Transponder Praise

Last Tuesday, I received a package with my transponder in it. Of
course, the soaring weather looked good on Friday and Saturday,
perhaps Sunday, so the installation would have to wait another week.

Today, as I prepare to take off, my MRX fails to turn on. I launch
anyway.

Our airport is located half way between Colorado Springs and Denver.
Lots of airliners, etc. flying overhead at 9-13K MSL (2-5K AGL).

About 45 minutes after launch, I watch a TED 737 cruise less than 1/4
mile abeam my thermal. Later, as I'm getting the last bit of altitude
about 5 E of COS, a Southwest 737 drives right through the center of
my thermal and 500' below. I think all the virga and OD around were
squeezing gliders and airliners into a fairly small area. After the
Southwest jet flew under me, I called COS approach and stayed in
contact for the next 15 miles. They NEVER saw my primary target
(ASH-26E) even though I was able to provide a very accurate position.

What's interesting is that in both cases, I was thermalling, so
providing about the best possible "target" for a visual observation.

Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow!

-Tom

PS Our club just bought 3 MRX units to put in the club ships in order
to provide more info to the pilots. And yes, we are in contact with
both DEN and COS approach regarding the traffic issues.