I have a King KLN90B, a KX155 and an autopilot. That is it. (well a
transponder). I also have a handheld Garmin 195 (which I always have
turned on when I'm in the clouds), and a handheld radio with its
outside antennae for backup. My autopilot is coupled to the IFR GPS or
the VOR. So long as I don't lose GPS signal, I have no need for DME.
The ball game TFR's give new usage to the ADF, but if it were me, I'd
ditch the ADF and keep the DME. There is a legal requirement to do
your alternate approaches without GPS so I am limited to VOR and ILS's
that dont need DME for my alternates. The localizers that have DME are
in my King database. If they aren't you can usually DME off the FAF
and read off that. In fact that is what I do when I fly an ILS. Make
the FAF my waypoint, put it in OBS mode and dial in the approach
course on the IFR GPS. That way I have DME from the FAF, a course line
on the localizer to assist me. Most NDB approaches have GPS overlays
now or a dedicated GPS approach to that runway. I've never used the
unit you are discussing, but GPS has revolutionized small airplane
navigation. I am very happy with my King KLN90B, its easy enough to
use once you get to know it and I hardly even need enroute charts
anymore, and I certainly don't need the AFD. I just go direct! and all
the airport info is in my GPS, as well as a backup altimeter,
groundspeed and an e6b. Get one, you will like it. Only downside is
the updates, which you don't have to sweat if you do the ILS and have
www.aircharts.com for charts with their monthly changes. Good luck!

(Martin Kosina) wrote in message om...
(Martin Kosina) wrote in message . com...
Hi all,

I am toying with the idea of installing a "cheap" IFR GPS in my '76
Cardinal.

Thank you for all the advice, guys, especially Bill whom I had some
offline discussion with. One more question: does the M3's database
include localizer DME fixes ? (Not approaches, just the ability to
show distance off something like "ISLE"). I heard some of the other
older units have it often categorized as intersections, FWIW.

Gray-area legalities aside, my real question is, of course, is: can I
rip out the DME if I get the M3 :-) My KN62A is not channeled by the
NAV, so the usual argument for keeping it because its "already right
there" doesn't apply much, still extra twisting to do. But if the
fixes aren't available, I'll have to keep it, I do need the LOC-DME
capability.

The other option is to get rid of the 300 ADF (I do have to get rid of
one box, no room), probably a stronger boat anchor candidate, although
I am not ready to badmouth it too much. Without an IFR GPS, I use it
all the time. Despite all its folly, there is something to be said for
a three-knob radio that just points to the station...

Thanks again for the input !

Martin