Your dream IFR panel comes true

[vikbee]

Originally Posted by N941WR

I would add a Dynon PocketPanel as a backup. Inexpensive and easy to install. Even toss in a 496 for backup nav duties.

Dynon PocketPanel is a really great unit and almost a must have.

There are also some handhelds with NAV capabilities. Not sure they are convenient to use, but better than nothing when you need it. The best is not to get into situation when you really need any sort of backup NAV.

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by vikbee

VAL INS429 is a great unit. A bit more expensive than NAV-122, but not by much. It is a good alternative. I totally agree. I was looking into it as well, but found NAV-122 and was totally happy with it. Either one will do.

GPS-175 is better than KLN-94 in all aspects, except:
- It cost at least $3K more + $1K extra for the indicator.
- Garmin only speak "garminish" these days. You are forced to buy other components from Garmin, pay $$$/year subscriptions to your tablet software etc. We are talking about a budget IFR panel here.

You will find a few people in this group that have the GPS 175 interfaced to other manufacturer's systems, without the use of any additional equipment from Garmin.

The GPS 175 does require at minimum, an up to date internal Navigation database for IFR currency, which is true of any GPS Navigator of this type. The Navigation database can be purchased individually, without requiring you to purchase the additional databases that are geared more towards situational awareness, as that information is often provided by another source in the cockpit.

The use of the GPS 175 does not require the purchase or use of the Garmin Pilot app for any reason.

The GPS 175 is brand new from the factory rather than second hand, and comes with a 2 year warranty, that is something to consider as well.

Thanks,

Justin

[Glastarjohn]

Narco 112 seriously? Is this a spoof? I put one in my varieze 40 yrs ago.

[Walt]

Sounds like the panel from H#LL to me

[Dave12]

I suppose one man’s heaven is another man’s h��ll! I flew with that Narco stuff 30 years ago and I’m not going back! You’ll be dealing with one failure after another . My $.02

[Don Patrick]

Maybe I missed something, aside from the early April fools day, but why is this in the classifieds?


Don

[vikbee]

Originally Posted by Glastarjohn

Narco 112 seriously? Is this a spoof? I put one in my varieze 40 yrs ago.

NAV-122 - big difference! Major problems with this unit is MHz and kHz gears that need to be changed every 20 years or so
I hope in 20 years even FAA finally approves a new chinese nav radio which cost $20 + $100 shipping by USPS
But more probably that in 20 years FAA will not exist as an independent agency any more and will simply be a stomper for chinese planes and avionics.
Anyway, NAV-122 is sold long time ago. So, it is a mute point now.

[vikbee]

Originally Posted by Dave12

I suppose one man?s heaven is another man?s h��ll! I flew with that Narco stuff 30 years ago and I?m not going back! You?ll be dealing with one failure after another . My $.02

Narco stuff was hit or miss. Some radios were bulletproof and some spent more time in shops than in the sky. Nav-121/122 series were actually very nice and reliable until nylon gears that switch frequencies started to crack decades later. By that time, Narco was progressively going up ... belly first. Also, the company limited access to parts and manuals, so not many shops could work on their radios. They preferred "in house" repairs. Just like the famous G company today.
So, some Narco stuff is still a "good" buy. The keyword here is "some". And "good" is in quotes simply because nothing better is available for a reasonable price. A radio like NAV-122 but all digital (SDR - $10, OLED - $20, encoders and connectors - $10, case $10) can be built today for $100, will weight 0.5 lb and be 1" thick (mostly due to sub-D "industry standard" connector The problem is that FAA certification will cost $XXXM.
The only viable alternative is VAL unit. Which is $2K+ and not certified.
Sure, G company products are not bad (although very outdated compared to a $100 chinese tablet or phone), but one should budget $10-25K+ for a new unit + installation by a "certified shop" (many times, you do all the work, they just sign it for few $K). And if the unit fails out of warranty, G company will be happy to fix it for you for $5K+ adjusted for 20%/year inflation.
When you strip a gear in that outdated NAV-122, say good by to $200-300 to replace it. Sure, not pleasant, but it is 1/10 of what G company asks.
Let's wait for those $100 chinese radios. It is not too long now.

[Jpm757]

The Narco stuff in its day was decent equipment, but if you plan on going through the trouble of installing any Narco unit, you better have at least 1 working replacement unit on the shelf.

[Pilot135pd]

Originally Posted by vikbee

The only viable alternative is VAL unit. Which is $2K+ and not certified.

Why is that a problem? You can legally install a modern, currently produced, and from a solid company, VAL INS-429 in a certified aircraft, not that it’s important in any Van’s aircraft anyway.