Avionics FAQ

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The K10-00276-05 system from Garmin includes the following items:

PN 010-01214-41  GTX-335 with install kit, back plate, rack and config module.
PN 011-3080-00  GAE-12 Altitude Encoder
PN 013-00235-00  GA-35 Antenna
PN 010-12661-00  Product Registration Card with instructions (see important note below).

 

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

The Product Registration Card includes instructions in that the unit must be registered with Garmin to access the Part 23 or Part 27 STC RTU Letter. Instructions are on the registration card.  DO NOT DISCARD THE PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD.

"As Removed" or condition "AR" parts are in the same condition as they were removed from an aircraft. The reasons for removal include aircraft upgrades, teardowns, or certain types of incidents. In most cases, AR parts have not been inspected or tested. They do not include airworthiness certification such as FAA Form 8130 or EASA Form 1. Southeast Aerospace encourages avionics in this condition to be tested and recertified before using in an aircraft.

The C406-N has built in navigational capabilities. If you intend on using this feature, then the ELT needs to be programmed for long messaging. If you do not require nav capabilities, then the ELT should be programmed with short messaging.

Long messaging operates with a nav interface. If you have a nav interface of some sort, then short messaging programming should be chosen.

Long messaging transmits longtitude and latitude.  Short messaging does not.

As of 2023, the outputs for the KX-200 are analog. Therefore, it will inteface legacy CDIs or HSIs such as the BendixKing KI-209.  For its initial release, the KX-200 is not intended to be interfaced with modern digital indicators and displays that require a digital input.

As of August 2023, the new KX-200 is the only radio intended as a direct, slide-in replacement for the legacy KX-155/165 radios.  At one time, TKM Avionics intended to produce and market their MX-155 radio. However, this Arizona based company, went out of business several years ago. 

Garmin offers their GNC-255 line of nav/comms.  However, it is a new installation as it uses different rack & connectors and is different in size.

As of the August 2023 announcement of the KX-200, it is only intended to be a direct replacement for the KX-155 and KX-165 radios. Replacement for the KX-155/165A will be announced at a later date. 

While the KX-200 is a direct replacement for the KX-155/165, an adapter is required for each 14 or 28 volt installation.

You should purchase one of the following adapters when you purchase the KX-200 radio: 

PN 89000002-122 for 14 volt or 89000002-121 for 28 volt

L3 no longer provides repair service or parts support for mechanical CVRs and FDRs. This is detailed in L3 Service Information Letter L3AP-007.

Please contact Southeast Aerospace for questions or further details.



ADS-B Previously Asked Questions & Answers

Click on a question below to see the answer. Please note, as more questions are answered, this document will be updated to include them.
Check back often for even more ADS-B information. Need ADS-B Help?

Yes, the RANGR Lite is meant for owner/operators who do not have an ES (Extended Squitter) upgradeable transponder or WAAS GPS in their aircraft. The less expensive unit (TXL) is Transmit only while the other (XVRL) includes ADS-B In as well which will display (traffic and weather) on the GNS-430 but would be need to be interfaced.

First, we would recommend contacting a local Garmin dealer to discuss the following:

  • Upgrading your existing nav/com to a used GNS-530W or the newer GTN-750.
  • If you already have a Garmin transponder (i.e. GTX-330), then you should simply get the ES upgrade, interface to GNS-530W or GTN-750, along with a few other minor installation considerations, and get the shop to do the appropriate paperwork based on Garmin's AML STC.
  • If you do not have the GTX-330, then you should just consider pursuing one of the GDL systems from Garmin. Most likely the GDL88 which will give you In/Out capability. Same interface and installation considerations as above apply. Please note ADS-B In is not required for the mandate.

UPDATE

5/9/2018

Bendix/King, L3 and ACSS released the NXT-700/MST-70B as form fit replacement for the MST-67A. It is DO-260B compliant to meet the ADS-B Out mandate.

There are other options besides the MST-70B to gain ADS-B compliance. There are various STCs that allow the removal of the Bendix/King transponder system and installation of Rockwell Collins or Garmin transponders. Upgrade prices vary depending on actual installed equipment. 

Regarding ADS-B for the Garmin GTX-330 transponders, the best solution is to simply have the units converted by Garmin to include the ES (Extended Squitter) upgrade. This upgrade is about $2000 approximately. Additionally, a WAAS/GPS source will need to be interfaced. We can process the upgrade for you or any other Garmin dealer can as well.

First, please reference the information Garmin provides in relation to the ES upgrade:

http://www.garmin.com/us/intheair/ads-b/seven-questions/

There is perhaps a misconception that simply having your Garmin GTX-330 transponder upgraded to include Extended Squitter capability is the only step for ADS-B Out compliance. As with almost all ADS-B installations, appropriate interfacing to other systems in the aircraft (ex. approved position source & altitude source) is required along with approved guidance material that indicates the airworthiness approval procedure followed for return to service of the aircraft (ex. AML STC). Garmin provides an Installation Manual with Approved Model List STC for its Aviation dealers. Authorized dealers should not be distributing the necessary data and paperwork for the ADS-B installation to non-dealers.

As with all ADS-B installations, Southeast Aerospace strongly recommends that you only contact and consult a trained, authorized avionics dealer.

No. Southeast Aerospace strongly recommends that you only contact and consult a trained, authorized avionics dealer for all ADS-B installations.

One of the reasons for much of the confusion, controversy, and misinformation surrounding ADS-B is due to those in the aviation realm who are minimalizing or ignoring key aspects of an ADS-B installation. Most if not all ADS-B installations are not a “box-swap” regardless of any advertising or information on the Internet stating as much. Even if you were to seek alternate, unauthorized methods to obtain ADS-B equipment or upgrades to existing equipment, you still need a way to get it in the aircraft and approved by the FAA. Most ADS-B product manufacturers only offer AML STCs they have to authorized dealers in their network.

If you want to be compliant and able to fly in 2020, then just get the job done right the first time. Unfortunately, some people in aviation always try to cut corners on avionics installations by underestimating the job at hand in hopes to save a buck. It never works out to your advantage no matter how it looks on the bottom line on the frontend of the job. The old saying holds true for ADS-B installations especially – “Pay Now or Pay Later”.

If you want your installation done right the first time legally and technically, then contact a trusted avionics shop that has formal training on ADS-B and the related products from the OEM. Or, contact the OEM and ask for a recommendation in your area. Most OEMs are more than happy to refer to a legitimate, quality dealer in your area.

Citation S550 equipped with: Transponders MST-67A 066-01143-2101. Chance to update to ES?

Garmin GPS400. Chance to update software to WAAS? Or maybe to replace with a GPS400W and link it with transponders? - FMS UNS-1L SCN 803.1. Citation Mustang C510 equipped with G1000 Integrated Flight Deck. It is a 2008 plane.

What can I do to get ADS-B at an affordable price?

A: Since the aircraft are operated in Spain, what region or ADS-B spec do you need to meet? (i.e. USA, DO-260B?)

Without knowing exactly what ADS-B requirement or mandate you might be trying to comply with, I can only provide information relative to what we know here in the USA in reference to ADS-B for Part 25 aircraft.

For the Citation 550, the MST-67A will be superseded by the MST-100B if/when Honeywell can produce and certify the MST-100B. I have attached the only details that we currently have on the MST-100B. Honeywell has not even released pricing on this unit yet, however, ideally it would be an ideal solution ultimately since it is said to be plug and play with the MST-67A. With a WAAS GPS interfaced it would meet all ADS-B mandates. Also, keep in mind, that your CAS-67 can be upgraded fairly easily to Change 7.1 via Honeywell sales bulletin upgrading the TPU-67A processor to the TPU-67B. There is a company that offers some STCs for Part 25 aircraft if your region requires an STC for the 7.1 upgrade - http://www.prostaraviation.com/

If the MST-100B does not pan out for some reason and/or Honeywell keeps delaying its release, then there is a company named Jettech that has released Garmin GTX 3000ES ADS-B capable transponder to its existing STC covering Garmin GTN install on Citation and Citation Jet aircraft equipped with TCAS II. In addition, the company amended its Garmin GTN autopilot coupled LPV FAA STC for the Citation 500 series to include all Primus 1000 equipped Bravo, Ultra, Encore and Excel aircraft. They do not have much information on their website about the ADS-B STC but I recently learned about it at the AEA convention last week - http://jettechllc.net/index.html

Regardless of what direction you might go in, you should most likely get your GPS-400 upgraded to the GPS-400W while Garmin is still offering the upgrade. It is relatively inexpensive at around $3000 USD. Most FANS type systems will require WAAS GPS input or accuracy ultimately. Plus, Garmin's WAAS interface tis very compatible with most ADS-B solutions. Regarding the Citation Mustang C510 equipped with G1000, Garmin is still working on this solution. We assume it will include the GTX-3000 transponder(s) as this aircraft will require a 1090 MHz, (not 978 MHz UAT) system. I would continue to monitor Garmin's website for announcements relating to the G1000.

In most cases, if you already have Garmin equipment, the easiest route to comply with ADS-B is to stay with Garmin. Based on what you gave me below, you would need to upgrade your GNS530 to the 530W (WAAS) and replace your GTX327 with the GTX330ES (Extended Squitter). Most shops will give you a trade-in value for the GTX327 and there are some used GTX330ES units out there on the market. This route will make you compliant with the 1090ES part of ADS-B compliance.

Otherwise, if you choose to keep the GTX327 and go with the GDL88 or GDL84 UAT (978 compliance), you will still have to get your GNS530 upgraded to WAAS and then handle some additional considerations.

Unfortunately, the GPS in the KMD-150 does not comply with any of the requirements for GPS performance in the latest ADS-B mandate or DO-260B. More or less, although it is not specifically referred as such, current WAAS GPS receivers are the only GPS receivers that meet the performance requirement needed for ADS-B Out.

Considering your current situation, here are a few possible scenarios for you to comply:

  1. Keep the KMD-150 with GPS as a stand-alone navigation aid and pursue the KGX-150 with internal GPS. This would of course require installing a separate WAAS GPS antenna on your aircraft for the KGX-150. In addition, you would not receive any of the ADS-B In benefits since the KMD-150 is not an interface for that. However, there are many options to display ADS-B In information on anything from smartphones, tablets, etc.
  2. Replace the KMD-150 with some sort of Garmin GNS or GTN navigator which will meet the approved position source requirements for ADS-B. I would recommend their GDL-84 or 88 boxes for the UAT portion of the equation however there are a few other manufacturers offering less expensive UAT solutions like Free Flight with their Ranger Lite product.


The second option is obviously going to be more expensive but gives you a little more versatility and more capability in your aircraft. I only included UAT (978) options because I am assuming that you are flying below 18,000 feet.

A few questions related to the KGX 150 :

  1. Can this unit be paired with the KT-76C transponder?
  2. What will the Wi-Fi option cost?
  3. With our configuration, what antennas will need to be installed to meet the ADSB-Out requirements?
  4. Will an additional antenna be required to facilitate ADS-B-In?

There are a few things to be aware of with all UAT installations. These units require a control device and a switch to place them in air/ground mode. The switch is not a major issue and is a minor cost. However, the controller is additional if the aircraft is not already equipped with a transponder and/or display (MX20 for example).

As you’ll see below, yes, the KT-76C will pair with the unit via the antennas. Basically the UAT will sense the XPDR. This will enable you to send the Mode A and IDENT information to the UAT unit. However, you are still required per the FAA to have a way to know your ADS-B status. If a suitable display such as the Garmin MX20, Aspen EFD1000 or the KSN 770 is not installed, then a remote control unit is required. The KGX Control Panel list price is currently $619. Depending on the aircraft and the kind of flying, there are a lot of factors and options to consider.

  1. Can this unit be paired with the KT-76C transponder?
    • Yes
  2. What will the Wi-Fi option cost?
    • The Wi-Fi option will run around $349 list for parts.
  3. With our configuration, what antennas will need to be installed to meet the ADS-B-Out requirements?
    • Per the STC, you will be required one external WAAS/GPS antenna and at least one UAT antenna.
  4. Will an additional antenna be required to facilitate ADS-B-In?
    • No, as long as the unit purchased is the transceiver. However, you will need a suitable display for the "In" without the Wi-Fi.

In regards to your RV-6A, upgrading to the GTX 330ES will take care of your 2020 requirements for ADS-B. As you already have a GTX 327 and a GNS 430W, you may be more pleased with the installation of a GDL 88 standard. The prices of the units are similar even once you add the new antenna for the GDL-88 (give or take about $150). The labor to install the GDL 88 will be more, but with the GDL 88 you will get free weather and traffic on the GNS 430W. This would then free up the Garmin 696 and the GDL 39 for your Luscombe.

In regards to your 1947 Luscombe 8-E, your options are not as straight forward. You have no WAAS/GPS receiver in the aircraft so one of the UAT units like the GDL 88/84 from Garmin, NGT-2500 from L-3, or the RANGR 978 from Freeflight will be your best option to give the ADS-B Out. The RANGR 978, with its control head (required per the installation manual), may be the least expensive option but all three will have a fair amount of labor for the installation.

Since SEA is a Rockwell Collins dealer, we can perform this modification. Some of the equipment for this modification can be sold in serviceable condition, but we cannot sell factory new without performing the upgrade ourselves. There are several components required to perform this modification as well as wiring changes and additions. We’re happy to discuss this modification in more detail with you and gather the information necessary to provide you with an accurate proposal.

Portable ADS-B Out systems, also known as "suitcase" units, should not be operated (transmitting) aboard any aircraft. While marketing associated with these units may imply approval for use by way of an FCC license, the FAA prohibits their use for the following reasons:

  1. The positioning of portable, suction-cup GPS antennas associated with these units often require they be affixed to front or side windows or glare shield to obtain a usable signal. Such antenna placement obstructs the pilot's view. Connecting wiring also interferes with aircraft controls and instruments.
  2. ADS-B Out avionics require a valid Mode S code to be transmitted to operate properly with ATC automation and other ADS-B aircraft. Mode S codes, also known as the ICAO code, are assigned to an aircraft during registration and then programmed into transponders and ADS-B Out avionics. Mode S codes remain static until a change in aircraft registration or identification (N-number) occurs. Portable units require users to input the Mode S code assigned to each aircraft flown. A high number of Mode S code entry errors have occurred with this procedure, which prevent proper target correlation within ATC automation systems (target drops/traffic conflict alerts), which have resulted in increased workload and unnecessary distractions for pilots and controllers.
  3. The positioning of ADS-B antenna is also vital in the quality of the signal that is transmitted, and if capable, received by the ADS-B device. There have been a number of aircraft identified using portable ADS-B devices that result in degraded performance due solely to poor antenna location.

The KLN-94 is not a WAAS GPS, nor is it upgradeable to one. We recommend the KT-74, but if you decide to upgrade to a GPS400W or GNS430W, then you would want to go with a GTX-330.

The FAA Rebate program has come to and end. Please reference the FAA's webite for more information. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/rebate/faq/#q0201

Other discount opportunities include the following:

1. Fleet or multiple aircraft discounts. Many avionics shops will offer significant discounts for multiple aircraft ADS-B upgrade committments. 

2. Avionics vender sales bulletin special pricing. Avionics venders will, from time to time, come out with special pricing on specific equipment or equipment combinations. Sometimes the equipment pricing is tied to certain airframes. Avioncs shops often times pass these special pricing opportunites on to the customer. Special pricing bulletins always have an expiration date for equipment ordering and shipping so be mindful that pricing can change drastically if you do not commit. 

3. Avionics upgrades beyond ADS-B. When performing ADS-B upgrades along side of EFIS, Radio, or other upgrades discounts can be extended due to aircraft access and equipment bundle pricing. 

BendixKing announced a modification to the CitationJet CNI 5000 using the KT-74 transponder and a remotely mounted WAAS GPS receiver. A package including the hardware, modified bezel, and STC will be available to authorized dealers. Please contact Southeast Aerospace to discuss ADS-B and upgrade options for the CitationJet.  See photo below. Alternatively, there are existing STCs that allow the installation of Garmin GTN navigators in the CNI 5000 location. The GTN can then control remote mounted GTX 3X5R transponders for ADS-B Out and In. 

 

CNI 5000 ADS-B

 

There is no ADS-B In display option for a Honeywell MFRD. An iPad or other Flight Bag is the only option.