During a hangar discussion transponders were being discussed.
Here is the question - on its own does a transponder transmit a signal without being asked?
I have a traffic detector that is passive. It can only detect other aircraft with a transponder.
But it came up during the discussion the transponder does not on its own transmit a signal as it has to receive a query. If it is not being asked to send a signal it is silent and in those ares where the transponder is not responding then a traffic detector that is passive will not pick up other airplanes even if they are equipped with a transponder.
Frank L
Here is the question - on its own does a transponder transmit a signal without being asked?
I have a traffic detector that is passive. It can only detect other aircraft with a transponder.
But it came up during the discussion the transponder does not on its own transmit a signal as it has to receive a query. If it is not being asked to send a signal it is silent and in those ares where the transponder is not responding then a traffic detector that is passive will not pick up other airplanes even if they are equipped with a transponder.
Frank L