ADS-B compliance

Archer Jack

Archer Jack

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Oct 24, 2018
Messages
302
Location
Mansfield, TX
Display Name
Jack
Home Airfield
KGPM
I currently have a Sentry ads-b in unit and a Garmin 430 with waas on my Archer. I'm looking for an economical way to comply with the 2020 ads-b out requirement. I'm thinking about the Uavionix sky beacon wing mounted unit but noticed the Stratus ESG transponder is only a few hundred dollars more than the Uavionix. My current transponder is an old Bendix/King KT-76A with the twist knobs. The Stratus would allow me to have push button input for just a little more money. Any suggestions on this would be appreciated. :)
 
Your decision should be based on how long you will be able to maintain the KT 76A. If you have confidence it will continue to operate and/or will be easily maintained go for the Sky Beacon. If you want a new xpndr go for the ESG. The installation costs will be non-trivial with the ESG though.

I had a KT 76 and went with an ESGi, but the Sky Beacon wasn't available at that time...

Edit: Adding onto my original reply, given that there are about 100 KT 76A transponders listed on ebay with an average price somewhere around $250 I would be inclined to go with the Sky Beacon...

Also, consider the 978 UAT vs 1090 S debate, which really boils down to flight above 18,000 and international flight. If you don't plan to do either then 978 is great. If it matters, you also get to have an "anonymous" mode with the Sky Beacon so people can't track you...
 
Last edited:
idahoflier said:
Your decision should be based on how long you will be able to maintain the KT 76A. If you have confidence it will continue to operate and/or will be easily maintained go for the Sky Beacon. If you want a new xpndr go for the ESG. The installation costs will be non-trivial with the ESG though.

I had a KT 76 and went with an ESGi, but the Sky Beacon wasn't available at that time...

Edit: Adding onto my original reply, given that there are about 100 KT 76A transponders listed on ebay with an average price somewhere around $250 I would be inclined to go with the Sky Beacon...

Also, consider the 978 UAT vs 1090 S debate, which really boils down to flight above 18,000 and international flight. If you don't plan to do either then 978 is great. If it matters, you also get to have an "anonymous" mode with the Sky Beacon so people can't track you...
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Thanks for the resonse, Idaho. Since the Sky Beacon is about $1900 (no A&P signoff included)and the ESG (non waas) is about $2500 I will probably go with the new transponder. BTW if anybody needs one I'd settle for $150 right now for the used KT 76A! Plus I would need the anonymous mode for my drug running! It's the only way I can afford to fly. LOL! (just kidding)
 
Not a bad choice, just keep in mind the installation cost will be around $2K for the ESG...
 
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