GDL-88 Install Cost

[Seth]

I'll get some quotes but I think I've decided on my ADSB souliton . . . for now.  My aircraft is 1983  Mooney M20J Missile 300.

 

I have a 430W and mode C transponder.  My aircraft ceiling is 18,800 feet, though with the 300 HP, I can easily go higher, but don't plan to.  I've been up to 17,500 before out west.  So after 2020, No Mode S, thus no class A for me.  I'll go up sometime before then.  I have never been in Class A, and I do want to check it off my list, especially in the Mooney Missile, but I don't plan to operate above 18,000 feet often in an unpressurized aircraft.

 

I'm going to probably simply install a GDL-88 to interface with my 430w and keep my current King mode C transponder.  I also have a Garmin Aera 560 and of course, an iPad running ForeFlight.  I will wire it for Flightstream during the install so I can do that at a later time should I wish.  I may throw it in with the install as well.

 

Question 1:   What is the all in install cost for a GDL-88 (I have the WAAS position source in my Garmin 430W).  I'd love real world experiences and if you would rather not share, PM me.  I will start getting quotes next spring from install shops and local avionics specialists.  Please share the location of install as well.

Question 2:  Does the GDL-88 talk to the Aera 560 as that is currently interconnected with the Garmin 430W.

Question 3:  TIS-A vs TIS-B traffic- what is the difference and do I miss anything getting only TIS-B with the GDL 88?

 

 

Dr. Bill - thank you for your PIREP on the GDL-88 and the 430W screen size - very helpful.  If I update the 430W it will be to a 650 or 750, but that's not in the immediate future.

 

Thanks!

-Seth

[co2bruce]

I just upgraded Transponder to ES and I wanted to do the 88 but it was like 3-4 thousand to install, plus the cost of the unit.

[donkaye]

1 hour ago, Seth said:

 

Question 1:   What is the all in install cost for a GDL-88 (I have the WAAS position source in my Garmin 430W).  I'd love real world experiences and if you would rather not share, PM me.  I will start getting quotes next spring from install shops and local avionics specialists.  Please share the location of install as well.

Question 2:  Does the GDL-88 talk to the Aera 560 as that is currently interconnected with the Garmin 430W.

Question 3:  TIS-A vs TIS-B traffic- what is the difference and do I miss anything getting only TIS-B with the GDL 88?

 

 

Dr. Bill - thank you for your PIREP on the GDL-88 and the 430W screen size - very helpful.  If I update the 430W it will be to a 650 or 750, but that's not in the immediate future.

 

Thanks!

-Seth

To answer your questions:

1.  A friend just had a GDL 84 and Flight Stream 210 installed for a labor cost to $2,400.  The GDL 88 will cost more because it must be connect to some of your other avionics associated with your panel mounts.  If you don't have the avionics to display ADSB-B IU, then get the GDL 84 that will display on the 796 and IPad.

2.  Garmin Compatible devices under the GDL 88 does not include the Aera 560.

3. TIS-A is going the way of the Dinosaur.  It is only available in some Approach controls now.  TIS-B is part of ADS-B and is available with most GBTs (Ground Based Transmitters).

[OR75]

2 hours ago, donkaye said:

 

3. TIS-A is going the way of the Dinosaur.  It is only available in some Approach controls now.  TIS-B is part of ADS-B and is available with most GBTs (Ground Based Transmitters).

 

Clearly, TIS-B is better than TIS-A - Everywhere vs. approach areas. However, It will NOT disappear. It is here to stay in Class B area - so where you really need it the most -.

 

 

[Bob_Belville]

In Dec. 2012 my GDL 88 cost $3795 for the unit plus $525 labor. This included interface with GTN750. (There may have been relatively small costs for antenna, supplies...

Twin Lakes Avionics, Advance NC.

 

[flyboy0681]

I have been getting estimates from around the state (Florida) for a GDL-88 and Flight Stream installation to interface to the GTN-750. The highest came in at $8,700, with the lowest at $7,500. 

I'm still waiting for a few more responses.

 

[flyboy0681]

Just now, Bob_Belville said:

In Dec. 2012 my GDL 88 cost $3795 for the unit plus $525 labor. This included interface with GTN750. (There may have been relatively small costs for antenna, supplies...

Twin Lakes Avionics, Advance NC.

 

WHAT???

[Bob_Belville]

Just now, flyboy0681 said:

WHAT???

I'm looking at the invoice. Actually, the GDL 88 was brand new and Garmin had not received FAA certification when my new panel was finished in Dec. 2012. I took the plane back 1/31/13 for the GDL88. The labor was split in 2 pieces, $375 (5 hours) with the total panel work at which time prewiring and the mounting bracket was installed and $150 (2 hours) when the unit was installed.

[Jerry 5TJ]

Looking at invoices, I see the GDL-88D on my Ovation cost around $4000 and about $800 for labor when installed last year by the prior owner.  I say "around" as it was combined with some other work at the same time.  The D is for dual or diversity so there are both top and bottom antennas and two cables, adding a bit to cost and labor.

[Bob_Belville]

19 minutes ago, jerry-N5911Q said:

Looking at invoices, I see the GDL-88D on my Ovation cost around $4000 and about $800 for labor when installed last year by the prior owner.  I say "around" as it was combined with some other work at the same time.  The D is for dual or diversity so there are both top and bottom antennas and two cables, adding a bit to cost and labor.

Mine is not the diversity version. FWIW, as far as I know that has not meant any loss of signal.

 

[Jerry 5TJ]

1 hour ago, Bob_Belville said:

Mine is not the diversity version. FWIW, as far as I know that has not meant any loss of signal.

 

As they say, "what you don't know doesn't exist." 

[ArtVandelay]

2 hours ago, jerry-N5911Q said:

Looking at invoices, I see the GDL-88D on my Ovation cost around $4000 and about $800 for labor when installed last year by the prior owner.  I say "around" as it was combined with some other work at the same time.  The D is for dual or diversity so there are both top and bottom antennas and two cables, adding a bit to cost and labor.

Does the $4000 include the cost of the antennas? Which run about $340 each.

My labor was twice that. I wonder how much labor it takes to remove the interior?  

 

[flyboy0681]

I received an excellent estimate from Treasure Coast Avionics in Fort Pierce (Florida) this morning for the job. Anybody out there have any experience with them?

[carusoam]

See if this diversity makes sense...

1) While on the ground, the transmitting antenna is 100’ overhead.

2) while flying, the bottom antenna makes more sense.

3) it would be good to receive traffic info while flying inverted..? 

Best regards,

-a-

[Andy95W]

I thought the ground ADS-B transmitters for weather were the same as the traffic transmitters.

My GDL-39 (and other people's Stratus receivers) receive ADS-B weather without any problem, without a bottom antenna, so why wouldn't they also receive traffic?

[ArtVandelay]

1 hour ago, carusoam said:

See if this diversity makes sense...

1) While on the ground, the transmitting antenna is 100’ overhead.

2) while flying, the bottom antenna makes more sense.

3) it would be good to receive traffic info while flying inverted..? 

Best regards,

-a-

When you are sitting on the ground your chances of receiving ADSB WX and traffic is improved, how much don't know, how important given you have cell coverage, not much, IMOHO

[TWinter]

Just looked back at invoices.

I had the GDL-88 D (two ant), Flight Stream and all wired into my existing GTN750.. 

I was all in at about $8100.00 

It was installed last year.

 

 

[Seth]

Okay - sub question - does the GDL-88 talk to non garmin transponders or does it involve an extra box/greater expense?

 

-Seth

[ArtVandelay]

Okay - sub question - does the GDL-88 talk to non garmin transponders or does it involve an extra box/greater expense?

 

-Seth

Yes, it basically uses an internal 1090 receiver to pick up the info it needs, I have kt74.

[Seth]

39 minutes ago, teejayevans said:

Yes, it basically uses an internal 1090 receiver to pick up the info it needs, I have kt74.

Thanks!  I heard differently from one of the install shops who I think was trying to get me to purchase a transponder as well.  Is the 1090 receiver an additional cost or is it built in and on all GDL88's?

 

-Seth

[Marauder]

39 minutes ago, teejayevans said: Yes, it basically uses an internal 1090 receiver to pick up the info it needs, I have kt74.

Thanks!  I heard differently from one of the install shops who I think was trying to get me to purchase a transponder as well.  Is the 1090 receiver an additional cost or is it built in and on all GDL88's?

 

-Seth

Seth - the GDL-88 only sends the 978 out signal and is designed for "out" compliance for aircraft flying below 18,000'. If you have a 1090 ES (needs to be extended squitter) transponder, then you are compliant above 18,000'.

In other words, if you have a 1090 ES transponder, the GDL-88 will use the 1090 "out" and provide full TIS-B and will add FIS-B to your GTN or GNS series navigators.

I just looked at the updated GDL-88 website and it looks like they are showing the 88 working with the MX devices and showing "3rd party" in the list. Might be time for me to see if it is ready to interface with my Aspens.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Seth]

I was not planning on upgrading my transponder to Mode S or ES for flying above 18,000 ft.

 

However, I thought the GDL-88 would talk out of the box with whatever transponder I had, as the GDL-88 is what sent the out and received the in signal (to then display weather and traffic on the 430w AND send to flightstreem should I purchase flightstream additionally).

The sub question, which I think was answered, is that the GDL-88 does not need an extra box or module to talk to non garmin transponders.  If so, then that's one shop off my list right there, as they were going to charge me more to get the box that talks to any transponder, or just install a Garmin 327 or 330es (if I only needed the mode C, then the 327).

Again, I'm looking to use the GDL-88 for ADSB compliance for out AND situational awareness for IN.  That way I didn't have to replace my transponder.

 

-Seth

 

 

[Marauder]

On a related topic, I spoke with Garmin on another subject and asked about the status of the GDL working with non Garmin devices. It still is not released, but is expected in the first quarter of 2016.

[wishboneash]

1 hour ago, Seth said:

 

Again, I'm looking to use the GDL-88 for ADSB compliance for out AND situational awareness for IN.  That way I didn't have to replace my transponder.

 

 

I have the KT-76A transponder with the GDL-88 and GTN-650 input for WAAS. Works fine.

[Releew]

I paid 6.5K installed with the single antenna setup.  Integrates well with the G530W.  The weather overlay resolution sucks but that's not the 88's problem.  Just old screen technology on the 530.  I do wish the end user had more control over the Traffic Alerts and when they are triggered.....  The folks at Garmin said their algorithm is proprietary and locked into their firmware!  Just be aware GDL88 firmware updates ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY!  

Rick