GTX 33 Digital Mode S Remote Transponder

See the same radar traffic your ATC controller is watching – with the GTX 33 remote-mounted Mode S digital transponder. This IFR-certified unit features traffic datalink capability and also meets the European mandate for Mode S level 2 surveillance. The GTX 33 is an all solid-state design, which makes for lower power consumption and reduced heat emissions. The transmitter delivers up to 250 watts of nominal power output. And other highlights include remote ident and auto standby, a Traffic Information Services (TIS) interface, plus altitude monitor with voice alerts.

Leading the way with ADS-B

With available ES, or Extended Squitter, versions of the GTX 33, Garmin has taken the lead in providing an affordable pathway to ADS-B compliance for the FAA’s proposed Next Generation airspace system. Using precise GPS-referenced positioning information, the extended squitter technology enables transponders to automatically transmit more accurate, and more useful, traffic surveillance data – including aircraft flight ID, position, altitude, velocity, climb/descent, and heading information. (Compared to traditional Mode S and Mode C transponders, which can only broadcast altitude, and thus require ground-based radar to correlate and identify the aircraft’s position.)

Enhanced traffic surveillance

Certified to TSO-C166a standards for 1090 MHz extended squitter transmission, Garmin’s GTX 33 ES improves upon the existing transponder query system – while working seamlessly with existing ATC protocols. The ADS-B reports provide ground controllers with considerably faster updates than traditional radar. And by simultaneously broadcasting this information to TAS or TCAS equipped pilots, it enables them to essentially see the same traffic picture for their location that ATC is watching on the ground. Thus, with everyone in the ADS-B loop watching and reacting to the same flight trajectories, safe separation is far easier to maintain.

Squawk the code of quality

All the features of Garmin’s standard GTX 33 transponder are retained in the ES version. Plus, there’s also an antenna diversity option, available with GTX 33D versions, which provides for improved air-to-air surveillance of TCAS-equipped aircraft flying above you. The traffic data enabled by the remote GTX 33 system can be displayed graphically on Garmin’s integrated GPS/Comm/Nav systems that provide built-in transponder code selection.