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Thread: Transponder Replacement

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    West Columbia, SC
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    125

    Default Transponder Replacement

    The Narco 50 gets hot and shuts off, and the avionics guy says it would cost more to fix than it would be worth. Options seem to be about $500 - 700 for another Narco, with no guarantee it will last; or $1,500 - 2,000 for a new mode C transponder, or $2,500 - $3,500 for a mode S. Since mode S will be needed in about 8 years, if I go new I guess mode S makes the most sense. But I am thinking I would like to do this cheap now.
    Dwight B. Van Zanen
    Maple Valley, WA and
    West Columbia, SC
    PP/ASEL/IA
    Avid Mk 4 Aerobat

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Central, MA
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    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    Caution, as I understand it Mode S will be outdated and should not be confused with ADSB (others please correct me if I have this wrong). I picked up a nice Mode c Garmin unit on Ebay for ~$600.

    There is a nice GTX320A on Ebay now (new condition)
    Last edited by Dorsal; 03-20-2012 at 08:02 AM.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  3. #3
    Senior Member Av8r_Sed's Avatar
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    Feb 2010
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    10C Greenwood, IL
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    671

    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    I think Dorsal's got it right. Go on the less expensive side but get a solid state unit used like one of the Garmins. Ought to run cooler and be reliable.

    -- Paul S

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Titusville, Florida
    Posts
    177

    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    For a Mode S transponder to be compliant with ADS-B OUT a TSO-C146A GPS (WAAS) has to be connected. This gets VERY expensive. The other way to participate with ADS-B is with a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). The technology is young and the regulatory dust has not settled. One day any of us who operate in airspace that now requires Mode C will need to have ADS-B. I want a little more clarity before I get my feet wet.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    West Columbia, SC
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    125

    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    Thanks. Used Mode C for me, for now.
    Dwight B. Van Zanen
    Maple Valley, WA and
    West Columbia, SC
    PP/ASEL/IA
    Avid Mk 4 Aerobat

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    West Columbia, SC
    Posts
    125

    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    Scratch that. New Mode C by Garmin. I could not find a good used one with much if any warranty for a reasonable price. The one that looked possible, was sold when we called. So on the basis of my rule-of-thumb I bought new. My rule is, if it will cost more than 50% of the cost new to fix or replace the old item, it is likely best to buy new with a new warranty. In this case, it was close to 75% of the cost new, to buy and install a good used solid state transponder. Done deal.
    Dwight B. Van Zanen
    Maple Valley, WA and
    West Columbia, SC
    PP/ASEL/IA
    Avid Mk 4 Aerobat

  7. #7
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
    Join Date
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    Central, MA
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    Default Re: Transponder Replacement

    Cool, onward and upward
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

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