Intermittant Transponder problem

[luke42179]

Hey gents,

My King transponder shows a blinking, sometimes steady light, but ATC says they can't see me, like it isn't on. Any ideas?

thanks

Luke
Oceanside, CA

 

[Bryan Wood]

Look here

Here are some past transponder posts. Maybe something here can help you out.

 

[LOGGY]

transponder

I had the same problem....Check the antenna conection...That was my trouble

 

[petehowell]

My Thoughts

I was the king of transponder issues for a while. I found two things.

1) I had a bad connector in my transponder antenna lead - it allowed my transponder to receive signals (blink) but it would not send the signal out. I replaced the connector and it was all good again.

2) I got a tip that the ignition system would cause issues (constant replying) with the transponder due to noise it kicks off. I use EI and auto plugs and my transponder goes a bit nuts if the nubs on the top of the plugs are not screwed on tight, or if the leads are not snapped on tightly.

Good luck.

 

[TwoDogsOneAirplane]

Could be your altitude encoder...

My problem turned out to be the altitude encoder. The reason they could not "see" me was the altitude reported was way off and the controller's console didn't show the airplane.

 

[luke42179]

thanks

Thanks All

It sounds like I need to check that antenna connector before sending the transponder in for repair.