Register
Accessories Aircraft Aircraft Stepups Avionics Cockpit Accessories Editorial Engines Homebuilts

Garmins Portable WX: ADS-B, SXM Or Both

The new devices are completely redesigned and all three portable models (GDL50/51/52) share the same chassis. They stand 4.9 by 1.3 by 3.4 inches, weigh .75 pounds and have built-in antennas, but have inputs for external antennas. The receivers have an anti-skid base to keep them from sliding around when on the glareshield and Garmin has a securing base mounting bracket and a suction cup mount for the cable.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

With little fanfare, last fall Garmin released the GDL82 low-cost ($1795) ADS-B Out solution. Along with the uAvionix SkyBeacon, we think it makes practical sense for lower-end aircraft. Read about both in the February 2018 Aviation Consumer.

But since the GDL82 doesn’t have ADS-B In, you’ll need to select a portable solution if you want ADS-B weather and traffic. Garmin covers all the bases with its new GDL50-series portable weather receivers. But with no fewer than six different models (including remote-mount versions) deciding which one suits your flying will take some thought. If that’s not enough, you’ll need to decide whether to play the traffic and weather data on a tablet, on a portable GPS or on a panel display.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.