Please add the KNS 80 as additional radio stack option to the Dukes :)

JetCat

Hi Duke fans :)

This idea of adding an already existing Black Square radio option just came to my mind to make the Dukes even more awesome... that´s why I am making that suggestion. The KNS radio stacks are so epic and I love both of them, but I think making the good old KNS80 only available in the TBM is a waste of masterful sim radio stack development.

The KNS 80 is an additional radio stack option the Duke would really deserve, don´t you think? (Well maybe not a device with so much wear and tear like the one on the right side, I just found this for a great price on eBay). But the left one would be a formidable navigation companion in the Dukes too, not only the TBM.
The KNS 80 from 1990 is even more retro than the KNS 81 from 1992.

Here it is, coming straight from March 1st 1990 hopefully to a Duke cockpit near you!
https://www.bendixking.com/content/dam/bendixking/en/documents/document-lists/downloads-and-manuals/006-08307-0004-KNS-80-Pilots-Guide.pdf

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Have an awesome week you all! :)

Randolf

@JetCat aren't 80 and 81 the same instrument, just with a bit different interface and 81 missing DME information and has to be paired with additional DME display?

Noob21

I will say the KNS-80/81 are definitely older than 1990/92. The manuals might be from then, but I know the units themselves were available as early as at least 1985, and probably significantly earlier as analog RNAV was a thing in the 1970s.

Black Square

@Noob21 said in Please add the KNS 80 as additional radio stack option to the Dukes :):

available as early as at least 1985

Right on the money!

Noob21

@Black-Square Yeah, and I saw an article that claimed the KNS-80 was released in 1978, which sounds about right.

Noob21

I also did want to add, would it be possible to have an older transponder unit as an option, not just for the Dukes but other Steam Gauge Overhaul aircraft? Something like a KT-76 would be nice for most barring something like the TBM

Black Square

I would love to do something more classic like that for my airplanes, but those older units are not ADS-B compliant. I know this makes little difference in flight simulator, but it's something I've seen slowly vanish in the real world over the last decade as they've been replaced. Of course, I could just have skyBeacon on the wing for ADS-B compliance... I would like to have those units myself too, but that's been my rationale. I'll see if I can't find an excuse to fit one in sometime soon.

Noob21

@Black-Square eh, I mostly just want them for the larp flying in the past, just like running just the KX-155s and KNS. Not much of a reason to care about ADS-B in MSFS as I don’t think it’s relevant but if it is, then I can understand including the newer garmin transponder unit. I mostly just want to see it as an option if such a thing can be hot swapped.

BarryHull

I found this thread from an internet search. My family has had a Piper Navajo since new in 1980. It came equipped with the KNS-80, and it's still there. I installed Garmin ADS-B in and out, and will soon do a complete avionics upgrade and remove the KNS-80. I LOVE that thing, allows me to fly direct by "moving" VORs. It's ancient by today's standards, but it was the top dog when it was new.

DrZGard

@Noob21 My father purchased the second Piper Navajo Chieftain off the production line (saved from the Lock Haven flood by being in the paint shop). In its first year had de ice boots, radar, and King KN74 RNAV installed. This was 1973. I remember watching the numbers roll up or down when he would change waypoints.