Transponder - Odyssey?

[jkarevoll]

I've been thinking about getting one for a while, mostly to occasionally legally overfly some Class C airspace nearby. I thought prices for used ones would come down now with this ADS-B requirement, but they're still up there. And, where should I put it? No room on the panel, at least not for one of the wide ones. Maybe just stick it up next to the ELT above and behind my head? Wouldn't see the readout, but I'll only squawking 1200 on occasion anyway. Any thoughts?

[dickoreilly]

Trig. 2 1/2" head on panel, rest in a box under seat. Be sure to buy the ADS-B certified model which is a few hundred extra. I didn't when I bought several years ago and looks like mine will become useless in 2020.

Dick

Dick O'Reilly

[wsweidemann]

I've thought the same thoughts. All it would take is time and money.

First, I would dummy up a panel layout to include the full size altimeter (cute little miniatures are available for $900+ however they are not known for accuracy), a miniature AS, mini VSI, mini comm (XCOM probably with good built in VOX intercom, NOAA WX, dual freq monitor, very light), then a very small footprint Sandia self contained transponder with built in Mode C. I think with some careful planning one could make all those goodies fit without adding much weight.

My 2 cents

Skot Weidemann

[jkarevoll]

I was thinking about a new panel, with the Trig, among other things. I even bought a blank panel from Mark, developed a layout. Then found myself getting into psycho-newfangled-tech mode where I got the hots for every new blinking screen that was out there. Dynon etc. Stuff for more than $10K. Re-wiring everything. Then I got to thinking that I mostly fair-weather fly in uncomplicated airspace and I really do like to look at scenery (yeah Odyssey!), so I put it all off and decided those steam gauges are just fine. That said, I also have an old Garmin 196 with altitude, VSI, groundspeed and directional arrow on the seat next to me, and an IPad mini with moving map (airspace) and AGL and more. And an IPhone in my shirt pocket. But I still would like to overfly ONT or RIV on occasion, so I wouldn't mind an old beater transponder stuffed in a corner somewhere...

[blaswichk]

I like the Sandia Aerospace one, as it seems to be the smallest and best price, and mine would go on a panel right under the main panel and EIS.

[mark_drz]

I think we are neighbors. I am located at Corona (very recent). I have two Thundergull JT2’s. Where are you based?



Mark Drzymkowski

949-466-3394

[jkarevoll]

Hi Mark, we are indeed neighbors, I'm out of Redlands. I flew down to Corona today. Just bought a Gull 2000 project down there. I'll call next time I come down! It has a transponder I may move to the Odyssey.

[blaswichk]

Enjoy your Gull 2000 project. I have one that I have been upgrading with speed fixes, and I can tell you it keeps up with my friends Titan Tornado 2/Rotax 912. We did climbs and speed runs down the runway, and he can’t outrun me. The little 503 with an Ivo in-flight adjustable propeller is right behind him. Gotta love these little birds.

[mark_drz]

Kess,



Are you the one that was covering your plane with that new Oracover (sp?). If so, what are your thoughts on if it is substantially lighter than painted Stits, and the cost/availability/support?



Thanks for any insight.



Mark D.

[mkoxxy]

Mark, that would be me with the Oratex cover. I showed it at Arlington. I
used silver Oratex 600 on the wing, and red Oratex 6000 (heavier) on the
tail. Easy to apply, amazingly tough, and NO painting. Seems expensive
until you consider the cost of several coats of paint. And yes, much
lighter than the other systems. Also, can be re-shrunk, since there is no
dope and paint. I have attached a few photos. I have since painted the
rivet heads.
Martin
Beaverton, Oregon