dkkim73

I always wondered about that 400Hz, why that frequency. I guess using it for tone makes some sense.

Still awaiting delivery. They have a smaller bike one that was originally recommended by the OP (the one I got). They also have a car unit that is bigger (battery primarily I would guess).

Oh yeah, only useful when in that lower "regulating range". But when you're down there it's a nice cross check ..

I am not sure what may have changed with Mooney's status change. I think, to the extent they "run it through" the manufacturer, that could be a limitation. My local Garmin guy (KBIL) complained about Mooney's responsiveness, and that was a while ago; no issue since I had the loader card and it was just a re-upload. I had the upgrade done by Jeff Rossell/Michael Kneese at Mooney. So sad they are not there now but Jeff is, last I knew, across the field at Wolfe Avionics. Perhaps check with him? Another name might be Brian Kendrick. I am told he is also stellar at avionics in addition to the general Mooney advice he's provided me.

@Ibra That looks like a NASA photo or a Christmas card! Some of these night+cloud flights are magical. I remember flying home between layers with the moonlight overhead, returning from my IFR checkride in Minnesota; such a great feeling and a great memory. You and Sue and Matthias will have to have a European Mooney Moon Photo contest.

Yeah, man, me too! I hope I will patiently extricate them without a mark. I am also hoping to acquire musical skill, vocal skill, and looks and then become a rock star. Then there are my business ideas... I think it was Skip who advised me to aggressively fill the pockets with RTV. I.e. not just a dab which risks creating a void that will allow freeze/thaw cycles to jettison them over Eastern WA or northern Idaho. Also putting clear 100mph tape over them is cheap insurance. Any tips on deftly extricating them welcome by me and probably IvanP.

Hey all, I just bought one of these, and there's a roughly $7 coupon currently, so price is $39 ish now. (earning CB points with every 3rd post)

Yeah, I really like them and am often cross-checking them in flight. Or asking my wife to. One has condensation I wasn't able to bake out and the other is my ghetto special remarked dial (which I will say does work, and the price is right, but it's just not as easy to read). So I bit the bullet and got a couple. And they're the bees knees on the ground, too, for a quick range assessment and refill assistance. DK

Turbo encabulator port. Those are pricey to replace especially from Lasar (I am told) but can be overhauled by a few shops if needed. Surprised I'm the first to recognize it.

I've actually been surprised by how maintainable some older quality cars are (e.g. Lexus GX variants, older Bimmers and Mercs, etc) with aftermarket parts apparently kept afloat by enthusiast communities and a steady stream of OEM and knock-offs. There's almost a special market I think, as newer cars are built differently and not always in the ways that you would want. Never owned a Porsche but have thought from time to time that a 996-variant would be a nice purchase at some point; used to be able to get a good deal esp. if you had the bro hook-up on a good source and maintainer (e.g. IMS fix). I imagine the difference with our Mooney situation is just all the regulation in aviation.

FYI I got a call last week from Lasar that the wing gauge capsules marked for my tanks had come, it sounds like a batch of 25 or so arrived and they were calling the "let us know when you get 'em" list. They might have been a bit more than I'd remembered but not absurdly more. NB the price is intrinsically a bit wacky for such a small part, as discussed previously, but explained by the small #s and custom order (for the label marking) from the actual gauge manufacturer.

Updated model of the Earth's magnetic field. The confusion is that before 401.37, the update failed and had to be manually helped along. So if yours is updated as mine was, should be a non issue. HTH David

Ah ha! Glad you posted this. I updated my chart and nav data DB's yesterday and was surprised by this magnetic variation model update. I stared at it for a while and then selected Yes since why not? It didn't complain. I read the SB later at home and wondered if I'd missed a failure. Knowing that the update process now works in the later revs makes a lot of sense. Does anyone know of a quick way to check the magnetic field model in use? (legacy G1000 here, at the .37 rev from memory)

I've been struck how useful it is to have displays replaced in old components. E.g. BMW electroluminescent displays from the 80's-00's. New life in old components! Retro look! Makes sense for the old King gear. Now I just need a nixie tube watch...

The paint and hat naturally make it look even larger.

Those programs and rates look pretty darn reasonable. Sounds like a nice vacation trip...

@LANCECASPER LMK what you learn/decide. I think guarding the AP switch breaker is a good idea.

Along the lines of what Yetti posted, maybe something like this? https://us.rs-online.com/product/nkk-switches/at217a/70364724/ I'm thinking you want to avoid bumping the AP switch, not cover it away from quick access. IIRC that switch is also a breaker and the main way of getting power off with the AP system. (datasheet linked, clip here, need to better verify the measurements)

Sorry, I phrased that badly. I meant the first part of the list has the G1000 (legacy), specifically all Acclaim non-Ultras, some Bravos, and some Ovations. And the Ultras the NXi. Too many commas, not enough periods in my original post. Thank you for clarifying.

Great story, PIREP, and pics!

Should. That switch can go bad and 1. I'm told the two circuits (switches) tend to fail in some association and 2. You can't really tell without, well, testing the safety mechanism. Which I would never do unless it's on jacks.. Had to deal with this last year (bad heater switch, not an inadvertent retraction...)

Great example. Very clean, too. Is that large-screen Garmin GPS one of the touch-screen models? Do you achieve an effective integration with the G3X similar to with the PFD/MFD split on the G1000 and similar units?

I was hoping someone like @Ragsf15e would jump in on the subtleties among the K's. Your point about older planes is good, but some of that can be mitigated by thorough due diligence (finding a good example). You could probably optimize quite a bit within your budget. The G3X example is familiar to you and provide some overlapping similiarities with the G1000. The G1000/GFC700 would be great that way for similar reasons. FWIW getting Flightstream integration (via a bit of a hack/custom install, for the legacy G1000s, documented elsewhere on this forum) would allow you to sync with external units, iPad, etc, which some of the busy East Coast flyers here ( @Schllc) find useful for multiple re-routes over short distances. But even the stock G1000 FMS is capable. You could probably get something similar with additional installs (TXi touch screens, etc) but again at the cost of search, install time, etc. Depends on how much you want turnkey vs. a project. I think this can be added to most of the options you mention...? @donkaye, MCFI runs an active traffic system for Northern California on a custom panel. For the G1000 birds, there is a nearly drop-in option that goes into an open space in the avionics rack. They seem to have pre-configured these racks to add TAS, Stormscope, DME, ADF easily. Do you use NDB's still in that part of South America? You could drop one in, too, but probably want to use RNAV more. FYI my useful load with TKS installed is 882lbs per the last factory weighing. For single pilot, I can't imagine any issues... I can load up easily 89 gal of fuel, TKS, survival kit, gadgets, luggage and still loiter for several hours if I have to divert. Taking a couple adults changes the equation with fuel stops etc. DK

I imagine this tiny pump would make it easier to do drive by (literally) tire checks. Eg. I have it on my list to take my compressor to the hangar but it's about 3 feet long.

You know your training and reps are sticking when you follow the procedure in a dream.