Building a Stratux ADS-B receiver into the -10

After flying with the Stratux ADS-B In receiver for a few months, I liked it
and decided to build it into the plane. Mounting an inexpensive ($17)
external ADS-B antenna on the belly pretty far back in the tailcone and
connecting to the unit via RG400 cable did wonders for improving the unit's
reception compared to the folding telescoping antennas that it comes with.
And although I spent a bit more trying various components that I didn't end
up using, if one wanted to start from scratch, everything needed to build
and install it would be less than $270. I put together a web page with
details including parts and price list for anyone who might be considering
this for their -10:

http://faculty.washington.edu/dmasys/stratux.html

As always, YMMV and there are lots of alternative ways to get this
accomplished. Was quite happy with how this turned out, since it basically
tripled the number of towers the unit sees in most locations.

-Dan Masys
RV-10 N104LD 880 hrs, once a project always a project

Cool install

very cool install, I was thinking about doing the same type of install once I get my RV after selling my Comanche. I would think installing an antenna on the bottom of the plane like that would help with the reception of the ground stations.

Wifi questions

Dan, you mention a WiFi module a couple times in your writeup, but I can not find it in the parts list.

Are you using this to connect an ipad or some such?

Thanks,

Yes, the Stratux is designed to communicate wirelessly with a tablet or other device running a program such as Foreflight or WingX (full list of supported apps is at http://stratux.me/ ). It creates a Wifi network in the cockpit named 'Stratux' and you set your tablet or phone to automatically connect to that network. Then Stratux sends weather, traffic, and TFR info in a continuous stream, using a standard Garmin communications protocol. The Wifi module comes as part of the basic Raspberry Pi computer kit that the system is built on (see http://www.vilros.com/rp2b-7-stratux.html ). Hope this helps, Dan.

Nice!

I love projects like this. Does anyone know when/if we will be able to feed a Garmin G3x panel so that I don't have to buy the GDL39 ?

This is cool. I hope to see the unit at SnF.

Garmin

Jasonm said:

I love projects like this. Does anyone know when/if we will be able to feed a Garmin G3x panel so that I don't have to buy the GDL39 ?

Click to expand...

My understanding is that it can, however, will most likely need a serial connection. This is also being worked on within the Stratux community. I am looking at connecting both via Wireless and Serial for an AFS unit.

Let you know how it goes.