Transponders

[Bennie Vorster]

I know nothing about transponders so what make and specs do you have to look for when buying one and what will it set back the bank balance, new and second hand ?

[ZULU1]

Hiya Bennie

Interesting subject and you have to determine what Aerie you want it for and amount of usage. Then you need to look at the future and what is happening.

For the moment a Mode C will suffice but Mode S (which incorporates Modes A,B and C) is the obvious route to go as many SSR stations will (and are) being upgraded to this technology. Also new ident technologies are being experimented with at present to reduce costs. Obviously the TCAS factor has to be built in as well.

I would suggest that as your interest is aroused, "google" a look at the origins of RDF (South Africa had some sharp toys also in the beginning) and the UK Chain home RDF technology in WW2 and the use first use of IFF. When you have studied the origins then you can learn more about the developments both in primary and secondary surveillance radar.

We are working on toys at present and the challenge is the size/price as well as certification standards. The alti encoder also takes space. Here we will build our own.

I guess that it will be law worldwide in the near future. We are also learning on a daily basis..

At present you will not get much change from R15k !!!

Maybe Morph move this to technical talk ??

Zulu1

[Aerosan]

maybe Morph is on leave

[skybound®]

If you look out hard enuff locally or prepared to do the e-Bay thing - you will be in for probably around R8-9k. I have managed to purchase two working units at this price inclusive of aerial, mode c encoder, mounting tray etc.

Just look out they do come in 14 and 28V versions.

We have mounted them even to trikes when a few were operating from the main PE airport.

[ZULU1]

I received this and forward on for perusal. At least they have a solid answer in the short term. This may possibly be used as a tool for our negotiating teams.

zulu1