Apollo GX65 wired to KI209 CDI

[mwhitnell]

Hi,

I have an Apollo loran in the panel.  I have a friend that is installing a glass panel and has an Apollo GX65 that he will give me.  My plan is to hook the gps to the King KI209 and remove one KX155 nav com, keeping my other KX155 wired to another KI209, so I can do ILS.  From my reading the GX65 gives both lateral and vertical deviations so it should drive the KI209.  Does someone agree?  If in fact the GX65 only gives lateral deviation I could do with using a KI208.

[carusoam]

1) Having a Loran doesn't help what you are trying to achieve.

2) Vertical guidance comes in two forms.  WAAS GPS and ILS.  Reading up on the Apollo GX65, I see neither...

3) I am skeptical of Apollo being able to deliver a WAAS solution.  They were adsorbed before WAAS was around.

4) The terrible part related to used avionics is the installation costs are similar to new radios but they are close to needing to be replaced already.

5) https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/in-the-air/discontinued/apollo-gx65/prod6430.html

6) the key words are from Garmin.  Discontinued.

So a  free discontinued radio to replace a defunct navigation system.

7) can you get Nav updates on the discontinued system?  This would be the only blessing.  But you still want an ILS...

Overall, you are looking for a WAAS NavCom or a traditional NavCom with ILS capabilities.  The Apollo GX65 is free, but doesn't have what you want.

Tough spot to be in.  Did this help?

Best regards,

-a-

[clh]

Don't want to pile on, but are you certain it is a gx65, not a gx60?  I believe gx65 is only enroute ceritfied ifr.  not approach.  The non precision approach certified units were the gx50 and gx60.  vertical guidance is not of much value enroute.

[N601RX]

The KI 209 uses a composite input signal and is not comparable with GPS units which use left/right inputs.

209A will interface with GPS or most nav radio.

[carusoam]

GX65 is enroute and terminal certified..?

That was from the website.  

When GPS was new, there were different levels of certification...

- enroute

- terminal

- approach

Approach certified is usually the words we are looking for to indicate that the database has approach plates integrated in them.  That was the best available up until the latest WAAS systems became available.

The WAAS version is ten years newer than the others.  Garmin has been producing WAAS GPS long enough that they are becoming available as they are getting replaced by the touchscreen crop.  Expect the used G430W to be in the 5AMU range for a while.  Don't be confused by the lesser G430 that is not WAAS.  Some have been updated over time....

There are three manufacturers of WAAS GPS boxes.  Modern, color touchscreen really nice.  Incredibly versatile.

Best regards,

-a-

[clh]

Carusoam,  

you are correct about the terminal.   What I was getting at was that without the approach capability, you cannot take advantage of the gps approaches.   IMHO, This severely limits the utility of the device.  even if you do not have waas capability,  most of these approaches will get you into airports with 600ft or so ceilings.   Without it you are either stuck on the ground or looking for a loc or vor approach.

[carusoam]

clh,

That was a confusing part back when GPS equipment was first coming out.  This device can find an airport, but it seems to not have the approach procedures.

Using it for VOR approaches could be a first step.  If he can maintain the database it would definitely be better than the Loran and easier than an actual VOR...

The next challenge is using it as a VOR, sooner or later the clouds drop below 600' agl.  It is time to go to the alternate that has an ILS for better minimums. That would be tricky without any ILS equipment on board...

Being stuck on the ground is only a minor problem compared to the other one.

I am only a PP, not a CFI...

Best regards,

-a-

[clh]

He said he was keeping one kx155 for the ILS.  I have the gx50 in my plane.  It opens many smaller airports to the non-precision approaches.  Having the gx65 would not allow the approaches.   

Bottom line to the OP.   I think you will not be getting much bang-for-the-buck once you get it installed.   I would recommend getting something waas.

[Aerodon]

On February 16, 2016 at 5:37 PM, mwhitnell said:

Hi,

I have an Apollo loran in the panel.  I have a friend that is installing a glass panel and has an Apollo GX65 that he will give me.  My plan is to hook the gps to the King KI209 and remove one KX155 nav com, keeping my other KX155 wired to another KI209, so I can do ILS.  From my reading the GX65 gives both lateral and vertical deviations so it should drive the KI209.  Does someone agree?  If in fact the GX65 only gives lateral deviation I could do with using a KI208.

No, the KI208 or 209 won't work with the GX65.  There are some mid continent indicators with annunciators required for IFR enroute.  Or something like a KI206, MD200, or collins IND350/351.  The GX60 had vertical deviation, coupled to the 'descent assist' mode.  

Don