Transponder replacement suggestions

Frank Stutzman wrote:
Thomas Borchert wrote:

Garmin 330 if you want/need Mode S, otherwise the 327 is great.


Didn't I hear that TIS (traffic information service, or something like
that) is not going to be developed any further? If thats the case, what
is the value (to the pilot) of Mode S to your average part 91 flyer?

Mode S will be required in the not too distant future as ADS-B gets
rolled out.

In article ,
Newps wrote:

Didn't I hear that TIS (traffic information service, or something like
that) is not going to be developed any further? If thats the case, what
is the value (to the pilot) of Mode S to your average part 91 flyer?

Mode S will be required in the not too distant future as ADS-B gets
rolled out.

I doubt it. Seriously. There really isn't a case for Mode S. It's been a
solution in search of a problem for years and years and years.

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

Garmin's 327 is awesome. I bought one 4 years ago; no xponder worries
since.

I'll "second" Dan's endorsement of the GTX-327. I replaced an old
Narco transponder with the 327 several years ago, and we absolutely
love it.

Just check out how many new aircraft come with it as standard
equipment, and you'll see that Dan and I aren't alone in our
assessment.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

I'll admit to some lack of knowledge here but, other than the Mode S
ability of the Garmin 330, aren't xpdrs pretty much just a one trick
pony? I.e., they just receive a radar signal and reply. Why would a
Garmin 327 be any better than any other?

"skym" wrote in message
ups.com...
I'll admit to some lack of knowledge here but, other than the Mode S
ability of the Garmin 330, aren't xpdrs pretty much just a one trick
pony? I.e., they just receive a radar signal and reply. Why would a
Garmin 327 be any better than any other?

No cavity tube for one. Push button entry, VFR button, solid state
electronics...

Good points, but do they even make them with cavity tubes or without
solid state electronics anymore? Also, at what price to push "VFR" vs
push/dial in 1200?

"skym" wrote in message
ups.com...
Good points, but do they even make them with cavity tubes or without
solid state electronics anymore?

Don't know...but that's a point when considering it as a replacement BEFORE
the old unit fails.

Also, at what price to push "VFR" vs
push/dial in 1200?

By itself, nothing.

It's ironic, though, how such a simple, cheap to implement feature gets left
out on other products.

skym wrote:

Good points, but do they even make them with cavity tubes or without
solid state electronics anymore?


Yes, they still make them with cavity tubes

Matt Barrow wrote:
"skym" wrote in message
ups.com...

I'll admit to some lack of knowledge here but, other than the Mode S
ability of the Garmin 330, aren't xpdrs pretty much just a one trick
pony? I.e., they just receive a radar signal and reply. Why would a
Garmin 327 be any better than any other?


No cavity tube for one. Push button entry, VFR button, solid state
electronics...



Narco AT155 and AT165 are also solid state and have the push to squawk
VFR feature, as well as some timers. IIRC, the cost is quite a bit less
than the Garmin, and you can put it in your old tray.

I have a Garmin 330 and it is a wonderful box. It does have some nice
features like a flight timer, readout of pressure altitude, as well as an
aural alert when leaving an altitude.

However, the most useful item is the Mode S, connected to a box that will
display traffic. Even on severe clear days it is amazing how much traffic is
out there that you will not see. Most of my travels in the Midwest have had
coverage (Chicago, Milwaukee, Indiana, Minneapolis), while some smaller
locations did not (South Bend, for example).

Regardless, for the extra few relative dollars over a regular transponder,
it was definitely worth the cost. It sure beats $20,000 for true TCAS or
TCAD.