ADS-B Installation Gallery

Panel cover
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author upgraded an obsolete and failing Narco 50A transponder to a new Stratus ESG transponder system in their airplane.
  • The installation involved replacing the old rack and encoder with a new, more accurate encoder (25 ft accuracy), and drilling a new hole in the fuselage for a dedicated GPS antenna.
  • New antenna cables were carefully routed, and the Stratus 2S unit now integrates with the external GPS antenna, eliminating the need for a sky view.
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Narco 50A rack, transponder, and encoder
Transponder rack installation

The Narco 50A rack, transponder and encoder. Out with the old to make way for the new. The weight of the old equipment was recorded in order to update the weight and balance for my airplane.

The installation begins with the installation of the new rack in the panel. The rack easily fit in the old location between the frame rails. Some new mounting holes were necessary for installation.
Encoder
My new encoder. Only 3 wires required, and improved accuracy. The older encoder could have worked, but it provides 200 ft. accuracy, while the new encoder provides 25 ft. accuracy.

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