SonexBuilders.net

Hi Guys,

For better or (probably) worse, I installed an aera 660 GPS in my Onex. I would really like to add ADS-B in to the 660. Poking around the internet, it looks like a GDL 39 is the only solution. I really don't want to fuss with charging an external battery.

Question: Has anyone interfaced a GDL 39 to an area 660 and is willing to provide some pointers?



Thanks,

Wes

I installed the 660 in my Cessna 172 and I use a GDL 50 For ADSB in. Connects with Bluetooth.

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the tip. Looks like GDL 50 is a more modern and capable unit than the GDL 39.

I intend to mount the unit on the glare shield. Do you think I will have a problem with Bluetooth through the glare shield to the 660?

Thanks

Wes

Hi Wes, it's probably too late for you but for others who are on a tighter budget, one solution is a small 7 or 8 inch Samsung tablet for well under $200. Combine that with a vfr chart subscription from IFLY GPS (Adventure Pilot) for $80 a year which includes using a second device such as an android phone as a backup. To that add a uAvionix Ping Buddy for adsb in (traffic and weather) (they don't make these any longer but my airpark neighbor found a used one for $70). I've been flying with this setup for several years and I have to say that it's scary at times seeing nearby traffic on the tablet that can't be picked up visually. The downside of this setup is that if one doesn't also have adsb out then the nearby adsb towers will shut down if they don't recognize any adsb out traffic in the area. Wish the FAA would change this operational policy.

Art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Sonex taildragger #95,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Jabiru 3300 #261

Hi Art,

Yea, too late for me to switch gears. The panel is full. I need to just bite the bullet, spend the money, and keep flying.

Wes

Hi Guys,

Here is the reply from Garmin support concerning the best solution they offer for ADS-B in using an aera 660.

Hello Wes,


Thank you for contacting Garmin International. In order to receive ADS-B IN information your best option would be a GDL 50. We offer a bare wire solution to wire it directly into aircraft power, or we also have DC power option that plugs into a cigarette lighter. Below is a link to the product page for this unit, and if you select the Accessories tab you will see the different wiring options. If you have any further questions please email back.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/618688


Best Regards,

Kyle
Garmin Aviation Support

Wes

HI Guys,

I got the GDL 50 installed. Not really a cheap solution for ADS-B in, but the easiest given I had already installed the aera 660. It does not impact forward visibility. Given that I had one spare cigarette lighter port, everything needed was in the box. Well, except for the 4 #8 100 Deg. screws, washers, and nuts needed to attach the base mount.



Setup allows you to pair the devices automatically on power up. The GPS and GDL 50 shut down automatically after a 30 second delay once power is lost.

Flew the combo for 1.3 today and it seems to work well. Should keep me and the jets separated. I do need to develop a standard technique for making best use of the device while approaching the airport.

Wes