GDL-82 Install ….. but a couple of questions

[RLCarter]

I ordered 2 GDL-82’s (for the Mooney & Cessna) this morning, I was really wanting the Uavionix SkyBeacon but with no matching light for the other wingtip that was off the table and who knows if and when the TailBeacon will get certified. The Cessna will get installed first as I’ve pushed the annual up 1 month and besides its gives my IA some practice before he does my Mooney… Looking over the install manual for the GDL there are 2 options 1 being an “Anonymous Mode” and the other being an “Annunciator Light”. Are these options I should consider having installed and what really are the benefits to having them? My train of thought is I doubt I would ever want to hide from anyone and if the ADS-B should fail I’m fairly certain ATC would let me know.

[Immelman]

DMV: "Please install this device in your car that broadcasts your speed and location".

You: "Why?"

DMV: "Well it will be required to drive on the autobahn in 2020. P.S. Anyone with a receiver..... the cops, your boss, a scumbag lawyer, can receive the info transmitted.

--

I dont drive fast enough to get speeding tickets. Would I want that device in my car? Hell no.

I don't go aiming to bust FARs, CFRs, NOAA regulations, or all manner of other things I don't know about. Do I want that on my airplane Hell no (I do understand and accept, flying IFR or using ATC services that's a different story).

Bottom line I have not made my last mistake in an airplane. Why broadcast that to the world?

 

Edited March 5, 2019 by Immelman

[David_H]

If I were to install the GDL-82, I'd opt to install the Annunciator Light and Anonymous Mode. I can't see any drawback to having them.

Will you be doing the install under A&P supervision? If so, snapping a few photos during the install and sharing how well it went would be interesting.

Edited March 5, 2019 by David_H

[RLCarter]

@David_H it will be a joint effort on the install, and we'll practice on my buddies Cessna.... Was on Garmin's site last night and there is a different install manual for Mooneys (go figure). 

[David_H]

Having the Anonymous Mode seems like the one option that makes the UAT-978 more attractive than the 1030ES solution. I'm under the impression that 1090ES units have no option for Anonymous Mode... but could be wrong.

I have a slot reserved with the local Avionics shop for a Stratus ESG install in the Mooney. The only tangible benefit I can see in doing the ESG instead of the GDL-82 is replacing the older KT76A transponder.

[RLCarter]

The 172 will get the 1 bell and 1 whistle, on my Mooney I'm still on the fence. A switch and a light won't add that much time to the install and I have always said its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it

[Marauder]

1 hour ago, David_H said:

Having the Anonymous Mode seems like the one option that makes the UAT-978 more attractive than the 1030ES solution. I'm under the impression that 1090ES units have no option for Anonymous Mode... but could be wrong.

I have a slot reserved with the local Avionics shop for a Stratus ESG install in the Mooney. The only tangible benefit I can see in doing the ESG instead of the GDL-82 is replacing the older KT76A transponder.

You might be able to run the "call sign" mode instead of the N number but they can still track you back through your Mode S code that is unique to the plane.

[Immelman]

2 hours ago, RLCarter said:

The 172 will get the 1 bell and 1 whistle, on my Mooney I'm still on the fence. A switch and a light won't add that much time to the install and I have always said its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it

I just installed a skybeacon... prior to that Iwas thinking GDL 82. I went so far as to read the install docs but that was it, so take this with a grain of salt:

This may not be kosher per the Garmin manual exactly, but you could install w/o the anon switch and then afterwards... just jumper it to ground (or whatever you need to tie it to) to permanently enable anonymous mode without the hassle of wiring a switch. The GDL can and will only transmit anonymous info when the squawk is set to 1200 anyway.

That is the behavior of the skybeacon when anon mode is enabled. You program it with the app and it stays that way.... no switch... unless you're not transmitting a 1200 squawk.

Edited March 5, 2019 by Immelman

[RLCarter]

56 minutes ago, Immelman said:

 The GDL can and will only transmit anonymous info when the squawk is set to 1200 anyway..

That's kinda what I figured,  but wasn't sure