Avionics News June 2015 - 21

With such advanced features including
programmable comm channels, the KX 165A's
support for 8.33 kilohertz comm tuning, GPS
QuickTune, multiple operating modes, remote channel
increment with flip-flop tuning and a built-in timer,
the KX 155A and KX 165A boast capabilities still
advanced for the market.

TKM INC./MICHEL AVIONICS

TKM MX170C, TKM MX300 & TKM MX385
It may not surprise a lot of avionics technicians -
and frustrate some avionics makers - but a host of
older airplanes still fly with transistor-based NavComm
units. Many of those units remain serviceable, subject
to the avionics technician's ability to maintain their
mechanical switching and frequency selection systems.
GARMIN
And, of course, their owners don't suddenly covet
GNC 255A & GNC 255B
unavailable features and decide to spend the bucks on
Arguably the inventor of the all-in-one solution,
something that features flip-flop tuning between an
Garmin offers a full NavComm
active and a standby channel.
solution of the VHF persuasion
Can't do that with those veteran
with variations in power to
Cessna Aircraft Radio Corp.
match different needs and
THE VHF NAVCOMM
radios, nor with the once-dominant
budgets. The GNC 255A
BendixKing KX 170 and KX 175
IS BOTH A VICTIM
delivers 10 watts of transmitting
units. And moving to something
OF ADVANCE
power, while the 255B provides
more modern - usually smaller -
16 watts. Both models provide
means the swap needs more than
8.33 kHz spacing of frequencies
the plug-and-play touch available
to meet the Single European
when the install can use the same
Sky mandate of 2018.
mounting tray and wiring. ModelCombined with a suitable
by-model, however, owners of
GPS navigator, this traditional
those older NavComms enjoy the
VHF NavComm offers some
option of a newly manufactured
decidedly unconventional
model installable via a plug-andfeatures. The GNC models also
play swap that brings the bonus
integrate nicely with select
of those modern features added to
Garmin flight displays - among
radios long ago.
them G500, G600, G500H and G3X - to display nav
The trio generally shares these features:
indicators in the primary field of view. Additionally,
* 760 channel comm and 200 channel nav.
they also integrate well with most autopilots.
* Channeling outputs for 40 channel King
On the VHF comm side, Garmin loads the GNC
glideslope receiver with 200 channels for the
models with a unique frequency database that call
King slip code.
up the frequencies associated with a given airport
* Digital display with active/standby frequency
or facility by simply entering the location name or
display and "Flip-Flop."
station ID. Additionally, when manually tuning to a
* 100 channels of frequency memory storage.
frequency, this reverse look-up function automatically
* 8 watt min.
provides the navaid name or airport identifier.
* Noise adaptive squelch.
Pilots also can find the nearest airport, area
* 14 volts DC.
control center, flight service station, weather
* Two-year factory warranty.
frequencies and VORs. All models also include a
The exception is the 28-volt platform of the
comm monitor function, which provides the utility
MX385, designed to replace older ARC RT385 and
of two receivers in one, allowing the pilot to listen to
RT485 units flying in many Cessna models. The
ATIS transmissions without leaving the active ATC
MX300 replaces, in most cases, ARC RT308C,
frequency, as one example.
RT328A, RT328C, RT328D, RT328T, RT508A and
Garmin also offers a helicopter version, unveiled
RT528E radios.
earlier in 2015 for the audience at the 2015
Helicopter Association International convention.
Continued on following page

AND AN
ORIGINATOR
OF A PAST
SHIFT IN PANEL
EQUIPMENT.

avionics news

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june

2015

21
Avionics News June 2015

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