Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Corona, CA | Chicago, IL
Wasilla, AK | Peachtree City, GA
Brantford, ON Canada
Contact Us
Call Us
Sign In
GARMIN GDL® 50 PORTABLE ADS-B / GPS RECEIVER
MFR Model# 010-01561-00
Overview
Wirelessly Link to Weather, Traffic, GPS and More
 Track
Aviation WeatherFeaturing ADS-B “In” datalink technology, the GDL 50 receiver allows reception of subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather information. With this, your compatible devices² can display animated graphical weather plus METARs, TAFs, winds and temperatures aloft, PIREPs, NOTAMs and other features linked from ADS-B. And to help you maintain the most current weather picture, your GDL 50 receiver can queue the ADS-B weather data display while your display device is sleeping or turned off, so it automatically updates when you turn the screen back on. Spot Potential Traffic Threats To aid in situational awareness, GDL 50 can also receive ADS-B position reports directly from other aircraft in your vicinity. In the U.S., 2 frequencies (978 UAT and 1090 ES) are approved by the FAA for ADS-B broadcasts, so the GDL 50 series offers access to both frequencies. This allows you to see the most comprehensive view of all ADS-B “Out” equipped targets in your vicinity. Your compatible display³ will alert you by announcing traffic targets both audibly and visually. Spoken audio alerts announce “Traffic, Traffic” to get you looking right away.  View Enhanced Traffic FeaturesTo further extend your display’s traffic monitoring capability (on compatible displays), the GDL 50 receiver also allows access to our TargetTrend relative motion tracking technology. This feature gives you a faster, more intuitive way to judge the direction and closure rate of intruding targets relative to your aircraft’s position. So, rather than a fixed “snapshot” of the traffic situation, TargetTrend provides a more dynamic “velocity-based” display that shows which aircraft trajectories are most likely to converge with your own. For example, if traffic is ahead of you and traveling along the same track but at a slower rate, the motion vector would point opposite of its indicated direction of flight to show you are overtaking the traffic. The result — you’re able to make faster, better target avoidance decisions. For airport operations, TerminalTraffic technology (a part of the comprehensive Garmin suite of Terminal Safety Solutions) enables ADS-B-equipped surface targets to be displayed on your device’s SafeTaxi® diagram so you can see what’s happening with traffic on busy runways and taxiways. ADS-B-equipped aircraft in-flight are easily distinguished from ground vehicles and taxiing aircraft, which are displayed using distinct colors and symbols. Thus, TerminalTraffic provides a clear, real-time overview of on-surface activity in the airport environment.  Built-in GPS and Attitude Sensors for SVX™ DisplayIn addition to its weather and traffic capabilities, your GDL 50 feature set includes a built-in WAAS GPS receiver. This enables GDL 50 to deliver highly accurate aircraft position, speed and altitude information to your compatible mobile device app. Also, built-in attitude sensors enable select Garmin aviation portables and apps with our SVX synthetic vision technology to serve as a backup attitude reference during your flights. With virtual terrain, obstacles, runways, horizon cues, HSI, GPS speed, altitude and more, this brings a whole new perspective to your portable navigation. Battery Power for Hours GDL 50 is a true go-anywhere device. A rechargeable built-in lithium-ion battery allows GDL 50 to operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge. And for operation connected to power, you can plug it into your aircraft’s 12 V power outlet with the included adapter cable, or use the microUSB port positioned on the side of the receiver. Link up with the Benefits of ADS-B For pilots who want subscription-free U.S. datalink weather and traffic, the compact GDL 50 portable ADS-B receiver offers a versatile solution with an array of additional capabilities. And by going with Garmin, your receiver will be backed by a comprehensive 1-year warranty — and by the industry’s No. 1-ranked product support team. GDL 50 is a noncertified receive-only product. It does not provide ADS-B “Out” capability to satisfy FAA mandate requirements. |
Features
- Compatible with G3X Touch™, aera® 660 and aera 795/796 aviation portables, the Garmin Pilot™ app on Apple® or Android™ mobile devices, and FltPlan Go.
- GDL 50 can simultaneously support up to: 2 wireless display devices and 2 wired display devices.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows the GDL 50 to operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Specifications
Physical- Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 4.9" x 1.3" x 3.4" (12.44 x 3.30 x 8.64 cm)
- Weight: 0.75 lbs (0.34 kg)
- Anti-slip mat (bottom of unit only)
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Operating altitude: To 55,000 ft
- Nominal operating velocity range: 0 – 800 kts (411 m/s)
- Power input: 10 to 32 VDC, 3.5 W max.
- Battery type: Lithium-ion rechargeable (built-in)
- Charge temperature: Unit may not charge at extreme temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 32° C (90° F)
- Typical battery operating time: 5 hours
- 18-pin power and data connector
- microUSB
- ADS-B MCX antenna port
- GPS MCX antenna port
- Wireless Connext™ (Bluetooth®)
In The Box
- GDL 50 portable receiver
- Suction cup for cable placement
- Mounting bracket
- Trial subscription to Garmin Pilot™ app
- Vehicle power cable
- Documentation
Reviews
Just getting installed and so far very good
Verified Purchase
GARMIN GDL 50 PORTABLE ADS-B RECEIVER
Works flawlessly. No issues connecting to Garmin Pilot, ForeFlight (Which I had concerns about), my Ipad, or my Aera 796 (Hardwired or with Bluetooth). Its nice when things just work! Fast shipping from Aircraft Spruce.
Verified Purchase
GARMIN GDL 50 PORTABLE ADS-B RECEIVER
I have purchased this for foreflight on my iPad Pro as I was loosing GPS throughout the flight at several specific locations. With the GDL I didnt go above 5m accuracy even in places where the iPad and also the G430 lost GPS, exactly what I needed!
Verified Purchase
GARMIN GDL 50 PORTABLE ADS-B RECEIVER
Ive only used the GDL 50 a couple on 150NM trips thus far but it works great with my Area 660 and Pilot app on iPhone. Wish I had of purchased it earlier.
I loved the GDL 39 and so when I bought the GDL 50 I had high expectations and the 50 meet all of them. Easy to set up and use.
Works great, I simply blue toothed it to my G3X and it worked great.
works as advertised..
Unit boots faster and Bluetooth seems more stable than previous version. Had a problem with the first unit, which I had ordered during my annual to replace an older GDL39 3D. Love the unit, however, there was an issue with the data port being lose. Was just outside the 30 day return window, yet Aircraft Spruce replaced it for me with no hassles. Thanks guys for wonderful service!
Works flawlessly with my Aera 660 nice addition to the cockpit easy hook up and install sits perfectly on the dash of my Cherokee.
I am very impressed with the GDL-50!! It works flawlessly with my I-pad Garmin Pilot app and it worked equally well with my flying buddies I-pad Foreflight app. Very easy to use and set up and receives and installed updates automatically. Garmin Pilot displays for terrain and AHARS is flawless and very detailed. The ADS-B information that is provided on-screen is invaluable and is a must have flying in SOCAL. I am very pleased with the GDL-50. The GDL-50 is great in that it will communicate with apps other than Garmin Pilot. My only negative comment is it does not come with a mount that can be temporarily mounted in the aircraft, such as suction cupped to the side windows like the cheaper competitor. Overall wise expenditure of funds!!!
Q&A
Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.
Per the manual this does not come with a mount or wiring harness. This has holes for hardware and it comes with a connector to make a wiring harness. You will need male BNC's for the antennas. One for GPS/WAAS and one to receive the ADS-B frequency. The GA 35 and AV-74 antennas would be good choices.
The only difference is the form factor of the units, and at this time, the GDL 50 is only compatible with Garmin portable GPS units and the Garmin Pilot app.
Thank you for your note on this. We will post it for other customers to review.
Yes, per Garmin, this will work with Foreflight.
Yes the GDL 50 will work on glare shield without any external antennas. The only exception would be an aircraft with a heated windshield. Voltage is 10-32vdc rated.
The GDL 50 is an ADS-B in receiver. As such, it does not require a subscription to receive and display the free FAA weather and traffic. The unit will work with Garmin devices and apps, as well as Foreflight and numerous other EFB apps.
They use the same connectors, so this will work as long as you have the most recent software for your 696.
No, unlike this GDL 50 portable model, the GDL 50R remote mount model does not have a built-in battery backup
No, this is not designed to interface with the GTN 750.
The Bluetooth works well, but you can use Part# 11-10736 for a hard wire if you prefer.
