ADS-B Options for WAAS G1000 with TAS 600

[CFIDave]

I don't know if (a) or (b) are even possible -- the non-WAAS GTX345R might not work at all, or even if it did, it's not legally certified by Garmin to work with the older GDU Version 12 software of your DA40 (even if it were possible to temporarily disable ADS-B Out since the GTX345R can't yet utilize your WAAS position source).

To make the GTX345R work with *ANY* G1000 it's up to the installer/technician to pre-configure the GTX345R with a laptop and cable. The GTX345R is not like other G1000 options e.g. extended range fuel tanks, GDL69A, or even the GTX33ES transponder (DA42/DA62 only) -- all of which are configured using the PFD during the G1000 software installation process.

Since I've never seen a GTX345R being configured via laptop, I don't know if it's possible to set GTX345R installation parameters to work in "transponder-only" mode so that ADS-B OUT can be temporarily disabled. This might be possible, but you really should ask a Garmin tech who has access to the laptop software.

And in a year or so after you're able to install newer G1000 software running GDU Version 13 or later to enable ADS-B Out with a WAAS position source, your tech might have to again connect his laptop and cable directly to the GTX345R to adjust parameters and turn ADS-B Out back on -- he wouldn't be able to boot up the G1000 into maintenance mode and use the PFD for configuration.

[rwtucker]

This all makes sense Dave. Thank you.

I was afraid it might be true after learning about the unique "laptop configuration" requirements that break tradition with the G1000 standard of being PFD/MFD configurable with access to LRUs limited mostly to replacing modules. In fact, I recall panel configuration was a selling point for the G1000 that they have now walked away from for unspecified reasons.

[dgger]

With either GTX345R installation, you can still keep your existing Avidyne TAS600 unit, and the G1000 should be able to correlate TAS600 transponder targets with GTX345R ADS-B IN targets.

Are you sure that is indeed the case? I remember eyeing a similar setup and was told that the G1000 would only accept a single traffic source. In my case I was interested in adding a Powerflarm, which would add, well, FLARM, as well as ADS-B. However, as far as the TAS600 and the Powerflarm was concerned is was either or. In my case going with the Powerflarm would have meant Mode S indications without a bearing as It operates on a single antenna - which makes it a no go in Germany.

[Chris]

With either GTX345R installation, you can still keep your existing Avidyne TAS600 unit, and the G1000 should be able to correlate TAS600 transponder targets with GTX345R ADS-B IN targets.

Are you sure that is indeed the case? I remember eyeing a similar setup and was told that the G1000 would only accept a single traffic source. In my case I was interested in adding a Powerflarm, which would add, well, FLARM, as well as ADS-B. However, as far as the TAS600 and the Powerflarm was concerned is was either or.

I've heard this from multiple sources, including two avionics shops, so I believe Dave is correct. It's not clear to me if the correlation is done in the G1000 or in the GTX-345R.

[dgger]

Oh, yes. That's right.The GTX-345R might do that for the G1000. I assume that is how that works.

[shoulderdoc]

Dave,
I am also in RWTucker's situation. I am curious about how I can follow the software development upgrade process that will address "the Diamond/Garmin TC/STC situation" that Dave mentioned for G1000 to be able to handle the GTX345R ADS-B and TAS 600 traffic data, with no need to instal a new antenna?

[CFIDave]

Right now, there's nothing that will permit GTX345R installation in a DA40 without a new antenna.

Either:
1. Your DA40 lacks WAAS, which requires a third GPS antenna for installation of the GTX345R version that includes its own WAAS position source and hence needs its own GPS antenna, or
2. Your DA40 already has WAAS, which means that *EVENTUALLY* the GTX345R will be able to use the G1000's GIA63W as a GPS position source and thus won't require an additional GPS antenna. This configuration unfortunately is not yet supported by any of the available DA40 G1000 software versions. Diamond claims this issue will be resolved after Diamond Canada obtains control of the DA40-180 (Lycoming) type certificate from Diamond Austria, so that Canada can then request Garmin to develop newer versions of G1000 software.

Since Diamond Canada obtaining the DA40 type certificate will take about a year, DA40 owners who don't want to wait for ADS-B should consider installing the integral WAAS version of the GTX345R with a 3rd GPS antenna (the same as #1 above.)

[shoulderdoc]

I'd prefer to wait until the software update obviates the need to drill a hole through the carbon fiber fuselage for the new, additional antenna. Do you have experience with costs and problems of additional antenna installation on DA40s, if the *eventually* gets too close to 2020? I don't want to give up WAAS now. I have XM weather now. I just want to be ADS-B compliant in 2020.

Any way for customers to "help along" the process of getting the DA-40 type certificate to Canada? Why can't Austria request the new software development?

[Cschobel]

I have received two quotes for 345R using a splitter with GPS 2 antenna with FAA approval. So no additional antenna

[Cschobel]

Diamond Austria is not the issue. Garmin now holds the Supplemental Type certificate for the G1000 in the DA40. The transfer is supposed to go from Garmin to Diamond Canada. But that is not the hold up. If Diamond wanted to upgrade the software they could work with Garmin. There is no software development to upgrade the Diamond software at this time per my conversation with Garmin.