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FreeFlight develops ADS-B Out retrofit for Garmin GTX 330 Mode S Transponders

By General Aviation News Staff · September 14, 2013 ·

WACO, Texas — FreeFlight Systems is now interfacing it Model 1201 WAAS/GPS sensor with the Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder to provide an additional 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) ADS-B Out upgrade solution for GTX 330 owners.

Under a technology licensing agreement between FreeFlight Systems and Garmin, FreeFlight Systems is enabling the 1201 WAAS/GPS sensor to serve as the approved high-integrity position source paired with the GTX 330 with ES functionality in a rule-compliant 1090ES ADS-B Out installation.

The upgrade increases ADS-B Out equipage choices for aircraft owners based on their on their aircraft type, existing avionics and flying requirements, according to company officials. It ensures full compliance with ADS-B Out equipage requirements prior to the Jan. 1, 2020 deadline and interfaces with certified ADS-B In receivers for viewing ADS-B weather and traffic information on compatible multifunction displays.

The TSO-certified Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder offers traffic datalink capability, dedicated pushbutton keys for squawk code selection and 250 watts of transmitting power. With the ES upgrade and approved WAAS/GPS position source it automatically transmits aircraft flight ID, position, altitude, velocity, climb/descent, and heading information.

“Our 1201 WAAS/GPS paired with Garmin’s popular and highly regarded GTX 330 ES-equipped transponder comprises an elegant, affordable and easily installed ADS-B Out upgrade option for many GTX 330 owners,” said Tim Taylor, CEO of FreeFlight Systems. “By licensing its GTX 330 data interface, Garmin recognizes the diversity in aircraft and avionics installations and is using its leadership position to give its transponder customers the increased flexibility they need to equip for ADS-B.”

For more information: FreeFlightSystems.com

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Comments

  1. will says

    September 14, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    As a matter of curiosity, where am I going to come up with an extra 250 watts (21 amps)
    of power on my 12v system? Sounds like the ADS-B upgrade is going to cost alot more
    than just upgrading a radio!

    • DC says

      September 15, 2013 at 6:34 pm

      The 250w is peak TX power. The average is *much* lower.

    • Brad says

      September 16, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      will – the power requirements are much lower than you calculated, maximum current draw during a full reply is calculated to be around 3.1 Amps for aircraft operating on a 13.75 volt supply.

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