Hello Mark,
First, I tried to respond to your private message yesterday, but your message box was full. We recently disabled our private message support on VAF because of the limitations of private messaging and because it is generally easier for us to provide support via the
[email protected] inbox (or respond to postings like this).
Did you try connecting just 1 of the serial devices to the
orange wire coming out of the GDL39? It would be good to return to basics and establish that the GDL39 port B output is indeed working. As you probably know, RS-232 is a point-to-point interface and not guaranteed to work with more than one connected device, but we recognize that many are doing this and it generally works.
Also, did you try both of the configurable speed choices on the GDL39 output?
We know you already have a 696 and it is a great unit if you need a portable, but something else to consider given this installation. It is pretty common for many of us to purchase a GPSMAP 696, mount it in a panel, then connect a handful of RS-232 devices to the single serial output. The GDU 375 is designed to be panel mounted, has a front mounted SD card slot, and has 3 serial ports instead of 1.
With a GDU 375 you can connect a GDL39 to one of the serial ports, still have 2 free serial ports for connecting other devices, and not be dependent on the GDL39 to forward data to your other RS-232 devices. Just something for those reading this to keep in mind.
With regard to your last question, the answer is Yes. As mentioned in other posts, the software in the GTX330 and GNS430W will require updating later this year to be fully "V2" ADS-B compliant for 2020, but you will immediately receive the benefits of ADS-B traffic and weather with the current "V1" software if you upgrade to add "ES". You could either wait on your "ES" upgrade until the "V2" software is available, or get the "ES" upgrade now and upgrade the software to be fully V2 compliant later this year. Those of us currently using V1 software with GTX330ES or GTX23ES extended squitter transponders can certainly vouch for the vastly improved traffic support you will receive from that upgrade.
Let us know if you have additional questions.
Thanks,
Steve