GDL88?
Are there plans to make the 88 compatible with the G3X? It sure would be nice to receive all the traffic without having to upgrade to an mode S ES Xponder
Bill,
Another thing to consider with regard to keeping your GTX327 Mode C transponder and adding a GDL88 UAT is that you would have two transmitting devices instead of the single transmitter you would have with a GTX23ES/GDL39 combination providing ADS-B In/Out.
As discussed in
this thread, you may have to consider spacing requirements between these two transmitting antennas.
Additionally, a suppression line is needed between the transponder and the UAT to keep the transponder from stepping on the UAT periodic transmissions.
The pilot entered squawk code would need to be synchronized between the two devices since they would both be transmitting this information. We would do that for you if we added an interface for the GDL88, but just something else to consider.
Nothing insurmountable here and the GDL88 will undoubtedly be a good device, but the simplicity and relative low cost of a GTX23ES 1090ES transmitter with a GDL39 receiver, in combination with the operational ability to use 1090ES everywhere (including Class A airspace) made us question whether or not the GDL88 would be attractive to experimental aviation.
We do, however, appreciate the dilemma of those that already have a GTX327 transponder.
I removed a GTX327 from my aircraft and installed a GTX23ES with a GDL39. Since the GTX327 was mounted in my radio rack, it was easier for me to install the GTX23ES in the same location, so I used a GTX33 panel mount rack instead of the remote mount rack that comes with the GTX23ES. The GTX23ES will plug into either rack.
I was pleased to find out that all the wires needed to install the GTX23ES in place of the GTX327 were already there, so it was a simple matter to move them to the new connector on the new rack. The antenna connection (BNC) was the same on both transponders. This was one of the simplest upgrades with the most payback I have made.
I had zero traffic capability in my plane prior to this installation, and now I have TIS-A on 1030 Mhz from the GTX23ES and ADS-B traffic on 1090 MHz and 978 MHz from the GDL39 and the G3X seamlessly transitions me in/out of TIS-A airspace providing the best traffic available at all times.
Thanks,
Steve