Installing a transponder and ADS-B, Instructions?

[Kurt Flunkn]

I. Does anyone know a link to instructions or an install video to install a transponder/encoder on a plane that has not had one before?

AC 43.13-2B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Alterations

[camorton]

Probably not a lot of discussion because it's stone simple. Hookup power, ground and maybe a wire to the dimmer bus. Connect the antenna and you're done. It's a radio, but there's no audio in/out, so way simpler than a comm. The altitude encoder is nine wires (usually labeled A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C4) that go from the encoder straight to the corresponding terminals on the transponder. Here's a typical schematic:

[Sam Buchanan]

Probably not a lot of discussion because it's stone simple. Hookup power, ground and maybe a wire to the dimmer bus. Connect the antenna and you're done. It's a radio, but there's no audio in/out, so way simpler than a comm. The altitude encoder is nine wires (usually labeled A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C4) that go from the encoder straight to the corresponding terminals on the transponder. Here's a typical schematic:

The newer digital transponders and encoders are even easier to hook up than that.......only one serial data wire needed to connect the altitude encoder to the transponder instead of all those gray code connections. Gray code equipment still works but is now very old school.

[thisadviceisworthles]

Thanks for all of the information. It's good to know that a lack of a transponder is not a dealbreaker. Now I just need to find something with the useable load I want, that is in my price range.

[camorton]

Well the good news is now lots of people are installing ADS-B, so there's a huge glut of older (but still functional) mode A/C transponders on the market. The economics of installing one are questionable since you'll still need to add ADS-B out by 2020, but it's an option if you're on a super tight budget. Cheaper UATs may still hit the market.

C.

[crusty old aviator]

It is my understanding that ADS-B OUT can be installed & certified by a part 145 shop, only.

[Sam Buchanan]

It is my understanding that ADS-B OUT can be installed & certified by a part 145 shop, only.

That is not the case for aircraft with an experimental airworthiness certificate.

[MEdwards]

It is my understanding that ADS-B OUT can be installed & certified by a part 145 shop, only.

Not so, and not just for experimentals. An FAA policy memo dated 3/2/16 clarified that properly certified Out units can be installed as minor or major alterations depending on complexity. My A&P IA did mine and it was completely legal.

[Dave Prizio]

It is my understanding that ADS-B OUT can be installed & certified by a part 145 shop, only.

That is not true. I just installed a Garmin ADS-B out system in my experimental plane and got it approved with no problems. Of course, if your plane is certificated, that is a different matter.