What Transponder should I buy and why?

N941WR · #1 08-12-2005, 08:48 PM

I have bought almost all the instruments and radios I will need for my -9 except for the Transponder. (The Dynon EFIS & EMS and GPS will wait until I am the last minute so I can get the latest and greatest.)

My -9 will be a day/night VFR craft so I don't need a lot of bells and whistles.

Thanks again for all of your help!

Aden Rich · #2 08-12-2005, 09:33 PM

If money is no object, get the digital Garmin 320. A KT-76A is hard to beat for the money however, and is probably the most popular out there. Aden.

Ted Farmin · #3 08-12-2005, 10:07 PM

We'll be using the Becker transponder because of the 2 1/4" size in the 4.
Ted

SteinAir · #4 08-12-2005, 10:57 PM

For now the GTX-327 is the best buy out there. Given your equipment installation, it will also be the best value. Forget the KT's, Narco's, or even the 320's. The price of the 327 over the 320's actually ends up being nearly a wash when installed with a Dynon, since the 327 will talk to your Dynon and the 320 will not (same story with the KT's, etc..).

The 327 provides RS-232 Serial Encoder input capability that the 320 does not, so if you end up buying a 320 and want to hook it to you Dynon, you can't....so....you buy a 320+encoder, or for nearly the same price just buy the nicer all digital 327!

Just my 2 cents as usual.

Cheers,
Stein.

N941WR · #5 08-13-2005, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aden Rich

If money is no object...

Aden, Unfortunately money is an "object".

Stein, Thanks for the advice.

Holy COW! I just check the prices on Aircraft Spruce.

GTX - 327: $1895
BECKER ATC 4401-175 XPDR: $1799
Garmin 320: $1349
KING CRWN KT76A: $1275

Somehow I just don't see the "value add" of intalling a transponder. I?m really starting to miss my ?41 T-Craft w/ no electrical system, transponder, starter, radio, GPS, lights, etc. and $350 annuals.

mark manda · #6 08-13-2005, 06:40 AM

$350 sounds kind of high.

btw- lovin' my push button 327

KirkGrovesRV8 · #7 08-13-2005, 07:30 AM

Hi Bill,
You might want to check around a bit 1800 sounds high for a 327, I just bought one at oshkosh this year as a remanufactured and only paid 1100.
Kirk

osxuser · #8 08-13-2005, 09:02 AM

I picked up a GTX320 off ebay for $899 to put in a Tailwind I was working on. That was Factory Refurbed too. If you ever sell you airplane, having a transponder will definitely add value, some of us have to have them to fly! If you pick up a Encoder for <$200 (thats the new price) you can usually get away with a mode C capable installation for around $1000.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #9 08-13-2005, 11:21 AM

Bill-

Van's has a 327 for $1549. Just checked. Also, someone just sold a used one in the classifieds a couple days ago--might be able to find another if your patient.

Steve

RV_7A · #10 08-13-2005, 01:14 PM

No one beats the prices of STARK AVIONICS the GTX-327 is $1420 plus shipping. They also carry the 320A and many other Garmin products not listed on their site.

ENJOY!
-Jeff