DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Any DA40 related topics

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h20wrks
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DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by h20wrks »

I am taking my plane to the electronics shop tomorrow as my upper comm radio's performance has deteriorated drastically. (G1000 plane) Anyone have any insight with a similar issue so I can simplify the shop's troubleshooting process.

Thanks,
Jim Villa
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brandonpalmer
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Re: DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by brandonpalmer »

What do you mean by "upper" radio? Com1 or the antenna on the top of the airplane? I've had some issues using the Com1 / antenna on the bottom of the plane; mostly due to oil / dirt on the antenna on the bottom of the plane.
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mdieter
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Re: DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by mdieter »

It's not a bad idea to remove and reinstall the GIA units in the back avionics bay. Connections can get touchy. They are pretty easy to remove and reinstall (just a philips screwdriver) and it is allowed owner maintenance. There is probably info on this forum on what contact cleaners are allowable if you want to go that step too.
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h20wrks
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Re: DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by h20wrks »

My understanding is that com 1 uses the upper antenna, this is the unit with issues. I was unaware that you can switch antennas. I wipe the lower antenna off as part of my pre-flight. I like the suggestion to start with the contacts in the avionics rack first. Hopefully we can resolve my issue tomorrow.

J.
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brandonpalmer
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Re: DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by brandonpalmer »

Sorry, I just re-checked and you are correct -- com1 is the top antenna, com2 is the bottom. Either way, give them a cleaning and see if it makes a difference -- it made a huge difference for my com2.
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h20wrks
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Re: DA40 Upper Comm Radio

Post by h20wrks »

Just back from the shop, we had to order a replacement radio for com 1 as everything else checked out good. Parts will be in on Friday and then we should be as good as new.

J
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