ky 196e radio failure
 

Hello there.

I recently got a KING KY 196e radio. I bought it from the military when the musketeers were scrapped. All I know is when I turned it on last time it was working then suddenly turned off. the radio is getting power, I can hear it, but the display is blank and the radio does not sound like normal. Is there anything I have to replace as part of maintenance, gas catriges, capacitors etc? there are some things on the side with screws in them. What are they? Do I have to replace those?

Help me please:sad:

vroom

Power supply could be faulty. Are you running it from the aircraft supply or on a bench? Hard to tell but it could be current-limiting.

Radios nowadays only need testing annually, bits only get replaced when they break which isn't often.

Best to take it to an avionics workshop and get them to look at it.

Every two years now under the new maintenance programme (SDMP) for EASA aircraft

no the power supply is good, and I am using a bench testing setup. the radio is getting power, I can hear it, but it just wont turn on completely:hmm:

I am far from an avionics tech, but I do know that operating a comm from a "power supply" other than the aircraft may result in disappointing results, which could include damage to the radio if you stick to it. If in doubt, the radio should go to the shop. I recommend Kitchener Aero Avionics for you.

the power supply is exactly what the radio needs, it is auto regulated and will keep an exact voltage. I heard that the capacitors go bad with time. is there any way I can check this radio with an oscilloscope?

As long as you're sure, but this was the [my] failing when I tried to home bench test a comm once. The high quality 10 amp power supply could not maintain the required current for the radio's demands while transmitting. As I have said, I'm not an expert, and it was an expert in avionics who reminded me of that. I could be wrong, and you could have the perfect power supply, but I know what I learned....

As a computer & electronic engineer I would not recommend going any further take it to an avionics shop.
By your own admission you don't have the tec knowledge and it is very easy to blow up components.
I would need manuals and equipment to even think of opening it up. Capacitors can go bad and short circuit but finding which ones can be difficult. Best of luck hope no damage has been done so far.

wot horizon flyer said.

get to someone who knows about radios

Google word completion is great - changes what you've typed.
Or were you actually involved in recent US events?

the power supply is more than the radio needs

If you're confident of this, no one reading would be in a position to know otherwise. Each of those who have replied have their own experience, and it sounds like you're sure that you're past mine.

Learning is great, provided that you don't cause yourself more cost along the way (yup, I've done that too, 'didn't listen). However, for me, when I see the task headed beyond my experience, I may be wasting my time, and it actually is less costly to have a pro do the work for me.

FWIW, Kitchener Aero repaired my KY196 last year for $300, and I was entirely happy with their work.

Missed that as I am a bit dyslexic. Have correct it.