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blue up · 19th August 2008, 09:23

I recall a couple of years ago, at a UK CAA safety evening, some chap from the ministry (ex RN helo driver?) telling us that the L.A.S.T. transponder was soon going to be here at a projected £250. Now, having no electrics on my wooden aeroplane I was keen on getting a battery power unit with enough oomph to paint me on every radar within miles.

Has anyone got a believeable update on the efficacy of the current crop of Mode S transponders with regards to range, power output, radiation effects, weight and price?

I visited the approach control at a Major UK international airfield (well, Cardiff) and was interested to note that they didn't have mode S info displayed (or maybe not displayable?) Is it ready to roll out or is they system slipping behind schedule?

Does it work? Will it work? Can I afford it? Can I not afford it? Do I need to get some lead-lined underpants?

I'm sure the info is "out there" somewhere but a lot seems to be either out of date or a bit 'sensationalist'.

19th August 2008, 09:23	#1 (permalink)
blue up Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: depends on CARMEN Posts: 464	Mode S. Pipe dream or practical unit? I recall a couple of years ago, at a UK CAA safety evening, some chap from the ministry (ex RN helo driver?) telling us that the L.A.S.T. transponder was soon going to be here at a projected £250. Now, having no electrics on my wooden aeroplane I was keen on getting a battery power unit with enough oomph to paint me on every radar within miles. Has anyone got a believeable update on the efficacy of the current crop of Mode S transponders with regards to range, power output, radiation effects, weight and price? I visited the approach control at a Major UK international airfield (well, Cardiff) and was interested to note that they didn't have mode S info displayed (or maybe not displayable?) Is it ready to roll out or is they system slipping behind schedule? Does it work? Will it work? Can I afford it? Can I not afford it? Do I need to get some lead-lined underpants? I'm sure the info is "out there" somewhere but a lot seems to be either out of date or a bit 'sensationalist'.