GDL-52R or GDL-69A

[Pinecone]

Looking for XM weather and music.

Between the GDL-52R or the GDL-69A, which one and why?

[larryb]

The choice depends on where you want to display the data. If you want it on  your G500 you'll need the certified GDL-69A. If you want it on your iPad, Aera, or G3X then the 52R is the economical choice. 

If you buy a GDL-69A make sure it's the newer model that can get the newer SXM weather products. Older models can only receive the legacy XM product line, which is more expensive and has less info.

I removed a legacy GDL-69 and replaced it with a 52R because I wanted music and SXM. My primary weather display is the iPad because it is so much easier to scroll around and check various things. I also get ADSB weather on my certified displays via the GTX-345 transponder. 

Larry

[Pinecone]

The data will go to G3X, GTN-750Xi and iPad.

[larryb]

If you get the 69A it will display on the GTN only. It should work with the iPad if you add a Flightstream 210. I'm not sure how to get it to display on the G3X

If you get the 52R it will display on the G3X and iPad but not on the 750. 

If I had your setup I would get the 52R and not worry that I don't have SXM weather on the GTN. It's a lot cheaper to go this route. My 52R is mounted in the rear avionics bay and has been rock solid.

[ArtVandelay]

The certified division and the experimental division of Garmin are like 2 different companies, their boxes don’t talk to each other. Pick one or the other: G500/69A/Flightstream, G3X/52R.

[Pinecone]

Thanks.  FYI, I have a FS-510.

But it looks like the 52R.

[201Mooniac]

If you have the FS-510, then the GDL 69A will display on the iPad as well.  If you decide to go with the GDL 52R, I would consider a GDL 52 as it has a battery and will provide backup data and AHRS in the event of an electrical failure.  I have both the GDL 69A that displays on my TXi and GTN and the GDL 50 which is hardwired to my AERA 660 and connects over BT to my iPad running GP for backup. 

[ArtVandelay]

If you have the FS-510, then the GDL 69A will display on the iPad as well.  If you decide to go with the GDL 52R, I would consider a GDL 52 as it has a battery and will provide backup data and AHRS in the event of an electrical failure.  I have both the GDL 69A that displays on my TXi and GTN and the GDL 50 which is hardwired to my AERA 660 and connects over BT to my iPad running GP for backup. 

Doesn’t the Aera with its battery already have AHRS along with GPS built in?

[201Mooniac]

The AERA 660 does not have a built in AHRS. I think the 760 does.

[larryb]

I picked the 52R over the 52 because it's setup for remote mounting. It has BNC connectors for the antennas and a DB connector for the data/audio/power. The 52 has a consumer-style audio earphone jack which can become flaky with age. I have several other battery backed AI's so I didn't see a big need for another.

[Pinecone]

The 760 has an AHARS and GPS.

I mounted the one I had to the right side panel with velcro.  Flying today, it started showing about a 3 degree bank with the aircraft instruments shows wings level.  Over time, that resolved itself.  But in level flight, it was showing about 5 degrees nose up.