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                           Avionics-List Digest Archive
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                     Total Messages Posted Tue 03/02/04: 1
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Today's Message Index:
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     1. 05:51 AM - King KNS-80 "is it worth it" or is a KN-53 better to get glideslope function  (CardinalNSB@aol.com)
 
 
 
________________________________  Message 1  _____________________________________


Time: 05:51:50 AM PST US
From: CardinalNSB@aol.com
Subject: Avionics-List: King KNS-80 "is it worth it"  or is a KN-53 better to get
glideslope function

--> Avionics-List message posted by: CardinalNSB@aol.com

Hello:

I need a glideslope for IFR training and light IFR use.

I have a Garmin 300xl and plan to sell my Narco MK12D (no glideslope and no 
way to add it, I am told, anyone know any different?) and use the TSO Icom 
A-200 for the second radio (any comments on the Icom?).

I have a KI-202 for use with the Garmin, not installed yet.  It was cheaper 
to buy the 202 than the switching annunciator.....

I am considering a King  KNS-80/KI-206 or a KN-53/Ki-204 or 209 or 209A (with 
the glideslope in each).  Prices seem about the same 

My questions are as follows:

Since the KNS-80 is no longer produced, what is the 5 year outlook for parts 
and service.  Are they maintenance hogs?  Is there any particular malfunction 
I should look for and if so, how do I look for it, such a mod number or such?

Are there any issues with the DME installation, as best as I can tell so far 
its just an extra antenna on the belly, like the transponder.  But are there 
issues with interference by the DME or anything like that?

For the price the KNS-80, although clunky and heavy, seems to offer alot of 
capabilities.

But I have been warned that they are expensive to fix, and since they are 
getting older, failure prone, parts hard to find, yadayadayada.

Would I be better with a KN-53?   Thank you for any input.  Skip Simpson