What is PCAS? What does it all mean? Understanding PCAS
PCAS, which stands for Portable Collision Avoidance System, is a trademark of Zaon Flight Systems for technology similar in function to TCAS (Traffic and Collision Avoidance System). TCAS is the industry standard for commercial collision avoidance systems. The original PCAS technology was developed by Zaon in 1999. Now, the MRX/XRX line of collision avoidance systems incorporates the fourth generation of PCAS technology. Through this technology, transponder-equipped aircraft are detected and ranged, and the altitude is decoded. PCAS G4 technology has advanced to the point that highly accurate range, relative altitude, and quadrant direction can be accurately detected in a portable, all-in-one cockpit device.
Give me the skinny! What are the Zaon XRX PCAS strengths?
The Zaon XRX is a passive system, meaning it listens to replies from other aircraft. Other aircraft are responding to interrogations. There are two types of interrogation networks: Ground RADAR installations and TCAS- or other active system-equipped aircraft.
Ground RADAR installations provide ATC with aircraft data by interrogating outward from the sweeping antenna, pictured here. The range of each installation depends on the type of surrounding terrain and geography, but is usually 100-200 miles in diameter.
Overhead, systems that interrogate, or active systems, exist which make up an even better network of interrogation.
Examples of active systems are TCAS, Skywatch, and Ryan/Avidyne active systems. Because these systems are airborne, they are not limited by geographical features and provide an excellent platform for interrogation.
A passive system which does not interrogate, such as MRX, only works if the interrogations are present. However, it is important to note that the combined effect of both overlapping networks provides for a nearly 100% coverage in the United States. The illustration below demonstrates this when the coverage of terminal, enroute and military RADAR is combined with TCAS interrogations from aircraft at any given moment.The same type of systems exist in countries abroad, especially the same airborne TCAS-based systems. The most important thing to remember is that interrogations happen virtually everywhere you may fly.
Zero False Alerts
The Zaon XRX boasts the unique ability to filter out any erroneous signals and only display verified transponder-equipped aircraft. Incoming signals must be completely decoded, the Mode A/C must correctly correspond to a valid altitude code, and XRX must be able to do this twice with the same aircraft. This process, among others, virtually guarantees that, if an aircraft information is being displayed, it can only be from a valid transponder-equipped aircraft.
The Zaon XRX comes out swinging
Don't let the tiny size fool you
The XRX was designed to be placed on the glareshield. Yet despite its incredibly small and self-contained, XRX sacrifices none of the accuracy found in much more expensive, installed systems. The unit is only 3.9" (100mm) wide, 3.6" (93mm) deep, and 2.7" (69mm) tall. The majority of the height is for the enclosed antenna array.
In most cases, the unit sits below the visual line of the propeller, out of the pilot's line-of-sight and presents useful traffic information in plain sight in front of the pilot. If a different configuration is desired, several options exist. XRX has a 45° mode which allows the unit to be placed on the right side of the glareshield and rotated so that the screen is pointed at the pilot. Another option is a suction-cup mount. See our complete line of PCAS accessories for more information.
Oooooga Dive Dive Traffic, front-right, 0.9 miles, 500 feet below and descending
XRX delivers the three dimensions of traffic information that pinpoints where traffic is located: direction, range and relative altitude. Armed with this information, you'll know just where the threats lie. XRX detects and tracks all aircraft in the detection window you specify and displays the information on a built-in, easy-to-read LCD display. The top three threats are displayed using simple visual cues.
For the primary threat, direction is displayed in a compass rose around the range and relative altitude information. The second and third threats are displayed, along with the local heading and relative altitude information. XRX also displays your local squawk code. Advanced features are included such as visual and audible voice alerts and advisories, an easy-to-use menu interface, and local information. XRX displays 3-D View quadrant bearing information, as well as relative altitude and range, all from inside the cockpit and without the need for external antenna arrays.
It's so simple even I can work it
Duh!
The easy-to-read LCD display boasts large numerals and EL backlighting for night operation.All parameters are controlled by an easy-to-use menu system: range and altitude settings, type of aircraft, screen options, and more. Flying a pressurized aircraft? XRX includes a pressurized mode for use in a pressurized cockpit with no external static line connections needed. The unit also monitors aircraft bus voltage and host transponder operations and is powered through aircraft power (12-40 V compatible).
Ah
the Zaon XRX bubble of awareness
XRX sets up a bubble of awareness around you and reports any traffic in this window. The size of this window is easily defined using a simple menu that sets the range and altitude maximums. The detection window has a maximum range of 6 NM and altitude of ±2500 feet. PCAS utilizes both visual and audible alerts if the traffic gets close enough to become a threat.
Advisory
2
Attempt to make visual contact with threat
Alert
4
Make visual contact and avoid
The most important job of any collision avoidance system is to tell you what is a threat, and quietly provide information on traffic that is not a threat. An important distinction with PCAS is the difference between traffic detection and traffic alerts. XRX will detect any aircraft in the detection window you specify, but will alert you to traffic that has become a threat based on the aircraft's relative altitude, range, track over time, and ascent/descent status.
Extremely Reliable & Accurate, No good enough for Govt. work Here!
Following in the footsteps of previous models, the traffic information accuracy is the best in the industry. Traffic accuracy is 0.2 NM on average for range, ±200 ft for altitude (defined by TSO standards set for transponder encoders), and ±22° for direction. XRX also displays your local squawk code and pressure altitude for monitoring your transponder encoder output, as well as bearing. XRX includes many built-in sensors for razor-sharp accuracy, including a pressure altimeter for relative altitude accuracy, a solid-state 16-point compass for bearing accuracy, a solid-state attitude and bank sensor for bearing accuracy, thermal monitors and overtemp protection for accuracy in any environment.
The Zaon Flight Systems XRX PCAS plays well with others
Get XRX traffic on your GPS or EFIS system, including Garmin, Blue Mountain, Grand Rapids, AnywhereMap, Hangar B-17, PCAvionics, and many more. Introducing a simple way to get traffic on your moving map display. A simple hookup to your PCAS XRX directly to your system and you're off and running. Traffic alerts, popups, voice alerts, the reliability and accuracy of XRX overlayed right onto the screen of an old friend. Get the precision and all-over coverage that only XRX can provide, directly on the screen you're already looking at.
(read more )
The PCAS XRX traffic system is a complete package and comes with everything you need to simply Plug and Go, including:
Dash-mount unit with integrated antenna
Cigarette-lighter adaptor
Headset-DirectAudio cable
Velcro mounting dots
Silicone gripper feet
75-page Owner's Manual
Quick Guide
Hard carrying case
SkyGeek 30 day, Guaranteed, No catch, Love it or Return it policy
SkyGeek.com offers a 30 Day Return Policy from date of purchase. The return must be shipped within 30 days of date on sales receipt.
Proof of Purchase: The original transaction receipt (make a copy for your own records), must be included with the item being returned.
As New: The item being returned must be in new condition* (i.e. no scratches or other signs of use). All original packing materials (boxes, bags, etc.) must be returned with the item and undamaged (other than normally expected when opening the original package). If the item returned doesn't qualify As New, as stated in this paragraph, then a restocking fee will be applied as a percentage of the amount originally billed for the item.
Reason for Return: A brief explanation why the item is being returned. This is helpful in terms of improving products, the display of product information and better understanding your needs.
Return Authorization: You must obtain a Return Authorization (RA or RMA) from one of Geeks before returning an item. (Sales@SkyGeek.com or 845-677-8185)
The RA must clearly show on the package or shipping label.