Avionics News December 2012 - 23

All-in-one solutions like Garmin’s GDL90 978UAT and those from NavWorx take a simpler approach to the components-based approach, with the Out transmitter and position source and altitude source all integral to the same box. Loss of the box’s functions similarly impacts your airspace access. But, with only one component, many avionics technicians believe the chances of losing one of three components are higher than the chances of losing the entire 978UAT. Of course, another option exists – using a 978 transmitter, separate 978 receiver, separate position source and separate encoder. But, the more-economical, moreaffordable-for-most-pilots choice will be the UAT and its related antenna.
ISSUE THREE: THE TRANSPONDER: IS ONE STILL NEEDED POST ADS-B OUT?

larger than can be used for active traffic interrogations, increasing the effective range of the TAS for ADS-B In. The ADS-B position also will be used to enhance the accuracy of the bearing and range to a target. The Avidyne Series 600 TAS also receives the ADS-B Out traffic’s data strip – heading, navigation track, onground status, airspeed, altitude – and provide this information to compatible traffic displays or upgraded MFDs or other displays. Not all the choices seemed equally available; some seemed unsuitable. But, they need to maintain access in Mode C airspace now and would like to resolve the dilemma by installing something to meet the ADS-B Out requirements of 2020.
NEW ADS-B PRODUCTS – FOR OUT, IN, PORTABLE AND PERMANENT

One other frustrating complication stares at operators who the need to replace a transponder: what to install? A transponder remains a requirement; the 1090ES ADS-B Out solution covers that requirement – but not the other, 978 UAT. Why does the FAA want people to continue using and buying transponders? A regular flying companion of mine owns a businessturbine aircraft and has zero interest in 978 – or a 1090 Mode S transponder that can receive traffic. Unfortunately for the rest of aviation, the collision-avoidance system of thousands of aircraft need transponder squawk to work with the TCAS system, the CAS system, and be seen by some radar outside their control. For aircraft owners unlikely to invest in ADS-B In, a 1090ES Mode S transponder can underpin the solution and simultaneously satisfy the FAA’s requirement to keep a functioning Mode C transponder in the aircraft. While it can’t deliver the FIS-B benefits of ADS-B In and 978 UAT, it can provide a traffic input to work with collision-avoidance systems. Some CAS systems can receive the ADS-B In TIS-B info, adding depth to traffic-avoidance capabilities. Avidyne’s Series 600 CAS systems can deliver the traffic datalink of FIS-B; the company’s new AXP340 1090ES transponder can serve as the Out link for ADS-B and fulfill the FAA’s transponder requirement. ADS-B In support allows properly equipped Series 600 TAS to receive ADS-B information from 1090ESequipped ADS-B Out aircraft, as well as display traffic information from in-range Mode-A, C and S transponders. The range for receiving ADS-B information is

EAA AirVenture 2012 saw the announcement of several ADS-B-oriented products, among them the Stratus portable ADS-B receiver. This device runs on battery power to deliver weather data (only) for display via the ForeFlight Mobile iPad app; the company’s SkyRadar unit offers both weather and traffic on SkyRadar’s own iPad app as well as the Hilton Software WingX Pro app. For the operator going Mode S/1090ES who wants the benefits of the ADS-B In products, these portable receivers offer a solution; they also offer a solution for traffic. For all those pilots who had tapped the Apple iPad to serve as their electronic flight bag, the combination holds significant appeal. Ditto for products from NavWorx, FreeFlight, Avidyne, Trig, and, soon, Aspen, which will give pilots more options for fulfilling both their ADS-B Out requirements as well as their ADS-B In desires. This trend toward newer, less-expensive approved solutions for both Out and In, and with more 1090ES and 978UAT solutions available on a regular basis, prices are coming down. From more than $5,000 for the 1090ES transponder alone a couple of years ago, less than that will buy the savvy operator a full 978UAT solution – leaving only the display to select. With more WAAS GPS navigators available – Avidyne, Garmin and Honeywell are all pursuing new all-in-one GPS/nav/comm solutions with integral multifunction displays – the choices for pilots who want In continue to grow and go down in price. And, the trend will continue through the next seven years, increasing options, reducing costs and expanding the solutions for displaying the products of ADS-B In. q
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2012

Avionics News December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News December 2012