ADS-B Buyer’s Guide

The ADS-B countdown clock has rolled into 2017, leaving aircraft owners less than three years to comply with the FAA’s ADS-B initiative. For most aircraft originally certified with an electrical system that will be operated within airspaces requiring ADS-B, the window to equip is closing. As an extra incentive for owners to equip sooner rather than later, the FAA is offering a $500 rebate for fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft registered in the United States that install and validate the required equipment (until September 19, 2017). If you’re still trying to determine which solution fits your needs, let us help. Here are a few questions that may help decide which Garmin product is right for you.

Question 1: Do you prefer upgrading to a brand new transponder?

If Yes: Your airplane may have an aging transponder, or perhaps its 24-month test cycle is approaching, what an ideal opportunity to knock out two birds with one stone by installing a brand new Garmin ADS-B equipped transponder! Our GTX 345 and GTX 335 series Mode S ES transponders represent a simple, cost-effective path to bringing your aircraft into NextGen airspace with a brand new transponder. They feature a standard footprint so the installation is simplified leading to reduced costs.

GTX 345 all-in-one ADS-B transponder.

If No: Skip to question 3 below.

Question 2: If you’ve decided a new transponder is your best option, would you like ADS-B In capabilities in addition to the standard ADS-B Out?

If Yes: The GTX 345 is our all-in-one ADS-B solution. It comes standard with both ADS-B Out and ADS-B In. Standard Bluetooth connectivity allows pilots to stream subscription-free weather, traffic and GPS position data to select Garmin portables and compatible mobile devices running Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight. Plus, if you already have a GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigator or GNS 430W/530W installed, you can utilize the WAAS position source from these units and pair a non-WAAS version of the GTX 345 for additional savings. Weather and traffic can also be displayed on GTN series and GNS 430W/530W products via the GTX 345.

If No: You’re interested in basic ADS-B Out to satisfy the FAA requirements, or you may already enjoy ADS-B In traffic and weather via a portable ADS-B receiver like our GDL 39 or a Stratus – our GTX 335 may be your ideal option. Like the GTX 345, the 335 features a standard footprint that allows easier installation. And, a WAAS and non-WAAS version are also available if your panel already includes a compatible Garmin navigator with built-in WAAS position source.

Remote versions are also available in both models – GTX 345R and GTX 335R, particularly handy for many G1000 equipped aircraft – as well as options for the experimental aircraft market in the GTX 45R and GTX 35R, which are compatible for display and control via our G3X and G3X Touch flight displays.

Question 3: Do you want to keep your existing transponder?

If Yes: If you’re satisfied with your current transponder, it’s cool, we’ve got you covered too. Our dual-link Universal Access Transceivers (UAT) are great options to ADS-B equip while keeping your panel essentially the same. Our choices, the GDL 84 and GDL 88 are remote-mounted and actively “speak” to your transponder using our patented AutoSquawk technology. This eliminates a requirement to add a separate controller to your panel, which adds both expense and additional cockpit workload by entering the squawk code twice.

Question 4: Which UAT is the better fit for you – GDL 88 or GDL 84?

There are a number of reasons to choose one variant versus the other, but we’ll stick to the basics. If you want to display traffic on your G500/G600 Flight Display, GTN 750/650 series, GNS 430W/530W or other compatible devices – our GDL 88 is a great option for you. If you don’t have a Garmin flight display or navigator in your panel, but want that same great traffic, weather and GPS data displayed on a compatible Garmin portable or mobile device using Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight – our GDL 84 is a great choice.

For additional information on any of our ADS-B solutions, visit our website. Or if you have any questions our ADS-B experts are here to help! Contact them at 1-844-GET-ADSB or adsb@garmin.com.

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