SkyBeacon for my SkyMaster

[edasmus]

Hi Ernie, and yes I did consider the GDL 82 and others. Just my opinion, the SkyBeacon seemed easiest to install but even more importantly it did not require one second of anyone crawling around the airplane or behind the panel. I'm all for that as you can't have a MIF (maintenance induced failure) if no one is touching anything. I love my shop and mechanics. They have done well for me over the years but I prefer to not create opportunities for them to put their hands "IN" my airplane. Just my opinion. I'm certainly no expert.

For what is worth, I installed the Stratus 1090 ESG OUT/IN transponder in my other airplane several years ago. I've since sold that airplane. That airplane had a really crappy transponder so it made more sense to so that. It was WAY more expensive than the SkyBeacon. Hopefully u-Avionix is around for the long haul and hopefully their device stands the test of time. I decided to take the gamble. We'll see, time will tell.

Ed

P.S.

BTW Ernie, Glad to see you're back. I always enjoy your posts and I haven't seen you around much lately. Hope your G model is treating you well. I still love mine!

[Ernie Martin]

Thanks, Ed. I've had a bunch of stuff, none critical -- divorce, new house, etc. But I'm still flying and now looking for ADS-B Out.

Ernie

[n86121]

FAA has no authority nor means to enforce the 18k ft 'limit' for UAT.
At that altitude be reassured that radar and TCAS will see your 1090 transponder quite well.

[edasmus]

I have flown multiple times now with the new SkyBeacon. The configuration via my phone was very easy and the unit is working as designed. Multiple requests from the FAA's website for ADS-B performance reports confirm the unit's proper operation. If the unit stands up to the test of time, I would imagine they will be quite popular. So far so good! I would recommend this product if it fulfills the user's requirements. I'll report if my opinion ever changes. u-Avionix has been outstanding in response to any questions via email!

Ed

[Skymaster337B]

UAvionix also has a tail light sky beacon. Looks like a much simpler install. Anybody put one on a Skymaster yet?

[cessnadriver]

Hello ALL. I finished installing the Garmin 82 it was a breeze, as mentioned before I had to get another transponder, my Collins 750 , wasn't up to the standards. Purchased an avionics shops' loaner, Collins 750. Install the GPS antenna on top above the pilot position, and an additional "stick and ball" transponder antenna on the opposite side of the belly beneath my feet.It took about two hours for me, an A&P, to install. As for the new tail light ADB-S. I contacted the manufacturer a couple years ago about the requirement for the tail light unit be in line with the fuselage. They told me that they hadn't planned to have this unit installed on an aircraft that didn't have the tail section "in line" with the fuselage. So I didn't buy that unit. Although I have heard that someone has installed that unit on a Skymaster, using the "OFFSET" distance from antenna to the center line of the aircraft?? For the price and and minimal installation required, which by the way, can be installed by ANY competent A&P that is the way to go. If you purchase the Garmin 82 be sure to buy the harness, it has tiny pins that no one has the crimper for! MY OPINION!! The Garmin 82 is an UAT and NOT 1090 which has the altitude limit of 18,000 ft, can't be flown in any foreign country, to include Canada, Mexico and the islands. Hope this helps. Regards, BILLS

[edasmus]

When I was deciding the ADS-B Out solution for my C337G, I specifically emailed uAvionix with a photo of my tail arrangement of my SkyMaster and the view of the transponder antenna and their response was it would work just fine with TailBeacon. The TailBeacon was not available yet but I was waiting for it.

I then asked uAvionix if I could install a SkyBeacon inside the plastic housing of the wingtip as shown in my photos above. As you can see, this is what I elected to do which uAvionix told me would work fine too. They were correct. I have had no issues in 65 hours of flying with it. I did apply the offset through the SkyBeacon AP. Super easy to do. I would assume there is a similar offset with the TailBeacon AP but I cannot speak from experience on this.

It was slightly more labor going the wing tip route but TailBeacon was not out yet at the time and my plane was down for maintenance so I was eager. In the end, to do it over, I would stay with the wing tip option for a few reasons that benefited me but may not you.

Having the unit protected behind plastic seemed a plus but certainly not a requirement. It seemed to offer a a tiny bit of security in that effort to be stolon would be greater though this really isn't of serious concern as without passwords, these unit seemly are useless to anyone up to no good. The largest advantage to me was the option to utilize the strobe light in the future should it become necessary or convenient. My strobe lights are independent however the system is old and I have hunted for parts replacement in the past to keep the system up and running. The uAvionix strobe light would be a convenient alternative if a future need is to arise.

I suggest you email uAvionix yourself to confirm TailBeacon is an option for C337. They were always quick to respond to my questions.

Good Luck. I'm quite certain you will be satisfied.

[hharney]

Originally Posted by cessnadriver

The Garmin 82 is an UAT and NOT 1090 which has the altitude limit of 18,000 ft, can't be flown in any foreign country, to include Canada, Mexico and the islands. Hope this helps. Regards, BILLS

Not sure what islands you are referring to but as of now the popular Bahamas Islands DO NOT require ADS-b. Mexico and Canada require 1090 ES (not 978UAT)

BTW, 4 Skymasters registered to do the Bahamas Flying Adventure this year. We will be departing March 22 for the Exumas and have 16 airplanes total going.