ADS-B Installation Gallery

Panel cover
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author upgraded their airplane's failing and obsolete Narco 50A transponder and encoder to a new Stratus ESG system, installing a rack that fit the old location and a new encoder with improved 25 ft accuracy.
  • A new GPS antenna was carefully installed on the fuselage, requiring drilling a new hole, strengthening the installation with a doubler, and sealing it to ensure leak-free operation.
  • New antenna cables were routed from the GPS antenna and a whip antenna to the Stratus ESG transponder and integrated Stratus 2S, allowing the 2S to receive satellite information without needing direct sky visibility.
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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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