Transponder time

[gbarrier]

Well perhaps yes, perhaps no. My old KT76A is working fine and it's a long way till 2020. But I do have the itch, it's time to recertify, and might can use the old unit elsewhere if I do it now.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Trig unit. So, do I buy the Trig TT31, the King KT74 or the Avidyne AXP340 unit all manufactured by Trig. The Avidyne is overpriced and the King is a few dollars higher than the Trig so that should settle it but not so fast. Squawk code entry for the TT31 seems like it would take a while turning a knob and pushing a button for each digit. For the King you just push four buttons and you're done.

So I ask, is anyone out there using either unit and how do you like them.

[pilot]

If you have a nice 76A with mode c, it should still be worth $1k from the looks of things. Whatever you get needs to be one of those extended squitter jobs so it will be future ready whether you go to ads-b now or later.

[VA Maule]

I paired the King 74 with a Garmin 530w works well as far as I can tell and since I had a King 76 there was nothing new to learn.

Edit: You have to have WASS capability in a panel mounted GPS as I understand it.

[andy]

Gary, I'm waiting for the Appareo ESG to get certified, which is supposed to happen sometime this year. It's a drop-in replacement for the KT 76A so no panel modifications are necessary (installation cost reduction). It incorporates ADS-B-Out to meet the 1/1/2020 FAA requirement using 1090ES so you can use it outside the USA. It includes a WAAS GPS module as a position source so you don't need to upgrade your panel GPS if it isn't WAAS capable (like my situation). It uses your existing transponder antenna for the ADS-B (installation cost reduction) although you still have to install a GPS antenna on the wing if your panel GPS isn't WAAS capable. It has a front panel jack to connect the Stratus 2 ADS-B-In receiver for power and signal that allows better ADS-B ground station reception via the external transponder antenna. Best of all the purchase cost is around $3,300. I'm estimating 8 hours of installation time at $100/hour = $800.

[gbarrier]

Andy I like that unit also but I have WAAS from my Garmin and I'm happy with my stratus II stand alone so I can save a few bucks with the King or Trig.

VA Maule, I should have looked closer at your panel at BQ1. Are you happy with the push buttons. Any problem getting your fingers on the right ones in rough air?

[VA Maule]

Gbarrier: like I said no issues for fit in panel or use ( even with my awkward 5 thumbed hands)
Hopefully we'll get together again sooner rather then later and you can fondle the panel if you'd like .

[gbarrier]

Thanks. Looking forward. And bring your lovely lady. I promise to fondle only your panel.

[gbarrier]

Just looked at the approved model list for the Trig and the KT74 with ADS-B. They are the same as the STC for the ADS-B is provided for both by the folks who provide the air/ground switch. Now, with 700 models listed and airplanes from Aerostar to Waco even including some homebuilts there is no mention of a Maule. Wonder where that leaves us.

[VA Maule]

Give Jason Morefeild a call at Virginia Aviation 4three4niner42343six he installed mine in one day including 2lbs of paperwork and a neat little sticker for the logbook

[gbarrier]

Thanks, I'll call him. Did you do the ADS-B also.

[VA Maule]

Yes with a Garmin 530w