KT76A Transponder after roughly serial number 100,000

[MPB]

Hi folks,

I keep hearing that a post 100,000 serial number KT76A transponder is still a very usable transponder. My understanding is that it is a solid state (???) and does not have the tube earlier KT76s had, thus it's a viable unit and it makes sense to repair/replace should it fail. What says the crowd?

Reason I'm asking is I have the KT76A using a Tailbeacon as ADSB and all is working fine. However, I'm contemplating adding a second WAAS GPS and I'm thinking about getting rid of a TKM170C and installing a GNC355. The TKM170C works fine but I'd like to get something more modern in there. Alternatively, if I need to ditch the KT76A I"ll add a Garmin 375 (GPS and Transponder) pull the Tailbeacon and keep the TKM170c.

 

[MajorTurbulence]

I’m not an avionics guy, but the solid state nature of some KT76As is news to me. Having said that, I have the same TailBeacon/KT76A setup and works well. My Avionics guy tries to upsell me on getting rid of the KT76A, but not doing it until there is a performance issue.

As far as your decisions about wanting this or that, it’s your decision which way you spend your money.

 

[sourdough44]

Since many of us have moved on, used, older transponders seem low cost now, or free.

 

[Llk]

$50-100 for kt76a or c


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MajorTurbulence]

$50-100 for kt76a or c


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Other than the additional cost of a new transponder check from your avionics shop each time one is replaced, one could rinse and repeat for quite a long while.

 

[Doug Reid]

 

[Clip4]

Sure it is still usable - as a paper weight.