Yes. The KA-51B slaving accessory used in the KCS-55A compass system may be located remotely. An optional compensator kit is available for installations where the installer wants to use a different switch/meter arrangement. The compensator kit includes a compensator assembly which is basically the back half of the KA-51B. The kit also includes a mating connector and a special remote mounting plate for the compensator assembly. Mounting the compensator remotely allows the installer to easily adjust the E/W & N/S compensation without removing the KA-51B from the panel.

None, they represent the same unit. Original King Radio part numbers were 9 digits. For example, 066-3056-01. During the Bendix and King merger (i.e. Bendix/King), a new part numbering system was created that converted these 9 digit part numbers to 12 digits. Therefore, 066-3056-01 became 066-03056-0001. Despite this numbering change, units that were originally from the King Radio design still have the 9 digit part number format on the unit dataplate. The 12 digit format for King units appears to be used for catalog and internal Honeywell purposes only. Therefore, any unit that has a zero in its third to last number (i.e. XXX-XXXX-X0XX) has a 9 digit part number (i.e. XXX-XXXX-XXX) on its dataplate / ID Plate.

On slaved compass systems, the HSI will automatically update its compass card with the flux detector which senses magnetic variation. The slaving meter will move slowly when the compass card is properly aligned with the magnetic compass.

For the most part, the system wiring and connections are the same. The only wiring change needed pertains to the HSI unit. The KI-525 contained a Power flag instead of the standard Heading (HDG) flag as with the KI-525A. Therefore, pin P must be added to the existing KI-525 harness for the HDG flag in the KI-525A.

If the HSI is being upgraded to the -07 version of the KI-525A, then there is another pin that must be jumpered. Please see the KI-525A FAQ for more information on this matter.

The original KCS-55 system contained the KA-51A slaving accessory. This still can be utilized in the KCS-55A however it is recommended to upgrade to the KA-51B due to the age and lack of availability of service parts for the KA-51A. If the KA-51B is added, then a connector change would be required.

No, the KA-51B slaving accessory is physically different and utilizes a different mating connector.

In January 1989 Bendix/King changed from a nine digit to a twelve digit part numbering system. The new, larger 12 digit numbers allowed for the inclusion of software version into the last two digits of the part number for certain units in which software changed frequently such as EFIS and TCAS processors. Therefore, the two digits immediately preceding the software version indicate the hardware version of the unit.

Different software versions imply different operational features and/or interface capabilities and software modifications imply software repairs (bug fixes) to insure proper operation of these features and interfaces. Software version upgrades frequently require hardware modifications to the unit. Such hardware modifications accompanying software version upgrades do not necessarily change the hardware version of the unit.

The KA-51A is the slaving control that was originally part of the KCS-55A compass system. It has since been replaced by the KA-51B, mainly due to durability problems with the faceplate mounting holes. Since introduction of the KA-51B, Bendix/King has ceased production of replacement parts for the KA-51A, thus making it virtually unrepairable.

Please note that the KA-51B is not a direct replacement for the KA-51A, but is an easily performed upgrade that only requires replacement of the connectors.

Negotiating the exchange price of a unit only limits the allowable repair cap for the core unit. Southeast Aerospace's exchange transactions are based on the return of economically repairable core unit. Once the core is received and evaluated, the core repair cost incurred by SEA cannot exceed 80% of the original exchange price. That is, it cannot cost SEA more than 80% of the original OH/SV exchange price collected from the customer. Therefore, when and if an SEA exchange price is discounted, there is a risk that additional charges may be assessed once the core is returned and evaluated.

For more information, please refer to these other Exchange FAQs