KT 74 on Sale...

[MikeOH]

5 hours ago, Captain Bash said:

Quick update,

The KT74 is on backorder from PCA until mid-August.

As for AIE avionics in French Valley, they will only install products ordered through them, not through third parties. I filled out quote anyways to see what they come back with.

im going to reach out to affordable avionics in Chino and also Thermal to see if they will install it.

 

ill keep you posted!

Thanks for the update!

But, I had a bad experience at Affordable...went in for a static system check and altitude encoder being off 100 feet...ended up with nearly a $2000 bill and they screwed up my gear warning system.  They tore my whole panel apart looking for static system leak when it turned out to be the alternate air valve sticking!  Frankly, I doubt the encoder needed replacing...probably just needed calibration.

I'd run, not walk, across the tarmac to Advantage Aviation.  I managed to wreck both of my G430W data cards just before a long planned family trip and went to Mark at Advantage...he'd never met me and, without charge, loaned me two good data cards for my trip.  Guess where I'm going to have avionics work done?

Edited June 28, 2019 by MikeOH

[Captain Bash]

22 hours ago, MikeOH said:

Thanks for the update!

But, I had a bad experience at Affordable...went in for a static system check and altitude encoder being off 100 feet...ended up with nearly a $2000 bill and they screwed up my gear warning system.  They tore my whole panel apart looking for static system leak when it turned out to be the alternate air valve sticking!  Frankly, I doubt the encoder needed replacing...probably just needed calibration.

I'd run, not walk, across the tarmac to Advantage Aviation.  I managed to wreck both of my G430W data cards just before a long planned family trip and went to Mark at Advantage...he'd never met me and, without charge, loaned me two good data cards for my trip.  Guess where I'm going to have avionics work done?

Interesting developments:

Advantage Avionics (Advantage Aviation) in Chino does not install Bendix King transponders and is not an authorized dealer. Mark said he would install the GTX 335 for $5000. First availability to get the work done: December.

AIE avionics in French Valley was even more expensive. Even though they offer the KT74 on their website, Kenneth from there said they don’t install or sell Bendix King Avionics. He too recommended the GTX 335 and quoted $9,000 installed. $3,000 for the Unit, $5,000 for the install.

Now to wait for Monday to call all of the dealers listed on Bendix King’s Website...

Edited June 29, 2019 by Captain Bash

[jaylw314]

1 hour ago, Captain Bash said:

Interesting developments:

Advantage Avionics (Advantage Aviation) in Chino does not install Bendix King transponders and is not an authorized dealer. Mark said he would install the GTX 335 for $5000. First availability to get the work done: December.

AIE avionics in French Valley was even more expensive. Even though they offer the KT74 on their website, Kenneth from there said they don’t install or sell Bendix King Avionics. He too recommended the GTX 335 and quoted $9,000 installed. $3,000 for the Unit, $5,000 for the install.

Now to wait for Monday to call all of the dealers listed on Bendix King’s Website...

What the....

[drapo]

The old phenomenon known as « Offer and Demand » in the.avionics field as January 2020 looms...

[MBDiagMan]

On 6/23/2019 at 5:37 PM, Captain Bash said:

Yep, replacing my KT76A.

It ties in with my 430W and is 1090ES so it isn’t limited to FL180 like the skyBeacon options.

its the same unit as a Trig TT31, but I like having the row of numbers to input the squawk as opposed to having to use a single knob to input the code.

Yes, push button squawk beats the heck out of twisting it in while climbing out and having other things to keep up with.

[MikeOH]

22 hours ago, Captain Bash said:

Interesting developments:

Advantage Avionics (Advantage Aviation) in Chino does not install Bendix King transponders and is not an authorized dealer. Mark said he would install the GTX 335 for $5000. First availability to get the work done: December.

AIE avionics in French Valley was even more expensive. Even though they offer the KT74 on their website, Kenneth from there said they don’t install or sell Bendix King Avionics. He too recommended the GTX 335 and quoted $9,000 installed. $3,000 for the Unit, $5,000 for the install.

Now to wait for Monday to call all of the dealers listed on Bendix King’s Website...

YOWZER!

I've got some decisions to make....hopefully, I can work out installing the KT74 myself and getting my A&P to sign off, because paying to get it installed is sounding excessive!  As an EE, wiring up a harness from the GNS430W won't be an issue, and it's a slide in replacement, but it's just not clear whether an airspeed switch is required...more research.  Of course if uAvionix gets the TailBeacon certified, I may just go that route.

[Captain Bash]

2 hours ago, MikeOH said:

YOWZER!

I've got some decisions to make....hopefully, I can work out installing the KT74 myself and getting my A&P to sign off, because paying to get it installed is sounding excessive!  As an EE, wiring up a harness from the GNS430W won't be an issue, and it's a slide in replacement, but it's just not clear whether an airspeed switch is required...more research.  Of course if uAvionix gets the TailBeacon certified, I may just go that route.

Mind you, those install prices were for the GTX 335.

That means really intensive work in regards to rewiring the whole setup. They also are not Bendix Dealers. 

Call me suspicious, but they both used to be Bendix dealers. It’s almost as if they nixed themselves out of it because they can’t make any money on the install of “slide-in-replacements”, especially since AIE has the KT74 on their website...so they sold it and installed it at some point...but decided to nix it as we get closer to the end of the year to maximize profits.

not sure about the airspeed switch, but all that’s needed is a RS-232 cable to connect the transponder to your WAAS unit.

Be careful though, after install, I’m guessing a transponder and altimeter check will be needed, along with the 30-minute test flight to fulfill the mandate.

There are plenty of Bendix dealers to pick from in the SoCal area. Just google “Bendix dealer locations” and it should take you to their dealer search page.

Edited June 30, 2019 by Captain Bash

[OR75]

16 hours ago, MikeOH said:

YOWZER!

I've got some decisions to make....hopefully, I can work out installing the KT74 myself and getting my A&P to sign off, because paying to get it installed is sounding excessive!  As an EE, wiring up a harness from the GNS430W won't be an issue, and it's a slide in replacement, but it's just not clear whether an airspeed switch is required...more research.  Of course if uAvionix gets the TailBeacon certified, I may just go that route.

The airspeed switch is not required anymore. There is a SB to cover that 

 

[MikeOH]

17 hours ago, Captain Bash said:

Mind you, those install prices were for the GTX 335.

That means really intensive work in regards to rewiring the whole setup. They also are not Bendix Dealers. 

Call me suspicious, but they both used to be Bendix dealers. It’s almost as if they nixed themselves out of it because they can’t make any money on the install of “slide-in-replacements”, especially since AIE has the KT74 on their website...so they sold it and installed it at some point...but decided to nix it as we get closer to the end of the year to maximize profits.

not sure about the airspeed switch, but all that’s needed is a RS-232 cable to connect the transponder to your WAAS unit.

Be careful though, after install, I’m guessing a transponder and altimeter check will be needed, along with the 30-minute test flight to fulfill the mandate.

There are plenty of Bendix dealers to pick from in the SoCal area. Just google “Bendix dealer locations” and it should take you to their dealer search page.

I think you are spot on regarding installers not being able to make much on a 'slide-in.'  Yup, will need another static system check.

Thanks.

[MikeOH]

4 hours ago, OR75 said:

The airspeed switch is not required anymore. There is a SB to cover that 

 

Do you know where I can find that SB?  My rather vague understanding of this is that the STC I need to install the KT74 in a Mooney has not been updated to reflect that SB and, thus, would still require the use of the switch even though it's really no longer required. But, as I say, I'm not certain about any of this....which is why I haven't purchased the KT74 just yet; I want to make sure I've got ALL the details figured out.

[Captain Bash]

20 minutes ago, MikeOH said:

I think you are spot on regarding installers not being able to make much on a 'slide-in.'  Yup, will need another static system check.

Thanks.

No worries, I love this stuff!

You’re based at Brackett? I’m at Bermuda Dunes. We should meet up some time for a coffee!

Side note, the FAA is having a safety course regarding rusty pilots and returning to currency in Big Bear on the 16th. By attending you are credited with 3 hours of ground schooling that can be used for your next flight review.

Im all current with my Private MEL and Instrument ratings and working on my commercial. I’ll take all the free ground training I can get!

[OR75]

7 hours ago, MikeOH said:

Do you know where I can find that SB?  My rather vague understanding of this is that the STC I need to install the KT74 in a Mooney has not been updated to reflect that SB and, thus, would still require the use of the switch even though it's really no longer required. But, as I say, I'm not certain about any of this....which is why I haven't purchased the KT74 just yet; I want to make sure I've got ALL the details figured out.

I got it from BK . Your shop should have it and know what to do . But BK sent it to me very quickly .

it has to do with a software update (3.18 does not require the switch)

i will need to update the software , but you won’t likely need to do that with a new unit. I am waiting to do that right before the next pitot static is due. The speed switch bothers me (I hate clutter even behind the panel ) , but I am also cheap . 

[OR75]

Note that the STC comes from BK (not peregrine) 

[MikeOH]

2 hours ago, OR75 said:

Note that the STC comes from BK (not peregrine) 

Ah, got it!

Thanks

[MBDiagMan]

I didn’t read the entire thread, so if this has already been covered I apologize.

For those with a KT76, now that the KT74 is available for about $2000, it is a wonderful choice for ADS-B compliance.  It slides in the KT76 tray and only needs the antenna and one wire added making for an inexpensive installation.

This only slightly more expensive than an XBeacon, but brings a fresh push button transponder the panel.  This is a solution far superior to the XBeacon.

[jaylw314]

And as others have determined (and I was incorrect), the KT-74 install (if the software is updated to the latest version) for ADS-B no longer requires the Peregrine STC, which, among other things, required an airspeed switch and required the install be done in a radio/instrument(?) shop.  Now Bendix King owns the STC, but since it is not published, I don't know if it still requires the install be done in a radio shop.  It would be nice if you could just take it to your own shop and have your IA sign off on it.  You'd still need the IFR cert, of course... 

[MikeOH]

Damn!

Woulda, coulda, shoulda....price is back up to $2,495

[Captain Bash]

Well, I ended up with the Stratus unit. Had it done by Affordable Avionics in Thermal. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Ken. Great, great guy. Installed for $4500 which included an altimeter check, pitot system check and 6 new jacks for my radios.

the KT74 was on backorder for 8 weeks and he had the Stratus in stock. I asked about the Garmin units but he said that he’s had a lot of those units fail in his experience.

Now on to Florida to have my right tank sealed. You can track my progress if you’d like!

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N513SB

[LANCECASPER]

19 hours ago, Captain Bash said:

Well, I ended up with the Stratus unit. Had it done by Affordable Avionics in Thermal. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Ken. Great, great guy. Installed for $4500 which included an altimeter check, pitot system check and 6 new jacks for my radios.

the KT74 was on backorder for 8 weeks and he had the Stratus in stock. I asked about the Garmin units but he said that he’s had a lot of those units fail in his experience.

Now on to Florida to have my right tank sealed. You can track my progress if you’d like!

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N513SB

You couldn’t have found found a farther place to get your tanks re-sealed from CA than FL?   : )

[Captain Bash]

Well, there’s only 2 reputable guys.

WeepNoMore in Minnesota

wetWingOlogist in Florida

weepnomore was flakey. Wouldn’t respond emails or calls for over a week, then would say he is just sooo busy.

WetWing in Florida responses to my inquiry on the same day. He also explained the process. 

What he does, that he says nobody else does, is first etch the entire wing. Kind of like painting a room, you want to do a scuff job in order for it to take the sealer. Check out the before and after on his site.

http://www.wetwingologistseast.com/Welcome.html

Lasar doesn’t do it. Nobody does it anymore. The last shop that said they could do it had my plane for 2 months, and after 100 hours they admitted that they can’t do it either. Cost me $3000 to figure that out.

 

[ArtVandelay]

Well, there’s only 2 reputable guys.
WeepNoMore in Minnesota
wetWingOlogist in Florida
weepnomore was flakey. Wouldn’t respond emails or calls for over a week, then would say he is just sooo busy.
WetWing in Florida responses to my inquiry on the same day. He also explained the process. 
What he does, that he says nobody else does, is first etch the entire wing. Kind of like painting a room, you want to do a scuff job in order for it to take the sealer. Check out the before and after on his site.
http://www.wetwingologistseast.com/Welcome.html
Lasar doesn’t do it. Nobody does it anymore. The last shop that said they could do it had my plane for 2 months, and after 100 hours they admitted that they can’t do it either. Cost me $3000 to figure that out.
 

Just keep an eye out for hurricanes, how long did they estimate it would take?


Tom

[Captain Bash]

22 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Just keep an eye out for hurricanes, how long did they estimate it would take?


Tom

LoL Hurricane season indeed. Luckily I have all of August off so slow and steady wins the race. 

I also have some nice tools for getting around the storms...

 

Said it would take about 2 weeks.

i can’t wait to have 100 Gal usable, I have to wait about an hour at each stop to allow the engine time to cool off a little.

i don’t care what anyone says, an TSIO-520 in a Mooney cowling doesn’t enjoy hot starts when it is 100 degrees outside. 

I have to keep reminding myself, slow and steady LoL.

[LANCECASPER]

Edison at WetWingologists at KFXE is a good guy and does great work, just not real convenient for CA customers, especially if there's warranty work later.

[Captain Bash]

3 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

Edison at WetWingologists at KFXE is a good guy and does great work, just not real convenient for CA customers, especially if there's warranty work later.

Good to know, thanks.

it is what it is, I bought the rocket knowing there were things to be done. It’s an airplane, just like a boat with wings. I can’t complain, especially considering I got it for $45,000 after the Tax Writeoff. 

I gotta build time anyways, and I can’t think of a more fun way to do it!