Used Transponders

[Paul Willett]

Has anyone had any success obtaining a second hand transponder from the US?

 

There seems to be some good 'bargains' but woulld like to hear from anyone who has been through the experience.

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

Buyer beware I guess.

 

I bought a used Collins transponder with AmeriKing encoder and had success. Only problem was when it was removed the positive lead from the encoder was cut off so it didn't register altitude. I knew the wire was there and floating around, however I didn't know what it was for.

 

Problem solved when I took it to Simpson Avionics at Moorabbin airport and for $125 they fixed that, plus the spring in the power knob and they calibrated it complete with green-tag.

 

All up, $800 for the both, plus $125 for the certification and repair. Better than $3,500 new for a dodgey Microair. I've since been offered over $2,000 for it because someone I know has a Chieftain and it's easier to swap it with mine to replace thier original Collins rather than them buy a new one and have it re-certified by the Avionics lame. It's worth considering as ADSB might be close.

 

 

[Paul Willett]

Thanks Clem.

 

By close I guess it depends on your interpretation of close. My guess is 3 years minimum, 5 years maybe affordable. ADS-B has been turned on its head of late. Interesting times.