External Antenna for Garmin Aera 500

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stearman456
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External Antenna for Garmin Aera 500

Post by stearman456 »

Does anyone know of an antenna for an Aera 500 that can be mounted permanently to the outside of an aircraft? I'm not interested in the GA25 or 27 mentioned in the manual.

Dan

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bullojm1
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Post by bullojm1 »

Dan,

The Garmin GA56 external antenna should work with the Aera according to the following site:

http://www.banyanpilotshop.net/10expand ... le-antenna

They sell for about $50 on Ebay. I would suggest you buy it and try it out before you drill any holes!
Mike Bullock
http://www.rvplane.com
RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV
Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

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stearman456
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Post by stearman456 »

Thanks, Mike. I'll have a look at that. Probably have to convert the harness assembly slightly to pick up the antenna.

Dan

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bullojm1
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Post by bullojm1 »

Dan,

Another option is to mount a smaller antenna under the cowling. As long as you don't plan on metallic paint, reception won't be an issue. I've been running two GPS antenna's under my cowl for the last 18 months and haven't lost reception once....well I do loose it when I go upside down!
Mike Bullock
http://www.rvplane.com
RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV
Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

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stearman456
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Post by stearman456 »

Actually it would be mounted externally on an aluminum baggage door - it's not for an RV. I have one of those antennas on my Aeronca though and it works perfectly.

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stearman456
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Location: Lacombe, Alberta

Post by stearman456 »

Just got a reply from the tekkies at Garmin: the Aera 5xx series gps's aren't compatible with the GA-56 antennas because those gps's can't power the antenna.

On the positive side though, Air Gizmos have a cover that when closed looks much like a GA-56, and you can install the 500's antenna inside of it and thus have a good looking, permanently mounted external antenna. Just ordered one from Spruce.

Dan

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