ADS-B Out

[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.

[cubtractor]

Looks like Navworx has something even simpler than that:

http://www.navworx.com/products-PADS-B.php

[n85ae]

The FAA hasn't approved portables yet, but according to an AOPA rep I
talked to on the phone, they are trying to get the FAA to approve them.

I hope they approve portables, even if there is a requirement to tie the
device to an N-Number, at least it might save some money.

The diagram I drew is my interpretation from phone calls, so I'm not sure
how many systems hook up the same way. I do know that the ADS-B out MUST report the squawk code, and the Encoder reported altitude in the
data it sends out.

Jeff

[Tom Waid]

This may be the news we've all been waiting for.


.

[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.

[cubtractor]

All of these are good points. I like to have alone time with just me and the airplane at times, maybe some tunes to plug into the intercom but the main reason I installed a transponder in the Kitfox was so the bigger guys can see me. Flying professionally it's nice to see small planes show up on the TCAS at an uncontrolled airport when approaching at 150-180 knots until final or base to final. I like to visually see others from my Kitfox and also see someone in a Kitfox from the thing with two hairdryers strapped to the tail end. That being said, I'll probably wait until closer to the mandate for ADS-B to upgrade for the same reasons Slyfox is.