Installation Overview
190-01499-02
GTX 3X5 Transponder TSO Installation Manual
Rev. 9
Page 3-25
3.15.2 GPS Antenna
NOTE
When attaching a combination antenna, the recommended distance of two feet or more is not
applicable to the distance between the antenna elements of the combination antenna (ex. GPS and
COM, GPS and XM) provided the combination antenna is TSO authorized and has been tested to
meet Garmin’s minimum performance standards. For approved antennas refer to table 1-12.
NOTE
If twelve inch spacing is not practical, the maximum center-to-center spacing must be used, but never
less than nine inches. Spacing less than nine inches results in unacceptable antenna pattern
degradation.
The installation guidelines meet the intent of AC 20-138A section 16. The greater the deviation from these guidelines,
the greater the chance of decreased signal quality and availability. It is possible that all of the installation guidelines
cannot be met. These guidelines are listed in order of importance to get the best performance. The installer should use
best judgment to balance the installation guidelines.
The GPS antenna should:
1.
Be installed as near to level as possible with respect to the normal cruise flight attitude of the aircraft.
2.
Be installed in a location to minimize the effects of airframe shadowing during typical maneuvers.
3.
Be installed a minimum of two feet from any VHF COM antenna or any other antenna which may emit harmonic
interference at the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz.
4.
Be installed a minimum of two feet from any antennas emitting more than 25 watts.
5.
Be installed a minimum of nine inches (center to center) from other antennas, including passive antennas such as
another GPS or XM antenna.
6.
Be installed a minimum of three inches from the windscreen.
7.
Have a twelve inch center to center spacing between GPS antennas.
An aircraft EMC check can find the source of GPS degradation in the presence of interference signals. If an EMC check
shows unacceptable interference, either insert a GPS notch filter in line with the offending VHF COM or the
(re-radiating) ELT transmitter, or select a different GPS antenna location.