Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Does anyone have experience with 2-1/4 inch radios? I have a Flightline FL-760 and it works well, but has some trouble cancelling spark plug noise or something. Perhaps the FL-760A is better?
I just bought a used Xcom 760 for my wife's plane, (not installed yet).
I also would like to find a similar size Transponder.
Miroline has made those..Any feedback on any brands is welcome.

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

I have the Microair 760 and the M-2000 transponder with mode S . The good and the bad follows .

1. In 7 years only had one problem with the Microair 760 (VHF) and that was an internal ground that was bad . There is a Microair repair facility on the East coast that fixed the problem and updated the latest mods .
2. SOCAL radar did not like the Microair transponder . As it turned out a Mod 7 update fixed that...however the last time I checked there were no radio shops in the US that would attempt repair on a Microair transponder . Had to send it back to AUS to the factory to get the update . While it was there they gave it good going thru . Other than that "bug" in the unit it has worked 4.0 for 7 years . There may be a transponder repair facility at the time of this printing , I just don't know .

PROS...
1. VERY light weight.
2. Small size.
3. Fits in the panel.
4. Easy to operate .

CONS...
1. Repairing can sometimes be a challenge .

Have not had any static or engine related noises making there way into the radio or transponder . Sounds like some sort of "filter" may fix that problem ? This may require the expertise of Mr. Electron !

RB

+1 on Rich's comments.

I bought a Becker 3201 on ebay for $200, works great as a #2, a bit klunky as a primary for me. 760ch, 4 ch storage. The EU has mandated all 760 ch radios out of service, so there are bargains. SNs above 4000 for the Becker have better features. Becker has an internal intercom. Wiring diagrams available on the internet.

Rap

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Base: KALX
N8786
SN 929

I have exactly what Rich outlined. I really like my "little" Microair radio and transponder.

I’ve got a Becker 4201 & 4401 in my aerobatic airplane. I’m very happy with their performance.

I'm having a hard time finding a 2.25" mode C transponder, preferably a Becker ATC4401 or similar.
I just missed a MicroAir 2000 for $700; New $2000. Both seem unavailable new, everything is Mode S now?

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Scott: If you find a Microair transponder be sure it has the revision 7 upgrade . You will know it has it as the unit has a foil tape on the side with tear out numbered circles 1-9 ? I think the latest rev. is #8 according to Microair AUS . It will be a waste of $$$ without the revision as it has to go back to AUS for the revision . Air freight , customs , tear down fee , upgrade and return air freight . You can check their web site for the fees involved . I bought one new when I was building my panel and bought a used backup (with the #7 revision ) to carry as a spare along with my spare M-760 .

RB

Thanks Rich,
Who knew these things would get obsolete so fast?
I guess Mode C is the domain of US home builds using ADS-B on 978Mhz?

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Partially correct. 978 being US only is just a simpler, cheaper way to satisfy the 2020 requirement. Waste of time in my eyes.
Cubes

A bit of thread drift, but I think the big diff between 978 and 1090 is that 978 provides wx and traffic "in" and 1090 does not. too bad the rest of the world is against 978

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Base: KALX
N8786
SN 929

Unclerap is right. Because of the higher density and total amount of air traffic in the US compared to the rest of the world, 1090 alone couldn’t handle the requirements now and into the future for the weather, traffic, and whatever else they wanted to do. I’m grateful that I could meet the 2020 requirements for “out” and get the “in” also for about $1300 with the uAvionix units, instead of having to equip with a very much more expensive mode S transponder w/ extended squitter, and then having to further equip with some kind of “in” display/equipment to get that. Devices like the Linx unit are nice, with everything in one box, but still at least 4 times as expensive, and with units like mine, traffic & weather can be displayed on multiple display units (iPad, iFly, etc.) at the same time. Downside is flying to most of the rest of the world... something I’m not going to be doing in my airplane anyway.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE