Jonathan Goodish wrote:
I have (2) KX170B radios which I'm very happy with, except that one of
them has been diagnosed with a bad MHz crystal on the comm side. The
new crystals are apparently no longer available from Bendix/King. The
avionics shop apparently scavenged a replacement from a used radio
they had in the shop, but they were not able to align the radio to
factory specs with this "used" crystal. They are recommending that I
replace the radio which, of course, is of the most benefit to them.
I have thought of the following options:
#1 -- Send the radio to the KX170B.com guy (Gary Glassmeyer). I've
spoken to him and he claims that he has a source for the crystals. I
estimate that this would cost me $500-$600 (including shipping),
assuming that he doesn't find anything else wrong.
#2 -- Local avionics shop is offering to install a used KX155 for
$2500, including the radio.
#3 -- Have Garmin SL30 installed. I have been told that this would
probably require an indicator replacement as well. Estimated cost
$6000.
#4 -- Have Garmin 430W installed, also with new indicator. Estimated
cost $12,000.
Keep in mind that I have zero desire for the flip-flop or any of the
other nice but not compelling gizmos on newer radios. I can live
without the IFR GPS right now, though the 430W might be a nice
complement to the 396 that I have on the yoke and provide me with
capabilities that I do not presently have in the panel. Not sure that
the SL30 is worth it. Keeping the KX170B (even a successfully
repaired one) is probably delaying the inevitable, but my money makes
more money in the bank than in the panel.
Any thoughts?
I agree if you go with #1 that is $5-6 hundred that you will never get back
and you will probably have to replace the radios sooner or later anyway.
#2 Isn't a bad deal but if you look around you can probably find a KX155 for
less money. Try e-bay.
#3 I think the SL30 and it's little non-NAV brother are the coolest radios
out there. I'm putting an SL40 or maybe 30 in my kit built because panel
space is limited and I want to be able to at list listen to two freqs at
once. The 30 also has it's own CDI that can be used as a second Nav head.
#4 If you don't want or need IFR GPS that's lots of money.
But given what you've said I'd find a used KX155. Follow this link I'll bet
you find one or 10
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...&satitle=KX155