Karl, I also have a SL 40 Apollo/Garmin com. radio and SL 70
Transponder in my Europa, and when a problem with my intercom occurred I
smartly dropped it off at Garmin in Salem, OR, to be checked out, since
we were driving south on I-5 past the factory anyway and returning the
same way later. There was nothing wrong with the radio as it turned out,
but I was charged $ 450.00 anyway. I removed the instrument panel and
found a loose wire at the multi-plug at the back of the radio.
Unfortunately, after re-installing everything, the SL70 showed TEST
FAIL. Out came the instrument module again and the antenna was detached
---From the SL 70. The little snap ring holding the antenna to the tray had
departed. I would look at the wiring behind the radio stack for the
problem, as I believe that the transponder is not at fault. Also, check
all the antenna connections as well. I hope, that this will lead
somewhere. Good luck, Peter
This is the second time in 3 years that my transponder is failing. Does
anyone know a reliable repair shop, anywhere in N. America or Europe
where I might pay a lot less than the usual $ 450 quoted me by Apollo ?
Or is a used one available anywhere, where it was replaced by a Mode S ?
My unit comes up with TEST FAIL, and it seems to refer to the transmit
and receive. It happened a couple of times in flight, but then came back
to normal. Now it is permanent.
Any ideas out there ? Would appreciate any hints.
Karl
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