BE33 pilot experienced portable GPS failure while attempting to over fly atl class B airspace. Repor...

Narrative:

Shortly after takeoff; realized a failure of portable GPS. Reset GPS several times to no avail. Retrieved back-up GPS. Had some difficulty because GPS had somehow been switched to 'automobile' mode. Simultaneously encountered clouds and had to climb to maintain VFR. Approaching atlanta outer ring; thought I was close to 12;500 ft. About the time I hit the outer ring; noticed that my transponder was not working. Found that circuit breaker had tripped. Reset breaker and transponder began working again. Glanced at GPS. It indicated altitude of 12;600 ft. However; altimeter indicated less than 12;500 ft. Climbed until altimeter showed above 12;500 ft. Never dropped below 12;500 feet until exiting atlanta class B airspace. When I attempted to contact daytona beach approach; discovered I had a radio problem. Could receive well; but transmission on both radios was garbled. Approach could barely hear transmissions. Diverted. Upon landing; was given telephone number in atlanta to call regarding 'flight deviation.' when I called number; I discovered I had actually inadvertently entered atlanta class B.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BE33 pilot experienced portable GPS failure while attempting to over fly ATL Class B airspace. Reporter drifts below 12500 FT during troubleshooting and is asked to contact ATL TRACON upon arrival.

Narrative: Shortly after takeoff; realized a failure of portable GPS. Reset GPS several times to no avail. Retrieved back-up GPS. Had some difficulty because GPS had somehow been switched to 'automobile' mode. Simultaneously encountered clouds and had to climb to maintain VFR. Approaching Atlanta outer ring; thought I was close to 12;500 FT. About the time I hit the outer ring; noticed that my transponder was not working. Found that circuit breaker had tripped. Reset breaker and transponder began working again. Glanced at GPS. It indicated altitude of 12;600 FT. However; altimeter indicated less than 12;500 FT. Climbed until altimeter showed above 12;500 FT. Never dropped below 12;500 feet until exiting Atlanta Class B airspace. When I attempted to contact Daytona Beach Approach; discovered I had a radio problem. Could receive well; but transmission on both radios was garbled. Approach could barely hear transmissions. Diverted. Upon landing; was given telephone number in Atlanta to call regarding 'flight deviation.' When I called number; I discovered I had actually inadvertently entered Atlanta Class B.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	842456
Time
Date	200906
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ATL.Airport
State Reference	GA
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Bonanza 33
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Initial Climb Takeoff
Route In Use	Direct
Flight Plan	None
Component
Aircraft Component	Air/Ground Communication
Person 1
Function	Single Pilot
Qualification	Flight Crew Private
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10 Flight Crew Total 550 Flight Crew Type 250
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Airspace Violation All Types Deviation - Procedural FAR Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

BE33 pilot experienced portable GPS failure while attempting to over fly atl class B airspace. Reporter drifts below 12500 ft during troubleshooting and is asked to contact atl TRACON upon arrival.