uAvionics Tail Beacon

Doug Reid

Doug Reid

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Doug Reid
I received an email from uAvionics that the certification process for the tail beacon was going to be longer than anticipated...go figure. It actually is a cool design, IMO.
 
How long did the wingtip SkyBeacon take? TailBeacon couldn't be much longer than that.
 
They say they work with any mode c transponder? Even like an old king kt76a???
 
Doug Reid said:
I received an email from uAvionics that the certification process for the tail beacon was going to be longer than anticipated...go figure. It actually is a cool design, IMO.
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This is the email I received:

As you are well aware, tailBeacon has been pending approval for longer than we (or you) would like at this point. While identical in most all respects to skyBeacon, tailBeacon requires an entirely new authorization from the FAA due to the fact that the GPS standard was updated (TSO-C145d to TSO-C145e) subsequent to skyBeacon's release. Our engineers completed this update, and we’re proud to say that this will be the world’s first TSO-C145e approved GPS. Unfortunately, the new authorization necessitates that the FAA re-approve numerous documents and requests, each being sequential in nature. As we have learned, the processing and approval time for these documents can be unpredictable.

In the meantime, to prepare for an imminent approval, we have tooled a second manufacturing line, begun production, and are testing flying daily. We have initiated the STC program with the FAA, and upon receiving TSO authorization we will be ready to perform the required initial test flight, and deliver product shortly thereafter.

We understand that the lack of transparency during this process has been frustrating and we appreciate your patience and concern.
Thank you for your continued support as we look forward to delivering on the promise of affordable ADS-B to a growing community of aircraft.

uAvionix
www.uAvionix.com
 
MBDiagMan said:
That’s what I understand, which makes it one of the many downsides to the Uavionix solution.
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Why? That's not any different than any other UAT out solution.
 
I wanted a tailbeacon but went with a Skybeacon because it just didn't feel right with the delays. I wonder if the FAA will offer more rebates once it is certified.
 
uAvionics works best with a digital transponder. Many have configuration issues with old cavity tube models. My aviation corollary, "Never spend good money on old analog radar or transponders..........NEVER!"
 
Upside: low initial cost for full regulatory compliance and full access to airspace, and ability to replace a failed component super cheap (you can stockpile a 3 ft stack of old transponders for under $1k), or replace the entire wing unit for under $2k.

If my Avidyne ADS-B goes bad, I don’t have those repair/replacement options.
 
I’ll give you $1000 for a three foot stack of old, known good transponders. I like opportunities to make good money.

The beacon just doesn’t seem to pass the smell test. It is on the wing or tail exposed to the weather, relies on aged existing avionics, is single band, provides only one of the two ADS-B signal types, and provides no means of IN, even pad IN.

This is merely my viewpoint. I respect others right to their own POV.
 
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cgrab said:
I wanted a tailbeacon but went with a Skybeacon because it just didn't feel right with the delays. I wonder if the FAA will offer more rebates once it is certified.
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As I understand it, a block of funds was made available for the rebates. That money is gone. No more rebates.
 
MBDiagMan said:
As I understand it, a block of funds was made available for the rebates. That money is gone. No more rebates.
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Unused (expired) rebates are being put back every Wednesday at 1pm, I just got one today.
 
MBDiagMan said:
I’ll give you $1000 for a three foot stack of old, known good transponders. I like opportunities to make good money.

The beacon just doesn’t seem to pass the smell test. It is on the wing or tail exposed to the weather, relies on aged existing avionics, provides only one of the two ADS-B signal types, and provides no means of IN, even pad IN.

This is merely my viewpoint. I respect others right to their own POV.
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There’s some idiot in the classifieds that can’t unload his old TX in the low 100s...

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/removed-navcom-avionics.117960/

Maybe a 1.5 ft stack is $1k...exaggerated for effect. It’s the internet afterall.
 
MBDiagMan said:
I’ll give you $1000 for a three foot stack of old, known good transponders. I like opportunities to make good money.

The beacon just doesn’t seem to pass the smell test. It is on the wing or tail exposed to the weather, relies on aged existing avionics, is single band, provides only one of the two ADS-B signal types, and provides no means of IN, even pad IN.

This is merely my viewpoint. I respect others right to their own POV.
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One correction, all ADS-B Out systems on the market today are single frequency. So a transponder based system only broadcasts on 1090 MHz and a UAT based system only broadcasts on 978 MHz. It is the ADS-B In which is commonly offered as a dual frequency, but ADS-B In is not part of the mandate. Except the GTX345, GNX375, the and Lynx 9000, all other ADS-B Out 1090 MHz systems don't have ADS-B In, so the SkyBeacon and TailBeacon systems are no different in that respect.
 
John Collins said:
One correction, all ADS-B Out systems on the market today are single frequency. So a transponder based system only broadcasts on 1090 MHz and a UAT based system only broadcasts on 978 MHz. It is the ADS-B In which is commonly offered as a dual frequency, but ADS-B In is not part of the mandate. Except the GTX345, GNX375, the and Lynx 9000, all other ADS-B Out 1090 MHz systems don't have ADS-B In, so the SkyBeacon and TailBeacon systems are no different in that respect.
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John Collins said:
One correction, all ADS-B Out systems on the market today are single frequency. So a transponder based system only broadcasts on 1090 MHz and a UAT based system only broadcasts on 978 MHz. It is the ADS-B In which is commonly offered as a dual frequency, but ADS-B In is not part of the mandate. Except the GTX345, GNX375, the and Lynx 9000, all other ADS-B Out 1090 MHz systems don't have ADS-B In, so the SkyBeacon and TailBeacon systems are no different in that respect.
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So cgrab, are you happy with your skyBeacon?
 
cgrab said:
I wanted a tailbeacon but went with a Skybeacon because it just didn't feel right with the delays. I wonder if the FAA will offer more rebates once it is certified.
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Are you happy with your skyBeacon?
 
Robin Hood said:
Are you happy with your skyBeacon?
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Yes, I'm using a STRATUX for in and had problems sometimes with a ghost of my aircraft but with ADS-B out it has gone away. I wouldn't have gotten it if it wasn't mandatory and at $1400 I got what I need to have and not much more. I did have to design and have a wing tip adapter 3-D printed but that was kind of fun.
 
cgrab said:
Yes, I'm using a STRATUX for in and had problems sometimes with a ghost of my aircraft but with ADS-B out it has gone away. I wouldn't have gotten it if it wasn't mandatory and at $1400 I got what I need to have and not much more. I did have to design and have a wing tip adapter 3-D printed but that was kind of fun.[/QUOTE
That’s great! I’ve just got my skyBeacon so I’m trying to figure out how to get an adapter made for my plane as well. I guess I don’t know much about 3-D printing would you care to share on that?
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Robin Hood said:
I’m trying to figure out how to get an adapter made for my plane as well.
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Get a chunk of 1x4, saw it out in the shape of your SkyBacon, whittle the other side with your pocket knife and/or rub with sandpaper until it fits the wingtip, drill some holes, and rattle can to match the color. Done.
 
I don’t know but I meant to like the tailbeacon post. The only factor is whether they will swap my skyBeacon for the tailbeacon. I’d hate to be stuck with both. But that’s for me to find out
 
I have an old Narco unit in my P35 Bonanza. I have been going back and forth between the Tailbeacon and a Garmin GTX335, which will run me $3400 installed after rebate. It’s a $2k difference, but I know I will have to replace the transponder eventually. Once labor and the price of a replacement transponder are factored in, we’re probably closer to a $1000 to $1500 difference. New transponder would also be better for resale and future glass panel upgrade. Decisions decisions....
 
I think the new transponder is definitely the better choice. I was figuring on the cheaper skyBeacon because I would like to sell the 150 and get a larger and faster plane sooner than later. However I do know that also if my transponder goes bad I will still have to spend the money so that would actually cost more in the long run. Anyway I’ll use the skyBeacon for now and what happens happens. Good luck on finding the right ADS-B solution for your plane
 
kgruber said:
uAvionics works best with a digital transponder. Many have configuration issues with old cavity tube models. My aviation corollary, "Never spend good money on old analog radar or transponders..........NEVER!"
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I'd like to hear more FACTS about this. Their website says "Works with any Mode C or Mode S transponder."

I have an old Narco xpdr that's just been bulletproof (and another as a spare in the closet). I've had a tailbeacon preordered for about 10 months now...
 
It is unfortunate that there is not more facts for those of us who are fairly inexperienced with ADS-B. For example, I believe I understand the concept, finally but I really don’t know much else about it. We really don’t know if the lower cost uavionics product is something that will last long into the future. What we do know is that we must have ADS-B, in whatever form we choose.
 
Unless you have a plane that is not worth much and don’t plan on having it very long, coupled with a SERIOUSLY cramped budget to the point you can barely afford to fly, I just don’t see the tail-beacon/sky beacon coupled with an antique, twist in the sqwauk transponder as a good use of funds. It is hanging out in the weather and depending on other obsolete equipment for its functionality.

Sorry, but that’s just how I see it.
 
MBDiagMan said:
Unless you have a plane that is not worth much and don’t plan on having it very long, coupled with a SERIOUSLY cramped budget to the point you can barely afford to fly, I just don’t see the tail-beacon/sky beacon coupled with an antique, twist in the sqwauk transponder as a good use of funds. It is hanging out in the weather and depending on other obsolete equipment for its functionality.

Sorry, but that’s just how I see it.
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No activity in the thread for almost a week but you have to keep posting the same thing over and over? Do you work for Appareo?
 
MBDiagMan said:
Unless you have a plane that is not worth much and don’t plan on having it very long, coupled with a SERIOUSLY cramped budget to the point you can barely afford to fly, I just don’t see the tail-beacon/sky beacon coupled with an antique, twist in the sqwauk transponder as a good use of funds. It is hanging out in the weather and depending on other obsolete equipment for its functionality.

Sorry, but that’s just how I see it.
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Yeah, man, totally agree. That's why I never take my airplane outside. I just let it sit in the hangar all the time, flat tires, covered with bird poop and dust... It's sooooo much better that way. Outdoors is dangerous, dude! There's *WEATHER* out there, and I'd hate to get caught hangin' out in it! Video games are way better than real flying any day. And spending three to four times the needed price for ADS-B on an airplane that costs less than a solid used car makes so much sense, especially for those guys that hardly ever fly under the Mode C veil. Rock on, hater. I'll be your wingman any day!
 
GTX 327/skyBeacon. Combination works just fine, rebate check in the bank. Installation charge 1 hour of shop time.
 
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MBDiagMan said:
Unless you have a plane that is not worth much and don’t plan on having it very long, coupled with a SERIOUSLY cramped budget to the point you can barely afford to fly, I just don’t see the tail-beacon/sky beacon coupled with an antique, twist in the sqwauk transponder as a good use of funds. It is hanging out in the weather and depending on other obsolete equipment for its functionality.

Sorry, but that’s just how I see it.
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You are definitely entitled to your opinion. The fact is i am somewhat conservative on my budget, we're talking about a plane that is worth about 22k and a $4,000 transponder. I just can't justify spending that kind of money on my cockpit when it doesn't increase the value of my airplane. Also my transponder is a fully digital unit rather than a "twist in the skawk" as you put it.
 
Spending money on this weeks hot avionics is just like flushing money down the toilet. The airplane doesn't fly any faster, further, land/take off any shorter, or carry any more bodies. And a few years from now it will be old obsolete junk. I don't see the point. Enough to be legal is enough.
 
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe said:
Spending money on this weeks hot avionics is just like flushing money down the toilet. The airplane doesn't fly any faster, further, land/take off any shorter, or carry any more bodies. And a few years from now it will be old obsolete junk. I don't see the point. Enough to be legal is enough.
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Exactly
 
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