ADS-B Installation Gallery

Panel cover
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article details the replacement of a failing and obsolete Narco 50A transponder with a modern Stratus ESG system in an airplane.
  • The upgrade involved installing a new transponder rack, a more accurate encoder, and a new GPS antenna, which required drilling a hole in the fuselage and careful positioning.
  • New antenna cables were routed to connect the GPS antenna to the Stratus ESG transponder, which now provides satellite information to a connected Stratus 2S unit, no longer requiring a direct view of the sky.
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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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