> "for $100 more you can install Skybeacon with three screws and attaching two wires . . ."
I'd heard they (Uavionix) are now selling only the "certificated" models of that design, but maybe that's true only with the Tailbeacon. I'd read on Avweb or somewhere that they're not selling those models to the Experimental market . . . just to Certificated. This is a recent move. I'll keep an eye on them for sure. Since I already have position lights and strobes on the wingtips, I like the echoUAT/SkyFX equipment better anyway. Plus its a little cheaper (gotta keep to KR tradition you know). For Experimentals they now have the TailbeaconX which has "diversity" - that is, it picks up and transmits to and from satellites as well as ground stations. Which makes it compatible with the rest of the planet. If I don't die before I do it, I intend to fly the coastal route up to Anchorage . . . a "bucket list" sort of thing since Merrill Field is where I started my flying. Although . . . I'm thinking Canada isn't going to enforce their mandate until 2025 (I think), so this diversity aspect isn't an important factor at this point. As for Mexico . . . well, Mexico doesn't give a crap unless you're above 18K. The rules may say one thing but in practice . . . .Mexico will always be Mexico. The TailbeaconX is truly a one-stop solution since it contains a Mode S transponder and it's own GPS, all of which guarantees a compatible return on the performance tests It doesn't need to be mounted outside the plane either. The LED tail-light goes to waste if the unit gets mounted within the fuselage, but perhaps through a software tweak option the LED can be turned off. If left on, it provides a lighted baggage area so that when I go walking around back there while in flight I'll not bump into anything. Mounting the TailbeaconX inside the fuselage eliminates having to mess with existing position lighting and attendent switch and wiring. Apparently the wooden structure doesn't cause an impediment to signal exchanges. I'd want to confirm that before buying one. It's a great option for those who don't already have a Mode C with encoder. It's currently $2500 and has a small rebate and is not yet for certificated airplanes. It's kind of amazing. A Mode S transponder, GPS, ADS-B transponder for both 978 and 1090 reception and transmit to your panel, and taillight (if you want it) all in one. It can be controlled from a nuimber of existing EFIS units, or one can buy a transponder control head that's also an artificial horizon, AofA indicator, G-meter and several other functions. It's $900 for the small one and $1500 for the fancy one but the fancy one is really fancy. https://uavionix.com/products/tailbeaconx/ Adding this wonder unit to the KR along with a control head will run between $3500 or up to $4k for the really nice front-end, all of which I agree is half the value of some of our planes. But then, for perspective, prowl around BeechTalk or even the RV guys on VAF and see what those guys spend for avionics. Or have an avionics discussion with Dan Heath :-). These Uavionix prices are actually miraculous in light of their capability and worldwide compatibility. So . . . who has got an Android phone with at least 600 nits and a five inch screen? The Garmin 660 has a 5 inch screen and so does the smaller unit that iFly sells. The Garmin requires its own ADS-B receiver so now we're getting into another $1400 for the two, assuming buying a used GDL-39-3D on eBay. I've seen them go for $300-$400 and occasionally even cheaper. The small iFly I haven't looked at in a while but there was something about it that made it a non-starter. Can't recall now just what it was . . . . . certainly worth another look though. (This 520 model is no longer on their website - looks like they dropped it.) I'm still very much in "intelligence gathering" mode. Thanks for the replies so far! I think I may have another ten years of flying in me, so I'm still interested in all this. I do have days however where I look at my pace of getting things done and seriously wonder if I should just sell the plane and die. Kidding, kidding. Mike KSEE ____________________________________________________________ Sponsored by https://www.newser.com/?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_taglines_more America Asks: What About Stone Mountain? http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5f01594c7bd6e594c4ec3st01vuc1 Flags Burn on the Fourth of July http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5f01594c96e54594c4ec3st01vuc2 COVID-19 Drug Trial Bites the Dust http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/5f01594cb1985594c4ec3st01vuc3 _______________________________________________ Search the KRnet Archives at https://www.mail-archive.com/krnet@list.krnet.org/. Please see LIST RULES and KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html. see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change options. To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@list.krnet.org
