Garmin has introduced the GPS 20A, an ADS-B Out compliant WAAS GPS position source for experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light-sport aircraft (LSA).
For experimental aircraft owners that already have a Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder, such as the GTX 23ES, the non-certified GPS 20A provides aircraft owners with a rule-compliant WAAS position source, which meets the TSO performance requirements set forth by the FAA, according to company officials.
The GPS 20A provides experimental amateur-built and LSA customers with a simple, low-cost ADS-B Out position source, Garmin officials note. WAAS/SBAS position information is provided by the GPS 20A and is compatible with a wide range of 1090 ES transponders.
Garmin and G3X Touch customers who have incorporated the GTX 23ES Mode S transponder or a GTX 330ES transponder in their EAB/LSA aircraft can install the GPS 20A by connecting a single RS-232 interface to provide Garmin ADS-B data to the transponder to make their system ADS-B Out compliant, company officials explained.
The GPS 20A may also be paired with compatible third-party Mode S transponders. Additionally, a secondary interface can optionally provide industry standard GPS data to third-party systems, which can be utilized as a WAAS GPS data source.
The GPS 20A is not an FAA-approved product and is not eligible for installation in certified aircraft.
The GPS 20A WAAS GPS is expected to be available for $845. The GPS 20A, GA 35 WAAS antenna and install kit is available for $1,225. The new products are anticipated to become available in the third quarter of 2015.
The proposed Garmin unit is still over $2000, not including installation, which is probably at least another $1000 or more on top of that, and still can’t be used on standard ticket aircraft, or on UAVs, and ALL air vehicles still can’t see each other.
So this unit is a NON-Solution and an entirely foolish waste of money considering the present ADS-B rule is seriously flawed to start with, with overblown unnecessary complex criteria, just driving costs up, and there is not a prayer the FAA 2020 deadline is going to hold. Even the airlines are going to get relief from compliance. Worse of all, every air vehicle needs to see each other without FAA’s absurd ADS-R, which FAAs present ADS-B concept fails to understand. So adding obsolete worthless WAAS for this function (basic GPS is plenty good enough if NIC and NAC were properly specified) to an already failed concept is completely unnecessary and a waste. So while seemingly a worthwhile step and attempt on Garmin’s part, this product in the end is an already totally obsolete and likely unnecessary waste of money. Sorry Garmin, but nice try.