Baker Avionics

Please don't throw stones if you are not in that field. Remember, there are many many owners and "My A&P" jobs that get done as well because, "It is so easy". I agree with your local shop that even the crappy shops are busy and there ARE those that do not know what they are doing, for sure, just don't group the good ones by belittling what we do and thinking "It is easy to hook up a box and configure it". Everyone has there profession and skill level and though I am on the upper echelon of mine, as I have been told, I just know that a lot of folks are trying their best and we ALL need to understand that there is still a human factor involved and I will do everyone a favor by not telling them how easy it is to fly a plane because there are bad ones out there. There are some that are harder than you may think, but there are some that are super simple. I agree. Not trying to ruffle feathers, just please understand that if you can't fit into my shoes, please don't tell me how to walk in them and I will do the same. Please try not to take offense, just stating that there are issues that come up, some are bad units or auxiliary units that go bad, it is what it is and there are crappy shops as well. Forgive my long rant and if I offended, please forgive, it is not my intention.

Awesome! That's great news! Glad you got it taken care of. I hope the information helped.

Yes, I am just geeking out here. I get weird when I find these things.

Heck, I don't know. I am just geeking out and think it's pretty cool!!! LOL

SO, I was at one of my customer's hangar yesterday and he showed my this really cool app for both Android and Apple. Check it out and let me know what you think. Also, what other apps do you have that are pretty cool? I use this one as a "mock Flight Tracker" to see if things with my customer's transponders are working.. Flightradar is the name of the app.

Well good! Those are the things that are new and aren't readily shared by others to all. NOW all of the facts are out, that's great and still, clock the actual hours for me and let me know how many man hours it took and then let's do the math and understand the numbers. It is basically an easy install and will still take at least 10-15 man hours and maybe more 8f an antenna is needed. Either way, I personally have installed 20-25 of these systems and knows what it takes. I may not be the smartest person but I won't tell anyone that they are wrong when it comes to flying if I am not a seasoned pilot, I am a seasoned Avionics and Airframe mechanic and have been doing this for 30 years. Let us know what kind of HONEST man hours you log and let me know if it is under 15. I would be impressed if you are under that. If you need advice or the config tool, let me know. I would be glad to assist.

Great idea and no disrespect felt! I understand where you are coming from. The things you need to know is that IF an owner and his A&P install this, which it is easy enough to do, Garmin will not warranty the install because it was not installed by one of their Dealers. That is a good deal to get a 10 foot harness with the unit, however, the STC calls for it to be mounted in the tail section of the Mooney and I believe 10 foot is not enough to get from the tail to the instrument panel. Couple that with the labor costs, at a Repair Station, possibly mounting an antenna and running RG142/400, with 6 RF connectors(with GPS), removing interior and reinstalling it, mounting an antenna, configuration and checkout, the time adds up. No disrespect towards you, but you feel that 1800 for installation, configuration and checkout is too much? Going rate is anywhere from $100-$125/hours in a shop. By my calculations that is 18 or so hours to get it done for one person. Now, if owners want to have their reputable shops only "break even" and not make ANY profit, I agree. As far as configuration, you need the installation tool from Garmin to configure the unit. We are all in this together and I DO think it can be done by an owner and his A&P, just understand the other side that there will be virtually no warranty from Garmin, if I recall. Not to mention, ensuring the AFMS, W&B, 337 and log entry are done correctly along with the proper checkout. If you add all of that up, I think $1800.00 for labor of the installation, paperwork and misc installation supplies, special tooling for crimpers and accessing the needed areas, to include the existing transponder antenna and interior is pretty much a bargain and hopefully that facility can still turn a minor profit from it. I really appreciate your comments on this and respect the idea you brought up and it is very much doable, but, there is a risk and a sense of understanding one would need to ensure the accuracy of everything. I am TOTALLY with you on the involved owner. It is a phenomenal solution and I recommend it quite often.

Dave, click on my website below and fill out my contact form so we can correspond easier. (Not promoting my business either, it is for ease of communication) I WILL still post here for everyone else. I am not sure about the shop you have spoken to, however, they may have a different outlook than I do. That being said, assuming that your KT-76A is still repairable, which it should be, their numbers do not add up for me. I am pretty good at math and knowing that a GDL-82 install runs all in for around $3500.00 and the unit alone for a GTX-335 runs that without install tells me that the better option is the GDL for your solution, in my opinion assuming you ONLY want ADS-B out. Questions to answer are: Do you need a WAAS receiver or do you have one? Are you happy with your existing transponder in normal everyday operation? Knowing that our transponders are pretty much a "Ronco Unit" (Set it and forget it), the bells, whistles and pretty lights are neat, but if you are happy with what you have and are looking to be compliant and save for something a bit more advance in the future, go with the GDL. For my customers that are NOT tire kickers, I will make up a spreadsheet for them with their options, give them a hard copy and we go over it line by line and I let them write notes on it and ask them to take a day or so, do their due diligence, and then reconvene. I want them to be educated of the ins, outs, goods, and bads. I find that educating the customer is the most important thing in the world. I have taken deposits for a certain brand of ADS-B solutions, just to have them come back the next day and change their mind for a better one of Brand X and we went from there. I am glad we have time to discuss their needs, cares and concerns because you owners work hard for your money and it isn't wallet friendly by any means. Long story short, I have my suggestions for each customer and some are basic, some are intricate. However, until I know the customer, what they are looking for and what they know at that time, I will NEVER throw out an opinion directly to them or give my bias until we are on the same page education wise. Did this help? If you seriously need or want more info, let me know. I love talking shop so bear with me. Make sense?

If anyone would like any info as it pertains to install time, tech specs or any other question regarding the ADS-B Mandate, please feel free to contact me at any time. I am here for all of us as we are in this thing together. I would love to educate as many people as possible and possibly give you more insight as to what is the best solution for your situation and budget. Just let me know, I want to help. Here in the Northern California area, I have really helped folks out getting them the info and education they were needing to make sound decisions for their particular situation. Contact info below!

Taking it to a shop "All In" should run you not more than $3500.00 IMHO. We do them for that mainly and that is with the aircraft coming here fully equipped, with zero prep work prior. That SHOULD include all options.

No hate felt, trust me, I just know the skinny as we are the ones waiting for payment. Still........

Ok, Ok, OK........I must confess something here, as an Avionics Shop.....I have to say that in my 30 years in the industry, all in Avionics, I have become a professional "Not it!" player. Whenever a new software update comes out and the frisky young pilots come around because they track this stuff and want to "be the first guy with the new software" we tend to play the "Not it" game. I seem to have to do it anyway because no one else wants to do it and I will give in most of the time......but I digress.......here is what I ALWAYS recommend, if you system(s) are doing what you want and need them to do, why change it? If the "fix" in the software doesn't affect you, why do it? When you delve into software you are opening yourself and systems up naked in a room full of stiff collars that will mess around and have no heart. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. My contact is always below and call me at anytime. We are all in this together and if there is a question you need answered and I can get it for you, I will. But as for the Garmin software updates, slow down on getting them and let the bugs get worked out for a few months. This whole 6.50 debacle, I had to completely reconfigure 2 GTN750 with dual G600 in a King Air because of the update. The thing is, there was no info on the wiring in for this aircraft so I had to follow everything out to figure it out. It was quite fun. Slow down and the aircraft and pocketbook will thank you. And no, Garmin picks nothing up for these "Mandatory Updates".... Be good and keep the info coming!!!!! Mooniacs Unite!!!!!!

It does! Customers have been taking advantage of this for the GDL-82.

This is one of the easiest installs to do. We do it for about 10-15 hours depending on the accessibility. It is pretty much an open and shut install. You can also get various discrete inputs to fly anonymously and such to boot.

DS301 037-00025-0000

And as an Avionics Shop Manager and Owner, have them take out your carpeting or at LEAST cover it!!!!! That is a sin!!!! You could sell your 335 for a little less than what you got it for and you would be ahead. Can't wait to see the finished product!!!!!

I totally understand and while understand the practice, with a Comm Radio it is different because of the amperage it pulls, however, with the PMA Audio panels, they are pretty much the best out there and do not pull much current in normal configuration. I am not saying at all you are wrong, I just would not do that as a normal practice unless it happens again. It is good thinking though.

Not yet. Be sure to check power and ground first before anything else. Let's not replace things, just to be safe or to rule out. If power and ground are present, then , as Mark said, it could be a seating issue.

Lasar is in Lakeport, Ca. Lampson Field. 1O2. 7072630412

Ok, perfect! Good info! Do you have a CB for the Turn Coordinator? Check that also. One thing to look at is to see if the headset and mic jacks are actually isolated from ground. They SHOULD be grounded through the intercom unit itself, ONLY! If they are not isolated from the airframe and grounding there, they can pick up noise as well. Also, we need to be sure that the wiring going to the mic and headset jacks are shielded correctly.

With or without engines running? Only on Intercoms or also on Comm? Have you had engine work done lately?

Correct

That is correct! The GDL 82 "piggy backs" the existing transponder signal and lets the ADS-B out "ride" on that RF being generated from the existing transponder. It is a real simple install and very very cost effective for ADS-B out ONLY. Generally cost for parts and labor for the GDL is well under 4000.00.

Mark, glad to see you here checking this out! We need to catch up!!! Lets talk soon!!!

Let me know what you find by doing this. Or if the Avionics Shop does it. I wish there was a way to get it here or for me to get there to troubleshoot. Hope it helps. Good luck my friend!!!