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TN72 GPS Receiver

TN72 – Affordable ADS-B Out

ADS-B Out enhances your aircraft’s visibility to others, it has genuine safety benefits for pilot and passengers. Trig transponders are ADS-B Out capable, but they require the addition of a suitable GPS source to exploit this surveillance technology. Pilots with a Trig transponder can simply add a TN72 GPS Position Source to upgrade to ADS-B Out.

Installing a TN72 is a small price to pay for enhanced visibility and peace of mind by reducing the risk of collision. The TN72 GPS is light weight, compact and easy to install. It is highly affordable and uses certified technology – ensuring you are visible to all ADS-B In traffic devices. Don’t compromise your safety by using an uncertified GPS, this can make you invisible to traffic products designed to ‘reject’ uncertified positional data.

In Australia the TN72 can be used as part of a compliant ADS-B Out system when installed with a Trig transponder. The CASA ADS-B Rebate Scheme in Australia allows aircraft owners to secure funding of up to $5,000 (AUS) for the purchase and installation of compliant equipment. Pilots are advised to check the regulations pertinent to their aircraft type, before purchase.

In Europe, the TN72 can be installed as a ‘voluntary’ ADS-B Out installation, in both EASA certified aircraft and all other uncertified types. EASA’s CS-STAN provides a specific and simple installation pathway. If you don’t have a Trig transponder, then the TT21/TN72 Conspicuity Bundle provides you with an ideal one box Mode S and ADS-B Out solution.

In the U.S. the TN72 can be used by experimental, light-sport and homebuilt aircraft (and gliders) to meet the FAA’s 2020 ADS-B rule 14 CFR 91.227.

Configuration

When fitting a TN72, it uses one of two available configuration options, in the transponder settings (see below). The TN72 hardware is the same in either installation, you may require a software update and you will need to install a TA50 or TA70 GPS antenna.

TN72 GPS – TABS C199 (Traffic Awareness Beacon System) this configuration uses SIL 1/ SDA 1 in the transponder settings. TABS is the FAA technical standard that enables voluntary equipage of ADS-B Out. The TN72 using TABS is ideal for ‘voluntary’ equipage in Europe or where ADS-B Out is not mandated.

TN72 GPS –(X) SIL 3 configuration, this uses SIL 3/ SDA 2 in the transponder settings (typically in the U.S.) and fully satisfies the technical requirements of 14 CFR 91.227 for 2020 compliance. Light-sport, experimental and homebuilt pilots who have fitted a TN72 are now flying inside ADS-B airspace and have passed FAA compliance checks with flying colours.

Glider customers in the U.S. looking to get ADS-B equipped may wish to see our ADS-B gliding guidance document this highlights equipment and regulations, for both certified and experimental gliders. In the U.S. certified gliders and Part 23 aircraft, operating outside of U.S. 2020 rule ADS-B airspace can be use the TN72 to enhance visibility and trigger ADS-B In traffic.

  • Simple ADS-B Out upgrade for all Trig transponders
  • Suitable for ‘voluntary’ use in both certified and uncertified aircraft (in Europe)
  • SABAS – supports EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN and WAAS – Satellite Based Augmentation Systems
  • Meets FAA 2020 ADS-B rule for experimental, LSA and homebuilt aircraft / gliders in the U.S.
  • Safer – visible on all ADS-B In systems
  • Enables live tracking of aircraft (with suitable ADS-B In equipment)
  • Triggers traffic information services (TIS-B only available in U.S.)
  • Low cost and light weight
  • Two year world wide warranty

The TN72 supports current and future air to air collision avoidance and situational awareness applications. As it presents such good value as a certified device it is ideal for tracking flying club / fleet aircraft in real time – improving safety in the circuit and for low hours students – see our case study.

Compatible products

Taking minimal space in the cockpit, the TA50, compact GPS antenna is the most popular antenna for the TN72. It is supplied with a simple push fit QMA connector, this plugs straight into the TN72 unit. The antenna is available with either a 1m or 3m cable. A wiring harness to connect a compact TT21 or TT22 transponder and the TN72 together is also available and simplifies installation.

The TA70 certified GPS antenna can also be used with the TN72. High wing Part 23 aircraft may alternatively prefer the TA70 antenna. This is mounted on the aircraft upper surfaces and assures enhanced GPS visibility. In countries where ADS-B airspace is mandated, operation in ADS-B airspace by certified types, usually requires full compliance with TSO-C145 GPS technology, see our TN70.

ADS-B

Trig are leaders in ADS-B technology (Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast) and 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 Out 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

Product Transponder Configuration ADS-B  Suitability Compliance Supply
Voltage
Antenna Options Sales Part Number
TN72  X (SIL 3)  U.S. – TN72 allows light-sport, home built and experimental aircraft to fly in U.S. 2020 rule ADS-B airspace.

Can also be used by experimental gliders in U.S. 2020 rule ADS-B airspace.

14 CFR 91.227 (GPS source) 11-33V Fit a TA70  antenna or TA 50 compact antenna ADS-B – Light-sport Bundle available includes TT22, TN72 and TA70 antenna that can be ordered as a single kit.

TN72  01685-00-01

LSA Bundle 02016-00

TN72 See region Europe – ideal for voluntary VFR use – transponder configuration is most commonly set to TABS setting.

U.S. – also suitable for voluntary use (including certified gliders and Part 23 a/c) for use outside of  ADS-B 2020 rule airspace.

Australia – approved for voluntary use below 29,000 feet. See CASA advisory  circular 91/23

New Zealand – ADS-B NZ CAA advisory circular  91/24 and NZ CAA Notice of Requirement NTC91.258 transponder configuration must be set to SIL 3 setting.

TSO-C199 11-33V

Fit a TA50 compact  antenna

or a TA70 certified GPS antenna (may be necessary in high wing aircraft)

Conspicuity Bundle TT21/TN72 and TA50 (1m) that can be ordered as a single kit

TN72  01685-00-01

Conspicuity Bundle  02375-00

Specification TN72 GPS Receiver
Type TABS (SBAS)
Certification TSO-C199 Class B
Compliance TSO-C199 Class B, DO-160G
Supply voltage (DC) 11 – 33 V
Typical consumption (at 14v) at 14V – 0.1A
Operating temperature -40°C to + 70°C
Cooling requirement no fan required
Weight 110 grams / 3.8 ounces
Connector GPS (power, ground and GPS data) – 9 way D type
Antenna – 5V phantom power – QMA male
Dimensions (mm) H 30 x L 90 x W 63mm (W with base flange 80mm)
Dimensions (inches) H 1.2” x L 3.6” x W 2.5” (W with base flange 3.2”)

What's in the box

  • All Trig products come with a two year warranty, starting from the day of installation
  • Installation manual and Operating manual
  • Installation kit
  • EASA Form One

Frequently Asked Questions

I fly in a certified aircraft in the US, can I use the TN72?
The TN72 can be used by light-sport, experimental aircraft and home-builts to meet 14 CFR 91.227.
In you are in North America and you fly a Part 23 aircraft in ADS-B 2020 rule airspace then you will require full ADS-B compliance. You can use a TN70 GPS Receiver, which is TSO-C145 compliant. If you already have a GNS or GTN WAAS Navigator you can use this as a GPS position source with a suitable Class 1 Trig transponder (TT31 or TT22). If you only wish to fly outside 2020 rule airspace in a certified aircraft then a TN72 can be used.

Can the TN72 be used in Europe?
Yes - EASA and the UK CAA are keen to encourage pilots to equip with certified 1090 ADS-B Out equipment. The more pilots who equip with ADS-B Out the greater the opportunity to reduce air to air collisions and improve safety, using a common ICAO standard. Installation of the TN72 in EASA aircraft is simple using CS-STAN (see support pages).

Can the TN72 be used in Australia and New Zealand
The TN72 can be used for ADS-B in Australia and New Zealand. Regulations in both countries have been subject to change and are best checked with the regulator for your aircraft type. In Australia see CASA advisory circular 91/23 in New Zealand see NZ CAA Notice of Requirement NTC91.258 and AC91-24 for further information.

Can the TN72 really help in collision avoidance?
Yes - The TN72 GPS was tested and evaluated as part of Project EVA, a European wide project EASA (SESAR) initiative to test ADS-B technology. Because the TN72 uses certified GPS technology it can be relied upon to provide dependable position reporting for collision avoidance. Unlike uncertified GPS units the TN72 will be visible to all ADS-B In equipped technology.

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.

Can I use a small puck antenna with the TN72?
Our TA50 Compact GPS Antenna is made specifically for the TN72. It is ideal for installations where space is at a premium. It is usually mounted near the windscreen, with a good view of the horizon.

In Part 23 aircraft and / or high wing aircraft (where GPS masking may occur) our TA70 antenna may be preferred.

For alternative antennas our TN72 Installation Manual says;
"The TN72 is compatible with any GPS antenna approved to ETSO C 190 or C144a.
Where a non TSO antenna is used, the antenna must include;
- Gain of 20dB or more.
- Active 5 volt powered unit with less than 40mA current.
- Unrestricted view of the horizon.

Note - the antenna socket of the TN72 requires a QMA connector or use of a suitable adaptor.

Can I use an uncertified GPS antenna with the TN72?
Yes - the TN72 is a certified product but it is permissible to use an uncertified antenna in combination with the TN72. Naturally the performance of an uncertified antenna should be checked after installation to ensure satisfactory operation.

I already use an ADS-B In traffic receiver - why do I need a TN72?
Many pilots have ADS-B In traffic receivers, but it is important to also have a certified Mode S and ADS-B Out solution. A Trig transponder and TN72 provides a high quality output which is visible to all ADS-B In traffic products. In contrast using an uncertified GPS will make you invisible to certain popular traffic receivers which reject uncertified GPS traffic information.

Can I use a TN72 X GPS outside of the U.S. ?
Yes - At the current time the use of a TN72 (configured to SIL3) is for light-sport and experimental types (including experimental gliders) in the U.S. TABS is the appropriate transponder setting in Europe for both gliders and powered aircraft.