FAQs FOR:

PBS400/PBS250

CMS400 and HUC/G

XM Satellite Radio

XM WX Satellite Weather

LED Lighting

PBS400/PBS250:

Can I utilize my laptop to reprogram the PBS250 and PBS400 passenger briefing systems?
Yes. These PBS systems are programmable via a laptop/PC running Windows95, 98, 2000 or XP.

If Running Windows 95 or 98 - One available COM port, 25-pin male to 25-pin female cable. (6' max cable length.)

If Running Windows 2000 or XP - Utilize the Heads Up PBSADP-100 (USB to 25-pin adapter). You will also need one standard USB cable (10' max cable length) and a 25-pin male to 25-pin female cable (6' max cable length).

In all cases above, please refer to the Programming and Scripting Services Manual for more information, or contact scripts@heads-up.com.

What software is utilized to program the PBS250/PBS400?
Software will be included with the script and utilizes Windows 95/98/2000/XP. Please notify scripts@heads-up.com of your operating system so we may provide you with the appropriate software version.

Can we do our own recordings?
Yes. Professional quality recordings can be performed at local recording studios. Heads Up can then process the audio files. (MP3 or WAV formats.) Contact scripts@heads-up.com for more information.

Can I play the script CD that Heads Up sent to me from a regular CD player?
No. The script files on the CD are not recognized by a regular CD player. The PBS 250/400 products use a proprietary compression method.

Can the message be female or male?
Yes, Heads Up can offer professional female and male voice talents. Translation and recording services are available in most languages.

Where does the programming cable plug into?
The programming port is on the back of the PBS remote computer.

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CMS400 and HUC/G:

How many lines does a CMS400 or HUC/G unit hold?
On average, HUC/G Units handle 300 lines, while the CMS400 accommodates 500 lines.

On the CMS400, what is the function of the JUMP button?
The JUMP button is used to quickly reach a preprogrammed checklist. For instance, if you would like to have quick access to your ‘Approach’ checklist, you can set this up as a JUMP item. Then, when the JUMP button is pressed, you will go immediately to your ‘Approach’ checklist.

How do I advance to the next procedure?
If you are at the beginning of a procedure, hitting the ‘EXIT’ button once will take you to the next procedure. When in a checklist, you can hit the EXIT button twice, and it will take you to the next procedure.

Can the unit speak both Challenge and Response?
Yes, the unit can be defaulted to speak Challenge only, or Challenge and Response, based upon the script.

Can I change the default in the field?
The default is programmed into the script and can only be changed by Heads Up. However, it is possible to change the behavior by holding the EXIT key at power-up. The unit will go back to its default setting at the next power-up.

Can the checklist be in a female or male voice?
Yes, just as with the briefing products, Heads Up can offer professional female and male voice talents.

How do I change my script?
The customer provides the script to Heads Up and it is entered into our system. A faxed copy of this script will be sent to the customer for final approval and once approved, recording sessions, as appropriate, will be arranged by Heads Up. Approximately two English language sessions are scheduled per month. Please contact us at scripts@heads-up.com for any additional information or for any special requests.

Where is the data cartridge?
The data cartridge (part number DSC20) is installed in the back of the CMS400. Changing or updating scripts is easily accomplished by switching cartridges.

Do I have to return my cartridge?
New CMS400 units ship with a test cartridge. Once the script is prepared, a second cartridge is shipped. The test cartridges can be utilized for script changes after installation.

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XM Satellite Radio:

What types of antennas are available?
Multiple antennas that have been XM-approved are available. Currently, this includes the popular low-profile, tear-dropped shaped antenna, and a low-speed VHF/COM-XM antenna. In addition, a GPS/XM and a VHF/GPS/XM antenna have been recently approved. Please contact Heads Up for any additional information.

What is the monthly subscription?
The monthly service is $12.99/month per receiver. However, you can take advantage of XM’s family plan for multi-receiver units. As an example, if you choose a 4-receiver unit, the first receiver will cost $12.99/month, and the 2nd – 4th receivers will each cost only $6.99/month.

What is a multi-receiver unit?
Multi-receiver units are essentially multiple XM radios, all combined into a single LRU. Rather than selecting one channel and having that option distributed through the cabin or cockpit, multi-receiver units allow for simultaneous and independent operation of XM radio channels at the seats.

What are my options on radio receivers?
Heads Up provides 1, 2, 4 and 8 receiver units today. In addition, the 4- and 8-receiver versions provide the added flexibility of daisy-chaining the antenna cable to other receivers. So, if you want to have a 6-receiver setup, you can install a 4-receiver unit, and simply daisy-chain a two-receiver unit. (The XM WX Satellite Weather receiver also provides the capability to daisy-chain other receivers together.)

What are the options for integrating the XM radio with my existing cabin management system?
Heads Up is currently working with several cabin management suppliers, including Audio International, Honeywell CMSS and Mid Continent Controls. Specific questions on the level of integration should be directed to the appropriate supplier.

What if I do not have an existing entertainment system or do not want to integrate?
Heads Up provides a touch-screen, LCD color display that allows for management of your system regardless of the number of radio receiver units installed. By first selecting the appropriate receiver number for your seat, you can change categories, change channels up or down, activate up to 6 presets and receive title/artist information. In addition, a handheld remote control is provided.

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XM WX Satellite Weather:

The following details reported XM WX Satellite Weather deactivation issues:

Description of Problem

XM Satellite Radio has become aware of a reported issue with a number of avionics systems used to display XM WX Satellite Weather service. These avionic systems incorporate a display device in conjunction with an XM data receiver for delivery of the XM WX service.

What is the issue?

These avionics systems are reported to have ceased display of the XM WX weather data following a period of satisfactory operation - this has been reported at pre-flight power-up (following a previous flight during which the system performed correctly) and also during flight. In all reported cases, service has been restored by performing an Activation Refresh on the XM data receiver. (See details below on the Activation Refresh Process).

Note: Some user of the XM WX Satellite Weather service have apparently been incorrectly advised that an XM data receiver will automatically de-activate if not used within several days or even weeks. This is incorrect information - all XM receivers are designed to operate without needing an Activation Refresh even if not used for many months.

Short Term Solution

In the event that service is interrupted by this deactivation issue, a simple Activation Refresh action will restore your service.

Note: The Activation Refresh is not a preemptive solution in that it will not prevent a deactivation from occurring. The Activation Refresh will only address the deactivation once it has occurred.

XM "Activation Refresh" Process

In the event of an interruption of the XM WX weather data service, an "Activation Refresh" can restore correct operation. The Refresh signal, sent over the XM satellite system, will re-activate the receiver and restore correct operation of the XM WX receiver.

The Activation Refresh process can be initiated by phone call or using the internet. Once initiated, the activation signal will be immediately broadcast for a 15 minute period, so it is advisable to have the avionics system powered up and able to receive the XM signal before initiating the Activation Refresh. An extended 12 hour broadcast of the refresh signal is also available on request (this option is only available via phone and not via the internet.)

By phone, call XM at 1-800-985-9200 - you will need your XM radio ID or be prepared to provide acccount information to enable your refresh request.

-- 15 Minute refresh - provide your radio ID to the call center rep and they will send the refresh

-- 12 Hour refresh - provide your radio ID and ask the rep to execute the refresh from from your accounts Service Profile. The call center rep can then initiate the 12 hour refresh through the Service Profile account page.

Alternatively, you may enable a refresh via the internet at www.xmradio.com/refresh and follow the on screen instructions. As stated, this online refresh is for an immediate need with your avionics systems powered on and able to receive signal. The online refresh will be sent for the next 15 minutes only.

For either process, the unique 8-character alphanumeric XM radio ID will be required. The XM radio ID can be obtained via the avionics system display which varies by partner.

NOTE: Please check your ID code carefully. There is no "I" (eye), "o" (oh), "S" or "F" used for XM radio ID's.

Myths

Myth #1: XM and/or Heads Up designed the receiver to deactivate after two weeks of inactivity.

Reality: Once properly activated, the receiver will provide months of service until it encounters an uncommanded deactivation. A given user should not experience uncommanded deactivation more than twice per year. Once the firmware is updated, the user should never experience uncommanded deactivation. If you experience loss of service more than twice per year, please contact your equipment manufacturer (see Support Process below) as this may be a sympton of a secondary problem.

Myth #2: XM sends the deactivation signal over the air.

Reality: As long as you are a paying subscriber, XM is not sending deactivation signals over the satellite. The uncommanded deactivation is related to the onboard software.

Myth #3: Sending a "refresh" to your receiver prior to every flight will make the system work better.

Reality: A "refresh" will have no effect upon your receiver until it deactivates. There is no such thing as a preemptive refresh.

Myth #4: Only certain avionics manufacturers have been affected by this problem.

Reality: This problem has affected all avionics manufacturers. Implementation of a software solution varies by manufacturer. Please note: this problem was not caused by ANY avionics manufacturer or hardware manufacturer.

Support Process for Deactivation

In the event that your XM WX receiver has deactivated more than twice per year, please follow this process:

1) Write down the XM Radio ID

2) Check to see that you have a valid subscription. Look on the XM Invoice and write down your XM Account Number. If you do not have an XM Account Number, are you currently being charged by XM for service? Note: If you do not have a valid account, your XM WX radio will not operate correctly.

3) Call Heads Up Technologies at (972) 980-4890 during normal working hours and ask for Customer Service. A customer service representative will work with you to determine if any secondary issues exist with your equipment and help you solve those issues.

OTHER XM WX SATELLITE WEATHER FAQ's.....

I occasionally loose signal at altitude or show erratic signal quality. Do I have a bad antenna?
Check the 'ant in' port of the XM receiver for a correct voltage reading of approx 5 Volts. This could also potentially be a result of improper gain. Verify by checking Heads Up installation manuals for XM products, which can be downloaded in the product section of our website.

What is the specification of the XM antenna cable?
RG-400/U coaxial cable is recommended, with a SMA plug on each end. Verify proper installation by checking Heads Up installation manuals.

I am having trouble refreshing my receiver.
When performing an on-line 'refresh', you should receive an 'activation successful' response after submitting the refresh request. If you receive an 'unsuccessful' response, there may be other problems with the account. Please contact XM Listener Care at (800) 985-9200.

What are the current options for interfacing the XM WX Weather with my MFD?
Heads Up originally offered a system that would work with a USB interface to laptops and/or EFBs (electronic flight bags). On July 28, 2003, XM Satellite Radio announced that XM WX Satellite Weather was selected by Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) for the Collins Pro Line 21 family of Integrated avionics.

On June 22, 2004, Avidyne announced the selection of XM WX Satellite Weather to provide broadcast datalink weather for their FlightMax EX500 multifunction displays and FlightMax Entegra integrated flight deck systems. (XMD076-01 Data Receiver)

Does Heads Up provide a certified weather receiver?
Yes, we received STC-PMA for the weather receiver, antenna and data port (used for USB interface) on a Raytheon Premier. This is the XMD075-01 Data Receiver.

What type of connector is utilized on the antenna?
SMA Plug. See the antenna wiring diagram in the Products section for specifics.

How do I know if we have power to the system?
On the receiver, there is a red LED next to the connector J1. If ON, the unit has power. (On some early version units, there is not an LED indicator, and the user will need to utilize the weather software to determine if the unit is ON.)

The software, XMLINK screen, keeps repeating the message ‘Sending Power Up to Radio’. What should I do? (XMD075-01 only)
Verify that the power wiring to your radio is correct. Confirm that pin 18 is connected to Bus power. Please refer to your ICD/wiring diagrams. Next, verify the communication settings are correct and set the communications port (as addressed in the next question) and baud rate (115200 bps). If the problem continues, contact Heads Up for additional assistance.

How do I determine the correct communications port for my XMD075-01?
From your computer, select START-> SETTINGS->CONTROL PANEL->SYSTEM-> HARDWARE TAB->DEVICE MANAGER BUTTON -> PORTS. The correct communications port is the USB Serial Port (com #).

What is the correct baud rate with my XMD075-01?
The correct baud rate for the certified receiver is 115200bps.

My XMD075-01 weather receiver is not activating.
Double-check the following steps:
Verify the radio ID (8-digits) used to activate with XM matches the Radio Serial Number on the XMLINK screen.
Verify the signal quality is “Good Locked”
Verify the antenna view of the sky is not obstructed.
Verify the cabling. Refer to ICD/wiring diagrams.

My XMD076-01 weather receiver is not activating.
Double-check the following steps:
Verify the radio ID (8-digits) used to activate with XM matches the Radio Serial ID Tag.
Verify the antenna view of the sky is not obstructed.
Verify the cabling. Refer to ICD/wiring diagrams.
Contact XM's Listener Care Center at 1-800-985-9200.

I am not receiving all weather data, or it takes a long time to update. Confirm that the MFD is set to the correct UCC time as prescribed by the MFD manufacturer. If set correctly, monitor signal-quality when reception of data appears slow. Contact Heads Up customer serv ice if issues persist.

My signal quality shows >999?
Verify that there is 5V on the “ANT OUT” from the receiver unit. If not, please contact Heads Up at service@heads-up.com.

LED Lighting:

Is a controller required for the upwash/downwash lighting?
Yes, in most cabin situations. The controller provides both over-voltage protection and full dimming (0-100%), or step dimming capabilities. Operation without a controller can be easily accomplished however for those areas that may not require dimming - such as Lavs and Galleys. Please contact Heads Up directly for more information on this capability.

How big is the controller and how much lighting will one support?
The controller is roughly 1.3” x 4.0” x 5.5” and weighs a little more than one-half pound. One controller supports up to 50 feet of wash lighting.

What voltage is required to run the lighting?
All wash lighting and accent pieces require 28V.

Is your product certified?
Yes, Heads Up has received STC-PMA on our lighting controller and the wash lighting elements. In addition, PMA has been received on a large variety of accent pieces, including reading, dome, table, toekick, cabinet and galley lighting.

What lengths and types of wash lighting elements are available?
Multiple lengths are available in order to fit any size cabin. Standard elements are available from 9" to 36", and every inch inbetween. (ie, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc). Warm and cool colors are available.

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