Connecting PilotAware to Becker BXP6401-2 Transponders

[Moffrestorer]

If anyone has a BXP6401-2 and wants to connect it to an uncertified GPS to give ES ADS-B Out, I have some news.

Becker have recently revised their Firmware so that the transponder SIL and SDA are both now set to 0.
(NB. SDA was formerly set to 2, so would not be compliant with CAA/NATS requirements for non-certified GPS connection).

It has taken me over a year to get them to do this but predictably, its not without cost. I had hoped that they would make these settings adjustable through the menu system but all they have done is re-coded the SDA value. Apparently they will now ship all new transponders with this new setting, which I can't help feeling this could be a mistake for much of the market out there. Anyway there we have it.

I had pointed out that Trig will perform updates for free, so Becker say they will not charge for the update, but intend to charge 195 Euro for Final Test/ Recertification works! (their minimum fee). Anyone is free to PM me if you want contact details, shipping address etc.

Its my understanding that units up to Serial No. 2000 are not ES compatible and would also need a hardware upgrade. Units with higher serial No.s ARE ES compatible.

Rather than return the unit to Becker straightaway for upgrade, I intend sourcing an FTDI USB/RS232 lead (as others have used on this forum), to make sure the ADS-B Out function works, first.

Chris

[exfirepro]

Good plan Chris. Disappointing that Becker are viewing this as a commercial upgrade. I also feel the decision to ship all new units with fixed SDA / SIL '0' is likely to backfire on them as this will make their transponders very undesirable to anyone hoping to go for a certified ADSB setup.

Keep us posted on any developments.

Regards

Peter

[Moffrestorer]

Hi Peter,

Becker are pretty good at electronics, but I'm unsure about their continuing interpretation of the requirements for ADSB-B.

There is no mention in their Manuals about SIL, SDA values or other datafields of DF17, but they have always, it seems, hardcoded the SIL to 0. The Manual (2011)
specifies suitable GPS sources such as Nextnav Mini and Freeflight Systems (both certified) and Garmin 430/530 (non-certified), but I'm assuming with a SIL set to zero TCAS or TAWS systems would most likely ignore the ADS-B transmissions coming from the certified kit (perhaps not, if the SDA is other than zero?).

Still I'm grateful that with the firmware update we can hopefully now start using the Extended Squitter part of the box to be seen by Power Flarm users etc.

Edit: Seems we're not yet out of the woods. Upon checking mod status of the transponder, it doesn't seem to be ADS-B Out compliant without a hardware upgrade! Have just e-mailed Becker for a quote...damn
Chris

[Moffrestorer]

Received a quote from Becker of 295 Euro for the Hardware and Firmware upgrade (inc setting SDA to 0) and recertification with EASA Form 1 Part 145. VAT and carriage extra.

I don't know the extent of the hardware they need to add to give ES ADS-B Out but this quote seems pretty reasonable to me and a lot better value than the Firmware only update! Hopefully my Group colleagues will agree.

Chris

[exfirepro]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the update. Certainly sounds like a reasonable deal. Let us know how it goes.

Regards

Peter