SL40 problem?

RV12_AL · #1 01-17-2023, 12:32 PM

My SL40 starts transmitting then stops halfway into a call out and has a hum/jet noise all the time. I tried testing in the hangar by just turning on the SL40 and transmitting to a handheld, it works for a several test than stops after a couple minutes. Seems like after it warms up, then both cuts out receive and transmit.

So - what's best - buy repaired SL40 with 90 day warranty or NEW GTR 200.
and
If the GTR200 - is it easy to convert from SL40 to the GTR200?

Wallace

NinerBikes · #2 01-17-2023, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV12_AL

My SL40 starts transmitting then stops halfway into a call out and has a hum/jet noise all the time. I tried testing in the hangar by just turning on the SL40 and transmitting to a handheld, it works for a several test than stops after a couple minutes. Seems like after it warms up, then both cuts out receive and transmit.

So - what's best - buy repaired SL40 with 90 day warranty or NEW GTR 200.
and
If the GTR200 - is it easy to convert from SL40 to the GTR200?

Wallace

It's a lot of work to change out the rack from a SL40 to a GTR200. But you'll probably be ahead in the long run doing so, getting hard to get the electronic components to keep the SL40 working, capacitors and such.

mdoyle · #3 01-17-2023, 03:43 PM

I sent my SL40 from my RV-12 to Garmin for repair. It would power up, but did not transmit or receive. The flat rate was around $950.00 plus shipping. The turnaround time was 3-5 business days. I received it back in working condition in around 10 days. I know that is expensive, but I was back in the air quickly, with no modifications to my airplane.
Contact: g3expert@garmin.com for a phone number and an RMA.

RV12_AL · #4 01-17-2023, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerBikes

It's a lot of work to change out the rack from a SL40 to a GTR200. But you'll probably be ahead in the long run doing so, getting hard to get the electronic components to keep the SL40 working, capacitors and such.

NinerBike - you replaced a SL40? I'm thinking about totally taking out the 403 intercom and using the GTR200 intercom. They say the trays are the same size. You got any pointers???

RV12_AL · #5 01-17-2023, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdoyle

I sent my SL40 from my RV-12 to Garmin for repair. It would power up, but did not transmit or receive. The flat rate was around $950.00 plus shipping. The turnaround time was 3-5 business days. I received it back in working condition in around 10 days. I know that is expensive, but I was back in the air quickly, with no modifications to my airplane.
Contact: g3expert@garmin.com for a phone number and an RMA.

mdoyle - that does sound nice and quick. BUT - then I think about getting a new GTR200 at Chiefs with bluetooth for $1,550.00.
>I really don't know how long the install will take and what's involved, willing to try.
Thanks

mdoyle · #6 01-17-2023, 06:35 PM

I considered going that route, but decided I did not want to get that involved in the upgrade. I am currently building an RV9A and did not need another project.
There will probably be a lot of others looking at doing this since the SL 40’s are starting to show their age. Mine is 13 years old.

RV12_AL · #7 01-17-2023, 07:37 PM

Has anyone upgraded a SL40 in their RV12?

Piper J3 · #8 01-18-2023, 06:46 AM

Probably unrelated.... I had problems with my SL40 and found the coax connector on the back of the tray was loose...

RV12_AL · #9 01-18-2023, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piper J3

Probably unrelated.... I had problems with my SL40 and found the coax connector on the back of the tray was loose...

Piper J3 - I noticed that the coax connector on my SL40 is also loose, but I think it's made that way, seeing that the little 2 screws they use have a shoulder bushing, which will only let you tighten it so much. I tighten them as much as you can and the connector is still loose. I think this looseness allows the antenna to line up best when you slide the radio into the tray.

Anyone agree?

n74846 · #10 01-19-2023, 09:57 AM

A couple of years ago my SL-40 started acting up. I took it to a local small shop. They found something burned out on the board. He sent it to Garmin and they did their magic. The bill was $500 (they offered some sort of break) and I've been almost fine since. I started having other issues and replaced the 403. I still get some intermittent static but preforming much better.

Sarasota quoted me under $2000 to sell/install the new GTR 200.