Jim White wrote:


Cheaper, better, low power technology is here now and in the pipeline that
can do this better and can be fitted easily in gliders.

I'm very skeptical about the "low power technology here now" part.
Please tell me what this technology is, in what country you can get it,
and what it costs.

In the USA, the only thing with national coverage is transponders. ADS-B
is available in some parts of the country, but the only general aviation
"solution" is the GDL-90 from Garmin. It's the size of a shoebox, weighs
6 pounds, draws 1.75 amps on 12 volts, and costs $7000 (installation
extra). Makes a transponder seem like free candy.

I'm also skeptical of the "in the pipeline" claim, unless that means
"I've heard of some stuff that could do the job but it's not even on
it's way to certification because there aren't even any specifications
for it yet".

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* New Jan '08 - sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org