As our refreshed ADS-B buyer’s guide on page 7 proves, there is no shortage of ADS-B In and Out solutions. But, what has been missing is a certified WAAS-equipped ADS-B system packaged in a rack-mounted transponder that works with OEM glass panels, retrofit displays, portable GPS and tablet computers. That’s a void Garmin plans to fill with its next-generation wireless ADS-B transponders—the GTX335 and GTX345.
Several years ago when it was looking like FAA-mandated ADS-B equipage was a sure thing, buyers logically envisioned an easy path to compliance with a transponder. That came early on with Garmin’s upgradable GTX330. But it was only a partial solution. It outputted ADS-B, but couldn’t receive the free FIS-B weather everyone wants. It also required a pricey WAAS GPS input (which meant a $10,000-plus GNS navigator upgrade) to complete the ADS-B output data. That didn’t help owners of lesser, non-WAAS-equipped aircraft. Let’s have a look at Garmin’s latest GTX.