Garmin® Adds New Traffic Display Interface Options to the GDL 90

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced additional interface options for the GDL 90 ADS-B transceiver. With the new release of software version 2.1, the GDL 90 can now send ADS-B and TIS-B traffic files to the popular line of Garmin 400 and 500 series navigators – including the WAAS approved GNS 480™ and the popular GPSMAP® 396. The new Garmin GMX 200 multi-function display fully supports all ADS-B traffic and weather broadcast services.
The GDL 90 is the first Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) certified to TSO C154 and supports a wide array of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Broadcast-Services) broadband services. The unit is designed to be remotely-mounted in the aircraft and transfers graphical and textual weather information, TIS-B and ADS-B proximate traffic targets and TFRs to a cockpit display for rendering. The initial releases of software for the GDL 90 were version 1.1 and 2.0 which are only compatible with the Garmin MX 20™ multi-function display.
“With the recent decisions to expand ADS-B infrastructure, our customers have been requesting additional display options for the GDL 90,” commented Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “Garmin owners of the GNS 400 and 500 series, the GMX 200, and the portable GPSMAP 396 will all benefit from the increased situational awareness that is derived by interfacing these products to the GDL 90.”
The GDL 90 sends the eight closest targets to the Garmin GNS 400 and 500 navigators via the ARINC 429 traffic interface protocol. Eight targets are sent to the GPSMAP 396 via serial communications. By outputting ADS-B and TIS-B targets using the ARINC 429 traffic protocol, the GDL 90 broadens the traffic display options within Garmin's product line, and allows traffic to be displayed on other 429 compatible displays. The ARINC 429 traffic interface from the GDL 90 is similar to interfaces available on other TAS and TCAD systems including Mode S transponders with TIS service like Garmin’s GTX 330. Pilots operating in ADS-B coverage areas with 429-compatible traffic displays can now interface to the GDL 90.
The FAA’s ADS-B Program Office received approval on June 7, 2006, to develop a NAS (National Airspace System) wide acquisition program for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast services with a goal for the “in-service” decision by 2010. The first segment of ground station deployment includes expanding the current east coast coverage and installing new stations in the Gulf of Mexico, with installation of ground stations throughout the NAS to follow.
Garmin recently received FAA approval for version 2.1. All new orders for the GDL 90 will be delivered with version 2.1. The GDL 90 has a MSRP of $7,995 and includes top-and bottom-mount datalink antenna, a WAAS GPS antenna and installation kit.