NARCO 12D Display Failure- Replace it With What?

Mooney Fan

Mooney Fan

Cleared for Takeoff
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
1,026
Location
Indian Mound, TN
Display Name
Display name:
Mooney Fan
Ok, my single NAV/COM Narco 12D started acting up last night, and again today. Some of the digits are unreadable. Seemed to improve as the flight went on, but still unacceptable.

For a single NAV/COM, anyone have recommendations on a replacement that may just be a plug and play? I was thinking of maybe having the NARCO repaired then use it as a COM II, but I would need to add an audio panel or just a basic switch. At a minimum, I need a new radio, then go from there

Suggestions for a middle of the road unit? Will my existing CDI work regardless of what radio I select?

Thanks
 
If you can find an older TKM MX-12D, or spring for the new version. Plug & play, no problems. However, there's an issue with the NAV side. The older MX units do not have the NAV resolver. Contact TKM and ask if the new units support NAV.

As for the CDI - it depends.
 
It looks like people have been getting eBay deals between $300-500. Perhaps try “best offer” on a few? There are quite a few active listings. Of course, the display will die on the replacement eventually too, but you can kick the can down the road.
 
TigerGene said:
Interesting solution on the horizon here:

http://www.matrixavionics.com/
Click to expand...
Thanks again. I reached out to Matrix Avionics and received the below response
----------

We are early into the certification phase. Pricing is planned at $2995.

Is it OK if I add you to a mailing list so we can keep you updated on our progress toward product availability? FAA Certification is a timeline that we don’t have a great deal of control over but we hope to have certified product available for sale in 6-12 months. I hope this fits your timeline and I hope you will keep us in mind as you plan your avionics retrofit.


Thanks,

Chris Rose
 
Just spoke with local avionics shop. Quoted me 16k for GTN—650 with CDI installed for 16K. Watching EBay etc for a good deal on another Narco. Decisions, decisions.
 
Mooney Fan said:
Just spoke with local avionics shop. Quoted me 16k for GTN—650 with CDI installed for 16K. Watching EBay etc for a good deal on another Narco. Decisions, decisions.
Click to expand...

If you're handy and have a cooperative A&P/IA, you might take a look at the Approach Fast Stack system for a DIY install. I'm on the final lap of my own DIY avionics upgrade, in which I added a GTN625, a new audio panel, a Garmin com (no nav), a G5 HSI and a Garmin GTX335 for around $15k total. I will concede that I'm about 80 hours of my own labor into the project, but I'm learning a lot about the plane in the process. I kept an old MK12D as Comm 2/Nav 1.
 
Lynn Dixon said:
The display on the MK12's is pretty easy to replace. https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/vishay-dale/PD020D02505S51/541-1413-ND/2813334

I have instructions on how to do it, if you need them. I have two Mk12d's in my 172K and have replaced both of the displays in them using that exact part number. Takes about 20 minutes. Just be sure to have someone sign-off on it....of course :)
Click to expand...
Lynn,
Would you please send me the instructions on replacing the MK12D Display, mine is acting up.
Mike
 
Mike Fuesting said:
Lynn,
Would you please send me the instructions on replacing the MK12D Display, mine is acting up.
Mike
Click to expand...

Sure thing! I'll send it to you via a private message. It will hit your inbox shortly. Hope it helps. We saved both of our Narcos and it's pretty easy to do.
 
Lynn Dixon said:
Sure thing! I'll send it to you via a private message. It will hit your inbox shortly. Hope it helps. We saved both of our Narcos and it's pretty easy to do.
Click to expand...
I hate to be "that guy," but I'd really appreciate the instructions, too, Lynn, if it's not too much trouble. We sent ours back to Narco back in 2004 (I think...gotta check the books to make sure) and had them upgrade it to a 12D+. Never had any trouble at all with it since then...but I like to be prepared! Thanks..
 
MuseChaser said:
I hate to be "that guy," but I'd really appreciate the instructions, too, Lynn, if it's not too much trouble. We sent ours back to Narco back in 2004 (I think...gotta check the books to make sure) and had them upgrade it to a 12D+. Never had any trouble at all with it since then...but I like to be prepared! Thanks..
Click to expand...

I'll send you a PM. The displays are available on DigiKey for a decent price.
 
Thanks so much Lynn...GREATLY appreciated.
 
I can't recall if the doc has the part number for the display or not. I'm traveling today, but I'll check tonight and if not I'll post the part number
 
Hi Lynn,

I am new to the forum and have the same problem with my 12D in fading in and out of the digits. Would I also be able to get the instructions?

Thank you very much! - much obliged. Patrick Mooney M-20C
 
Lynn Dixon said:
Sure thing! I'll send it to you via a private message. It will hit your inbox shortly. Hope it helps. We saved both of our Narcos and it's pretty easy to do.
Click to expand...
Lynn Dixon said:
The display on the MK12's is pretty easy to replace. https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/vishay-dale/PD020D02505S51/541-1413-ND/2813334

I have instructions on how to do it, if you need them. I have two Mk12d's in my 172K and have replaced both of the displays in them using that exact part number. Takes about 20 minutes. Just be sure to have someone sign-off on it....of course :)
Click to expand...

Lynn,
I just ordered the display replacement for my MK 12D. Would you please send me your instructions. Thanks
 
Would be great if you guys who have done this could post tips or lessons learned. I’m about to make this same repair as well. Thanks!

jim
 
Hi Lynn,
I came across your posts and this forum while searching for solutions to my dimming display. I downloaded the service manual,
last week, but haven't yet looked at it other than to see the schematic. If the repair procedure you have is not in the manual,
I would also appreciate getting a copy of it (joseph@gugel.org). For the past 10 years, I haven't experienced any issues with
my 12D. Seems to be temperature related as I have seen numerous posts of the condition improving as things warm up. In my
case it takes about an hour. Interestingly, VISHAY's data sheet indicates an operating temperature range of 0 Degrees C through
55 Degrees C. I may put it on my bench before ordering a new display.
Joe
 
Hey folks. I think I have covered everyone that requested the instructions. These displays are pretty simple to replace, with some precautions. We saved two Narcos' in my old 172K with new displays. Hope this helps!
 
Hi Lynn,
Thank you very much for the instructions. After requesting the instructions, I found a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj14dQwVuAI )
of one being replaced. The individual in the video mistook the set screws in the knobs for allen screws rather than spline screws. Other than that, it was
a very good video. Some good comments were left below the video.
Joe
 
I just made this repair today, went great (thanks Lynn!)

I took my time but the process was quick and straightforward. I salvaged a display from a donor unit that I had so I didn't have the correct spline wrench to loosen the set screws (I think it requires a .060 spline wrench - note that standard allen wrenches will not work.) A very small screwdriver from a Home Depot precision screwdriver set did the trick. The rest was a breeze.

-Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top