Australian Avionics News

Trig Avionics - Ready today for Australian Airspace changes

12th September 2012

Many pilots are excited by the surveillance benefits that Australia’s ADS-B network offers. Trig Avionics Limited, the UK transponder manufacturer has released new ADS-B compatible software across their TT31, TT22 and TT21 transponder range. This software provides pilots with a simple upgrade path to ADS-B featuring enhanced compatibility with associated aircraft avionics.

A comprehensive flight test programme has proven Trig’s compatibility with popular Garmin GPS units. This means GA pilots now have a clear route to install a complete ADS-B Out capability, at a competitive cost and with the minimum of inconvenience.

Brad Granger, Head of Engineering at Pacific Avionics in New South Wales ran these recent flight trials. “We used a Trig TT31 transponder with the latest Trig 3.4 software. This equipment formed the hub of our ADS-B install and easily integrated with our GNS 530W Garmin avionics. The results were great; there had been some compatibility issues with earlier software versions which Trig quickly addressed with this latest release. We’ve shown that Trig technology works in our own airspace, providing the visibility and accuracy of surveillance that pilots want to have. Trig equipment complies with the latest ADS-B certification standards, using Mode S 1090 ES (Extended Squitter). Air traffic controllers used the 1090 ES ADS-B transmissions and the latest Trig 3.4 software delivered faultless performance.”

Greg Dunstone, ADS-B Program Manager at Airservices Australia, confirmed that Airservices monitored the air traffic during the trial. “Airservices is now delivering ADS-B services to a number of aircraft with Trig transponders. The installation of ADS-B into general aviation aircraft will allow our air traffic controllers to provide separation and safety services across vast areas of the country where no conventional radar services exist. Airservices encourages GA pilots to consider the fitment of ADS-B Out to further enhance the safe operation of all aircraft in Australian airspace.”

Brad Granger said “All Trig transponders are ADS-B Out capable; the TT31 is an ideal retro-fit for an existing transponder. The TT21 and TT22 transponders are highly compact lightweight units, ideal where panel space is tight. Trig transponders can utilise an existing transponder antenna and with the addition of a suitable WAAS GPS an aircraft can become ADS-B compliant.”

Aircraft owners who wish to consider a Trig ADS-B solution should contact their Approved Trig Dealer who can advise them on upgrading their specific aircraft. There are currently nine Approved Trig Dealers in Australia http://www.trig-avionics.com/NAT00016.html Pacific Avionics are an Approved Trig Dealer and Trig Service Centre. Hawker Pacific - Australian Avionics have recently been appointed too, becoming an Approved Trig Service Centre and Approved Trig Dealer. Jeff Gribble Avionics Sales Manager at Hawker Pacific - Australian Avionics said, “We’re delighted to have become a Trig dealer and we anticipate a lot of interest in Trig products. We’ve been really impressed with Trig’s compact and retro-fit transponder solutions that are smart, affordable and future proof.”

Notes to editors

Trig’s new ADS-B software version 3.4 is required for the TT31. The TT21 and TT22 latest corresponding software version is 2.3. All Approved Trig Dealers will have access to this software, enabling a simple upgrade to existing customer units. Trig’s smart design means that any Trig unit can be upgraded with software alone, no hardware changes are required. This makes owning a Trig more cost effective and convenient than other brands of transponder.

Trig Avionics are the ADS-B experts and offer a range of certified compact and conventional sized Mode S transponders. The TT21 and TT22 Mode S (1090ES ADS-B Out) transponders are the world’s smallest Mode S GA transponders on the market today. Both are highly compact and will fit in the tightest panel space. They are ideal for gliders, light sport and general aviation aircraft.

The conventional mount TT31 is a fully certified Class 1 Mode S transponder, it will ‘plug and play’ straight into the existing Bendix King tray to provide Mode S capability (ADS-B requires a Trig tray). This significantly reduces both installation time and cost. It provides the pilot with class leading technology. The TT31 is the most power efficient transponder in its class; it’s easy to operate, with a clear bright display and simple user interface.

All Trig transponders are suitable for IFR/VFR and ADS-B use in Australia, where compliance to the CASA standards will be required. Trig Avionics Limited has traded in Australia for four years. Trig pride themselves on offering the best customer support in the industry. Extending the dealer network and adding Hawker Pacific - Australian Avionics as a new Approved Trig Service Centre will offer speedy access to Trig products, expert advice and ongoing support to all Australian Trig customers.
All Trig products come with a two year warranty and customer support is provided through our network of Approved Trig Dealers www.trig-avionics.com

For more information contact Jon Roper, Marketing Manager at Trig Avionics, jon.roper@trig-avionics.com tel. +44 (0)131-449-8822 OR Jeff Gribble, Sales Manager at Australian Avionics, jeff.gribble@australianavionics.com.au, Tel: +61 7 4030 1865