Which active TAS? Garmin vs. Avidyne vs. L3

[PTK]

I'm in the research stage towards an active TAS.

Any recommendations? pros and cons, reviews, pireps of specific models?

[carusoam]

Peter,

What are you seeing so far in your research?

Best regards,

-a-

[PTK]

Hi Anthony.

 

So far I'm seeing that ADS-B as in GDL88 diversity is excellent and becoming more so as more ground stations come online. This is for within the US.  A combination of this with a GTS800 would be ideal. 

 

I'm leaning towards a GDL88 right now.

[Awful_Charlie]

Here is Europe the active traffic doesn't really include ADSB for the imminent future, the choice would be Avidyne TAS, Garmin GTS or L3 Skywatch.  I settled on the TAS605 for a few reasons:

-Weight

-Performance

-Cost, including the installation

 

The L3 system has a single (big and ugly) aerial with questionable performance

The Garmin is heavier and the most costly to install

The Avidyne had all the performance of the Garmin, and more flexible control options.

 

Although it is not ADSB compliant yet, over here that's not really an issue, and there is an upgrade in the pipeline (albeit on Avidyne timescales, which means it gets inexorably closer, but will be a long time before it actually ships, a lot longer than any Avidyne glossy states).  One I was considering was a FLARM unit, but so far the integrations of these with directional Mode C/S are also running way behind time, depending on which way the market moves I might consider one of these in addition.

 

It does what it says in the tin, I get traffic out to 17 miles and it accepts control from all of the MX20, GNS480 and GNS430 that I have.  I haven't bothered getting the Aspen software key to display it on the PFD, but if I ever change out the WX950 for a WX500 then I might do it

 

No regrets so far!

 

Ben

[davidsguerra]

I found out you can plug any TAS into the GDL 88 and you wont get duplicate traffic  (ads B and TAS) . I'm getting the avidyne 605 right now. it really sold the gdl 88 for me. the avidyne series was lighter , cheaper, received adsB traffic, did not require amplifier , direction stabilized and works with the GDL 88.

 

I did not get diversity. gdl 88 ant in the bottom, TAS ant on top.

[Alan Fox]

The L3 is probably the most robust system , but the Antenna is butt ugly , and sits on top of the fuse....These are also easily sourced on the second hand market for about 4 K ......I like the ryan (avidyne) system , These systems are big players in the light twin turboprop market , so Service/updates should not be a problem for a long time..... The Garmin will have the advantage for repairs , Garmins flat rate repairs are cheap comparatively .... L3 are big big money for repairs... I dont know about Avidyne....  

[AndyFromCB]

I've got the GTS-800 and while the specs say 12nm for range, at least did when I got it, it displays traffic well past twice that range plus as a combo with GTX-33/ES no need for GDL88 unless you want the "free" weather. I'll keep on paying for my XM as my understanding is when the bandwith becomes overwhelmed, ADS-B transmit stations will cut out weather tranmissions, probably when you need it the most as they have 40 aircraft in holdings paterns due to weather.

 

And yes, Garmin is most costly to install, but there is a reason for that. First, dual directional antennas, second, certified equal length cables plus then the entire system is fine tuned with a PC software program.

[Piloto]

I've got the GTS-800 and while the specs say 12nm for range, at least did when I got it, it displays traffic well past twice that range plus as a combo with GTX-33/ES no need for GDL88 unless you want the "free" weather. I'll keep on paying for my XM as my understanding is when the bandwith becomes overwhelmed, ADS-B transmit stations will cut out weather tranmissions, probably when you need it the most as they have 40 aircraft in holdings paterns due to weather.

 

And yes, Garmin is most costly to install, but there is a reason for that. First, dual directional antennas, second, certified equal length cables plus then the entire system is fine tuned with a PC software program.

 

You have a good combination system were ADS-B would be of no advantage. TCAS range depends a lot on the traffic transponder. GA transponder power output is typically 100 to 250 watts while airliners are typically 400+ watts. Also airliners have a larger size antenna ground plane and dual transponder antennas. 

 

I just read that the FAA plans to have the 700+ ADS-B UAT ground station completed by 2014. I am trying to figure out how the FAA justify the expense of 700+ ground stations for the piston GA segment that can not afford the $35/month for the XM\WX subscription. None of the airliners need ADS-B UAT WX since they have WX radar onboard that can see up to 300nm ahead in real time everywhere in the world. And they are already TCAS II equipped. And maybe, maybe they can afford the XM susbscription. If there is going to be a budget cut that will not affect the general flying public (airlines) this UAT ground infracstructure will be on the list. This UAT money could have very well used to add TSA inspectors, additional runways, airport de-icing equipment and others that would have cost less. And by 2020 AVGAS would be over $13/gal that would cause less GA planes flying so less need for a GA collision warning system for those that can not afford the XM subscription and much less a tank full, 50gal=$650

 

José      

[JohnB]

I know I'm supposed to suggest some adsb type equipment, as its cheaper usually, but I would consider one of the active traffic system panel installs, as may be more up front, but will give you more information by far than any adsb solution out there now, and won't depend of what the government does or doesn't do with adsb information in the future.

I have a Ryan 9900bx active traffic system that was already installed in my airplane when I purchased it. It is fantastic. I have seen traffic 20 and 30 nm away. Since it will detect anything with a transponder, I don't think I'll have a need for adsb in, as it will also come redundantly with the stratus I plan on purchasing soon, but I will get adsb out when the time comes to remain legal and to be a good citizen to let people know where i am who dont have a TAS system, but I certainly like seeing all traffic today, not just adsb equipped traffic.

[Jerry 5TJ]

We have the L3 Skywatch system.  It displays on the 530 and on the MX200.   Performance seems reliable out to about 10 miles. There is some fuselage shadowing of targets below but usually only those well below -- several thousand feet lower.   It is great to have traffic displayed.   I generally have one screen dedicated to traffic any time we're VMC. 

 

Don't forget the active traffic systems only show 'participating' targets;   Hot air balloons, gliders and planes with no electric systems usually don't carry transponders and they don't show up on TIS, active traffic or ADS-B displays at all.   I got a reminder of that one day on an IFR approach (after descending below the clouds) when the screen was clear but two gliders and a tow plane zipped past in less than one minute.  

[Piloto]

Traffic Watch is another low cost option. Unlike ADS-B it works everywhere even in my hangar and in the Caribbean where there is no plan for ADS-B. I have mine connected to the G530 as shown.