Delta Pop UAT antenna with Garmin GDL-39

[bobmarkert]

I?m about to purchase the external antenna for my Garmin GDL39 ADS-B Receiver. Everyone is raving about the Delta Pop UAT antenna. The GDL39 is dual frequency (978MHZ and 1090ES). The Delta Pop antenna specs says it is good for 978 MHZ with no mention of the 1090 band. What do I give up by not having the 1090 band too? Is there a different antenna that is optimized for both bands within the GDL39?

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by bobmarkert

The Delta Pop antenna specs says it is good for 978 MHZ with no mention of the 1090 band. What do I give up by not having the 1090 band too?

I asked Don that exact question. He was quick to help ...

The ADS-B / UAT antenna I offer exceeds the requirements spec'd by Garmin. The antenna is also used with the Dynon, Navworx and several other ADS-B / UAT devices.

Addendum (29-Jan-2014): I've had the Delta Pop ADS-B antenna for a year now. I love the performance of the GDL-39 with it. I can't believe I flew without live weather for so long.

[jeffk]

How would you compare and contrast using the UWB Antenna (800 MHZ to 2000 MHZ Ultra Wide Band) vs the UAT Antenna (978 MHZ) for ADS-B reception?

[dpansier]

The UWB Data antenna electrical performance is within the spec?s published by Garmin for the GDL-39 but that was not the design intent for that antenna.
If you have the antenna and wish to use it for that purpose it will perform well, if not, I suggest the ADS-B / UAT antenna which is less expensive.

[grayforge]

Don, I'm interested in using your Ultra Low Drag Transponder Antenna for ADS-B with my GDL 39R. Will this antenna be as effective as your UWB antenna?

Thanks,
Russ

[dpansier]

The Ultra Low Drag Transponder antenna will perform well with the Garmin GDL-39 and is within the VSWR spec?s
published in the Garmin manual shown below.

The Ultra Wide Band Data antenna was designed to be effective over a wide frequency range with a VSWR of less than 2:1
between 800 to 2000 MHZ. This antenna will perform well with the Garmin GDL-39 as it is within the VSWR spec?s but this
was not the design intent for the antenna.

The Delta Pop UAT antenna was developed for use with the many ADS-B / UAT devices on the market and is the best antenna in
my product offering for that purpose. The Ultra Low Drag Transponder antenna will perform well in the ADS-B / UAT application but is more expensive.
The design intent for the ULD Transponder antenna was to offer min drag for the racers looking to squeeze out every last knot.





3.2.2 External ADS-B Blade Antenna (Optional)

A blade-type ADS-B antenna is mounted on the exterior of the aircraft. Connection is made by unscrewing the

antenna on the GDL 39 and attaching the cable from the external antenna to the female SMA connector on the top of the GDL 39.

The GDL 39 requires a UHF antenna that meets the following specifications:

? Standard 50 ohm vertically polarized antenna with a VSWR < 1.7:1 at 978 MHz and < 1.5:1 at 1090 MHz.

[Brantel]

Don's antenna works great with the GDL39...

[AllThumbs]

If you have a Stratus 1 (possibly 2 as well) the connector for an external ADS-B antenna is a Hirose MS-151-C(LP). Google that and you can find some cables that terminate in an SMA and you can convert to the BNC for Don's antenna. Don't try to build your own cable unless you like micro-surgery. That connector is a PITA. Trust me...

[grayforge]

Originally Posted by dpansier

The Ultra Low Drag Transponder antenna will perform well with the Garmin GDL-39 and is within the VSWR spec?s
published in the Garmin manual shown below.

The Ultra Wide Band Data antenna was designed to be effective over a wide frequency range with a VSWR of less than 2:1
between 800 to 2000 MHZ. This antenna will perform well with the Garmin GDL-39 as it is within the VSWR spec?s but this
was not the design intent for the antenna.

The Delta Pop UAT antenna was developed for use with the many ADS-B / UAT devices on the market and is the best antenna in
my product offering for that purpose. The Ultra Low Drag Transponder antenna will perform well in the ADS-B / UAT application but is more expensive.
The design intent for the ULD Transponder antenna was to offer min drag for the racers looking to squeeze out every last knot.





3.2.2 External ADS-B Blade Antenna (Optional)

A blade-type ADS-B antenna is mounted on the exterior of the aircraft. Connection is made by unscrewing the

antenna on the GDL 39 and attaching the cable from the external antenna to the female SMA connector on the top of the GDL 39.

The GDL 39 requires a UHF antenna that meets the following specifications:

? Standard 50 ohm vertically polarized antenna with a VSWR < 1.7:1 at 978 MHz and < 1.5:1 at 1090 MHz.

Thanks for the response Don. So it sounds like the Ultra Low Drag antenna would work fine, but the UAT would be best, reception-wise.

But if the reception of each were equal, I'd lean towards spending $20 for a hair less drag. :-)

Thanks again,
Russ