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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly General Di...iFly General Di...SkyRadar GPS vs 720 GPSSkyRadar GPS vs 720 GPS
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5/7/2013 11:42 AM
 

I found a great deal on a SkyRadar L model ADS-B receiver so I could have weather on my 720. This was the previous L model with the aluminum box and external GPS and antenna, not the current L with GPS and antenna internal. The wi-fi setup with the 720 was quick and easy and everything seems to work fine.

I'm planning to eventually remote-mount the SkyRadar (hate boxes on the glareshield!), so in planning this, it then occurred to me ... When the 720 is communicating with the SkyRadar, which GPS does it use? A quick call to AP support confirmed that the 720 continues to use its internal GPS and not the SkyRadar's. That's great for a remotely mounted SkyRadar as there will be no need to use the external GPS, route the cable, mount the puck, etc.

By the way, if anyone else is contemplating remotely mounting their SkyRadar, the threaded 12VDC connector is Digikey #SC240-ND in case you want to make-up a pigtail and not have to sacrifice the 12VDC accessory plug and cord that comes with the unit (just in case you want to go back to a portable situation in the future.)

Just thought I'd post this FWIW ... and also compliment AP for excellent support!

John

N750A

 
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5/7/2013 2:21 PM
 

Where did you get your Skyradar? I looked on their site and it said they were sold out.

Barry

 
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5/7/2013 3:08 PM
 
Barry wrote:

Where did you get your Skyradar? I looked on their site and it said they were sold out.

Barry

Hi Barry,

There are usually a few used ones on Ebay. I got one in like-new condition for $321 delivered to my door! I figure used is pretty low-risk since it's all solid-state electronics ... they either work, they don't, or they make "magic smoke" the first time you plug it in! HA!

I flew it for the first time today. I'm in a 1000' deep valley, the instant I climbed above the valley rim onto the plateau, the weather data immediately popped up! Works great!

Regards,

John

N750A

 
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5/9/2013 3:49 PM
 

Hi John,

I just tried my new model D2 today. It linked with my 720 very easliy and I was able to instantly see weather, METARS, and TAFS from the hanger. I would also like to mount the unit out of sight. Did you verify that the Skyradar would not need it's own GPS signal or does it get it from the 720? Do you plan to extend the non-GPS antenna up near the glare shield for better reception or is that not necessary? Thanks for sharing your experience.

Scott

 
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5/9/2013 4:05 PM
 

Scott,

Currently, the iFly GPS is not using the GPS from the SkyRadar or other Receivers. It is using the internal antenna so you could mount it out of sight, but you'd probably want to keep the receiver antennas where they can get the best signal. You might even check with SkyRadar, they make a blade antenna that would allow for remote mounting.

We have it on our to-do list to use the ADS-B receiver as a redundant antenna, but that is not enabled yet. Stay tuned. For those using a Transceiver from SkyGuardTWX or NavWorx, they require the GPS antenna be used as that is what the use to report position to the ATC or SSR. I hope this helps.


Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.
 
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