I replaced my number 1 nav/com with an SL30 + new CDI/GS head and the 6K
sounds about right. It is a great radio that doesn't require much space and
is almost the same as having 2 nav/coms. You can monitor a second nav and
com frequency while using the primaries. I don't think the little yellow
led arrays will ever need replacement either as they seem to with the Kings.

--
Best Regards,
Mike

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel

Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.

"Jonathan Goodish" wrote in message
...
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?


Thanks,
JKG