 |
Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
smc2putt
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Bella Vista, Arkansas
|
 Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:40 am Post subject: GPS Antenna Failure |
 |
|
FYI had to replace a Garmin GA-56 GPS antenna. It had about 150 hours in the airplane when it failed. It was mounted under the RV6 cowling, per many posts and had worked fine until it failed.
I spoke with Stark Avionics and a Garmin field representative. Both said "150F-160F" was about the maximum temp environment for the anenna. Without stepping on toes, this is contrary to several posts. The GA-56 has an internal electronic amplifier, which probably fried in the heat. Considering the cylinder head temps on the O-360 and the considerable heat coming through the oil service door after landing, the failure was likely due to excessive heat exposure.
The good news is that many GA-56's are coming off any installation where the WAAS modification is being made. EBAY has decent buys on new and used GA-56's.
Steve Chambers
RV-6 O-360 fixed, IFR
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics RV-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List |
|
_________________
Steve Chambers |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
walter(at)tondu.com
Guest
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:18 am Post subject: GPS Antenna Failure |
|
|
On 08/31 11:24, Steve Chambers wrote:
> FYI had to replace a Garmin GA-56 GPS antenna. It had about 150 hours in
> the airplane when it failed. It was mounted under the RV6 cowling, per
> many posts and had worked fine until it failed.
> I spoke with Stark Avionics and a Garmin field representative. Both said
> "150F-160F" was about the maximum temp environment for the anenna.
> Without stepping on toes, this is contrary to several posts. The GA-56
> has an internal electronic amplifier, which probably fried in the heat.
> Considering the cylinder head temps on the O-360 and the considerable heat
> coming through the oil service door after landing, the failure was likely
> due to excessive heat exposure.
> The good news is that many GA-56's are coming off any installation where
> the WAAS modification is being made. EBAY has decent buys on new and used
> GA-56's.
> Steve Chambers
> RV-6 O-360 fixed, IFR
Steve, I have two used GA-56 antennas. If you want one send me
your address.
--
Walter Tondu
http://www.rv7-a.com - Flying!
http://www.evorocket.com - Building
| | - The Matronics RV-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List |
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rick Galati
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 91
Location: Lake St. Louis MO.
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:31 am Post subject: GPS Antenna Failure |
|
|
Hi Steve,
My GA-56 antenna is mounted under the cowl. Forums such as this do serve a purpose but knowing how expensive that antenna is, before installing it I contacted Garmin and was verbally assured there was no problem doing so.... just not to use metallic paint on a few square inches of cowl above and around the antenna. Routinely, I almost always contact a given manufacturer about important technical matters before I pay much heed to any forum's content. Still, with over 200 hours of service on the GA-56 now, it acquires almost immediately and works as advertised but of course that is no guarantee it won't shoot craps tomorrow! I do have a blast tube routed to the Lasar unit bolted right next to it and perhaps the antenna takes advantage of some spill over cooling air.
BTW, you gave me my very first RV ride in N99ST when you visited Greensfield (M71) a few years ago. My RV project finally flew several months after your generous introductory flight. Upon your suggestion at the time, I purchased a Garmin stack which includes the 430 from John Stark and have been very pleased. Sorry to hear about your woes with the antenna. Perhaps if others report a similar failure with the GA-56 mounted under the cowl....and so far yours is the only one I've heard...we can all benefit.
Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla!" 210 hours
RV-8 FWF
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics RV-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List |
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|
Get Email Distribution Too!
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
