Looking at a possible aircraft that will need a transponder. For those that have added an ADSB OUT transponder, any recommendations? I use a stratus 3 for ADSB In so just looking for the most basic ADSB compliant option.

The thread title is a bit misleading, since you appear to be actually considering ADS-B OUT options, not "IN"... That said, I believe Trig makes the smallest / lightest 1090-ES model on the market. It's a high-quality product, but a bit more costly than the Garmin or Appareo alternatives. If weight and panel space is at issue, this little guy only needs a 2 1/4" panel hole...

I've used both Garmin and Appareo transponders in different airplanes, and both worked very well. For me, it would come down to the avionics stack. If I had Garmin avionics, I'd probably go with their transponder. Otherwise, I'd go with Trig for weight, or Appareo to save some $$.

Since you already have a Stratus 3, one "plus" for the Appareo transponder is that the avionics shop can install an optional cable that allows your Stratus 3 to be plugged into the transponder, receiving power for the device and allowing "passthrough" access by the Stratus to the external WAAS GPS and ADS-B antenna. That way your Stratus no longer has to be mounted where it has direct view of the sky, and you'll still have both better reception and higher GPS accuracy. And your Stratus can be mounted out of sight (and out of the sun). You can set the Stratus to power on with the transponder, so it doesn't have to be "accessible."

You are correct, I mis-typed IN meaning out and have changed the subject. Weight / Space are not an issue. I will look into the Appareo. Stratus and Garmin were on the list but had not found Appareo in my search. The aircraft is an M5 with a basic 1 radio set up - so basically a blank slate.

29singlespeed wrote:You are correct, I mis-typed IN meaning out and have changed the subject. Weight / Space are not an issue. I will look into the Appareo. Stratus and Garmin were on the list but had not found Appareo in my search. The aircraft is an M5 with a basic 1 radio set up - so basically a blank slate.

Just found out the Stratus is Appareo - so that lines up with what I was leaning towards. Thanks!!

The new tailbeacon X has a built in mode S transponder that is controlled by an AV-30. It is built with diversity so it works in all countries that are running sat based ADS-B. I'm thinking its a sweet way to go as it doesn't require a transponder in the panel, just an AV-30 which is a sweet unit on its own.

A1Skinner wrote:The new tailbeacon X has a built in mode S transponder that is controlled by an AV-30. It is built with diversity so it works in all countries that are running sat based ADS-B. I'm thinking its a sweet way to go as it doesn't require a transponder in the panel, just an AV-30 which is a sweet unit on its own.

Interesting. If I get this prospective plane I was going to add the AV-30 as it currently has no attitude indicator. I just looked it up and thats a pretty slick bundle. https://uavionix.com/product/tailbeacon ... -c-bundle/

I looked but I didnt see how the interface worked to change sqwak code. Any ideas?

29singlespeed wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:The new tailbeacon X has a built in mode S transponder that is controlled by an AV-30. It is built with diversity so it works in all countries that are running sat based ADS-B. I'm thinking its a sweet way to go as it doesn't require a transponder in the panel, just an AV-30 which is a sweet unit on its own.

Interesting. If I get this prospective plane I was going to add the AV-30 as it currently has no attitude indicator. I just looked it up and thats a pretty slick bundle. https://uavionix.com/product/tailbeacon ... -c-bundle/

I looked but I didnt see how the interface worked to change sqwak code. Any ideas?

No I'm not sure on that part yet. I'm hoping it's fairly straight forward though. I know changing the baro and DG is super simple, so hopefully along the same lines. I do think its a very slick package, I plan to put it in my 206 once I save up some.

You mention a blank slate and a need for an attitude indicator. This might not be in your budget, but I'd recommend the Garmin GNX 375 which is a combination GPS and ADSB In and Out transponder all in one. Pair that with a G5 (or two) and you'll gain a ton of capability.

IL_170A wrote:You mention a blank slate and a need for an attitude indicator. This might not be in your budget, but I'd recommend the Garmin GNX 375 which is a combination GPS and ADSB In and Out transponder all in one. Pair that with a G5 (or two) and you'll gain a ton of capability.

IMG_1386.jpg

It's not at this time. I have looked at the GNX 375 but am partial to the AV-30 because of the form factor. Likely will do the Av-30 with the Tailbeacon X -- it's about $4100 but appears from the maule forum some have had trouble fitting the tailbeacon in the tail light slot. So we will see.

All this said might be running into a hurdle getting hangar space here in Gunnison, CO so that might halt everything. Not a place I want a plane outside.

29singlespeed wrote:

IL_170A wrote:You mention a blank slate and a need for an attitude indicator. This might not be in your budget, but I'd recommend the Garmin GNX 375 which is a combination GPS and ADSB In and Out transponder all in one. Pair that with a G5 (or two) and you'll gain a ton of capability.

IMG_1386.jpg

It's not at this time. I have looked at the GNX 375 but am partial to the AV-30 because of the form factor. Likely will do the Av-30 with the Tailbeacon X -- it's about $4100 but appears from the maule forum some have had trouble fitting the tailbeacon in the tail light slot. So we will see.

All this said might be running into a hurdle getting hangar space here in Gunnison, CO so that might halt everything. Not a place I want a plane outside.

It'll push the fabric out a little so use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the fabric/paint prior to installing. Overall it should fit though.

Also, you'll want to see if your rudder or nav light has a ground wire running to it. These electronics need to a solid ground, but many planes have the nav light grounded to the rudder structure, and the rudder structure is only grounded to the airframe through the hinges and/or cables. Any momentary break in the ground continuity causes the tailbeacon to reset which can give ADS-B faults. It is highly advised to run a ground wire to fuselage. This is difficult to do elegantly when the plane is already covered, but still possible.

I did the tailbeacon on my scout and it already had this ground wire. I'm in the process of covering my Maule and I ran a ground wire in case I use a tailbeacon type system in the future.

BTW, my M7 is sitting outside in Boulder. Luckily it's already a piece of shit so who cares? I brush the snow off of it after it snows but that's about it.