Story ID: 
TKM Avionics Offers Low-cost Navcom Upgrade
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: No wiring or hardware changes are needed to replace old radios with TKM navcoms.
Word Count: 238
The TKM line of plug-and-play replacement navcoms is still available, and new company owner Ken Beckemeyer is breathing new life into the product line, which offers a relatively inexpensive means of replacing old radios with modern technology and no wiring changes or installation hassles. TKM Avionics highlighted the products at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Dallas.

The TKM Avionics navcoms are a direct replacement for the Narco Comm11 series, King KX-170/175 and the Cessna/ARC RT385 series navcoms, including the 328, 508 and 528. “TKM builds all-new IFR/TSO’d navcoms that replace legacy radios that are no longer supported,” Beckemeyer said. “All TKM com or navcom radios are built to slide in, to precisely fit legacy racks and connectors, virtually eliminating installation costs for most owners.”

Beckemeyer, who was CEO of seatbelt-manufacturer AmSafe, pointed out that TKM products have been manufactured continuously since 1965, and the company, which was known as TKM Michel before he bought it, has delivered more than 37,000 radios. The replacement radios are built with all-new components and include digital flip-flop displays. The MX170 and 300/385 series navcoms are priced at $2,650, and the Narco Comm11 replacement MX-11 costs $1,450. Plans calls for adding Bluetooth connectivity and EASA-compliant 8.33 MHz frequency spacing.

“The owner-pilot who operates a $30,000- to $100,000-value airplane appreciates functionality and might not be interested in spending 20 to 30 percent of the aircraft’s value on a new navcom,” Beckemeyer said.