FreeFlight ADS-B

[Rhumbline]

Just came across this.  So far, one of the better sounding solutions for anyone looking for a less expensive alternative for their simple panel...

 

 

FreeFlight Systems announces Equip-It 2020 — a program providing complete, rule-compliant ADS-B systems for light general aviation aircraft for less than $2,000
Waco, TX, (March 16, 2015) — American manufacturer, FreeFlight Systems, announced today that it has launched Equip-It 2020 — a program to provide ADS-B equipment for light general aviation aircraft (GA) that breaks the $2,000 barrier for a basic, but complete, system.
Equip-It 2020 features the product line, RANGR Lite, in two configurations — an ADS-B Out (only) system, FDL-978-TXL list priced at $1,995, and an ADS-B In/Out system, FDL-978- XVRL for $3,695. FreeFlight Systems is committing to build 10,000 of these systems in an effort to reduce costs to the GA community and is offering them through participating dealers. Both systems come complete, no “fine print,” with built-in WAAS/GPS, and include ADS-B and GPS antennas, an install kit, control head and/or Wi-Fi module if needed.
The systems are based on the successful FreeFlight Systems RANGR “Blue Box” product line, with some reduced feature sets. The RANGR Lite systems are non-diversity capable, and have a clear coat box finish. The In/Out XVRL product has the ability to display free weather and traffic via our Wi-Fi module to a portable device only. Some of the I/O required for integration in larger aircraft has also been removed. Customers who elect to start with the low-cost Out TXL system will have the option to upgrade to the In/Out XVRL version at a later date.
FreeFlight Systems is part of the ongoing “Equip 2020” working group, which has brought together the industry, users, and the FAA to address the actions necessary to ensure the entire US fleet is ready to go with ADS-B on time. In those meetings, it became clear that price was a real barrier for owners of small aircraft. Proposals to reduce the requirements for ADS-B, in order to reduce cost, were not gaining traction because the critical nature of ADS-B systems requires aircraft-quality, installed, avionics.
“Many of our customers, especially those with older aircraft, told us that they need a low cost option for equipage to meet the January 1, 2020 deadline for ADS-B,” said Tim Taylor, President and CEO of FreeFlight Systems. “We needed to find a way to accomplish that without compromising the quality of the system,” he continued. “Volume was the way to make that happen, and we are stepping up.”
The RANGR Lite systems are being offered through participating dealers only, on a first- come, first-served basis. Shipments are expected to begin in late Q2 2015. A list of participating dealers will be announced on April 8, 2015 via our program website, www.equipit2020.com, during the Aircraft Electronics Association Convention. Contact your local dealer today and ask about the FreeFlight Systems Equip-It 2020 program.

[amillet]

Is the install time for a Mooney still 45 hours as recently quoted by one of their dealers?

[Piloto]

Is the install time for a Mooney still 45 hours as recently quoted by one of their dealers?

The whole enchilada would be at least $6K. Where is the freebie in FreeFlight?

José

[Jim Peace]

The whole enchilada would be at least $6K. Where is the freebie in FreeFlight?

José

And can we tag that on to the sale price of the airplane when time to sell?  my guess is no......

[ArtVandelay]

And can we tag that on to the sale price of the airplane when time to sell? my guess is no......

In 2020 you'll have a hard time selling a cross country class plane without ADSB, so if you plan on keeping it for 5 years, I think you'll like having the WX and traffic. I've used the traffic twice last trip to avoid near misses, here in Florids it's a target rich environment

[HRM]

I just called Pacific Coast Avionics and they told me that I could buy the $1,995 RANGR Lite ADS-B out package mail order and my A&P could install it.

Has anyone here done that?

[Andy95W]

10 minutes ago, HRM said:

I just called Pacific Coast Avionics and they told me that I could buy the $1,995 RANGR Lite ADS-B out package mail order and my A&P could install it.

Has anyone here done that?

Not yet, but that statement is 100% correct and is a complete "out" solution for under 18,000 feet.

I actually prefer the Navworx product, even though it costs $400 more.  The installation looks like it would be easier since it would not require a separate code input/display.

[N601RX]

There is someone on ebay who has been selling new Navworx units for $1799.

[HRM]

6 hours ago, N1395W said:

Not yet, but that statement is 100% correct and is a complete "out" solution for under 18,000 feet.

I actually prefer the Navworx product, even though it costs $400 more.  The installation looks like it would be easier since it would not require a separate code input/display.

One of the techs at FreeFlight Systems sent me an Installation Manual for the RANGR 978 systems. Not quite rocket science, but a very impressive system. Frankly, I like the idea of having a hardware display with the unit (behind the panel). 

All of these systems are riddled with options: panel control yes/no, WAAS GPS yes/no, antennas, Wi-Fi, etc., etc., etc. It is somewhat dizzying, I just want bottom-dollar compliance.

[Andy95W]

Bottom-dollar compliance right now, if you don't have a fancy WAAS GPS installed, is the $1995 RANGR Lite system.  It includes its own WAAS source and can be installed by your local A&P IA under an STC.  Simple to install and even cheaper if you have it done during your annual inspection.

Verification is done using the FAA site.  If your FAA report comes back good, you're good.

[ltdoyle]

On ‎1‎/‎21‎/‎2016 at 11:08 AM, N1395W said:

Not yet, but that statement is 100% correct and is a complete "out" solution for under 18,000 feet.

I actually prefer the Navworx product, even though it costs $400 more.  The installation looks like it would be easier since it would not require a separate code input/display.

I had the Navworx installed in my airplane.  The advantage is that it has ADS-B In also, I don't think Freeflight does without an expensive add on.  Total install was $4,000 turn key.

Doesn't work with Foreflight though, had to change to WingX. 

[Andy95W]

3 hours ago, ltdoyle said:

I had the Navworx installed in my airplane.  The advantage is that it has ADS-B In also, I don't think Freeflight does without an expensive add on.  Total install was $4,000 turn key.

Doesn't work with Foreflight though, had to change to WingX. 

The Navworx is what I am going to install in my airplane next year.  Worth the extra $400, IMO.  I'm hoping they have a greater presence at OSH this year as compared to last.  I do have some questions for them regarding the installation.

[Marauder]

I know the FreeFlight will work with the Aspen products if you buy the $1,000 unlock code. If you buy the FreeFlight OEM version sold to Aspen, there is no unlock code fee.

Has anyone installed any of the NavWork solutions on an Aspen and if so, is there an unlock code? I see the NavWork products advertised on the Aspen site.

Does the NavWork put anything on a Garmin GPS?

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