Would you get marker beacons on a new audio panel?

rbridges

rbridges

En-Route
Joined
Nov 9, 2012
Messages
2,749
Location
Warner Robins, GA
Display Name
Display name:
rbridges
I'm thinking about a new panel this summer so that my wife can listen to some music during our flights. I noticed that they offer marker beacons as a ~$100 option. To be honest, I've got a KMA24, and I've only heard it go off twice ever, and that was during instrument training. Would you even bother getting it anymore?
 
rbridges,
I just updated my audio panel and I got an optional marker beacon. Consider it cheap insurance. A few airports in the US require one for the ILS and some foreign airports still require them. I happen to have a PS 7000 audio panel (built in 1999) that has a marker beacon, auto squelch, 2 music inputs, 6 place intercom and lots of other features that could easily replace your KMA 24. Send me an email and I will send you some photos. bellw@me.com
 
If you have an IFR GPS, probably not. But if it is only $100, I'd probably get it.
 
Can you pay $33 and just get the "O" marker? :D

I like the MB as sort of alarm or reminder - even if it is out of service in a lot of places. I better already be on GS by the time the O flashes. Whether I am or not, it is sort of an aural reminder that I need to watch the sticks.

That might be worth a Franklin.
 
For a $100 bucks, why not? Do you know where you are going to fly for the rest of your hours? bugsmasher 123 report the outer marker.....123 unable cuz I'm a cheap bastages and didn't want to spend half a tank of gas on new equipment.
 
Unit74 said:
For a $100 bucks, why not? Do you know where you are going to fly for the rest of your hours? bugsmasher 123 report the outer marker.....123 unable cuz I'm a cheap bastages and didn't want to spend half a tank of gas on new equipment.
Click to expand...

Is that a proper response to ATC? :lol:
 
Did you put in the latest model ADF too?

Just kidding. For $100 yes I'd do it.
 
The purpose of the MB receiver is so that the airplane will start making scary noises on final approach to freak out the passengers.

"What's that sound?"

"Oh, nevermind, it is just the anti-aircraft targeting radar."
 
The FAA is decommissioning the middle marker at my based airport :(. I don't think it is a good idea, but I am old fashioned.
 
Don't see the need for it.... Unless you're planning cat II/III approaches.
 
The PMA 450 that I bought a few months ago has markers. I like the audio panel otherwise, but the markers are pointless for me. Very few approaches I fly have them.

PMA450_Small.jpg
 
I might spend a $100 if I already had the antenna, but if it was a new plane I wouldn't bother with the additional antenna and cabling.
 
What's a marker beacon ? Is that like an "A" "N" Radio Range ? You put one of those in your panel too ? If you want I would be happy to make you a deal on a Narco Super Homer and a Cessna Navo-Matic since you're obviously into antique avionics !
 
There are still some LOC approaches out there where an OM is the only way to identify the FAF. So, if a MBR was optional on they audio panel I was buying, I'd probably get it.
 
Ron Levy said:
There are still some LOC approaches out there where an OM is the only way to identify the FAF. So, if a MBR was optional on they audio panel I was buying, I'd probably get it.
Click to expand...

Can you point me to an example of one? I would like to see one. Thanks in advance.
 
rbridges said:
how are you liking it?
Click to expand...


Re the PMA450, it sounds good. I adjusted it so that I hear COM1 in one ear and COM2 in the other. That helps when listening to weather and ATC at the same time. The USB 5V outlet is good for powering an iPad.
 
And for those who might like similar, but w/o the MB (and saving a little $$), the little sister is the PMA 360EX ---- same-o | same-o to the 450 but w/o the MB
 
oldShar said:
And for those who might like similar, but w/o the MB (and saving a little $$), the little sister is the PMA 360EX ---- same-o | same-o to the 450 but w/o the MB
Click to expand...

I was excited for a second but it's for experimentals.
 
For me, that decision would be based largely on what else is in the panel.

In my case I have dual VOR's with one of the being LOC/GS/MB. This gives me what I need to do an ILS. That's why I hassled around getting my MB working in preparation for my instrument training. If I had a 430 or 530, it would be a different decision.

I now have the means to do a precision approach for my checkride.

All that said, depending on what your needs and other equipment, $100 extra sounds like a good deal to have it installed, integrated and good to go. It's kind of comforting sometimes to hear that irritating sound go off.

BTW, for $100 I don't see how they can even add the antenna for that much. Are they going to split the MB signal off of a NAV antenna? If so, that will give you only marginal signal strength. Over the holidays, I changed splitters to get rid of an attempt to split the MB signal off the antenna. I added a VERY UGLY MB antenna under the belly and the antenna alone cost over $100.

Also BTW, that looks like a nice audio panel. Even nicer than my 80's era Narco.:eek::D
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top