Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes WTB KY197 Comm

The radio in my Supercub is a Bendix King KY197 (14V) and the display is fading and discoloring. The rumored cost to repair is high enough that I'd like to find a good used one that will drop right into the same tray without rewiring.

A challenge (for me at least) is that there are 3 models, and as I recall they are not all "drop in" replacements. Mine simply has "KY197 TSO" on the front panel, but I know there are also KY197A & KY197B radios from BK.

So, the first question is, does anyone have a KY197 they'd like to part with for a reasonable price.

Two, does anyone know about the compatibility between the 3 models and which one(s) are direct replacement for the other(s).

Hi Terry:

You might want to check out or call Bennett Avionics for some answers

https://www.bennettavionics.com/ky-197a-comm-transceiver/

From their website:


The King KY-197A is an update to the popular 14 volt King KY-197 COMM. The KY-197A offers a number of new features over the KY-197, including:

760 COMM channel capability (instead of 720)
Remote push button frequency flip-flop capability for greater convenience
9 frequency memory channels stored in non-volatile memory (no power is needed to retain the memory settings)
Memory channels may be remotely called up and scrolled
Audio leveling feature removes some of the variation between loud and quiet transmissions

The KY-197A retains these KY-197 features:

Designed for aircraft with 14 volt electrical systems
Standard bright and easy-to-read King gas discharge display
Simultaneous digital display of both active and standby frequencies
Push button frequency flip-flop
10 watts transmit power
TSO'd


Hope this helps

It does indeed ... thank you Mitchell.

I talked to my local avionics shop plan to take it to them on Tuesday (Closed Memorial Day) and let them assess and give me a quote. After that, I can make an informed decision about repair vs replacement.

They have two KY197A on consignment, both over $1200, and the ball park estimate for repair is around $800, but they have to have the radio on the bench to offer a firm quote.