Warning to users of Zaon PCAS MRX

On Feb 19, 9:53*am, Bruno wrote:
I have debated for a few months if I really should post this or not
but think I should share my experience. *First, I LOVE the concept of
the PCAS MRX and I have received nothing short of exceptional customer
service from Zaon. *I also would strongly recommend to every pilot to
purchase one of these fairly inexpensive units. *That said, I would
give them the following warning:

I have now had my unit fail twice without any indication of failure.
It still seemed to be working fine until I saw a jet whiz by real
close and realized that I hadn't had any alerts for a flight or two.
Again, the unit turned on and seemed to be acting fine. *I sent it
back to Zaon and they were great and replaced the board to fix it the
first time.

A year or so passed and all of a sudden the same thing. *A plane flies
close by and I haven't had a alert for 5-6 flights. *I was closely
paying attention this time because of my last experience. *I sent the
unit back and, again, Zaon surpassed my expectations by replacing a
faulty filter this time, sending it back and not charging anything -
not even return shipping. *It was well out of warranty. *Wow! *Great
customer service Zaon.

I called and spoke with Zaon after this second fix. *When this
particular part fails on the Zaon PCAS there is no way for the unit to
tell that there is anything wrong. *It just doesn't pick up any
signals. *Therefore, it can't warn you if it is broken. *I would be
very surprised if there are not at least a few other units out there
that have this faulty part but the owner still thinks that everything
is ok.

Suggestions:
1. *See and avoid. *Don't ever rely on any instrument or other person
to watch out for other aircraft instead of doing it yourself -no
brainer.
2. *If your PCAS unit has not picked up an aircraft that it should
have you might want to consider it may have this problem.
3. *Fly far, land out every once in a while because you are pushing,
have fun and be safe.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with their MRX having
problems?

Bruno - B4

Thanks for posting this Bruno. I don't have one (yet) so I hope this
isn't too dumb a question. If your tow plane has a transponder, and
it gets 'pinged' would the unit alert you? Where I fly, the towplane
is being queried a lot, so I should have a good 'functional checkout'
at the beginning of each flight (I think).