GDL 82 Initial Power-up, Install Tool Software
First power-up for the GDL 82 today, although not securely installed yet in the plane. Only powered-up after making connections to the Sandia 165 transponder and the Comant Blade Antenna to make sure the 82 did not transmit an RF signal down a cable without an proper antenna/attenuator/load.
It isn't clear to me that the 82 can be safely powered up to run the Install Tool software on the shop bench without a transponder and an antenna connection.
Connected a Dell Laptop to the 82, via USB, and launched the GDL 82 Install Tool software. After a few seconds the laptop recognizes the new USB connection, and the Software indicates a GDL 82 is present.
Initially it took a few minutes for the 82 to determine the location using the Internal GPS. The GPS did determine the location a bit quicker after later power cycles, but still takes longer than the typical car or hiking GPS, requiring maybe 3-4 minutes. The rough guess, from observing the satellite status page, is that the 82 "accepts" the GPS position accuracy only after locking-in GPS Differential signals on 5 or so satellites.
While still searching for satellites the Software Tool indicates a Fault. The tool actually displays a Fault count, another fault can be that the transponder is either off or in standby mode. Interesting that these Faults do not turn on the Failure Annuciator light. Therefore it does not appear that the pilot has any information that the Internal GPS has captured enough satellite signals to have a valid position.
The Failure Annunciator light is turned on momentarily during power up. At least the multimeter chirped to indicate a momentary continuity to aircraft ground.
During Anonymous mode testing the unit changed from displaying my N number and HEX address to VFR as my Flight ID and another HEX address. It took a couple of power cycles for that "random" HEX address to actually change to a different HEX value. Just cycling the Anonymous switch does not change the "random" HEX value.
Once the 82 is powered the 165 indicated a very regular interrogation rate. It appears that the interrogate light blink can no longer accurately indicate if just ATC radar is interrogating the transponder.
My ground test location today did not have direct ground-level ATC radar coverage. Foreflight and a GDL 39 never displayed my position/squawk/flight id/etc.
Your Mileage May Vary!
Carl
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