ADS-B Installation Gallery

Panel cover
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article details the replacement of an airplane's obsolete Narco 50A transponder and encoder with a new Stratus ESG transponder and a high-accuracy encoder.
  • A significant part of the upgrade involved the meticulous installation of a new external GPS antenna on the fuselage, requiring drilling, strengthening, sealing, and precise placement to avoid signal shadowing.
  • This upgrade integrated the Stratus 2S unit, allowing it to receive enhanced satellite information from the newly installed GPS antenna, thereby improving the aircraft's ADS-B capabilities.
See a mistake? Contact us.
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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE