Ads b out tips?

[RV7 To Go]

The following is from a COPA article on the uAvionix proposed tail beacon test for Canada. Keep in mind that the ADSB equipment for the US ground based system will probably not work for the Canadian space based system, which will require antenna diversity once mandated here.

"uAvionix is hard at work obtaining an STC for their tailBeacon X ? a Mode S ADS-B Out transponder integrated with WAAS GPS into an LED rear position light. tailBeacon X is similar to their popular 978 MHz UAT product in the U.S., but it is optimized for space-based ADS-B surveillance (Aireon and others) and is intended to meet or exceed surveillance performance of transponders with antenna diversity at significantly less cost and installation effort. They wish to address the Canadian airspace requirement for space-based ADS-B OUT.

Part of their STC process is to collect operational data and, to this effect, uAvionix will be conducting flight testing in Canada in the near future. COPA and uAvionix are in discussions to facilitate this process.

Since the product is not certified yet, the project will be executed on amateur-built (non-certified) aircraft. COPA and uAvionix are seeking a number of aircraft pilots/owners who would be willing to participate in this test program. The details are well on their way to being finalized. The information available at this point include:

uAvionix would provide a complete system with installation guidance
uAvioinx would provide a data logger for installation in the aircraft
the pilot would fly a number of flights, typically of one-hour duration or more
the pilot will need to fly a minimum number of flights during that period (to be determined)
the pilot would enter data in a dedicated website link for uAvionix analysis
the test program aims to be completed by the end of Feb 2020 (an aggressive schedule)
at completion of the flight test program, the participants would get to keep the equipment, except the data logger, as a gift in appreciation of their support to this effort"

I would expect that once Nav Canada and TC finalize the requirements and the deadline (currently not expected before 2023 for GA) there will be more options that will become available.

[SantosDumont]

I put a uAvionix Tailbeacon on the Mooney. I have a GTX330. Works great and install took like 30 minutes. Finding an IA to sign off and file the 337 actually took longer than actually installing it!

[jliltd]

For your existing set up I would keep the GTX 327 and go with:

1. ) uAvionix EchoUAT with SkyFX kit (approx $1400) with SkyFX under cowling (in/out)

2.) Garmin GDL 82 kit ($1700) with included GA 35 WAAS antenna under cowling (out only)

The Echo will give you the addition of in at a lower price. With the GDL 82 you could add any in device you like. And both of these options offer anonymous mode.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by RV7 To Go

"uAvionix is hard at work obtaining an STC for their tailBeacon X ? a Mode S ADS-B Out transponder integrated with WAAS GPS into an LED rear position light. tailBeacon X is similar to their popular 978 MHz UAT product in the U.S., but it is optimized for space-based ADS-B surveillance (Aireon and others) and is intended to meet or exceed surveillance performance of transponders with antenna diversity at significantly less cost and installation effort. They wish to address the Canadian airspace requirement for space-based ADS-B OUT."

Note that the tailBeacon X is a full 1090ES transponder with WAAS GPS and integral diverse antennas, which means it meets both current US ADS-B requirements as well as the proposed Canadian ADS-B requirement. It will probably be the simplest solution overall... But price hasn't been announced yet.

[Steve Melton]

tailBeacon X. that's amazing really. small package.

[odens_14]

Those of you going with the tailbeacon, what are you doing for rear anti collision lights? It appears to me the tailbeacon is only nav, my current taillight is a LED nav/strobe. front anti collision is in the wingtips so not visible from the rear. I'd really like the simple install but not sure what to do about the strobe.

[schaplerrh]

I believe uAvonix has an experimental version wing tip unit for something like $750. Check their website.

[RickWoodall]

Nice to see i am not the only one puzzled by all the choices and variables.

Need compliant in US and Canada even though target is still moving in Canada.

Do you go with cheapest option and get it done?
Do you get the dynon brand in and out feeds so if spending money, you get the benefit of traffic showing on skyview?

Ugghh. Just not a simple solution nor even one i even know what i kind of want yet. Appreciate the info so far, will evaluate all options and pick one and move it forward.

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

Note that the tailBeacon X is a full 1090ES transponder with WAAS GPS and integral diverse antennas, which means it meets both current US ADS-B requirements as well as the proposed Canadian ADS-B requirement. It will probably be the simplest solution overall... But price hasn't been announced yet.

Another reason to keep waiting while I can.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by RickWoodall

Need compliant in US and Canada even though target is still moving in Canada.

The simple answer in that case is a drop-in upgrade to whatever you have now. Your current transponder will be fine in Canada. A uAvionix skyBeacon or tailBeacon would provide wingtip- or tail-mounted ADS-B out for the US. Those are 1-wire upgrades, reconnect your wingtip or tail power to the unit, mount it, program, and done. No tearing into the airframe.

If and when Canada decides what they're doing, there will still be a market for the 1-wire option you have... You could sell it into the US for someone who doesn't care about coming north.

If you can wait, wait for the tailBeacon X.