New to Taylorcraft

[IslandGuy]

Greetings!
Just stumbled into TC forum and looks great.

I'm new to Taylorcraft... and flying for that matter! I've 95% purchased a 1946 BC-12D.

Eventually I'm going to need a transponder where I fly, and wonder what the best method of equipping my plane with mode C would be?

I've done a quick search of the forum under "transponder", but not a whole lot of information.

I've heard of two methods that might work. Generator and Solar Cell.

Which is the best overall from a cost and practical point of view?

Generator seems like the logical choice but does it cut down your cruise speed much?

What transponder/encoder package is best?

cheers, Lawrence.

[Acroeric]

Re: New to Taylorcraft

Lawrence- Glad to hear you have decided on a Tcraft. You will find it to be a great airplane- the most under-estimated aircraft on the market!

I have field approved several Comm and Transponder installations in Cubs and Champs- the neatest one was the little Micro-Air 3.25" units. The AP/IA that submitted it to me had them mounted in a little wooden box that fit on the floor of a cub. The front of th ebox was the comm and Xponder, inside the box was a little 12v battery capable of about 8 hours use. I made him install a voltage indicator so he could tell when he needed to get out of controlled airspace.

[mhorowit]

Re: New to Taylorcraft

You do know that you are exempt from needing a xponder if you are simply going into the mode C veil.

If you continue into Class B, that's a different story - Mike

[Len Petterson]

Re: New to Taylorcraft

A small battery and solar panel with a Chargeing regulator, the regulator is a must or they will cook the battery.
I have 15 amp/hr motorcycle battery with 3 cigaret lighter pluggs mounted on it.It fitted nicly in a plastic antifrezze jug, I mabe a wooden top for it and mounted the outlets on it witha master switch and fuses. I use it for my 12 volt compressor to pump up the tires. An old 12 Sears drill for some odd holes, and the radio. I just charge it now and when.
I do have a solar pannel but I cooked the battery on a occation than I did not get to the plan in time. I don't have a transponder.
It works for me.
Len

[IslandGuy]

Re: New to Taylorcraft

Well I bought it!
Not gonna worry about a transponder for now, but did pick up a 5 amp gellcell, and using it to power my intercom and handheld. Works quite nicely and have a small 1 amp gellcell for backup.
thanks for the tips Gault!

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New to Taylorcraft

transponder ? I found a relief tube or a port-a-jon more useful. Seriously i will be putting one into 43533 along with a handheld & lights. All off a battery and solar cells.