Since the 8.33 introduction...many probs.
Thread Starter
Since the 8.33 introduction...many probs.
I hung up my headset just before 8.33 was introduce...in fact it was one of a number of things that made me decide to reluctantly sell my aeroplane...all to do with expense.
I wonder...since the introduction have there been many operational issues.
I wonder...since the introduction have there been many operational issues.
Well lots of people report ongoing Radio problems after expensive refits, so not everyone a happy bunny there. The cost of a full refit really has concentrated the minds of those who only operate privately with low utilisation. With the lack of a large 'World Market' there is no real competition for a simple tray replacement fix. No benefit to GA for the cost involved, and no benefit from a better 'air traffic' service as many 'providers' have a lack of staff to give a service to those who would call up when in transit.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Glens o' Angus by way of LA
Age: 60
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Biggest problem I have is it’s a complete bugger trying to remember a longer string of numbers for local frequencies. 5 digits was fine, 6 is a bridge too far for my wee noggins.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
Age: 74
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Both the popular 8.33 12 volt solutions, Trig and Garmin have a memory facility if, like piperboy84 above, you're becoming neuronally challenged. Our Garmin 255 also has 'last 10 used' facility. Also, it has a 'monitor' facility so I can talk on one channel and listen to another, only possible with 2 boxes previously. If you want to talk on the 2nd channel, then just hit the flip-flop button instead of having to reach for the comm panel. I find this so much easier and in fact don't feel the need for our 2nd comm box. We've retained it for the 2nd ILS/VOR function and just have COM tuned to the ATIS. I'm finding new, useful, features in the Garmin all the time. The Trig has a 'last received' button, too; saves those 'say again' moments (and 'was that for us?'!)
All in all, it was an expense, but in our case, rather than making us pack up, it had a positive impact on thinking about our radio stack and how we use it.
Next up, replacing our aged mode 'C' transponder, which is sometimes reported intermittent and is a real pain to use. We're going for a nice push-button solution with ADS-B out and re-positioning it for greater convenience. But then we currently train for the IMC/IR(R) rating as well as ab initio LAPL/PPL so it's all good.
Oh, and actually, there are only 5 digits to remember, not 6. Simply train your brain to eliminate the first '1' as it's the same for all channels and in fact is redundant.
TOO
All in all, it was an expense, but in our case, rather than making us pack up, it had a positive impact on thinking about our radio stack and how we use it.
Next up, replacing our aged mode 'C' transponder, which is sometimes reported intermittent and is a real pain to use. We're going for a nice push-button solution with ADS-B out and re-positioning it for greater convenience. But then we currently train for the IMC/IR(R) rating as well as ab initio LAPL/PPL so it's all good.
Oh, and actually, there are only 5 digits to remember, not 6. Simply train your brain to eliminate the first '1' as it's the same for all channels and in fact is redundant.
TOO
Don't see why; the last number will always be '0' or '5' same as with 25kHz; the main difference is the 5th number which might be anything. eg Farnborough Tower changed from 122.5 to 122.780
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ...back of the drag curve
Age: 61
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The only issue we've had is people still calling up on the old frequency (3 helicopters straight through the overhead last weekend! Just as well it was too windy to be dropping paras)
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: The World
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There have been some operational issues:
* communication between 25k COM and 8k33 COM show the expected mismatch, i.e. a 25k COM transmission on FFF.F00 is often unreadable from a 8k33 COM at FFF.F05, although the same physical frequency
* ground stations changing to 8k33 frequencies frequently forget to give notice to FIS, thank to GDPR no automatic notice is given from the ITU authority to AIS and FIS, so fields have to actively give notice
* airfields still struggle with handhelds, forgot to buy 8k33 ones and find out by 'surprise'
* the not synchronized timing on when to go to 8k33 last year was the biggest sh*tty mess I ever saw
* 8k33 radios are usually modern digital devices with a lot of modes, menus, complex usability and not every old fart appears to be capable to deal with
* unpleasant surprise: Garmins older 4xx/5xx 8k33 capable GNSS/NAV/COM cannot store 8k33 frequencies, so the lookup of frequencies from the GPS is broken, wonder what they paid to get a 8k33 radio not capable to store 8k33 frequencies certified, upon complaint they say it is a database issue they are not willing to fix - cut purse behavior, drives more people to Avidyne though
* communication between 25k COM and 8k33 COM show the expected mismatch, i.e. a 25k COM transmission on FFF.F00 is often unreadable from a 8k33 COM at FFF.F05, although the same physical frequency
* ground stations changing to 8k33 frequencies frequently forget to give notice to FIS, thank to GDPR no automatic notice is given from the ITU authority to AIS and FIS, so fields have to actively give notice
* airfields still struggle with handhelds, forgot to buy 8k33 ones and find out by 'surprise'
* the not synchronized timing on when to go to 8k33 last year was the biggest sh*tty mess I ever saw
* 8k33 radios are usually modern digital devices with a lot of modes, menus, complex usability and not every old fart appears to be capable to deal with
* unpleasant surprise: Garmins older 4xx/5xx 8k33 capable GNSS/NAV/COM cannot store 8k33 frequencies, so the lookup of frequencies from the GPS is broken, wonder what they paid to get a 8k33 radio not capable to store 8k33 frequencies certified, upon complaint they say it is a database issue they are not willing to fix - cut purse behavior, drives more people to Avidyne though
Thread Starter
After reading your post Chickenhouse I have to say....that's more or less what I expected.
I thought to myself...I just cant be bothered with all the hassle...knowing my old and trusty interface/intercom would prob also need changing as plugs connector could be different.
That and lots of other niggles was enough to send me AWOL.
P.S. I had a spare 25khz A20 for my aircraft...I kept that...still works a treat as an airband receiver when I want to have a listen...just as sensitive as ever on an external antenna...obviously cant get the new in between frequency's but in my area nobody is using them far as I know.
I thought to myself...I just cant be bothered with all the hassle...knowing my old and trusty interface/intercom would prob also need changing as plugs connector could be different.
That and lots of other niggles was enough to send me AWOL.
P.S. I had a spare 25khz A20 for my aircraft...I kept that...still works a treat as an airband receiver when I want to have a listen...just as sensitive as ever on an external antenna...obviously cant get the new in between frequency's but in my area nobody is using them far as I know.
unpleasant surprise: Garmins older 4xx/5xx 8k33 capable GNSS/NAV/COM cannot store 8k33 frequencies, so the lookup of frequencies from the GPS is broken, wonder what they paid to get a 8k33 radio not capable to store 8k33 frequencies certified, upon complaint they say it is a database issue they are not willing to fix
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: The World
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I only update the 430 once a year, due to VFR only in this aircraft and was absolutely surprised, especially since Jeppesen selling the update confirmed to deliver all data.
The way customer service has been trained to answer will be a significant part of later decisions when repairs occur - I'll most probably will no longer consider staying Garmin, lucky we have choices.
Last edited by ChickenHouse; 13th Mar 2019 at 17:37.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
Age: 74
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Locally, the UHF boys and girls routinely say 'contact Tower channel 2 good-day'.
The boating lot seem to use channel numbers, 16 generally and channel 80 if you want fuel at the marina, for instance. I've no idea what these frequencies are and why would it matter?
TOO
The boating lot seem to use channel numbers, 16 generally and channel 80 if you want fuel at the marina, for instance. I've no idea what these frequencies are and why would it matter?
TOO
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
Age: 74
Posts: 1,684
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
I don't think there is such a thing as non-military airspace! I don't know how much use the military make of Class 'A' but they certainly can be found everywhere else.
TOO
TOO
In Class A, Class D and Class G airspace, what is the ratio of UHF frequency notifications to VHF notifications?
The boating lot seem to use channel numbers
Locally, the UHF boys and girls routinely say 'contact Tower channel 2 good-day'.
The boating lot seem to use channel numbers, 16 generally and channel 80 if you want fuel at the marina, for instance. I've no idea what these frequencies are and why would it matter?
TOO
The boating lot seem to use channel numbers, 16 generally and channel 80 if you want fuel at the marina, for instance. I've no idea what these frequencies are and why would it matter?
TOO
At RAF airfields home based aircraft are usually equipped with a radio box containing pre-set frequencies for that airfield referred to as 'Studs'.
'Stud 2' is the normal setting on a home based aircraft's radio for that airfield's approach frequency, Stud 1 being that airfield's tower frequency. At another airfield, Stud 1 and Stud 2 will be entirely different frequencies.