"Ron Natalie" wrote

Did that include the IFR static/altimeter test as well. The
combo runs about $200 from the reputable shops around here.

Because the transponder check involves 2-3 regulations in various
parts of the FAR, the avionics shops have discovered a loophole
that "they say" allows them to do the transponder check without
including a static/encoder check. They feed the altitude in from
the test box and if the Txpdr transmittes that same altitude, it is
deemed to check OK.
In the Tampabay area this simple Receive/Transmit check goes for
about $75.

Bob Moore