Ross Taylor Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 Okay, for me this really is an upgrade...even though these are both "old" units. This will please the CBs and drive @gsxrpilot to urge me towards the fancy 450. My situation: I've got an old toggle switch audio panel with some issues. I've got an avionics guy in the hanger behind mine who trusts my EE background and will monitor, and very affordably support, my connection of the existing harness to a "new unit" (I know that, normally, the installation costs about as much as the unit). All three of us in the plane have BT headsets, so having a BT panel doesn't seem to be of much value right now....well, the dog doesn't have BT but she's not on the intercom either. All of our jacks have mono wiring and I don't plan to invest in changing that anytime soon, so stereo or 3D spacial positioning is also not important to me. Really, all I need right now is a solid $900-1000 used audio panel (with marker beacon). In this price range, used of course, it looks like I can get either a clean Garmin or a 7000 series PS. I had the GMA 340 in my Diamond, back in 2004, and liked it. The PS Engineering 7000 series seems to have good intercom (intelligent squelch?) features and loyal fans. In this $$ range, do you recommend one over the other? Thanks much, Ross Quote
carusoam Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 When considering Pre-flowned avionics... see what Alan has on the shelf.... He might have a better price... or a better unit... or insight towards what is better for your plane... @Alan Fox used to have a thread specific to his inventory... it changes so often, it may not be up to date... Best regards, -a- Quote
Ross Taylor Posted June 11, 2020 Author Report Posted June 11, 2020 Good call on that @carusoam and I’ve been watching his listings on the bay. I’d always rather support a MSer. A quick @Alan Fox note - do you know how I found his listings on eBay? I was looking at avionics and realized I recognized the dining room in the photo, from MS listings. Made me laugh... 2 Quote
gsxrpilot Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 since you invited me to the conversation I'd recommend the GMA340. They are cheap and plentiful. You should be able to find a used one. Chase at @Avionics Source takes them in on trade all the time and so must have some used ones to sell. It's cool that you'll be able to do the install yourself with someone to look over the work and sign it off. But the best part is that down the road when you're ready to step up to a top of the line audio panel... the PMA450b will slide into that GMA340 tray without any modification or rewiring at all. It literally takes 2 minutes to install. My PMA450b is riding in the original GMA340 tray that came in my Mooney. And Chase will probably take the GMA back and trade it (and some cash) for the PMA450b... which is what you really want 1 1 Quote
Ross Taylor Posted June 11, 2020 Author Report Posted June 11, 2020 12 minutes ago, gsxrpilot said: since you invited me to the conversation I did indeed, and this is super helpful. I was actually leaning towards the 7000 but this upgrade path info definitely sways me towards the Garmin...exactly the insight I was in need of. 1 Quote
Alan Fox Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 I have both a GMA340 tagged complete with new install kit , for 1000 , and I might have a used PMA8000B , for 1100.00 with a new connector kit... 1 1 Quote
Mscheuer Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 I would highly recommend you look at this link before making your final decision. Used or New, no comparison! PMA8000B to GMA340 Comparison Thanks! Mark 1 Quote
59Moonster Posted June 11, 2020 Report Posted June 11, 2020 I would recommend the 8000G. Lots of features. But then again I don't know how deep your pockets are for this project. Quote
Ross Taylor Posted June 11, 2020 Author Report Posted June 11, 2020 So, thanks for the input...all of you. And thanks for letting me know about your inventory, Alan - you have all the good things! An MSer contacted me directly and has a 340 he's elected not to use during his upcoming upgrade...so he's taking super good care of me and this will fit our budget nicely. The PS products look amazing, but for now the Garmin will work just fine. And, like Paul says, someday we'll want the PMA450b which will slide into that tray. Quote
Ross Taylor Posted June 11, 2020 Author Report Posted June 11, 2020 As to budget, as new restaurant owners (yeah, great timing on that...), I wanted to get a new panel installed for 1 AMU or less. With me doing the work, paying the avionics guy for oversight, and the deal from a fellow MSer I'll be able to do that now. Sometime down the road, I'll be in a better position to put the PMA450 in there. 1 Quote
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