KI 300

Despite this being an Avidyne board, I'm wondering if anyone has installed the KI 300 (or knows anyone who has).  I am supposed to install this in Feb but recently heard from someone on the Mooney site that they "heard" there have been some issues with it.  Rather than depend on 2nd hand info, I'd like to talk to someone who has actually installed it.

I’ve spoken frequently with the King rep for our area and have just recently asked him for some references for customers who have done the install. I hope to hear back from him. I was told the KI 310 adapter is available and the shop that is to do my install, has both in stock and on the shelf.  I have heard the same thing about the Sandia  Guattro and wonder if the KI 300 is the exact unit with a new name on it as they did with the IFD. 

Edited by teeth6 - 25 Dec 2019 at 9:28pm

Here is where I'm at - and I know this is an Avidyne board and we all have a desire to install Avidyne equipment. However, lacking that, for me, I just can't see the wisdom in aligning with Bendix King as a purchaser of their products. It is a company that has had a failed GA business model for at least 10 years.

You are going to spend about $8K on the KI300/310 package, plus install - add another 3-5k. For $23k you can install a Garmin GFC500 + G5 and have small lightweight digital servos, digital autopilot, and an attitude indicator that actually works. (sorry Avidyne). For me, investing in BK is just too risky for me, in the above example, you would still have the old autopilot, with old servos, with no support, difficult repair options, and very costly exchanges. Personally, I can't do it, and in 2020, I will be removing all of my BK equipment - KFC200 system with the KCS55HSI and KI206 attitude indicator with flight director. I'm one small failure away from a big disaster.

My desire is to install a DFC90 with small brushless digital servos and an Avidyne PFD along the lines of the PFD4000 that was shown 8 years ago at OSH. Something with line select keys like the IFD series, SynVis like R9.3, and split screen with IFD functionality on one side. Think IFD550 where the PFD part is on the left, and the IFD functions are on the right with the ability to go full PFD on the screen.

I am not a fan of the touch only strategy that Garmin has, and I like having the dedicated buttons and knobs that the IFD has. I'm sure each one of those components adds complexity and cost to the manufacture of the unit, but it is nice to get a single push button, or twist of the knob to get to where you want to go.

Orest, I've read on the Beechtalk board of issues with the 340A too, and it's way too risky to have that foundation as a primary indicator, especially one that drives an autopilot. Sorry, nope. I can already read the NTSB accident report on that one.

Edited by Gring - 26 Dec 2019 at 7:19am

All interesting thoughts.  The KI 300 equipment and install labor was to be a max of $7600 but if the stuff doesn't work, what good is it?     My original plan was to install the KI 300 now and then possibly next year install the AeroCruz 230 autopilot which would use the same servos but with a fresh 2 year warranty on them after an initial inspection.  It doesn't appear that the Avidyne DCF 90 autopilot will be certified in my plane anytime in the foreseeable future and I'm trying to steer clear of "G" if at all possible.  The hope was to remove the vacuum pump and mechanical equipment that is waiting to fail and put in a dependable electronic attitude indicator but sadly the KI300 is starting to become a worse option.


Edited by teeth6 - 26 Dec 2019 at 9:05pm

I don’t believe the G5’s are touchscreen.  I could never understand when I was younger about not being able to see close.  Now that I’m old, I find the small print too hard to read.  I’d love a large screen.

Edited by oskrypuch - 27 Dec 2019 at 1:05pm

Flybuddy wrote: [QUOTE=oskrypuch] Not sure they can fly out the door unless the door is above 700 feet :)

Is the TruTrak the same as the AeroCruz 230 that King has.   I thought the TruTrak was the autopilot that King took over and renamed it.  The Dynon HDX is approved in my plane but I'd still need an autopilot solution for the future and question whether the HDX is compatible with the KFC 150 I have now.

Not sure how true this is but I got this reply from my King rep regarding the KI 300. 

Paul wrote: So the KI 300 firmware can't be updated in the field?  Who designs this stuff?

Wow.  Just in the nick of time.  Sounds like it avoids the autopilot converter than the KI 300 needs also. 

Well, that is relative...the new units support the GNS530/430 which the IFD is a direct replacement for and utilizes the same communications stream (mapmx I think). This is nothing more than a FSDO 337 exercise.

The same is true for the G5. Garmin says it won't work with the IFDs, but in reality it works just fine.

Another Round Hole Option: