................................................... A-1

Table A-2 TNC Connectors.................................................................................................. A-2

Table A-3 GRA 5500 Fault Descriptions ............................................................................. A-3

Table A-4 “Various” POST (Power On Self-Test) Faults.................................................... A-7

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page viii Rev. A

1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

DRAFT

1.1 Introduction

This manual presents mechanical and electrical installation requirements for installing the GRA 5500
Radar Altimeter as part of a Garmin Integrated Flight Deck and in retrofit/stand-alone applications. The
GRA 5500 can be integrated into a variety of airframes under an appropriate TC or STC. Each airframe
installation may vary. Use only approved (type or supplemental type) data for specific installation
instructions in a particular aircraft.

1.2 Equipment Description

The GRA 5500 is a digitally-based airborne low-range radar altimeter designed to calculate and provide
precise Above Ground Level (AGL) altitude information for both Garmin Integrated Flight Deck and
retrofit/stand-alone radar altimeter applications. The GRA 5500 features a standard two-antenna
architecture utilizing low-power “gated” FMCW operation, digitally-based transmitter operation,
advanced digital signal processing (DSP) based receiver altitude detection algorithms, operation from
ground to 2500 ft AGL, accuracy of +/- 1.5 ft (0 – 100 ft AGL), +/- 2 % (>100 – 2500 ft AGL), full­featured self-test operation (BITE) and fault logging functionality (including patent-pending automated
self-testing and fault detection of the entire internal TX, RX, and processing circuitry), a patent-pending
on-ground automated installation calibration procedure to essentially eliminate the traditional requirement
for a minimum RF antenna cable length, 14 Volt and 28 Volt operation, two configurable ARINC 429 data
outputs, two proprietary Garmin HSDB over RS-422 data interfaces, and a standard USB full-speed
interface for convenient unit configuration, calibration, diagnostics, and software updates in retrofit/stand­alone applications.

1.3 Interface Summary

The GRA 5500 provides the following interfaces via circular connector:

• Two “diode ORed” aircraft power inputs (for redundant power systems)

• Two ARINC 429 data outputs (configurable for output data formats and data rates)

• Two Garmin High-Speed Data Bus (HSDB) over RS-422 data interfaces (used in lieu of ARINC
429 data outputs in Garmin Integrated Flight Deck installations)

• Two active-low annunciator outputs used for optional “altitude alert” indications (altitudes are
installation configurable)

• Four active-low discrete inputs used as configuration straps in dual and triple installations and for
optional manually-initiated self-test and self-test inhibit operation in retrofit/stand-alone
applications.

• One standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) full-speed interface for unit configuration, calibration,
diagnostics, and software updates in retrofit/stand-alone applications.

• One Garmin configuration module interface (configuration module usage is not required in
Garmin Integrated Flight Deck installations and is optional in retrofit/stand-alone applications in
order to retain unit configuration parameters external of the installed LRU)

The GRA 5500 also provides RF connections from the transmitter and receiver to the respective radar
altimeter antennas via standard TNC (threaded Neill-Concelman) connectors.

See Section 4

for connection details.

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page 1-1

1.4 Technical Specifications

DRAFT

1.4.1 Environmental Qualification Form

It is the responsibility of the installing agency to obtain the latest revision of the GRA 5500 Environmental
Qualification Form. This form is available directly from Garmin under the following part number:

GRA 5500 Environmental Qualification Form, Garmin part number 005-00616-01

To obtain a copy of this form, see the dealer/OEM portion of the Garmin web site (www.garmin.com

1.4.2 Physical Characteristics

Table 1-1 lists the physical characte ristics for the GRA 5500 unit, rack, and connectors. Refer to

Appendix B

Unit Height (with mounting rack) 3.99” (101.3 mm)
Unit Width (with or without mounting rack) 3.02” (76.7 mm)
Unit Depth (with mounting rack and connector) 11.62” (295.2 mm)
Unit Depth (with mounting rack, connector, and

configuration module)
Unit Weight (with mounting rack) 3.5 lb (1.6 kg)
Typical Mating Circular Connector Weight 0.13 lb (0.06 kg)
Typical Mating RF Connector Weight (2X) 0.07 lb (0.03 kg) (weight listed is for 2 connectors)

1.4.3 General Specifications

for additional information.

Table 1-1 Physical Characteristics

Characteristics Specifications

12.08” (306.9 mm)

).

For detailed specifications, see the Environmental Qualification Form (Section 1.4.1).

Table 1-2 General Specifications

Characteristics Specifications

Operational Temperature Range -55° C to +85° C
Altitude Range 55,000 ft maximum
Software Compliance RTCA/DO-178B Level B

Hardware Compliance

Environmental Conditions RTCA/DO-160F

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page 1-2 Rev. A

Not Applicable - The GRA 5500 does not contain
any complex or programmable logic devices.

1.4.4 Performance Specifications

DRAFT

Table 1-3 Performance Specifications

Characteristics Specifications

Altitude Accuracy

Altitude Range -20 - 2550 ft AGL
Altitude Alert Outputs Range 0 - 2500 ft AGL
Altitude Output Time Constant 0.1 second maximum

Transmitter Output

Horizontal Velocity 0 - 200 knots maximum

Vertical Velocity

Pitch Angle ± 20° maximum

Roll Angle

1.4.5 Power Requirements
Table 1-4 Power Requirements

± 1.5 ft (3 - 100 ft AGL)
± 2 % (> 100 - 2500 ft AGL)

Frequency: 4.25 - 4.35 GHz "Gated" FMCW
Power: 1.0 W nominal

20 ft/sec maximum (up to 100 ft AGL)
25 ft/sec maximum (above 100 ft AGL)

± 20° maximum (with published altitude accuracy
limits)
± 20° to ± 30° (with ± 20 % altitude accuracy limits
throughout entire altitude range)

Characteristics Specifications

Supply Voltage

Power Consumption 13.75 W maximum (0.5 A at 27.5 VDC, 1.0 A at 13.75 VDC)

1.5 Certification

The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum performance standards. It
is the responsibility of those installing this article either on or within a specific type or class of aircraft to
determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within the TSO standards. TSO articles must have
separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The article may be installed only if performed under 14
CFR part 43 or the applicable airworthiness requirements.

The Appliance Project Identifier (API) for the GRA 5500 is GMN-00946. Documents submitted to the
FAA and other regulatory agencies on behalf of this project will be filed under and referred to by this
number.

14/28 VDC. See the Environmental Qualification Form fo r details
on surge ratings and minimum/maximum operating voltages.

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page 1-3

1.5.1 TSO Compliance and Limitations

DRAFT

When installed as a system, the GRA 5500, which must include two Garmin approved antennas (see

Section 2.2.3

information, comprise what Garmin considers to be a minimum generic GRA 5500 system installation.
The GRA 5500 lacks a display and by itself is an incomplete system and cannot completely meet the
requirements of TSO-C87a.

This article meets the minimum performance and quality control standards required by a technical standard
order (TSO). Installation of this article requires separate approval.

Table 1-5 provides a list of applicable TSOs for the GRA 5500.

) installed per Section 2.3.3 of this Installation Manual and a cockpit display of altitude

Table 1-5 TSO Compliance

Applicable

Function TSO

Airborne

Low-Range

Radio Altimeter

1.5.2 TSO Deviations

No TSO deviations were requested or granted for the GRA 5500.

TSO-C87a

Functional

Class A

LRU System

(Main) SW Part

Numbers

006-B1447-0(_)

except
006-B1447-00
006-B1447-01
006-B1447-02

and

006-B1447-03

Applicable

Boot Block SW

Part Numbers

006-B1448-B(_)

except
006-B1448-BA
006-B1448-BB

and

006-B1448-BC

Applicable
LRU System
(Sensor) SW

Part Numbers

006-B1448-0(_)

except
006-B1448-00
006-B1448-01
006-B1448-02

and

006-B1448-03

Applicable

Region List

SW Part

Numbers

006-D3609-0(_)

except

006-D3609-00

and

006-D3609-01

1.6 Operating Instructions

The GRA 5500 is a remote-mount LRU with no user controls or indicators, and normal operation is
completely automated. All user interface is accomplished through a compatible display and/or interface
device. For Garmin Integrated Flight Deck installations, refer to the applicable airframe specific Pilot’s
Guide documentation for operating instructions (available at www.garmin.com
operating instructions, reference the operating instructions of the compatible display and/or interface
device. For operating instructions and characteristics for the automated and manual altitude self-test
capability of the appliance, see Section 3.7.4.1

of this document.

). For retrofit installation

1.7 Reference Documents

The following publications are sources of additional information for installing the GRA 5500. Before
installing the GRA 5500, the technician should be familiar with all referenced materials, in addition to this
manual.

Table 1-6 Reference Documents

Part Number Document

190-00313-12 Circular Connector (and Configuration Module) Installation Instructions
190-00303-00 G1000 System Installation Manual
190-00903-00 G1000 Integrated Flight Deck (LJ/VLJ) System Maintenance Manual
190-00907-00 G1000 System Maintenance Manual Standard Piston/Turboprop Aircraft

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page 1-4 Rev. A

2 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW

DRAFT

2.1 Introduction

This section provides hardware equipment information for installing the GRA 5500, related hardware, and
antennas. Installation of the GRA 5500 must follow the aircraft TC or STC requirements. Cabling is
fabricated by the installing agency to fit each particular aircraft. The guidance of FAA advisory circulars
AC 43.13-1B and AC 43.13-2B, where applicable, may be found useful for making retrofit installations
that comply with FAA regulations.

Refer to Appendix B

2.2 Installation Materials

The GRA 5500 is only available as a single unit under the following part number:

GRA 5500, Unit Only (011-02537-00) 010-00946-00

2.2.1 Available Equipment

Each of the following accessories are provided separately from the GRA 5500 and are required for
installation.

Sub-Assy, GRA 5500 Mounting Rack 011-02567-00
Sub-Assy, Connector Kit, GRA 5500 (For Garmin Integrated

Flight Deck installations)*
Sub-Assy, Connector Kit w/Config Module & USB Pigtail,

GRA 5500 (For retrofit/stand-alone installations)*

for rack drawings and dimensions.

Table 2-1 Available Units

Item Garmin P/N

Table 2-2 Available Equipment

Item Garmin P/N

011-02573-00

011-02573-01

*Each GRA 5500 connector kit provides seal plugs for the circular connector. Refer to the Circular
Connector (and Configuration Module) Installation Instructions (GPN: 190-00313-12) for seal plug,
config module, and connector installation instructions.

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page 2-1

2.2.2 Additional Equipment Required

DRAFT

The installation accessories listed in Table 2-3 are required but not provided:

Table 2-3 Additional Equipment Required

Item Specification

Radar Altimeter Antennas (2 per installation) See Section 2.2.3 for more information.
Antenna Coaxial Cables (2 per installation) See Section 2.5.1 for more information.
TNC connectors (4 per installation) See Section 2.5.1 for more information.

5 amp aircraft circuit breakers are recommended

Circuit Breakers (1 or 2 per installation)

2.2.3 Approved Radar Altimeter Antennas

for 28 VDC operation. Larger circuit breakers may
be required for 14 VDC operation.

The antennas listed in Table 2-4 are the only
altimeter:

Table 2-4 Approved Radar Altimeter Antennas

Antenna Manufacturer Manufacturer Part Number Garmin Part Number*

Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002 013-00378-00
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-4 013-00378-04
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-12 013-00378-12
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-13 013-00378-13
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-14 013-00378-14
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-18 013-00378-18
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-19 013-00378-19
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-29 013-00378-29
Sensor Systems Inc. S67-2002-45 013-00378-45
*Garmin encourages customers to procure the selected antenna type directly from the antenna

manufacturer. For customers who do not have a business relationship with the antenna manufacturer,
the selected antenna type may be purch ased thro ugh Garmi n by referencing the correspo nding Garmin
Part Number.

approved antennas for use with the GRA 5500 radar

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page 2-2 Rev. A

2.3 Installation Considerations

DRAFT

Fabrication of a wiring harness is required. Sound mechanical and electrical methods and practices are
required for installation of the GRA 5500.

The GRA 5500 requires two antennas to be installed for each system installation. One antenna is used to
transmit the radar signal, and the other is used to simultaneously receive the reflected signal.

2.3.1 Multiplex Operation (Dual and Triple Unit Installations)

Each GRA 5500 system fulfills all TSO minimum accuracy requirements when installed with either one or
two additional GRA 5500 systems on the same aircraft. Mutual interaction is not operationally significant.
See Section 2.3.3
or third unit in a multi-unit installation is selected by strapping the respective discrete input(s) on each unit
per Table 2-5.

for guidance in planning antenna locations for multi-unit installations. The second and/

Table 2-5 System ID Discrete Inputs

RADAR ALT SYSTEM ID

PROGRAM* 1

Open Open 1

Ground Open 2

Open Ground 3

Ground Ground Not Allowed

2.3.2 Installation Approval Considerations for Pressurized Aircraft

Cable installations (both wiring harness and coaxial antenna cables) on pressurized cabin aircraft require
FAA approved installation design and engineering substantiation data whenever such installations
incorporate alteration (penetration) of the cabin pressure vessel by connector holes and/or mounting
arrangements.

For needed engineering support pertaining to the design and approval of such pressurized aircraft
installations, it is recommended that the installer proceed according to any of the following listed
alternatives:

1. Obtain approved installation design data from the aircraft manufacturer.

2. Obtain an FAA approved STC, pertaining to and valid for the subject installation.

3. Contact the FAA Aircraft Certification Of fice in the appropriate Region and request identification
of FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) who are authorized to prepare and
approve the required installation engineering data.

4. Locate an appropriate consultant FAA DER from the “FAA Consultant DER Directory” at the
FAA “Designee and Delegation” web page.

5. Contact an aviation industry organization such as the Aircraft Electronics Association for
assistance.

RADAR ALT SYSTEM ID

PROGRAM* 2

GRA 5500 UNIT NUMBER

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page 2-3

2.3.3 Antenna Location Planning Guidance

NOTE

DRAFT

The ability of any radar altimeter system to accurately and reliably detect and process
radar altitude signals is highly
receiver (RX) antenna placement on the airframe. Stated performance specifications for
the GRA 5500 can only be achieved when the system is installed in accordance with all
guidelines stipulated in this section and with all other instructions given in this
Installation Manual.

dependent upon correct transmitter (TX) antenna and

the

Careful planning for optimal antenna placement is extremely critical
and requires a high level of attention to detail in order to achieve optimal system performance of the
GRA 5500. The following guidelines must be followed
system during all stages of normal operation. Failure to follow any of these guidelines will result in
degradation of system performance.

If there is any question as to whether a planned installation will meet all the guidelines given below or may
require special consideration, contact Garmin for further support.

1. Location on Aircraft
center point of pitch and roll rotation (this reduces the effect of momentary pitch and roll altitude
offsets/inaccuracies during approach and landing or while maneuvering the aircraft).

2. Angle of Antennas to Ground
within +/- 6° of horizontal during level flight. If adapter plates are manufactured to ensure this
angle is met, the adapters must not
adapters must only extrude the antenna surfaces outside the skin of the aircraft.

3. Mounting Surface
metallic surfaces or ones with discontinuities require special consideration. Contact Garmin for
more information or clarification if needed.

4. Minimum Height
minimum antenna height possible above ground while parked, taxiing, or at aircraft touchdown is
20 inches for any aircraft.

5. Antenna Clearance Cones
projections (landing gear, flaps, drainage vents, etc…) within a 120° cone from each antenna
downward to prevent locking onto false altitude returns. Consider all possible modes of aircraft
operation when establishing compliance with this guideline (e.g. – landing gear distances while in
transition, flap distances while fully extended, etc.).

6. Distance to Other Antennas
to any other aircraft antenna.

7. Relative Location (Single System)
straight, nose-to-tail longitudinal line with both antenna arrows pointing forward, or in a straight,
side-to-side, lateral line with both arrows pointing to one side of the aircraft or the other (they may
alternatively point toward each other or away from each other). The longitudinal installation is
preferred over the lateral installation to provide more roll than pitch angle coverage. Additionally,
the angle between the antenna surface planes must not exceed 6° and the antennas must not be
tipped toward each other at any angle. In a single system, either antenna may be selected as the
transmitter (TX) or receiver (RX) antenna.

: Antennas must be mounted on a surface of the bottom of the aircraft near the

: Antennas must be mounted such that the surface of each antenna is

recess the antenna surfaces within the skin of the aircraft. The

: The antennas are normally mounted on a continuous metallic surface. Non-

: Due to antenna spacing limits (described in following guideline 8.), the

: The locations chosen for both antennas must be free of aircraft

: The radar altimeter antennas should be located no closer than 3 feet

: The two radar altimeter antennas must be mounted either in a

in order to achieve acceptable performance of the

in any radar altimeter installation

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
Page 2-4 Rev. A

8. Relative Antenna Spacing (Single System): The two antennas must be spaced apart a minimum

DRAFT

distance of 20 inches (center to center). They must be spaced a maximum distance apart of not
more

than their equivalent distance to the ground while parked, taxiing, or at aircraft touchdown
(whichever is less). The absolute maximum spacing is 6 feet (regardless of touchdown, taxiing, or
parked height). For example, if the antenna distance to the ground at touchdown is 36 inches and
when parked is 30 inches, then the antenna spacing must not be more than 30 inches. Ideally, the
antennas would be spaced halfway between the given mi nimum and maximum constraints for the
aircraft.

9. Dual System Additional Guidance
first conform to the constraints of a single system. In addition, a dual system installation must
conform to an end-to-end configuration (as shown in Figure 2-1
configuration (as shown in Figure 2-3
center) minimum spacing between systems with no limit on maximum spacing. The side-by-side
configuration requires 5 inches (center to center) minimum spacing between systems with
maximum spacing limited by the 35° angle as shown. For example, if the spacing between TX1
and RX1 is 30 inches, then the spacing between RX2 and RX1 must not be more than 30 inches
multiplied by the tangent of 35° (approximately 21 inches). The angular limit is necessary because
unwanted signal leakage between TX to RX increases rapidly as the end-to-end antenna
orientation transitions toward a pseudo side-to-side orientation (TX to TX and RX to RX antenna
spacings are not vulnerable to this leakage). It is essential that functional antenna numbering
assignments (e.g. – TX1, RX2, etc.) are used during planning and installation in order to avoid
confusion.

10. Triple System Additional Guidance
must first conform to the constraints of a single system. In addition, a triple system installation
must conform to an end-to-end configuration (as shown in Figure 2-1
side configuration (as shown in Figure 2-3
The end-to-end configuration requires 5 inches (center to center) minimum spacing between
systems with no limit on maximum spacing. The side-by-side configuration requires 5 inches
(center to center) minimum spacing between systems with maximum spacing limited by the
overall 35° angle as shown. The hybrid configuration requires the minimum distances and
maximum angles shown. It is essential that functional antenna numbering assignments (e.g. –
TX1, RX2, etc.) are used during planning and installation in order to avoid confusion.

: Each individual system within a dual system installation must

or Figure 2-2) or a side-by-side

). The end-to-end configuration requires 5 inches (center to

: Each individual system within a triple system installation

or Figure 2-2), a side-by-

), or a hybrid configuration (as shown in Figure 2-4).

190-01277-00 GRA 5500 Installation Manual
Rev. A Page 2-5

R1

R2

T1

T2

5” min.

Dual End-to-End System

T1

R3

R1

R2

5” min.

T2

T3

5” min.

Triple End-to-End System

Forward

Forward

DRAFT

Figure 2-1 Standard Dual and Triple End-to-End System Layouts

GRA 5500 Installation Manual 190-01277-00
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