iFly GPS Forum

Background to iFly question (which is below):

We were considering buying installing a mode-C transponder on our little Skyranger.

Discovered to our dismay that it won't operate in mode-C (transmitt altitude information unless it is getting altitude information from an altimeter that is an "encoding altimeter." We're 99% sure our basic steam-gauge altimeter has no such feature.

So my question regarding Ifly is this:
Our iFly 720 I have observed actually gives more accurate altitude readouts than our altimeter.
Can that altitde information be transmitted encoded to our to-be-purchased transponer? If so, how?

Thanks for your time and help.

Alex

P.S., This isn't an iFly question, but maybe someone here knows the answer: If we have a mode-C transponder and don't have an encoding altimeter connected to it it then, if I understand right, operates in a mode (mode-A) that would give position info but not altitude info. Apparently that would not be sufficient to allow operating in class-C airspace, but would it allow using flight following?

I believe you need a separate device, commonly referred to as an encoder. This device is independent of the altimeter, although it shares the pitot static system. It is essentially a barometric device which sends an encoded altitude signal to the transponder that enables the Mode C feature. Any radio shop should be able to install and certify an encoder...

Regards,

Ted