iFly GPS Forum

Yes, since I fly an EAB (Zenith STOL CH750), I installed the non-TSO'd skyBeacon myself.  The installation is pretty much as-advertised: if you were replacing the typical nav light installation and the bolt pattern matched, it literally would take only 5-10 minutes to install it. (Fasteners and wire crimp connectors are included.)  In my initial installation, I was replacing an AveoLED nav/strobe that had a custom mounting plate, so I had to drill a new bolt pattern in the AveoLED's mounting plate.  "Click-Bond" nut plates were included with the skyBeacon, so no riveting was necessary.  So, it took me about 30 minutes or so to remove the nav/strobe, drill the new pattern, and bond the nut plates.  Since the Click-Bond nutplates' adhesive needed time to cure, I waited 'til the next day and then finished the installation in a few minutes.

Since I was flying an EAB and installed a non-TSO'd ADS-B, there was no FAA paperwork as I wasn't applying for the rebate program, etc.  All that was required in my case was to go fly and request online a Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR).  The PAPR checks multiple parameters of your ADS-B's output and is quickly available after a flight.  If the report is satisfactory, then you're good-to-go!  As I mentioned, I kept getting "Baro Alt" errors until I made a custom mount to relocate the skyBeacon a bit forward of my wingtip for clear transponder reception.  Since then, all's good!  However, the new model, which will be identical whether experimental or TSO'd, uses the "power transcoder" and this eliminates transponder reception problems with certain wingtips.

John

I to am waiting for the approvals on the Tail Beacon, though I would like to see the AML list for the wing tip version to see if they worked something out for all the '70's Cessnas with the dropped wingtips.  For my Grumman with it's enclosed wing tip lights I expect the only answer would be the tail version.  If that includes a strobe, then I could eliminate the flashing beacon on top of the rudder?