ADS-B Options for New Construction?

[a6bn69]

I just ordered my kit and will be building a Mosquito XE285 helicopter. I hadn't planned to add a transponder or ADS-B Out at all, but I may reconsider if I can do it simply and relatively inexpensively (easier to add during build than retrofit, I think). My head is about to explode with all the searching I've done, and most ADS-B solutions all seem to focus on existing setups where the aircraft is already equipped with a Mode C transponder. So:

1. Do I need a transponder if I have an ADS-B Out system? Can't I just be compliant with a UAT?

2. If the answer to#1 is NO, any suggestions for some 'simple' installs in a new build
a) assuming I also want ADS-B In
b) assuming I will not have ADS-B In (does this make it easier/cheaper?)

3. Anybody already gone down this road yet? I'll be going to Sun 'n Fun next month to do some shopping.

Thanks, Dick

PS - the only reason I'm even considering this, is that I am near enough to a Mode C Veil where it would be nice to have the capability without having to call ATC one hour prior.

[WLIU]

Our FAA friends unfortunately have layered ADS-B on top of the existing system so yes you need to be able to squawk in the legacy manner in addition to output the ADS-B data. The good news is you can buy one box that does all that. But you spend $$ if you are starting from scratch. That said, if you are spending that much, you might as well get the "IN" and bluetooth connectivity to your favorite tablet.

Best of luck,

Wes

[Sam Buchanan]

The Stratus ESG would be a very simple installation and make your bird 2020 ADS-B-out compliant in addition to providing you with a full-featured transponder.



These are available for about $2200 which includes the WAAS GPS. I've been flying one in my RV-6 and it works flawlessly. ADS-B-In is provided by the sub-$120 Stratux dual-band receiver.

[DaleB]

The Stratus ESG is a great solution, though as Sam noted you'll still need a receiver for IN. Another possibility is, if you find a cheap Mode C transponder (and they're getting cheaper every month now) you can install that, and add one of several UAT solutions that will give you both IN and OUT. UAvionix has a decent solution for $1400 or so, including the GPS. These work with your Mode C transponder by "listening" to its transmissions to get your transponder code, and sending and receiving ADS-B using UAT.

[cub builder]

Uavionix seems to be coming out with some really nice lightweight gear and do a great job standing behind it when there are issues. They plan to announce a new lightweight 1090-ES transponder at Sun-'N-Fun this year. I expect it will be both in and out making it both compliant and a traffic information source. I'm waiting to see what they announce before I buy at new transponder for my E-AB plane this spring.

[a6bn69]

I didn't know about the Stratus, that's a good price.

I had read about the Uavionix, but then I'd need an xpndr.

Thanks Guys!