Wildhorsetrail Posted February 15, 2022 Report Posted February 15, 2022 I have the opportunity to upgrade the KT76A to a KT76C. Since I'm not planning to do any better upgrades (like mode-s or ads-b) to the transponder, is this a worthwhile upgrade if it can be done for $500? I know it's just a slide in replacement, so there's no installation cost, but I'm not sure if the C is a more reliable or not. I do like the input better, but a small point. Quote
carusoam Posted February 15, 2022 Report Posted February 15, 2022 4 minutes ago, Wildhorsetrail said: I have the opportunity to upgrade the KT76A to a KT76C. Since I'm not planning to do any better upgrades (like mode-s or ads-b) to the transponder, is this a worthwhile upgrade if it can be done for $500? I know it's just a slide in replacement, so there's no installation cost, but I'm not sure if the C is a more reliable or not. I do like the input better, but a small point. I had done something similar a few years ago… Went from analog, reverse turning dials… to push button digital modernity…. My xponder croaked whike I was at Mooney Summit years ago…. @Alan Fox was carrying a few spares… I bought the new to me Xponder from him… Then later upgraded to an add-on for ADSB out… Best regards, -a- Quote
LANCECASPER Posted February 15, 2022 Report Posted February 15, 2022 8 hours ago, Wildhorsetrail said: I have the opportunity to upgrade the KT76A to a KT76C. Since I'm not planning to do any better upgrades (like mode-s or ads-b) to the transponder, is this a worthwhile upgrade if it can be done for $500? I know it's just a slide in replacement, so there's no installation cost, but I'm not sure if the C is a more reliable or not. I do like the input better, but a small point. They are both cavity tube transponders which means eventual failure. The C has a gas discharge display which eventually goes. While the digital is nice and there's a VFR button, if you are not going to go with a new extended squitter solid state transponder, you're better off to pick up an extra KT-76A as a spare. Doing another used Mode C transponder is most likely a 2-5 year solution, but the downside since these are older units is that when it fails it may be an inconvenient time (away from local shop, etc). If you have a WAAS source (GPS) on your panel already I would keep the $500 and save up for a GTX345. It should be good for 20 years since its a newer design, it's ads-b in and out, built in bluetooth, ahrs, etc. Quote
carusoam Posted February 15, 2022 Report Posted February 15, 2022 I think the 76C also has a display of the pressure altitude… Sort of a bonus feature… Best regards, -a- Quote
A64Pilot Posted February 15, 2022 Report Posted February 15, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, carusoam said: I think the 76C also has a display of the pressure altitude… Sort of a bonus feature… Best regards, -a- That’s one reason I did it, plus as my other Avionics are King and all gas discharge displays it matched. Then add in that the C I bought cost me $300, looks new and I still have the A as a spare it seemed to be a no brainer. If hangar kept, the gas displays seem to last a VERY long time, seems the sun cooks them if left outside. I also replaced my number 2 ILS receiver for about the same price Used Avionics can in my opinion be a very good bargain. Edited February 15, 2022 by A64Pilot 1 Quote
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