Flip Flop button issue on GNS530W

[kevinw]

I've been having an issue with the comm flip/flop button on my 530. It doesn't seem to be making good contact and requiring my to press it two or three times to get the standby frequency to switch over. It's kind of sporadic; it might work on the first press and then take two or three the next time. I called my avionics shop and he said it needs a new face plate. $1,100 flat rate repair that Garmin performs. Does anyone know of any other options before I send it in?

[Marauder]

I've been having an issue with the comm flip/flop button on my 530. It doesn't seem to be making good contact and requiring my to press it two or three times to get the standby frequency to switch over. It's kind of sporadic; it might work on the first press and then take two or three the next time. I called my avionics shop and he said it needs a new face plate. $1,100 flat rate repair that Garmin performs. Does anyone know of any other options before I send it in?

I wonder if an electronic contact cleaner sprayed carefully on the unpowered button would help.

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[kevinw]

 

I wonder if an electronic contact cleaner sprayed carefully on the unpowered button would help.

 

 

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I thought about that but too nervous to try it without hearing some success with it.

[Marauder]

I thought about that but too nervous to try it without hearing some success with it.

There are two different types of electronic contact cleaners that I found , one of them safe on plastics.

[Releew]

Get the good stuff from Radio Shack.  Triple the price but really safe on electronics.  I would stay away from CRC or any other Auto parts brands.

 

Rick

[kevinw]

Get the good stuff from Radio Shack.  Triple the price but really safe on electronics.  I would stay away from CRC or any other Auto parts brands.

 

Rick

Thanks for that. The CRC is exactly what I have!!!

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[MB65E]

Deoxit Gold-it's almost like stable 22 in a can. Good stuff!! It's at RadioShack. I keep it in my traveling tool kit for work. It has been taken several times by TSA. I now shop everything fedex! I would still caution using it on plastic. I would try to remove the face plate before I hoses off anything. 

-Matt

Edited October 28, 2015 by MB65E

[Jerry 5TJ]

I believe the switch in question is a sealed membrane type and contact cleaner won't reach the metallic contacts.   

If you don't want to repair the unit you could install a remote comm flip-flop switch. The GNS 530 supports that feature.  (On J5002 pin 15)

[Marauder]

I believe the switch in question is a sealed membrane type and contact cleaner won't reach the metallic contacts.   

If you don't want to repair the unit you could install a remote comm flip-flop switch. The GNS 530 supports that feature.  (On J5002 pin 15)

I got one of them on my GNC 255B

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[Oscar Avalle]

I had a similar problem with my 430 in my PA 28... decades ago...:=). The only solution I found was to send the unit back. It seems to be something common problem. 

[ArtVandelay]

If it's the sealed type, it may be just not make clean contact from disuse. Try pressing the button a few hundred times, like 1/sec for 10 mins. Sometimes they can self clean, you don't even need to power it on while doing this.

[thinwing]

I believe the switch in question is a sealed membrane type and contact cleaner won't reach the metallic contacts.   

If you don't want to repair the unit you could install a remote comm flip-flop switch. The GNS 530 supports that feature.  (On J5002 pin 15)

That is a great idea.I was going to suggust it...also those 4 leg membrane switches are not surface mount (they are actually double pole switches pressure sensitive)its possible some crud is between it and the plastic panel button maybe preventing it from clicking..considering the minimum repair cost ,this is something I would learn to solder !!

[Mooneymite]

If you don't want to repair the unit you could install a remote comm flip-flop switch. The GNS 530 supports that feature.  (On J5002 pin 15)

I presume the -430 also has this feature?

[Jerry 5TJ]

Yes, the GNS430 also has remote com swap capability. 

[mitch0537]

I've tried taking the 430/530 apart to see if there is anything that can be done. What I've found is that there are switches that just plain old wear out. If it's a switch that doesn't get used much and is intermittent, you can bring it back to life by pressing it many time successively until it comes back to life. Can you hear it snap? If not, it's done and you're wasting your time cleaning it. The switch is a 4 leg snap action held onto a PC board with something like packing tape. To get any contact cleaner on it at all requires complete disassembly of the front end to remove the PC board. Do not attempt this. Shooting contact cleaner from the front won't do anything but make a mess, it won't reach the contact. Garmin does allow field repair of the GNS series, but only to module level. Your shop can replace the front faceplate, which is basically the whole front end all switches display etc... I think they are about $600 plus it takes a little less than an hour. 

[kevinw]

I can hear the click. I plan to fly it today so I'll try pressing it a hundred times or so before I power it up and see if that works. Worth a shot. Thanks for all the input guys.

[kevinw]

If it's the sealed type, it may be just not make clean contact from disuse. Try pressing the button a few hundred times, like 1/sec for 10 mins. Sometimes they can self clean, you don't even need to power it on while doing this.

I did this today before I fired it up and the button works perfectly. I don't know if this is a temporary fix or not but as of now it switches frequencies normally. Thanks for the tip; you saved me $1,100!!!

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[Marauder]

I did this today before I fired it up and the button works perfectly. I don't know if this is a temporary fix or not but as of now it switches frequencies normally. Thanks for the tip; you saved me $1,100!!!

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But now you have this sore finger issue.

[carusoam]

Great feed back, Kevin.  Good luck with the finger healing.

Best regards,

-a-

 

[ArtVandelay]

I did this today before I fired it up and the button works perfectly. I don't know if this is a temporary fix or not but as of now it switches frequencies normally. Thanks for the tip; you saved me $1,100!!!

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No problem, remember mechanical devices like to be used but not abused...so go flying!

[rbridges]

I've tried taking the 430/530 apart to see if there is anything that can be done. What I've found is that there are switches that just plain old wear out. If it's a switch that doesn't get used much and is intermittent, you can bring it back to life by pressing it many time successively until it comes back to life. Can you hear it snap? If not, it's done and you're wasting your time cleaning it. The switch is a 4 leg snap action held onto a PC board with something like packing tape. To get any contact cleaner on it at all requires complete disassembly of the front end to remove the PC board. Do not attempt this. Shooting contact cleaner from the front won't do anything but make a mess, it won't reach the contact. Garmin does allow field repair of the GNS series, but only to module level. Your shop can replace the front faceplate, which is basically the whole front end all switches display etc... I think they are about $600 plus it takes a little less than an hour. 

That would still be much less than Garmin's flat rate repair fee.