Can we just take a step back a bit?
I think we are trying to portray ADS-B as rocket science. In it's simplest form, we all understand how GPS works, we also understand how we can use the NMEA signal from that GPS to drive moving maps and information for engine monitors. It is quite versatile. Once you can derive your position accurately you can calculate your actual performance, fuel economy as derived as distance left in the tanks and the like.
As for availability? Any manufacturer that produces a modeS transponder already has the equipment needed to install ADS-B. It isn't complicated.
Mode S transponders are only different from ModeAC transponders is the ability to transmit a stream of data in very small packets. ADS-B is the joining of this ability for a transponder to transmit data and the GPS to provide position data to other equipment. In this case the modeS transponder. The band used is 1090MHz and the transmission is an extended squitter comprising information including 24bit individual registration, position height speed and direction, transmitted at least every second, hence 1090ES......it isn't rocket science.
MicroAir have the TL2000S that will be developed into an ADS-B transponder, they actually provided the tranponder that operated in the Bundaberg trials-
Microair is currently developing an ADS-B Transponder to suit the expected mandate to be issued by CASA and implemented by Air Services Australia in line with the installation of ADS-B ground stations that will give radar-like coverage to over 99% of Australian airspace.
After ADS-B the transponder will be re-configured to a Mode S Transponder to suit the new requirements in the European marketplace.
These guys are already setup to push for certification as soon as AirServices is ready to go. Our small market will lever a little Australian company into Europe. The Europeans even look at this little Bundaberg company as very serious competition.
Creampuff, even looking at photographs of the ground receiver taking up two standard equipment racks plus a UPS compared to an entire complex to drive a SSR unit. (Remember, this unit is not a radar as such. It transmits an interogation signal to a transponder that activates its own signal which is received. The SSR receives the signal and by process of knowing where the receiver was pointing at the time and the time taken to receiver a return signal after its own interogation signal it is able to deduce that there is a transponder a certain distance and direction from the aerial....very old world
) So two boxes mounted alongside any telecom installation compared to an entire hilltop establishment, doesn't take much processing power to work out where AirServices get their very real savings from.
Hope this helps the process.