Any possible upgrade from KMA-20 audio panel?

frtrkap

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frtrkap
Hi,

Is there any simple (or easier) way to upgrade from a KMA-20 audio panel? I know the KMA 24 has direct replacements, not sure about the 20.

Thank you!
 
I am not an expert, but I have looked this up recently and found no slide-in options. I think one of the main underlying reasons is that the more modern units manage com/nav and intercom, while the kma20 does not handle the intercom. So, the connections on the back are different. I am saving for an upgrade to a PS Engineering 450b and a new GPS a few years down the road. The new unit is not that bad (2.5AMU), but the installation is more than the unit, so I am waiting until I upgrade the GPS hoping that it will save a little on the installation cost.
 
There are no direct replacement options for the KMA-20. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive audio panel to replace it, I would recommend the Garmin GMA-340 or BendixKing KMA-24. The KMA-24 is getting up there in age as well but still supported. The GMA-340 is a little newer but one of Garmin's original audio panels as well. Both can be purchased used SV on the aftermarket.
 
I am not an expert, but I have looked this up recently and found no slide-in options. I think one of the main underlying reasons is that the more modern units manage com/nav and intercom, while the kma20 does not handle the intercom. So, the connections on the back are different. I am saving for an upgrade to a PS Engineering 450b and a new GPS a few years down the road. The new unit is not that bad (2.5AMU), but the installation is more than the unit, so I am waiting until I upgrade the GPS hoping that it will save a little on the installation cost.

I replaced a KMA24 with a PS Engineering 450A a year and a half ago. WOW! what a difference in clarity and capability. Once you've flown with a modern stereo audio panel anything legacy becomes difficult to listen to for any length of time. Here's a write-up of the plane's avionics upgrade to ADS-B and the new PSE 450A. http://welch.com/n46pg/category/ads-b/

The PSE write-up is half way down the page if Interested.
 
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