I am looking at a '65 260 with '70/80's avionics (KX155 and KNS80) and Century 1 A/P (working).

Would be interested what strategy has been used in the past to create emergency standby electric redundancy for the PA24 - earthrounders has a PA24 with an emergency fan generator which can be deployed/retracted from behind the cabin. Is there any other system out there, ideally a split bus bar plus either emergency battery or second alternator?

In terms of vacuum/gyro redundancy I understand there are some cheap systems relying on feeding low pressure from the engine (?), are these any good? Alternatively am wondering whether turn and bank plus handheld GPS (eg 496 or aera) with pseudo HSI is workeable.

Also, can the Century 1 hook up to a GPSS? I am guessing it is only a wing leveller with very basic NAV hold? or HDG hold?

Finally I notice from panel shots few PA24s have second altimetres, presumably this is an easy fit?

FWIW likely upgrades list is looking like this: LED landing light/beacon; twin stainless steel exhaust; basic IFR GPS (hopefully replacing the ADF, when ADF is finally not a requirement in Europe); second altimetre; engine monitor; and ideally some systems redundancy as mentioned above.

I tend to try and spend maintenance AMUs on airframe and powerplant, so panel upgrades are kept to a minimum. The shotgun vintage panel will remain, although will make sure switches/wiring are checked/replaced.

With the prices of Comanches the way they are I would be looking at later model radios if I were you. There are many airplanes out there with later equiptment that are much better deals. Better to buy the plane with what you want in it then to pay for it later. A Comanche's value is not improved with brand new KX 155's, where as a garmin 430, or 530 increase it's value a bit. So, what's the better deal in the long run? If you are buying a high performance airplane why would you hobble it with lesser equiptment?
Sooner or later you will want to upgrade.

Ditto on the above post plus you don't have the downtime to have the new stuff put in.

Dear Robert,

Here's my input FWIW. If you want IFR emergency back-up, forget most of that stuff you said, especially split buss. Use the T&B and a handheld w/HSI type presentation. That is all you need. Don't waste more money on other excesses. Forget the second altimeter. Not needed and why waste a panel hole? Put the engine monitor (JPI) at the top of the list......how much is fuel costing over there now? Use the autopilot just as it is......wing leveler or hold heading. You don't need any more. Hand flying a Comanche is no problem if you have the trim right. I've hand flown for over 5000 hours, no autopilot at all. Wing leveler is nice for checking charts, pouring coffee, looking at a check list. Go enjoy. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Sincerely,
Skip Dykema

Robert,

Here is my take on your problem. Do as Skip has suggested and also look into a Aspen Avionics unit. The "PRO" unit comes with a bulit-in HSI and has it's own built in back-up battery designed to last 30 minutes. I think it is one of the best bangs for the buck. Also, I have hand flown my twin for 1500 hours without an autopilot. FWIW.

I hope this helps.

Jeff

Dear Jeff, Robert,

Funny you shoud mention the Aspen Pro. I put in an Aspen Pro in my other plane a few months ago. It works great. Plays well with the other installed avionics, (GNS 480, KLN 94, Century III, etc.). Has a battery back-up like you say. Great for flying and situational awareness once you get the drift of how to get at the different features. Just one thing not mentioned. At an installed price of 13-15 AMU, bang for the buck didn't really enter my mind. More like expensive luxury item. Maybe I'll feel diferently a few years from now, especially when I find out how much the required replacement back-up battery costs three years from now (and every three years afterward) and if there are no Aspen equipment failures. Installation is not as simple as they lead you to believe. There are a lot of hook-ups to other equipment and routing of cables and such.

I'm not advocating against the Aspen Pro. Just a few things a person should know before getting waist deep in the purchase and installation.

Sincerely,
Skip Dykema