iFly GPS Forum

When I buy the skyGuard TWX and connect it to the iFly 720, and maybe even the iPad mini, which WAAS GPS source will be used for which function? Will the SkyGuard functionally replace the iFly receiver, or will both be used and any conflicting results be averaged, or iFly for map position and SkyGuard for reporting my postion?

Will I still need to use my external iFly GPS antenna for receiving the GPS signals reliably?

Inquiring minds want to know . . .

Yes, the SkyGuard will essentially replace the iFly GPS receiver (it will also replace the built-in receiver for tablets, phones, etc.). Thus, you will not *need* to use the external iFly GPS antenna...but you may still want to as a backup. My SkyGuard is in the back of the plane, and I just installed a new power point (cig lighter) in the back for it. Unfortunately, I've learned the hard way that that power point is just a little too close to the tow bar fixtures for comfort; I've managed to jiggle the plug loose a few times and not notice it until I was airborne.

If the iFly loses the signal from an external receiver for any reason (maybe the SkyGuard GPS puck antenna is mounted in a poor location, or it slips out of position during flight and you can't reach to adjust it), it will revert to the internal GPS source. Thus, you may wish to keep that external antenna attached, or at least handy, just in case.

Hi Don,

Just be sure to keep that Garmin GLO at least 24 inches away from the SkyGuardTWX GPS puck or an iFly device. The GLO has been known to "mask" or "shadow" the GPS signals of other devices. So it's possible it could block the SkyGuardTXW from getting a consistent GPS signal. With no GPS signal to the SkyGuardTWX, it will not transmit and you would be seeing limited traffic as you would not be waking up your "service volume".

As long as you keep them separated, you should be just fine. I actually experimented this with Don at SkyGuardTWX several times. It's a fairly common Bluetooth and GPS interference issue on devices like smartphones, GPS and Bluetooth headsets.

As for mounting you SkyGuardTWX. I have a 172 and I put my AHRS version under the back seat and used the 2 blade antennas to run up the side plastic and stick in the rear side windows. Eventually, I will add the RAMI AV-74 antennas or the DeltaPop antennas is approved for type certified.

---

Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.