KX 155 Issues

A

Arrow115

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Jul 16, 2012
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The Woodlands, TX
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Chris
So, I am having some issues with my KX 155 that seem to be getting worse.

First, my panel consists of PS Engineering 8000 audio panel, GTN 650 for COM 1, KX 155, COM 2 and a gtx 345.

Over the past few months I have been noticing static/break in audio randomly on the KX 155 (COM 2). I did some trouble shooting isolating each of the COMs and swapping headsets to make sure the issue wasn't elsewhere, but it definitely is the KX 155. Withing the last few flights the problems seems to be getting worse. The audio problems have worsen to the point and frequency that the KX 155 is not readable and now the transmit light flickers even when the PTT isn't pressed and the mike isn't selected for COM 2. on my last flight

So my questions are:

1. Has anyone seen anything like this with these radios?

2. Possibly repairable? I cringe at the thought of putting money into this old radio, but I am not really excited with the thought of laying out the cash for the new Garmin Nav/com that all I use it for is picking up the ATIS and monitoring guard. The LCD screens on this radio are fairly new so if is a somewhat simple/inexpensive fix, I would likely go this route.

3. Replace? Not my preferred course of action. But I know there is some residual value to a KX 155 with good screens. These radios are getting long in the tooth, maybe putting money in it isnt my best bang for the buck.

I appreciate the advice.
 
Arrow115 said:
So, I am having some issues with my KX 155 that seem to be getting worse.

First, my panel consists of PS Engineering 8000 audio panel, GTN 650 for COM 1, KX 155, COM 2 and a gtx 345.

Over the past few months I have been noticing static/break in audio randomly on the KX 155 (COM 2). I did some trouble shooting isolating each of the COMs and swapping headsets to make sure the issue wasn't elsewhere, but it definitely is the KX 155. Withing the last few flights the problems seems to be getting worse. The audio problems have worsen to the point and frequency that the KX 155 is not readable and now the transmit light flickers even when the PTT isn't pressed and the mike isn't selected for COM 2. on my last flight

So my questions are:

1. Has anyone seen anything like this with these radios?

2. Possibly repairable? I cringe at the thought of putting money into this old radio, but I am not really excited with the thought of laying out the cash for the new Garmin Nav/com that all I use it for is picking up the ATIS and monitoring guard. The LCD screens on this radio are fairly new so if is a somewhat simple/inexpensive fix, I would likely go this route.

3. Replace? Not my preferred course of action. But I know there is some residual value to a KX 155 with good screens. These radios are getting long in the tooth, maybe putting money in it isnt my best bang for the buck.

I appreciate the advice.
Click to expand...


Swap it with a borrowed one for a trip and see if it does the same.
 
Pull it out of the tray, shine a flashlight back there and look for signs of corrosion (on the molex connector contacts). Then take a can of WD40 Specialist Contact cleaner (UPC 0 79567 30055 7) (like $7 at wally world) and shoot it in the connector to clean it up. I wouldn't recommend shooting it into the back of the radio, just the tray connector. Check the board contacts on the unit for obvious signs of corrosion, a q-tip moistened with the contact cleaner can do wonders on those contacts too.

If your lucky, you might fix the problem. If not, you won't make it worse... DO NOT USE THE RED CAN OF "ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CLEANER" THAT IS ON THE SHELF AT YOUR LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE. (It might melt the plastic --I learned this the hard way...)

V/r,

-Dana
 
Thank you bnt83 and Thomasdr72 for your suggestions. Both suggestions seem like good ideas to try before spending money either to repair or replace. I will give it a go and report back. Thanks again!
 
I had a kx-155 with issues, mostly the screen being unreadable. They made those radios for a long time. I was able to find a very late model from a somewhat reputable used source.

So far I’m going on two years with my slide-in swap, still working superbly. Jumping ahead a handful of years may get you down the road a ways. I think my late model used was about $1,800, for reference. I know nothing last forever, have had more pressing issues in recent years.
 
I have 2 coming out of my Bonanza, if you want to buy one.
 
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