At 06:48 28 May 2004, Bhelman wrote:
My Trafficscope has always been extremely accurate
in range. I think their engineering took into account
all of the factors you mentioned.
All I can say is that if anyone who is conered with
surrounding
traffic, the VRX trafficscope is the most accurate
and dependable device on the market today.


OK

Here is the desrcition from the Trafficscope web site...

'The new TrafficScope models contain the latest third-generation
TPAS™ (Traffic Proximity Alert System) technology.
TrafficScope listens for transponder replies from all
aircraft within the detection window and derives altitude
and range information on-the-fly. When target aircraft
are interrogated by ground radar or any other active
system, such as TCAS, the transponder responds with
range and altitude (Mode C) information.

TrafficScope also listens to your own transponder to
establish a base reference. Since virtually 100% of
the US and most outlying airspace falls within radar
coverage, aircraft can be detected with a great amount
of certainty. TrafficScope is mircoprocessor controlled
and utilizes menus to assist pilots in a aspects of
fight.'

UK cost £585

As few gliders in the UK are fitted with transponders,
all most all fly in uncontrolled airspace and airport
radar has difficulty in detecting relatively slow moving
glass gliders. In some case the signals are filtered
out.

I am not being deliberately negative, but at the present
time the benefits do not appear practical. Whilst I
do not doubt that the equipment is dependable it can
only give advice on the target it can see.

It may be worth running a few tests, could you ask
the manufacturers for a few samples?
Dave