Transponder

[Tom Cummings]

My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears to
have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
presently.
Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple matter
such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
colapsed return spring?
Thanks,
Tom

[[email protected]]

Tom Cummings wrote:

> My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears to
> have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
> in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> presently.
> Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple matter
> such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> colapsed return spring?
> Thanks,
> Tom

When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.

[Whit]

wrote:
> Tom Cummings wrote:
>
> > My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> > It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears to
> > have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
> > in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> > presently.
> > Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple matter
> > such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> > colapsed return spring?
> > Thanks,
> > Tom
>
> When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
> airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.

Man Tim, don't you think you being a bit of a jerk? The guy just
asked a simple question . . .

Tom, I'd suggest you wait for someone with something useful to say
to reply.

Martin

[Jimmy]

> My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears
to
> have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
> in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> presently.
> Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple
matter
> such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> colapsed return spring?
> Thanks,
> Tom

If you have any skills with a phillips head screw driver, yank it out and
try to fix it yourself.

[Ray]

> When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
> airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.

I don't see why it should be a big deal. ATC has the capability to
receive multiple idents simultaneously. I would imagine most
controllers can deal with this kind of problem without skipping a beat -
even if you're VFR and not in contact with ATC.

- Ray

[[email protected]]

Whit wrote:

> wrote:
> > Tom Cummings wrote:
> >
> > > My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> > > It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears to
> > > have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
> > > in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> > > presently.
> > > Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple matter
> > > such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> > > colapsed return spring?
> > > Thanks,
> > > Tom
> >
> > When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
> > airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.
>
> Man Tim, don't you think you being a bit of a jerk? The guy just
> asked a simple question . . .

Simple is the operative word. If he can't afford to have an avionics shop repair
his transponder, then he shouldn't be sharing the airspace with me where TCAS
depends upon his properly maintaining his transponder.

[Dale Scroggins]

Jimmy wrote:
>>My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
>>It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears
>
> to
>
>>have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
>>in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
>>presently.
>>Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple
>
> matter
>
>>such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
>>colapsed return spring?
>>Thanks,
>>Tom
>
>
> If you have any skills with a phillips head screw driver, yank it out and
> try to fix it yourself.
>
>

Opening the case (by removing the faceplate) generally can only be done
legally by an appropriately rated repair station. From the OP's
description, he may have some damaged parts. Taking the front end of
some transponders apart can be pretty involved.

But, what the heck. The OP may not get caught. And he may not break
anything. And he may find the part he needs from some scrap
transponder. Rules and regulations only need be followed if it's not
too much expense or trouble, right?

[Michelle P]

Anybody can legally disassemble anything aviation that they like. It is
the assembly that requires a license or certification.
Michelle (A&P, ATP)

Dale Scroggins wrote:

> Jimmy wrote:
>
>>> My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
>>> It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button
>>> appears
>>
>>
>> to
>>
>>> have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer
>>> visible
>>> in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
>>> presently.
>>> Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple
>>
>>
>> matter
>>
>>> such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
>>> colapsed return spring?
>>> Thanks,
>>> Tom
>>
>>
>>
>> If you have any skills with a phillips head screw driver, yank it out
>> and
>> try to fix it yourself.
>>
>>
>
> Opening the case (by removing the faceplate) generally can only be
> done legally by an appropriately rated repair station. From the OP's
> description, he may have some damaged parts. Taking the front end of
> some transponders apart can be pretty involved.
>
> But, what the heck. The OP may not get caught. And he may not break
> anything. And he may find the part he needs from some scrap
> transponder. Rules and regulations only need be followed if it's not
> too much expense or trouble, right?

[[email protected]]

Dale Scroggins wrote:

>
> But, what the heck. The OP may not get caught. And he may not break
> anything. And he may find the part he needs from some scrap
> transponder. Rules and regulations only need be followed if it's not
> too much expense or trouble, right?

That seems to sum it up. Scrimp/cheat on the maintenance so you can affor $4.00
fuel.

[[email protected]]

Michelle P wrote:

> Anybody can legally disassemble anything aviation that they like. It is
> the assembly that requires a license or certification.
> Michelle (A&P, ATP)

I presume that is tongue-in-cheek. If I were to tear down an engine without
you being around wouldn't your certification of the reassembly require a
whole lot more work to do it correctly?

[Matt Barrow]

Whit wrote:

> wrote:
> > Tom Cummings wrote:
> >
> > > My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> > > It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button
> > > appears to
> > > have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer
> > > visible
> > > in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> > > presently.
> > > Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple
> > > matter
> > > such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> > > colapsed return spring?
> > > Thanks,
> > > Tom
> >
> > When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
> > airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.
>
> Man Tim, don't you think you being a bit of a jerk? The guy just
> asked a simple question . . .

Tim's good for that!

[Mitty]

>
> Simple is the operative word.

Look in a mirror, see simple.

> If he can't afford to have an avionics shop repair
> his transponder, then he shouldn't be sharing the airspace with me where TCAS
> depends upon his properly maintaining his transponder.

Financial capability is hardly the only possible explanation for his interest in
repairing the box himself. Some people, myself included, like to do things for
themselves. Obviously, this has to be done judiciously in the aviation context
but that doesn't mean minor things can't be dealt with. The OP is trying to
find out if this is a minor thing.

You would benefit from reading a book called "Millionaire Next Door." For all
you know, the OP might be one of them.

There is also one called "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
Among its admonitions are: "Don't hit people." and "Say you're sorry when
you hurt somebody."

Jeez I hate these off-topic posts. I'll stop now.

[Victor J. Osborne, Jr.]

$4.00 w/b a blessing. $5 is the norm around TN

{|;-(

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.

> wrote
>
> Scrimp/cheat on the maintenance so you can afford $4.00 fuel.
>
>

[[email protected]]

"Victor J. Osborne, Jr." wrote:

> $4.00 w/b a blessing. $5 is the norm around TN

I stand corrected. Seems like light aircraft flying is becoming a rich
person's hobby, like so many things in this country.

[[email protected]]

Mitty wrote:

> >
> > Simple is the operative word.
>
> Look in a mirror, see simple.
>
> > If he can't afford to have an avionics shop repair
> > his transponder, then he shouldn't be sharing the airspace with me where TCAS
> > depends upon his properly maintaining his transponder.
>
> Financial capability is hardly the only possible explanation for his interest in
> repairing the box himself. Some people, myself included, like to do things for
> themselves. Obviously, this has to be done judiciously in the aviation context
> but that doesn't mean minor things can't be dealt with. The OP is trying to
> find out if this is a minor thing.

All of that is a real stretch.

[[email protected]]

Matt Barrow wrote:

> Tim's good for that!

When logic and rebuttal fails, personal attack usally makes some folks feel
good.

[Jose]

> All of that is a real stretch.

Would you pay a professional to put air in your tires?

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[John R. Copeland]

"Jose" > wrote in message ...
>
> Would you pay a professional to put air in your tires?
>
> Jose
>

Actually, I do that occasionally, because I don't have my own Nitrogen bottle.

[Jose]

>> Would you pay a professional to put air in your tires?
>
> Actually, I do that occasionally, because
> I don't have my own Nitrogen bottle.

You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[Michelle P]

Tim,
I was serious. I did not say it made any sense. It is just reality. Yes
it would take longer but It would cost you more in the long run.
Michelle

wrote:

>Michelle P wrote:
>
>
>
>>Anybody can legally disassemble anything aviation that they like. It is
>>the assembly that requires a license or certification.
>>Michelle (A&P, ATP)
>>
>>
>
>I presume that is tongue-in-cheek. If I were to tear down an engine without
>you being around wouldn't your certification of the reassembly require a
>whole lot more work to do it correctly?
>
>
>

[[email protected]]

Jose wrote:

> > All of that is a real stretch.
>
> Would you pay a professional to put air in your tires?
>
> Jose

No. I would pay a professional, though, to inspect and repair my
steering or brakes.

As to a transponder, and its vitial importance to the system (and to my
TCAS when sharing the airspace with VFR aircraft) a transponder's proper
functioning has importance to everyone using the system. Your proper
tire inflation does not.

[Greg Farris]

In article >,
says...

>
>You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.
>

I use a special composition, about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen.

GF

[Greg Farris]

In article >, says...
>
>
>> When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
>> airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.
>
>I don't see why it should be a big deal. ATC has the capability to
>receive multiple idents simultaneously. I would imagine most
>controllers can deal with this kind of problem without skipping a beat -
>even if you're VFR and not in contact with ATC.
>


I appreciate (as usual) Tim's comment, however it may be a bit over the
top. After all, we're talking about an IDENT button stuck behind a
faceplate. The OP showed a cautious attitude by posting his question here
in the first place. In the end, ATC will be able to tell you immediately if
your transponder is OK, and if the IDENT is working, inop, or stuck ON.

G Faris

[Jose]

> As to a transponder, and its vitial importance to the system (and to my
> TCAS when sharing the airspace with VFR aircraft) a transponder's proper
> functioning has importance to everyone using the system. Your proper
> tire inflation does not.

Improper tire inflation can have a significant adverse impact on the
system and on safey, especially at busy airports such as those in class
B. Improper fueling can too, but I do fuel my own aircraft on occasion
rather than pay a professional.

The issue isn't whether the item in question is of "vital importance"
but whether it is simple or tricky to fix, which relates to the
likelyhood of a non-pro causing problems. It is not unreasonable to
expect that a stuck ident button is simple to fix. It is also not
unreasonable to expect that it could be tricky to fix. Therefore the
question is perfectly reasonable, and replies should be helpful rather
than insulting.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[[email protected]]

Greg Farris wrote:

> In article >, says...
> >
> >
> >> When I read a message like this it scares me to think you're sharing IFR
> >> airspace. Hopefully, it's in not in conjested airspace.
> >
> >I don't see why it should be a big deal. ATC has the capability to
> >receive multiple idents simultaneously. I would imagine most
> >controllers can deal with this kind of problem without skipping a beat -
> >even if you're VFR and not in contact with ATC.
> >
>
> I appreciate (as usual) Tim's comment, however it may be a bit over the
> top. After all, we're talking about an IDENT button stuck behind a
> faceplate. The OP showed a cautious attitude by posting his question here
> in the first place. In the end, ATC will be able to tell you immediately if
> your transponder is OK, and if the IDENT is working, inop, or stuck ON.
>
> G Faris

My take is that once a transponder acts up like that, it's time to have it
bench checked. With a light aircraft panel mount, the owner could certainly
remove the unit and take it to the avionics shop.

In military aviation or the airlines, it would be a log book write up and the
professional mechs would probably remove it and take it to the avionics shop.

[Scott Migaldi]

Tom Cummings wrote:
> My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
> It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears to
> have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer visible
> in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent" signal
> presently.
> Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple matter
> such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look for a
> colapsed return spring?
> Thanks,
> Tom
>
>
Can you still see the button inside the panel?

The plastic button usually just pushes on the switch below it, if you
pushed to hard the button sometimes gets lodged underneath the panel. If
that is the case just get a paper clip, open it up and use the end to
see if you can realign the button so that it pops back through the hole
in the plastic plate on the transponder. Then don't push so hard the
next time you ident.

If you have to open up the unit best to have the avionics tech do it
unless you are familiar enough with the unit to try it yourself.

--
--------------------
Scott F. Migaldi
CP-ASEL-IA
N8116B

PADI MI-150972
Join the PADI Instructor Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/

--------------------

[John R. Copeland]

"Greg Farris" > wrote in message ...
> In article >,
> says...
>
>>
>>You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.
>>
>
> I use a special composition, about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen.
>
> GF
>

The FAA recommends a maximum of 5% Oxygen.

[Jose]

>>>You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.
>> I use a special composition, about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen.
> The FAA recommends a maximum of 5% Oxygen.

True, but that reccomendation is for the gasses outside the tire, the
ones in contact with the treads. It does not apply to the gasses
inside, which are enclosed by an FAA approved tube.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[Stubby]

Greg Farris wrote:
> In article >,
> says...
>
>
>>You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.
>>
>
>
> I use a special composition, about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen.
>
Isn't that mixture also known as "air"?

[Peter Clark]

On Tue, 18 Oct 2005 08:37:43 -0700, wrote:

>My take is that once a transponder acts up like that, it's time to have it
>bench checked. With a light aircraft panel mount, the owner could certainly
>remove the unit and take it to the avionics shop.

Doesn't removing the transponder from the tray disconnect it from the
static system and thus require a re certification under 91.411(2)
before it can be used IFR in controlled airspace?

[John R. Copeland]

"Peter Clark" > wrote in message ...
>
> Doesn't removing the transponder from the tray disconnect it from the
> static system and thus require a re certification under 91.411(2)
> before it can be used IFR in controlled airspace?

No.

[Greg Farris]

In article >,
says...
>
>
>Greg Farris wrote:
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>
>>
>>>You put Nitrogen in your tires? Must be fancy tires.
>>>
>>
>>
>> I use a special composition, about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen.
>>
>Isn't that mixture also known as "air"?



You got it!!!

[kgruber]

YES


"John R. Copeland" > wrote in message
. ..
"Peter Clark" > wrote in message
...
>
> Doesn't removing the transponder from the tray disconnect it from the
> static system and thus require a re certification under 91.411(2)
> before it can be used IFR in controlled airspace?

No.

[John R. Copeland]

"kgruber" > wrote in message ...
> YES
>
>
Your transponder has a barometric encoder *inside* it?
I've never had one like that.

[Tauno Voipio]

Peter Clark wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Oct 2005 08:37:43 -0700, wrote:
>
>
>>My take is that once a transponder acts up like that, it's time to have it
>>bench checked. With a light aircraft panel mount, the owner could certainly
>>remove the unit and take it to the avionics shop.
>
>
> Doesn't removing the transponder from the tray disconnect it from the
> static system and thus require a re certification under 91.411(2)
> before it can be used IFR in controlled airspace?

KT-76 does not have an internal altitude encoder
and thus it does not have any connections to
the static pressure system.

IIRC, disassembling the front panel needs a couple
of small hex keys to handle the control knobs.

The OP's problem sounds like the IDENT push switch
is loose or broken - a clear case for an avionics
shop.

--

Tauno Voipio (CPL, avionics engineer)
tauno voipio (at) iki fi

[Dale Scroggins]

John R. Copeland wrote:
> "kgruber" > wrote in message ...
>
>>YES
>>
>>
>
> Your transponder has a barometric encoder *inside* it?
> I've never had one like that.
>

Ackshully, it's 91.413(b). Removal from the panel (and reinstallation)
can introduce data correspondence error between the encoder and the
transponder. So it must be checked. A log entry referencing
transponder work should contain or be followed immediately by an entry
referencing 91.413.

[Dale Scroggins]

Jose wrote:
>> As to a transponder, and its vitial importance to the system (and to my
>> TCAS when sharing the airspace with VFR aircraft) a transponder's proper
>> functioning has importance to everyone using the system. Your proper
>> tire inflation does not.
>
>
> Improper tire inflation can have a significant adverse impact on the
> system and on safey, especially at busy airports such as those in class
> B. Improper fueling can too, but I do fuel my own aircraft on occasion
> rather than pay a professional.
>
> The issue isn't whether the item in question is of "vital importance"
> but whether it is simple or tricky to fix, which relates to the
> likelyhood of a non-pro causing problems. It is not unreasonable to
> expect that a stuck ident button is simple to fix. It is also not
> unreasonable to expect that it could be tricky to fix. Therefore the
> question is perfectly reasonable, and replies should be helpful rather
> than insulting.
>
> Jose

The issue isn't whether and item is of "vital importance", or whether it
is simple to fix. The issue is whether an owner/operator holds the
privilege to perform a task. The FARs allow an owner/pilot to air up
his tires, service struts, do a little brake work, touch up paint, fix
interior items, etc. The FARs allow the owner/pilot to remove and
install a panel-mounted radio. They prohibit him from repairing it
(other than tightening a knob or touching up paint). If he makes a
repair and notes it in the aircraft records, the FAA has three years to
catch him. If he makes a repair and makes no entry, he commits fraud,
and the FAA can prosecute at any later date. Parts 1, 43, and 91, as
related to preventive maintenance, maintenance, repair, and entries;
part 13 as to violations.

[Dale Scroggins]

Dale Scroggins wrote:
> Jose wrote:
>
>>> As to a transponder, and its vitial importance to the system (and to my
>>> TCAS when sharing the airspace with VFR aircraft) a transponder's proper
>>> functioning has importance to everyone using the system. Your proper
>>> tire inflation does not.
>>
>>
>>
>> Improper tire inflation can have a significant adverse impact on the
>> system and on safey, especially at busy airports such as those in
>> class B. Improper fueling can too, but I do fuel my own aircraft on
>> occasion rather than pay a professional.
>>
>> The issue isn't whether the item in question is of "vital importance"
>> but whether it is simple or tricky to fix, which relates to the
>> likelyhood of a non-pro causing problems. It is not unreasonable to
>> expect that a stuck ident button is simple to fix. It is also not
>> unreasonable to expect that it could be tricky to fix. Therefore the
>> question is perfectly reasonable, and replies should be helpful rather
>> than insulting.
>>
>> Jose
>
>
> The issue isn't whether and item is of "vital importance", or whether it
> is simple to fix. The issue is whether an owner/operator holds the
> privilege to perform a task. The FARs allow an owner/pilot to air up
> his tires, service struts, do a little brake work, touch up paint, fix
> interior items, etc. The FARs allow the owner/pilot to remove and
> install a panel-mounted radio. They prohibit him from repairing it
> (other than tightening a knob or touching up paint). If he makes a
> repair and notes it in the aircraft records, the FAA has three years to
> catch him. If he makes a repair and makes no entry, he commits fraud,
> and the FAA can prosecute at any later date. Parts 1, 43, and 91, as
> related to preventive maintenance, maintenance, repair, and entries;
> part 13 as to violations.

Should have checked Part 43, App. A before I replied. Section 31 says
he can remove panel-mounted radios EXCEPT transponders and DMEs. I'm
not sure now he can even tighten knobs or touch up paint.

[Jose]

> The issue isn't whether and item is of "vital importance", or whether it is simple to fix. The issue is whether an owner/operator holds the privilege to perform a task.

True, and driving that issue is what I said above. The OP was merely
asking a question which should not bring the wrath of usenet upon him
(lotsaluck!) nor does it indicate any kind of disregard for the FARs.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[[email protected]]

Jose wrote:

> > The issue isn't whether and item is of "vital importance", or whether it is simple to fix. The issue is whether an owner/operator holds the privilege to perform a task.
>
> True, and driving that issue is what I said above. The OP was merely
> asking a question which should not bring the wrath of usenet upon him
> (lotsaluck!) nor does it indicate any kind of disregard for the FARs.
>

My my perch it indicated either an igorance or predisposition to disregard the FARs. You are very kind to conclude that it simply did not indicate any kind of disregard for
the FARs.

[[email protected]]

Peter Clark wrote:

> On Tue, 18 Oct 2005 08:37:43 -0700, wrote:
>
> >My take is that once a transponder acts up like that, it's time to have it
> >bench checked. With a light aircraft panel mount, the owner could certainly
> >remove the unit and take it to the avionics shop.
>
> Doesn't removing the transponder from the tray disconnect it from the
> static system and thus require a re certification under 91.411(2)
> before it can be used IFR in controlled airspace?

Correct. I missed that point but it was gnawing at me. Then again, I don't do
stuff like that so I have no need to know. I leave it to those who hold the
tickets.

[Jose]

> My my perch it indicated either an igorance or predisposition to disregard the FARs. You are very kind to conclude that it simply did not indicate any kind of disregard for
> the FARs.

Asking any question implies ignorance - not knowing the answer. It also
implies a desire to find out the answer. If he had a predisposition to
disregard the FARs, he would have merely pulled the panel himself and
attacked the offending microswitch with a fork.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[[email protected]]

Jose wrote:

> > My my perch it indicated either an igorance or predisposition to disregard the FARs. You are very kind to conclude that it simply did not indicate any kind of disregard for
> > the FARs.
>
> Asking any question implies ignorance - not knowing the answer. It also
> implies a desire to find out the answer. If he had a predisposition to
> disregard the FARs, he would have merely pulled the panel himself and
> attacked the offending microswitch with a fork.

I see it differently. Your assumption disregards possible damage to the unit by just going at it. He asked here because this place is anonymous. In reality, if he felt he was
in the clear he would have asked around in person at his airport.

[Jose]

> He asked here because this place is anonymous.

I don't think you know why he asked.

As for anonymous, the internet is anything but anonymous.

If it were me, I would ask here because it is easy, asynchronous, and
one can get quite a bit of useful information. It is also
self-correcting inasmuch as bad advice is usually contradicted pretty
quickly (though good advice is also contradicted), and by reading a
bunch of replies one can get a good sense of whether the proposed course
is worth pursuing.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[[email protected]]

: If it were me, I would ask here because it is easy, asynchronous, and
: one can get quite a bit of useful information. It is also
: self-correcting inasmuch as bad advice is usually contradicted pretty
: quickly (though good advice is also contradicted), and by reading a
: bunch of replies one can get a good sense of whether the proposed course
: is worth pursuing.

Exactly. In order to get good advice from researching the 'net (which
includes asking questions on usenet), one has to have a finely-tuned bull****
detector. This entire thread is a perfect example of why, when it comes to GA and the
FAA/FAR's:

#1: What's legal is not necessarily safe.
#2: What's safe is not necessarily legal.

... or more eloquently as a friend of mine puts it, "Hi, we're with the FAA
and we're not happy until you're not happy."

-Cory


************************************************** ***********************
* Cory Papenfuss *
* Electrical Engineering candidate Ph.D. graduate student *
* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University *
************************************************** ***********************

[[email protected]]

Jose wrote:

> > He asked here because this place is anonymous.
>
> I don't think you know why he asked.

True, I don't know for certain, but I have a pretty good hunch.

> As for anonymous, the internet is anything but anonymous.

At the level of this forum it effectively is quite anonymous.

Maybe someone should start an avionics maintenance forum. ;-)

[CJS]

I'd use a needle so you can dig into the tip (if visible) and move it into
position. If it's a mode S transponder, don't do anything. It'll probably
snitch on you during your next flight.

And remember the old Navy saying: If at first you don't succeed, get a
bigger hammer.

"Scott Migaldi" > wrote in message
...
> Tom Cummings wrote:
>> My King KT-76A transponder has a stuck "Ident" button.
>> It stuck when activated for ATC on the last flight and the button appears
>> to have colapsed sideways underneath the cover panel. It is no longer
>> visible in the opening now. ATC says the unit indicates an "Indent"
>> signal presently.
>> Does this require an avionics shop to repair or could it be a simple
>> matter such as removing the unit, then remove the cover plate and look
>> for a colapsed return spring?
>> Thanks,
>> Tom
> Can you still see the button inside the panel?
>
> The plastic button usually just pushes on the switch below it, if you
> pushed to hard the button sometimes gets lodged underneath the panel. If
> that is the case just get a paper clip, open it up and use the end to see
> if you can realign the button so that it pops back through the hole in the
> plastic plate on the transponder. Then don't push so hard the next time
> you ident.
>
> If you have to open up the unit best to have the avionics tech do it
> unless you are familiar enough with the unit to try it yourself.
>
> --
> --------------------
> Scott F. Migaldi
> CP-ASEL-IA
> N8116B
>
> PADI MI-150972
> Join the PADI Instructor Yahoo Group
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PADI-Instructors/
>
> --------------------