Radio Replacement

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?


Thanks,
JKG

You overlooked one more option...
Purchase a used, yellow tagged KX170 for maybe $500. Cheapest easiest
solution. A KX170 will work as good as it ever did and is a
well-respected radio.

The SL30 is a good radio (I have one) as is the KX155, but the KX170
will do anything they can do (maybe a few more steps, like finding a nav
radial).

Rich