ADS-B Out

[n85ae]

I talked to Bill at Navworx yesterday, and asked about the B unit. He said it
has the functionality, but would require upgrade before 2020 to meet the
mandate as it wasn't fully compliant. He said to be fully compliant would
require the BG. Not sure exactly why that was though. Might be something
to check. Looks like a decent system, and I like the way it works.

Jeff

[Wheels]

Is there a list of the thousand plus airports that will require the system or is the entire U.S. airspace affected by the mandate? Does it eliminate me flying in G airspace in my backyard? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but consider the source.

[Av8r_Sed]

I believe it's only required where you need a Mode-C transponder today.

[n85ae]

Anything that requires Mode-C will require it. If you installed something
currently that met the mandate you would have to install a device in
the $3K+ range (if you do it yourself) ...

So I'm going to wait. I talked to AOPA Advocacy on the phone, and they
are "hoping/working" for a solution, such as an ADS-B "Out", portable
device similar to the current "In" only devices. Which could be carried
onboard and make the flight legal.

The Navworx device, or the Garmin GDL-84 UAT look nice, BUT the price
tag doesn't ...

Jeff

[n85ae]

Random thoughts -

Actually I'm a bit surprised I don't see more about this issue in these forums,
this ADS-B mandate is real, and even at the cheap end of the "best-guessed"
cost. Each one of us who doesn't fly out of the sticks is going to end up
paying well over $1K, and quite possibly $3-5K just to keep flying our planes.

I personally like the idea of ADS-B, just not the cost associated.

Jeff

[n85ae]

After a lot of phone calls, I think I know what is needed for ADS-B Out
compliance. I'm personally waiting to see if prices drop. But were a person to
do it today. To go from a "normal" Mode-C Transponder, with a conventional
Encoder ... I created this diagram. Hope it helps make sense out of this mess.
If I got something horribly wrong, I'll fix the diagram.

Both Navworx, and Freeflight are similar, but differ a bit in how they
listen to the transponder output. Navworx listens on the cable to the
transponder antenna, Freeflight samples the RF output.

Thanks!
Jeff

[Dorsal]

Looks good though it is my understanding that the Navworx can pick up both squawk code and alt from the transponder antenna cable. This would eliminate the need for a new encoder (that outputs RS232). Also the antennas can be cheap, ball and stick for the UAT and basic GPS (<$20) mounted internally.

[Slyfox]

my thought, like all electronics. I'm waiting. In 5 years, things will change a lot, along with cost. think computers and TV's. I don't have transponder in kitfox and don't use flight following. I turn on the tunes and off the radios. how about that. at least until It's time to land. than I need my radio.

one more thing. with the faa saying an experimental does not need a tso'd device. one can only think what kind of equipment will come out now. I'd wait the 5 years and than buy.

[Dorsal]

Certainly a good point Slyfox, in my case I put the unit in because I value the information it gives me now. If it also happens to meet the mandate for 5 years from now all the better. I, and more importantly SWMBO, like seeing all the little planes on the GPS (except Slyfox and others without transponders)
It will certainly be an interesting space to watch with more options coming.