Tips on removing an avionics tray

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Larry Korona

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Working on removing a DME that I never use after getting a GPS a while back. Was able to easily remove the DME (KN-62) from the tray, and now want to remove the tray from the rack. No problem with getting the screws out, tray is lose, but can't figure out how to undo the harness and antenna connections. No obvious way to disconnect or remove the connections. FYI I'm working with my A&P to update the W&B.
 

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You’ll have to get up behind the radio stack. The antenna cable will come off with a quarter turn. I’m not familiar with that particular unit, but there might be thumb screws that hold the harness connector on the backside of the tray.
 
AK737pilot said:
You’ll have to get up behind the radio stack. The antenna cable will come off with a quarter turn. I’m not familiar with that particular unit, but there might be thumb screws that hold the harness connector on the backside of the tray.
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Okay thanks I'll try doing that. It's definitely a tight fit.
 
Larry Korona said:
No obvious way to disconnect or remove the connections.
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Another option if you will not have a future use of the rack is cut the wire harness behind the rack, pull the rack, then pull those wires from the wire bundles. Just be sure the battery is disconnected.
 
Jon Wilder said:
There are two screws that hold the connector to the tray. Remove them, then turn the connector so that it slides back through its hole.
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That'll get the connector loose, which is probably what is holding it in the most, but I don't think that'll take care of the antenna. Will likely still have to, one way or another, get behind the stack and cut or unhook it (unless it has a ton of unsecured slack in it).
 
That era king radios use a soldered connector for the coax connections, that is held in to the tray with a snap ring. Usually there is a short section of coax soldered to that connector that would then be terminated in female crimp BNC, which would then be connected to the coax running to the antenna. The snap ring is nearly impossible to get out with the tray installed, especially on such a thin unit as the KN62, so your best bet is to get under the panel and find that disconnect, and separate it there, and then you'll pull that pigtail out with the tray.
 
Ryan Klems said:
That era king radios use a soldered connector for the coax connections, that is held in to the tray with a snap ring. Usually there is a short section of coax soldered to that connector that would then be terminated in female crimp BNC, which would then be connected to the coax running to the antenna. The snap ring is nearly impossible to get out with the tray installed, especially on such a thin unit as the KN62, so your best bet is to get under the panel and find that disconnect, and separate it there, and then you'll pull that pigtail out with the tray.
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Trace the antenna wire back and 99% of the time there is a connection point disconnect it. Last option cut it ..... and crimp a new end on it if you need too. You won't but I say it so you might feel better about cutting it.
 
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