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A few months ago, I noticed in an approach chart that the MUNSO middle marker beacon at Monterey (KRMY) was back in operation. So, I was going to overfly it to hear the sound, just for old times sake. But, in the new chart, MUNSO is gone again. Must have broken down again. My marker beacon receiver is basically a door stop.

Well, an update… ended up going with a PAR200B and planning on using the old Nav/Com 12D as Com 2. I went on a cross country this weekend and 50% of the controllers couldn’t understand me! The company doing the install is also gonna check the antenna and connections too so maybe they’ll find something. I got a little sticker shock of $1800 for install… welcome to ownership? Or about right?

Antenna and cables do degrade over time. You might consider replacing them both while adding a second for the new PAR. BTW, I have a 200B and it is great!

I find installation costs to always be significant. That is why I am not really a fan of using used equipment for new installations. If you're doing a slide-in replacement, then you can have significant savings. However, for a new installation of an audio panel, navigation system or engine analyzer, the installation cost can be close to the cost of the new equipment. Thus, a 50% saving buying a used device is only a 25% saving for the overall installation, and at that point, having the latest equipment can actually save cost in the long run because the equipment is less likely to become obsolete or break from old age.

I think replacing the antenna cables while you have the plane open can be a good idea. I installed an INS429 VOR in an older plane, and was having issues with reception of the VOR signal. The connection at the antenna was corroded and the cable had degraded over time. It wasn't all that expensive to pull a new cable and have a known good connection while the panel was open.

I was quoted $100/hr for a com upgrade to a Garmin 225. Would be about 8 hours for removing old unit/wiring and install the new radio at KMEI. Hope to do so later in spring and will add a new intercom.

That's the going rate here with my guys as well and their lead time is several months out so people are standing in line.

If you want to know why avionics shops charge what they do then take your seats out, lay on your back with your head against the rudder pedals with both hands up behind the panel. Spend a couple of hours in that position and you'll think whatever they charge is a bargain.

I had some plumbing work to do and decided to hire it out. $140/hour labor rate. The auto mechanics are at $120. Thankfully I do not need them, yet. I'm happy with the $100/hour avionics rate . First half on my military career was working avionics in fighter/recon jets. Yep, it's a witch with a big B.

Thanks for the input and sanity check. I will make sure that old cable is inspected and or replaced!

Well put......I wish I was as eloquent as the rain man.

I despise that kind of work and it's getting tougher and tougher with the passage of time and the aging process takes its toll.