I’m building a new panel for my Light Sport and figured I’d go Garmin all the way this time:
Garmin 3GX Touch (which has WAAS GPS) (x2) with autopilot and EIS.
Garmin GTR 200 Transceiver.
Garmin GTX 330ES Mode S Extended Squitter (ADS-B) Transponder.
My avionics dealer/installer called Garmin who said we need to add a nav/com like GTN 625 for an “approved position source” to feed the GTX ES or I won’t have ADS-B out. I don’t have the space and the GTN is spendy. (I know I could free up some panel space using remote transceiver transponder, but from using a touch screen for the last year I know I far prefer buttons.) The lower cost solution is to go with a Freeflight TSO Certified GPS/WAAS sensor, but that’s still $3,700.
I’m having trouble believing Garmin is suggesting I go to another manufacturer for a GPS. I know it sounds like I’m one of those pilots disgruntled by ADS-B. Really I’m a huge ADS-B fan and can’t wait until 2020, but this seems strange to me.
Let me know if you guys have any better information.
Thanks,
Craig
Garmin Doesn’t Sell 2020 Compliant GPS Source for 3GX??
Moderator: drseti
Re: Garmin Doesn’t Sell 2020 Compliant GPS Source for 3GX??
Craig,
Since a GPS can be mounted about anywhere, why not go for a non-certified WAAS source now then change it out when closer to 2020 when I'd guess there will be more and less expensive choices?
Since a GPS can be mounted about anywhere, why not go for a non-certified WAAS source now then change it out when closer to 2020 when I'd guess there will be more and less expensive choices?
dave
Re: Garmin Doesn’t Sell 2020 Compliant GPS Source for 3GX??
After a day of emails with different members of the 3GX team (they call themselves 3GXperts, btw) I finally got the information I was looking for:
"a single RS-232 interface between the GSU25 ADAHRS and the GTX330ES provides the non-compliant position and other data needed for the GTX330ES to transmit ADS-B Out and wake up the ground stations allowing you to receive ADS-B TIS-B/ADS-R traffic services today."
So I *can* use the 3GX to feed the GTX330ES it just won't be 2020 compliant, strange how not all the Garmin 3GXperts knew that. So David your answer is correct except I don't even need to buy any additional boxes now, 5 years is an eternity in electronics innovation so who knows what solution might be available by then (or if the FAA pushes the date a little.)
Yes, I answered my own question on the board, but I figure it may help the next person trying to figure this out.
"a single RS-232 interface between the GSU25 ADAHRS and the GTX330ES provides the non-compliant position and other data needed for the GTX330ES to transmit ADS-B Out and wake up the ground stations allowing you to receive ADS-B TIS-B/ADS-R traffic services today."
So I *can* use the 3GX to feed the GTX330ES it just won't be 2020 compliant, strange how not all the Garmin 3GXperts knew that. So David your answer is correct except I don't even need to buy any additional boxes now, 5 years is an eternity in electronics innovation so who knows what solution might be available by then (or if the FAA pushes the date a little.)
Yes, I answered my own question on the board, but I figure it may help the next person trying to figure this out.