The 4 Best ADS-B Recievers
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If you want to take advantage of ADS-B data from other aircraft and ground networks, you’ll need an ADS-B receiver. In addition to your GPS location, you’ll get subscription-free traffic and weather. Some of these compact units even feature a backup attitude display and Sirius XM radio. What pilot wouldn’t want that?
ADS-B In
How to Choose a Reciever
There are several important things to consider when shopping for a portable ADS-B receiver.
EFB Compatibility:
The first thing to consider is receiver compatibility with your flight app, whether it be ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, WingX, or FlyQ. You most likely already have a preference, and stick with a receiver that works well with your app of choice. Some ADS-B receivers work with only select flight applications.
Display
Portable ADS-B receivers do not include a display unit. Rather, they connect to hardware already installed on your EFB and flight application of choice. The connection can either be hard-wired or, over Bluetooth or WIFI.
Garmin Portable GPS
If you fly with a Garmin 796, 696, aera 660 or aera 500 series GPS, the GDL 50/51/52 can connect and send data to these units in addition to your iPad. This feature makes your Garmin GPS that much more useful.
Battery Life
Most units have an internal battery, which is a great backup feature. Even if you plan to hard-wire it into the airplane, or keep it plugged in all the time. For a renter or someone who wants portability, ensure the unit has an internal battery. Consider its capacity and life on a single charge.
Frequency 978 and 1090
ADS-B uses 2 frequencies, 978 and 1090 MHz. 978 receives weather and traffic from ground stations only in the US. 1090 only sends and receives traffic data. Receivers may use one channel or both. Aircraft flying below 18,000 feet may use either channel to follow the mandate, but aircraft that fly at 18,000 feet or above must use the 1090 MHz. All our recommended receivers use both 978 and 1090 MHz.
Music and Additional Features
In addition to traffic and ADS-B weather, some units offer a backup attitude display, great for IFR pilots. Certain units have a carbon monoxide detector, flight data recorder and Sirius XM capability. Sirius XM adds satellite based weather data and music and entertainment channels, with a purchased subscription.
Below are our top picks for portable ADS-B receivers. Consider the above points, and your mission as a pilot. Your EFB app, whether you rent or own, fly VFR or IFR, should all factor into your decision on the best ads-b receiver for you.
Garmin GDL 50
The Garmin GDL 50 is a highly rated receiver that provides ADS-B weather and traffic services, gives you WAAS GPS position, speed and altitude information as well as backup attitude reference. It will even pull updated weather data while the unit is sleeping or turned off, and will automatically display it when the unit is turned back on. TargetTrend not only shows traffic but their relative position and track to help you better determine threats. You can use Garmin Connext wireless to stream this information to portable Garmin units, and your EFB and Garmin Pilot App. It is compatible with Foreflight.
Key Features:
- Backup AHRS attitude information
- ADS-B Weather: animated graphical weather plus METARs, TAFs, winds and temperatures aloft, PIREPs, NOTAMs
- Traffic with Garmin TargetTrend and spoken audio alerts announce “Traffic, Traffic” (if equipped with ADS-B Out)
- WAAS GPS
- Rechargable 8-hour battery life with 12v adapter cable
- Bluetooth connection
Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver
Key Features:
- Widely compatible with tablets and EFB applications
- WAAS GPS
- Air to air traffic, data, and FIS-B weather
- Rechargable 4+ hour battery life
- WIFI connection
Garmin GDL 52 Sirius XM/ADS-B Receiver
Key Features:
- Sirius XM Weather and Music – with purchased subscription after 3 months
- WAAS GPS
- Subscription-free ADS-B data link weather and traffic
- Rechargable 5 hour battery life
- Backup attitude AHRS
- Bluetooth audio connection
- Traffic with Garmin TargetTrend and TerminalTraffic technology
Stratus 3 by Appereo
Key Features:
- Subscription free ADS-B Weather and Traffic
- WAAS GPS
- Pressure Altitude Sensor
- Rechargeable 8 hour battery with auto-shut off
- Foreflight features: Synthetic vision traffic display, weather replay, flight data recorder
- Open ADS-B more for broad compatibility
- Two year warranty
Frequently Asked Question
What is ADS-B Out?
The FAA mandated that by the year 2020, aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B out to legally operate in most controlled airspace. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology allows aircraft to broadcast their location using satellites, GPS, and the aircraft’s transponder (ADS-B OUT). To comply with the mandate, aircraft must use a panel-mounted ADS-B Out capable transponder.
ADS-B Out refers to the capability of a transponder to broadcast its position, altitude, airspeed, etc.
ADS-B In refers to a receiver that receives and interprets data from the ground network and aircraft. It then displays that information to the pilot. ADS-B In is NOT mandated by the ADS-B Out Rule.
