TRIG TN72 – Affordable ADS-B Out

TN72 – Affordable ADS-B Out

ADS-B Out enhances your aircraft’s visibility to others, it has genuine safety benefits for pilot and passengers. Trig transponders are ADS-B Out capable, but they require the addition of a suitable GPS source to exploit this surveillance technology. Pilots with a Trig transponder can simply add a TN72 GPS Position Source to upgrade to ADS-B Out.

Installing a TN72 is a small price to pay for enhanced visibility and peace of mind by reducing the risk of collision. The TN72 GPS is light weight, compact and easy to install. It is highly affordable and uses certified technology – ensuring you are visible to all ADS-B In traffic devices. Don’t compromise your safety by using an uncertified GPS, this can make you invisible to traffic products designed to ‘reject’ uncertified positional data.

In Australia the TN72 can be used as part of a compliant ADS-B Out system when installed with a Trig transponder. The CASA ADS-B Rebate Scheme in Australia allows aircraft owners to secure funding of up to $5,000 (AUS) for the purchase and installation of compliant equipment. Pilots are advised to check the regulations pertinent to their aircraft type, before purchase.

In Europe, the TN72 can be installed as a ‘voluntary’ ADS-B Out installation, in both EASA certified aircraft and all other uncertified types. EASA’s CS-STAN provides a specific and simple installation pathway. If you don’t have a Trig transponder, then the TT21/TN72 Conspicuity Bundle provides you with an ideal one box Mode S and ADS-B Out solution.

In the U.S. the TN72 can be used by experimental, light-sport and homebuilt aircraft (and gliders) to meet the FAA’s 2020 ADS-B rule 14 CFR 91.227.

Configuration

When fitting a TN72, it uses one of two available configuration options, in the transponder settings (see below). The TN72 hardware is the same in either installation, you may require a software update and you will need to install a TA50 or TA70 GPS antenna.

TN72 GPS – TABS C199 (Traffic Awareness Beacon System) this configuration uses SIL 1/ SDA 1 in the transponder settings. TABS is the FAA technical standard that enables voluntary equipage of ADS-B Out. The TN72 using TABS is ideal for ‘voluntary’ equipage in Europe or where ADS-B Out is not mandated.

TN72 GPS –(X) SIL 3 configuration, this uses SIL 3/ SDA 2 in the transponder settings (typically in the U.S.) and fully satisfies the technical requirements of 14 CFR 91.227 for 2020 compliance. Light-sport, experimental and homebuilt pilots who have fitted a TN72 are now flying inside ADS-B airspace and have passed FAA compliance checks with flying colours.

Glider customers in the U.S. looking to get ADS-B equipped may wish to see our ADS-B gliding guidance document this highlights equipment and regulations, for both certified and experimental gliders. In the U.S. certified gliders and Part 23 aircraft, operating outside of U.S. 2020 rule ADS-B airspace can be use the TN72 to enhance visibility and trigger ADS-B In traffic.