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Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:03 pm
by Rynoth
Which Mgl Efis do you have? If it has pitot/static and transponder control (such as the Mgl xtreme or iEfis)my suggestion is the Sandia. http://www.mglavionics.com/html/transpo ... ntrol.html

It's basically plug and play with Mgl, you can mount it away from the panel and control it from your Efis.

I'm not getting a transponder right away but I am getting an Mgl Efis and plan to use the Sandia if I add xpder in the future.

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:45 pm
by mike.smith
Rynoth wrote:Which Mgl Efis do you have? If it has pitot/static and transponder control (such as the Mgl xtreme or iEfis)my suggestion is the Sandia. http://www.mglavionics.com/html/transpo ... ntrol.html

It's basically plug and play with Mgl, you can mount it away from the panel and control it from your Efis.

I'm not getting a transponder right away but I am getting an Mgl Efis and plan to use the Sandia if I add xpder in the future.


I have the MGL Xtreme Mini. I could have used the remote Sandia box and controlled it from my MGL, but there was already so much going on on that screen (engine instruments as well as flight instruments) that I decided to get the standalone Sandia STX-165 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJqpbtuO-S4). I also figured it would give my passenger something to do, to help me with the transponder :-)

I did ask the guys at the Sandia booth this past Airventure, if they had plans for ADSB In/Out. They said they were still investigating their options. After asking a lot of questions these were their basic answers:
- Might be an option to trade up if they do come out with a box
- Might keep the same form factor, but with a new box behind
- Might keep the STX-165 but add another box to do the rest of the ADSB stuff
- Most ADSB boxes do not have built in GPS; they rely on another source for the WAAS GPS signal. Sandia might look at an all-in one box with ADSB In/Out, Transponder, and GPS. But that was a big "might." Or they might do like the others and rely on GPS from another source.
- They didn't really have a plan. I think they were truly waiting to see what shakes out.

Since ADSB will still require a transponder, you wouldn't necessarily be buying obsolescence, since you could still soldier on with the STX, but in the limited panel available in a Sonex, you do have to keep that in mind if you will have to add other boxes.

If you read the aviation news, the FAA may actually be considering allowing non-panel mounted ADSB Out equipment. That's not a sure thing, but AOPA and EAA among others, are pushing for it. That could drive down the price and complexity.

Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:50 pm
by Sonex1517
As a reminder, when you dig into the very specific details of the requirements for ADS-B out, you will find the GPS source must be certified.

The last time I checked, our experimental GPS systems do not qualify. Trig recently released a transponder/remote certified GPS combo that qualifies. It is available for somewhere in the $5000 range. That pays for the transponder and GPS. (I have no skin in this game, no affiliation with Trig, and did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express)

I asked a lot of questions at Oshkosh this year, and have attended several seminars on this subject. Be certain you understand what does and does not meet the mandate before purchasing.

My two cents - worth even less.

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:42 pm
by Afsbz
I do also have the extreme mini. The suggestions you guys have given has been very helpful. Thank you very much.

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:58 am
by Gripdana
I have the MGL EXTREME EFIS and a Sandia remote transponder. I have been following the ADS-B mandate since the onset. For what it is worth I am going to wait until the last minute to see if EAA and AOPA get any changes for GA. I have seen UAT's which meet the ADS-B out requirements that have internal GPS. The price point for these have been in the $3,500.00 range. I was told that a UAT is what I need to use with my set up.

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:33 am
by fastj22
Sky guard has an uncertified UAT that provides ADSB in and out. However, it cannot be used to report your position into the system, it must be set to encode the transmission as unreliable. It will however activate the system so you will see other traffic that has transponders. It runs around $1000 and is portable.
http://adsb.skyguardtwx.com/uat-transmitter

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:59 pm
by mike.smith
fastj22 wrote:Sky guard has an uncertified UAT that provides ADSB in and out. However, it cannot be used to report your position into the system, it must be set to encode the transmission as unreliable. It will however activate the system so you will see other traffic that has transponders. It runs around $1000 and is portable.
http://adsb.skyguardtwx.com/uat-transmitter


That particular unit is ADSB Out, only. Another box is required for IN. Interesting to note it takes 5 amps. So that's another thing we're going to be challenged with for ADSB: onboard power. I know my AeroVee 20amp alternator is already pretty challenged and could not run an extra 5amps. I don't know if that's 5amps continuous or momentary, but it's still going to be a challenge. As it is I have to turn off my secondary ignition (coils) whenever I'm on the ground or I can watch my battery drain itself well below 12 volts. Sonex upped their alternator output from 10amp to 20amps some time ago. Looks like a change to 30amps may be in order, along with a way to get better output at low RPMs.

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:18 pm
by gammaxy
mike.smith wrote:Interesting to note it takes 5 amps. So that's another thing we're going to be challenged with for ADSB: onboard power.


I bet that 5 amps is a momentary draw. Other ADS-B transceivers seem to be rated around 0.5 amps continuous. 5 amp circuit breakers and wires should cover the brief ~40 watt transmissions.

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 8:56 pm
by floridasonex
I have the Sandia 165. In my discussions at Sebring with Barry from Sandia .. he was telling me about
something in the range of $2400 that can be added to the existing 165 for ADS-B In and out if I recall.
i don't remember the exact details .. it's probably in my stuff from the Expo.

RT

Re: Transponder recommendation

PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 10:02 pm
by Sonex1517
My apologies

In an effort to move the post from a General Discussion to Avionics it appears I deleted two posts.

I am working in recovering the original post. The other reply is below:

I am looking at the Trig mode s class 1 transponder. Trig has a certified ads-b out wass gps box as an add on that is
supposed to meet ads-b out requirements... the add on is about $3500. From What I understand...transponder has to be
mode s w/squitter and class one, class two is no good. ADS-B out requires 'certified' wass enabled GPS receiver..
big dough, plus overkill for most of our missions, and cant fit in our panels. Has anyone else looked at trig?