KLN89B Database updates

Skylane81E

Final Approach
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Duncan
Just checking in wondering about meathods to update King 89B GPS units. Our current method is to remove it and dock it to a PC to upload the data. This works fine but we just had the screen replaced and the avionics shop also had to repair the screw that holds it in as it hasn't taken being taken in and out so often very well.

Is there a card reader for it like the garmins?
 
I've never done an update for an 89B, but I do updates for a 94B, and I use a pair of flash cards (I program at home, then just swap at the plane), and a Sandisk Imagemate programmer (model # SDDR-31):

The cards look like standard compactflash cards to me, but the software seems to explicitly call out this programmer.
-harry
 
Just checking in wondering about meathods to update King 89B GPS units. Our current method is to remove it and dock it to a PC to upload the data. This works fine but we just had the screen replaced and the avionics shop also had to repair the screw that holds it in as it hasn't taken being taken in and out so often very well.

Is there a card reader for it like the garmins?

The only card writer that works is a SanDisk USB compact flash unit with special firmware from King. They might be difficult to find but I'd check with King for a source and/or look on eBay. The exact same unit is used with the KLN94.

You can also add a jack on the panel connected to the serial port on the back of the KLN89B and do the update in the plane with a laptop.
 
I have a jack on the panel and found that the KLN94 card reader wasn't the correct size for a kln89b.
 
I have a jack on the panel and found that the KLN94 card reader wasn't the correct size for a kln89b.
I could swear they both used a Compact Flash card but I got rid of my KLN89B when the KLN94 came out so my memory isn't clear on this. I do remember performing the update in the airplane when I had the 89B so maybe I never did update that card out of the GPS.
 
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I could swear they both used a Compact Flash card but I got rid of my KLN89B when the KLN94 came out. I do remember performing the update in the airplane when I had the 89B so maybe I never did update that card out of the GPS.

I believe an SDDR-31 is what you are referring to update the KLN94, the 94 has more pins for the data card. I'd install a port or get a Commander. No card reader that I know of for the 89B.

sea_kln_database1.jpg
 
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Install a port/cable extension.

Example, in most CAP aircraft there's a panel-mounted DB-9 installed near the remote ELT switch for programming the non-aviation radio gear, for example.

Just get the TX/RX pins right so you can use a standard straight thru serial cable.
 
Install a port/cable extension.

Example, in most CAP aircraft there's a panel-mounted DB-9 installed near the remote ELT switch for programming the non-aviation radio gear, for example.

Just get the TX/RX pins right so you can use a standard straight thru serial cable.

Some also take what appears to be a helicopter headset jack.
 
I believe an SDDR-31 is what you are referring to update the KLN94, the 94 has more pins for the data card. I'd install a port or get a Commander. No card reader that I know of for the 89B.

sea_kln_database1.jpg

Now that you've posted a picture, that KLN89 datacard does look kind familiar. And the SanDisk SDDR-31 (with King firmware) is indeed the right writer for a KLN94. There are a couple of these on eBay for $75 each.
 
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Some also take what appears to be a helicopter headset jack.
The jack that King recommended for a data port on the KLN-89B is exactly the same thing used for headsets in helicopters.
 
This may have been answered, if so please disregard.

I believe the KLN89B is pretty much the same as the KLN90B. You download a program from Honeywell called Database Loader. Then you buy the number of updates you want and save to your laptop. If you have the data port on your panel and the proper cable you update from the laptop. I have been doing it for several years and find it great. The only other way is to replace the cartridge on the rear of the unit.
Cheers
 
I had king mail me the "bricks" every month for a kln 90 PITA to change those
 
I have a KLN94 and have written down some stuff on the database updates here.

There is also software there.

The SDDR-31 cannot be used as it came from Sandisk. One has to change its firmware, which requires a connection to a computer running windoze 98 (no kidding).

There is/was a man called Loren Hoffman, who probably used to work for Honeywell, who has been selling the modified SDDR-31s for some years, with Honeywell's blessing. I have 2 of them, working on different PCs, and keep them both going because they are a bit fussy about the PC... most PCs they don't seem to work with.
 
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