Transponder error

Degrawmd

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Jul 13, 2021
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21
Two of my last three flights (IFR and FF) - I have been getting the message "transponder error" I set the transponder to the assigned code and ATC says it's indenting OK. But throughout the flight the error message remains

What could be causing this erroneous error message?
 
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GKC Aviation

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Oct 4, 2020
Messages
122
I have had this twice.
You didn't mention if you are running a HDX and a Transponder 261/262, but assuming you are:
On the ground, if you are getting the transponder error, go to set up screen (hold down the right hand two buttons.
Go to SETUP MENU > TRANSPONDER SETUP
It has a field there which will display what the error is.
There is a table on transponder warnings in the installation manual (it is Table 85 in my copy)
Both times for me it was transponder TX power low.
This was solved in the first case by replacing the antenna which was missing (a cow ate it while it was parked up in a field), and the other occasion was a bad coax connection causing a short between the inner conductor and the shield braid..
 

GKC Aviation

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Oct 4, 2020
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RAS

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Jun 2, 2023
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Location
Northern California - Central Valley
Two of my last three flights (IFR and FF) - I have been getting the message "transponder error" I set the transponder to the assigned code and ATC says it's indenting OK. But throughout the flight the error message remains

What could be causing this erroneous error message?
Similar/Same?
 

maartenversteeg

I love flying!
Joined
Oct 26, 2011
Messages
212
During operations the transponder monitors the output signal power and if the power doesn't meet the required level then a TX power Low warning will appear. ATC might still be able to receive you as their distance/weather and other conditions may not be the worst as foreseen in the requirements. TX power low coudl be an indication that the connecti0on between transponder and transponder antenna is not good enough, or that the transponder antenna is not working well or that the internal amplified is not working well enough. The first two are the most likely reasons, bumping against a transponder antenna could easily break it (don't ask how I know), or the cable between transponder and transponder antenna could attenuate the signal too much or cause too much internal reflections and make not all the power reach the antenna.
 
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