TN70 / TN70A – ADS-B, FULL COMPLIANCE FOR CERTIFIED TYPES
If you’re an aircraft owner looking for a fully compliant ADS-B Out solution, (usually in mandated airspace) then the TN70/TN70A is the ideal partner for a Trig transponder. Both GPS Position Sources are simple to install and provide a great way to add a certified FAA TSO-C145 WAAS GPS receiver to complete your ADS-B Out installation.
Please be aware that the TN70 model is currently unavailable. It has however been replaced by the TN70A, this unit is technically identical in terms of GPS performance, certification, size and form factor. The TN70A part number is 02466-00, it ships with a TA70 GPS antenna in a kit, in exactly the same way as the previous TN70 model.
An FAA ADS-B STC for the TN70A is expected soon. This will enable the installation of a TT22 compact transponder with a TN70A in a certified aircraft, where an STC is required – please check your local regulatory guidance.
- SBAS GPS receiver – kit includes Trig’s TA70 antenna
- Supports EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN and WAAS – Satellite Based Augmentation Systems
- Meets TSO-C145 – compliant for 2020 ADS-B
- Complete your ADS-B Out solution
- Requires no panel space – lightweight and easy to install
- Compatible with Trig transponders
COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS
The TA70 certified WAAS antenna is designed to compliment the TN70A. The TN70A comes with the TA70 antenna as a bundled kit, optimised for the best results. We do not sell the TN70A as a stand alone unit.
ADS-B
Trig are leaders in ADS-B technology (Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast) we were the first company in the world to meet FAA TSO-C166b, the latest standard for ADS-B transponders. Every Trig transponder is Mode S, but also ADS-B capable. Once installed ADS-B equipment transmits your aircraft’s precise location directly to other ADS-B equipped aircraft, improving your electronic visibility and safety. To learn more about ADS-B go to our Knowledge Bank article
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
- EASA Form One
- TA70 certified Antenna
- Installation kit
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What else will I need to be ADS-B compliant?
The TN70 and TN70A certified GPS recievers provide a compliant position source for your ADS-B Out system. A Trig transponder will also be required – this acts as the hub of your ADS-B Out solution transmitting data to ground stations and other aircraft (which are ADS-B equipped). In the U.S. FAA FAR 91.227 requires your installation to be capable of identifying the correct phase of flight – this demands some means of Air-Ground determination. Our STC provides a simple means to meet the regulations using the latest transponder software with automatic air ground, this removes the need for a squat switch or air ground switch.
The FAA ADS-B STC for the TN70 is available in our Support pages (includes TT31 or TT22).
The FAA ADS-B STC for the TN70A is expected soon (for TT22).
What certification does the TN70 / TN70A hold?
The TN70 / TN70A both have FAA TSO certification, in most regions they will require an installation STC. Check our STC section for further details .
The FAA ADS-B STC for the TN70 is available in our Support pages (includes TT31 or TT22).
The FAA ADS-B STC for the TN70A is expected soon (for TT22).
What are the key benefits of an aviation GPS source like the TN70 or TN72 compared to a consumer GPS receiver?
With good satellite coverage, both will give an accurate position fix – they use the same technology and the same GPS satellite sources. The big difference is how they behave when coverage is poor or lost. A consumer GPS will estimate a position and trajectory for some time after losing satellite data. That gives the user apparent continuity when driving under bridges, or walking past tall buildings, but that behaviour is not suitable for safety critical applications, especially in a dynamic 3d environment like an aircraft. An aviation GPS will perform fault detection and exclusion to remove poor satellite data from any position solution, and will report loss of position integrity or loss of position very quickly. That appears to users that the aviation GPS is “worse” than the consumer GPS, since it gives up reporting a position when the consumer GPS keeps running. That is a deliberate safety design decision.
Why does my certified GPS take longer to find a position fix than my uncertified handheld device when I switch them both on?
Once it has locked on to the satellite transmissions, any GPS receiver needs data on the position of the satellites – called ephemeris data – to calculate the receiver position. Each satellite transmits its own data every 30 seconds. It takes 18 seconds to send the ephemeris data and the other 12 seconds in the cycle contains data about the rest of the satellite constellation. Depending on where in the 30 second cycle the satellites were when the receiver was switched on, it could take between 18 and 30 seconds to acquire the ephemeris data. The downlinked data has parity bits for error detection, but does not support error correction or higher integrity checks. For a safety of life application like aviation, the solution is that a certified receiver must hear the same ephemeris data twice before it is allowed to use it. This means a minimum acquisition time for each satellite of 48 to 60 seconds. Total time will be longer than this taking into account system initialisation, interference, and other environmental factors, but a fix after a minute or so is normal. So how does an uncertified GPS beat that? The first speed gain is simple – consumer GPS doesn’t wait for the second copy of the ephemeris data, it simply believes what it was told the first time. As a result, it can have a position fix in between 18 and 30 seconds. But an even quicker solution is available to a GPS built into a phone or anything else with a data link – instead of waiting for the ephemeris data to be transmitted slowly from the satellite, it fetches the same data from an online server. With a good data connection like a 3G phone, it might take only 1 or 2 seconds to receive all the ephemeris data over the line, and then a GPS position can be determined in less than 5 seconds.
How heavy is the TN70?
The TN70 is light weight unit – the hardware box weighs 1.06 lbs and the antenna weighs 0.31lbs.
Can I buy the TN70A without the antenna?
The TN70A comes with an antenna as a bundled kit, optimised for the best results. We do not sell the TN70 as a stand alone unit.
When I purchase a TN70A what comes in the box?
The TN70A kit comes with WAAS GPS hardware unit, matching WAAS antenna and installation kit. The TN70 and TN70A installation instructions are online only.
In the U.S. if I want to fly in 2020 rule ADS-B airspace in an LSA, experimental or home built do I need a TN70?
Light-sport, experimental and homebuilt aircraft can all use the TN72. With a Trig TT31 or TT22 transponder, this meets the GPS Position Source requirements of FAR.91.227 and is 2020 compliant.
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