ADSB

[2066]

Checked my notes. Nav/comm antennas should be no closer than 4 feet from any other antenna. 1000MHz+ antennas (Transponders, DME, GPS) can be as close as 6 inches, but if you put it 6" from the Comm antenna, it'll cause interference with the comm antenna.

Good info -- thanks, John! It's easy to install antennas, but can be difficult to figure out the gremlins that can show up if done wrong. ...saw this related discussion on another site while "researching": "Often times it is the antenna and cable from the 121.5 ELT that causes the problem. The signal that comes off the comm antennas goes into the ELT antenna and then it spits it right back out, overloading the GPS antenna..." That may be an oversimplification (or, not based in fact?), but does seem to affirm the necessity for following proven & accepted procedure. As the ADS-B installations are heating up, there are more and more stories of beautiful and expensive(!) installations that have unexpected & puzzling (...more expense!) glitches appear, requiring a diagnostic "re-do". ("Nothing difficult is ever easy") Mac

[8233]

I only have a single com but have 2 antennas installed with one antenna not in use. I was thinking of using the old one for the GPS antenna. Would this cause any issues? Pics attached. I would be replacing the bare wire antenna and using the hole for the GPS.

Thanks!

[2066]

...sorry I can't answer the question re GPS antenna placement where the current antenna is located, David -- that's one of those questions I'd pose to the Garmin tech (or, a tech for whatever brand of GPS/antenna one might be installing). If there's no possibility of interference with the other antenna & if it'll fit there with a proper backing plate it sure appears to be a good spot (...and, good re-use of a pre-existing hole!).

Now, for an update report on my own "out" installation:

My new ADS-B “out” system – the Garmin GDL 82, the Garmin GTX327, Trans-Cal Encoder & GPS Antenna all are in place & ready for prime time. Some fabbing, running & ensuring clear of cables/sharp turns & securing the wire & coax under the floor was a bear as was pulling/reinstalling the headliner (& just getting in/getting out of the plane 100 times to get the tool we forgot! )...a couple of days' to complete. Coaching, help, support, work(!) and incredible patience with me on the part of a great friend/neighbor/A&P/IA has been super valuable. Excellent communication and ongoing “instant” product support from the Garmin selling dealer (Advantage Aviation, Chino, CA), too. Next step is getting the transponder ops certified (Monday) & the flight “test” in controlled airspace – hope to also accomplish that next week. So far, so good! Mac

[8233]

...sorry I can't answer the question re GPS antenna placement where the current antenna is located, David -- that's one of those questions I'd pose to the Garmin tech (or, a tech for whatever brand of GPS/antenna one might be installing). If there's no possibility of interference with the other antenna & if it'll fit there with a proper backing plate it sure appears to be a good spot (...and, good re-use of a pre-existing hole!).

Now, for an update report on my own "out" installation:

My new ADS-B “out” system – the Garmin GDL 82, the Garmin GTX327, Trans-Cal Encoder & GPS Antenna all are in place & ready for prime time. Some fabbing, running & ensuring clear of cables/sharp turns & securing the wire & coax under the floor was a bear as was pulling/reinstalling the headliner (& just getting in/getting out of the plane 100 times to get the tool we forgot! )...a couple of days' to complete. Coaching, help, support, work(!) and incredible patience with me on the part of a great friend/neighbor/A&P/IA has been super valuable. Excellent communication and ongoing “instant” product support from the Garmin selling dealer (Advantage Aviation, Chino, CA), too. Next step is getting the transponder ops certified (Monday) & the flight “test” in controlled airspace – hope to also accomplish that next week. So far, so good! Mac

Best of luck Mac! I dropped off my bird last night for the Stratus ESGi install. I am supposed to have it back on Tuesday and then flying to IL to have some work done by Lorraine Morris. The IA and I looked at the 2 comm antenna locations and he is concerned that there's not enough room for the GPS antenna. The one that comes with the Stratus is fairly large. Worse cast scenario, we will just place it in the same place you showed in your previous picture, right behind the rear wing spar. I also am installing a Trans-Cal encoder. Are you based out of Chico? Do you happen to know Frank Holbert? He's pretty active on the Super Viking forums.

[2066]

David wrote: "Are you based out of Chino?"


No, I'm actually almost as far from there as possible without being in the Atlantic...North Carolina . ...just have a great relationship developed with Advantage Aviation (...formerly Advantage Avionics & AC Spruce Avionics) out there. I was @ Chino for the Assoc. convention a "few" years back -- what a special place it is, and the hospitality there outstanding! And, wow(!), you'll be the envy of many of us out here in 120-140 Land when your 120 has been blessed with work accomplished by Lorraine -- she (and, Ken) are truly the best of the best! Have fun and keep us posted. Mac

[8233]

David wrote: "Are you based out of Chino?"


And, wow(!), you'll be the envy of many of us out here in 120-140 Land when your 120 has been blessed with work accomplished by Lorraine -- she (and, Ken) are truly the best of the best! Have fun and keep us posted. Mac

Yeah, I am very excited to meet her and Ken and she has been great to work with. I'm getting D windows added, new headliner, pilot side window latch fixed and co-pilot side added plus new seat belts and a lined open baggage space (no hat shelf). Can't wait to see it all done!

[2066]

ADS-B ALL DONE -- The Garmin GDL-82, Trans-Cal Encoder & Garmin GTX327 all in, "certified" and flight test Performance Report indicated that all is working in harmony . There are a number of good options for "our" kind of aircraft and our kind of flying in the market now -- I would certainly recommend the Garmin GDL-82 as being prominent among them. Mac

[8233]

My ADS-B is also all complete using the Stratus ESGi and Trans-Cal encoder to replace my Narco 150 and AR-300. I picked it up in Joplin, MO and made my way to Poplar Grove and watched Ken & Lorraine work their magic adding D windows, new hooker harnesses, new headliner, baggage compartment, new window latches, door pockets and replaced the cardboard backing with sheet metal.

I was totally amazed at the speed and quality they showed. It was a tremendous honor to spend time with them and a whole lot of fun. I learned a lot about my airplane while I was there.

Here is a before and after and also an exterior shot to show where I put my GPS antenna.

[2066]

Beautiful work, David!! Great pics. You've spent a bit of time at a "140 University" with a couple of renowned professors -- thanks for sharing the experience. You're envied! Have you completed your flight check with the ADS-B yet? ...really looks great!!

...related: Did you happen to notice the clearance 'twixt the aileron through cable and the pulley brackets just aft of the rear spar when the headliner was out?

Thanks!

Mac

[8029]

ADS-B ALL DONE -- The Garmin GDL-82, Trans-Cal Encoder & Garmin GTX327 all in, "certified" and flight test Performance Report indicated that all is working in harmony . There are a number of good options for "our" kind of aircraft and our kind of flying in the market now -- I would certainly recommend the Garmin GDL-82 as being prominent among them. Mac

Mac,

I am considering installing the GDL 82 in my 140. I was curious, where did you mount it?