Bendix KT76C transponder requires major repair: Options?

Oh crap, I just realized that the "KT76C" is an entirely different
animal so my previous post is null and void. Sorry Peter. Of course,
I'm thinking of the KT76A.

Marco

Marco Leon wrote:
Peter,
How about replacing it with a Garmin GTX 320A with an adapter for
~$1300? I will do that if/when my tube goes.

I'm having an extended "warming" problem with my KT76C where it takes
sometimes 10-15 minutes for it to respond to ATC. I brought it in for a
$250 checkup and it passed with flying colors. When I inquired about
the tube maybe needing replacement my avionics guy said it was around
$500-$700 to replace the tube.
However, he said that the antenna was most likely the culprit and that
I should replace the small flagpole type with a blade first. Makes
sense but I'm not so sure an antenna problem will give me the same
symptoms so I'm prepping myself for a unit replacement.

Marco


Peter R. wrote:
A friend just let me know that his relatively new (four year old) Bendix
King KT76C transponder failed the mode C biennial test.

When the unit was sent in for a $250 troubleshooting (Duncan, I believe,
not Honeywell) analysis, he was told that his unit required a $1,700 repair
to replace the failed "tube" inside.

It looks as if a used KT76C is selling these days for US $1,700 to &1,900.
Does he really have no option but to throw this thing in the garbage?

--
Peter