I just received my Skyview transponder, and am considering keeping my existing one for backup. However I really don't want to install another antenna. Is there any problem with running from my existing blade antenna to a splitter? I'm guessing that one problem might be if I accidentally turned both transponders on, but I could come up with a workaround for that. Any other concerns? Lower signal maybe?
Transponder antenna splitter?
- Thread starter hmanvel
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- Mar 23, 2005
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The transponder(s) are TSO'd devices. Unless the install manuals for both transponders show a spiltter as allowed in the antenna path, and how to wire it, you would have a non-TSO'd install, which is required even in an experimental.
Even if there were no TSO issues, I'm pretty sure it will blow up one or both of the transponders even if the unused one is off. The transponder puts out 300W+ on the output but was never designed to have 300W+ coming back in.
Even if there were no TSO issues, I'm pretty sure it will blow up one or both of the transponders even if the unused one is off. The transponder puts out 300W+ on the output but was never designed to have 300W+ coming back in.
jakej
Well-Known Member
Harry
You could use a DPDT switch to x over the signal wires &/or power input
Jake J
You could use a DPDT switch to x over the signal wires &/or power input
Jake J
airguy
Well-Known Member
Harry
You could use a DPDT switch to x over the signal wires &/or power input
Jake J
Still not TSO'd...
This is not a good idea. Transponder antennas are cheap compared to the price of a transponder. The possibility of destroying both transponders at the same time by using one antenna far outweighs any perceived benefit.
My two cents.
My two cents.
jeffa
New Member
Hawker 800/800XP aircraft use a coaxial switch (not a splitter) to allow both transponders to use a single [upper] antenna. The cost and complexity of the switch and associated wiring is not worth it on 99% of airplanes out there. Much easier to add a second antenna or remove the second transponder.
mmarien
Murray M.
GTX327's are made for dual installations. Pin 16 is an external standby switch. See the wiring diagram in the back of the GTX327 Installation Manual. Of course that doesn't solve the problem of one frying the other through the common antenna.
This is not a good idea. Transponder antennas are cheap compared to the price of a transponder. The possibility of destroying both transponders at the same time by using one antenna far outweighs any perceived benefit.
My two cents.
Just $17.95 and you can buy a new backup transponder antenna at ACS.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/ted_transponder.php
Really not worth the risk! For the price of a separate antenna, you risk blowing up both transponders!
I am not sure what you fly, but if you are concerned about drag or appearance there are transponder antennae which can be mounted internally.
It is a good idea to keep a bit of distance between the two aerials, transponders are, in RF terms, reasonably powerful devices.
I am not sure what you fly, but if you are concerned about drag or appearance there are transponder antennae which can be mounted internally.
It is a good idea to keep a bit of distance between the two aerials, transponders are, in RF terms, reasonably powerful devices.