howdy all,

my remote sl70 transponder(controlled by cnx80) has stopped working properly and i am going to modernize my transponder system.  i have never really been real happy with remotely controlling the transponder.  every once in a while the cnx80 would say "cannot command transponder" but with a reboot it would always work.  we have made room for a transponder in the panel by removing a dvd screen in front of the copilot which was never used(seemed like a good idea at the time-thanks kirk hammersmith!).

the plan is to put a gtx327 in the panel with the possibility of adding a 2nd (remote transponder to be controlled by the cnx80) down the road. as a backup.

i have tcad and wsi weather.  as best as i can tell the requirement for mode s and ads-b will not be in place until 2020.  thus i really cannot see any justification to going with a more expensive transponder than the gtrx327 at this time as i don't need the tis capabilities of the gtx330 and my experience with avionics is that it is outdated almost by the time it is installed and who knows what will really happen with mode s and ads-b?

am i correct in these assumptions or should i spend more cash for a higher end transponder with more capabilities?  also, is it worth it to spend the cash and have a backup transponder now?

suggestions?

also, i hope everyone has a great(and safe!) time at osh.  unfortunately i will not be able to attend.

thanks,

david weinsweig
n750dw propjet 240 hours
304-633-5221
weinsweigd@gmail.com  (please use this email address to contact me directly)