"zatatime" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 01:03:13 GMT, "Mike Rapoport"
wrote:

The KX155 in my "new" airplane (Helio Courier) seems to have bitten the
dust. It looks like an old POS and I am trying to figure out what to do.
What are the functional differences between the KX155, KX165 and the
KX155A
and KX165A? The airplane has a Garmin 300XL as #1 and a switching relay
to
allow the 300XL or the KX155 to drive the HSI. I am trying to decide
what
to do.

My options a

A:
#1 Garmin 430
#2 KX155
Get rid of the "GPS/NAV" switch/annunciator box

B:
Same as A but with 530. Pricey, but I could just buy the tray and
connectors and shuttle the 530 in my MU-2 back and forth until Garmin has
WAAS and then buy a 530A for the MU-2. This has the advantage of
presumably
saving the cost of the WAAS upgrade thereby reducing the 530 premium
somewhat.

C:
#1 Currently installed 300XL.
#2 KX 155 or 165 I would prefer the 165 since I can get rid of the
converter
box that drives the HSI.
Keep the GPS/NAV switch/annunciator box

The advantage of going with a 430 or 530 is that I have flown them for
800+
hrs and am comfortable with the operating logic. I can't say the same
about
the 300X:L.

Cost is an issue. This is a second airplane and I anticipate using it
95%
VFR. I would rather spend the money on floats or skis :-). Since the
airplane may be left unattended in the backcountry for days at a time, I
would also like avionics that are not very attractive to a thief.

What do you think?

Mike
MU-2


Slightly tongue in cheek, but not entirely rediculous.

A. Make the Courier a 100% VFR airplane for a while, bring a
handheld, and spend the money on skiis or floats. When the WAAS
technology comes out, you'll have more money again (hopefully) and you
can do the radio upgrade once and the way you want it.

B. Buy a used nav/comm cheap that will fit in the same slot, and use
the money you save on skiis or floats. This 'll keep the IFR
abilities and still get you the skiis or floats.

May not be entirely practical but just thought I'd throw it out there.
I think you can tell I like the idea of added use with skiis or
floats.

z

PS. The 155A replaces the 155 which is no longer available. It has an
internal CDI (which may help you get rid of your switching relay), 32
program sets, self dimming panel, yoke mounted frequency flip flop,
timers, and some other goodies. HTH.

Thanks for your thoughts! Don't worry, I'm buying the skis and floats!

Mike
MU-2