DA42 retrofits

Any DA42 related topics.

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michael.g.miller
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DA42 retrofits

Post by michael.g.miller »

Hi there,

I’m looking at getting a legacy DA42 TDI. Two things that are decently important to me are LEMO headset jacks and Bluetooth audio streaming from my iPad. Are these easily retrofittable?

Thanks!
Mike
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michael.g.miller
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Re: DA42 retrofits

Post by michael.g.miller »

Oh and one other thing.. is it possible to economically change a GDL82 for a 1090 solution? I’m based in the US but hope to fly around the world!
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Soareyes
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Re: DA42 retrofits

Post by Soareyes »

michael.g.miller wrote: Tue Dec 08, 2020 12:59 pm Hi there,

I’m looking at getting a legacy DA42 TDI. Two things that are decently important to me are LEMO headset jacks and Bluetooth audio streaming from my iPad. Are these easily retrofittable?
I think Colin had LEMO plugs added to his TDI.

For my 2020 DA42 I requested LEMO plugs. The dealer in Ft. Lauderdale charged $2,000 for this option which comes standard on other similar priced planes.

A LEMO kit from Aircraft Spruce is $51 each. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... ccess8.php
Current: DA42-V1

Previous: Hang gliders, Paraglider, DA40(x3), Cessna 150 Aerobat, SR22
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chili4way
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Re: DA42 retrofits

Post by chili4way »

Mike, what are your WAAS and autopilot interests when considering a DA42 model? You're more likely to find a Legacy DA42-TDI without WAAS and with a KAP140 autopilot.

Most headsets (like the Bose A20) with Bluetooth can receive streaming from your iPad without changes to the audio panel. The Bose can either prioritize or mix the audio coming from the panel (i.e. ATC transmission) over the BT music (and ForeFlight/EFB app audio notifications).
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NickBudd
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Re: DA42 retrofits

Post by NickBudd »

The inexpensive "1090 Solution" should be the GTX33-ES, which involves Garmin upgrading your existing GTX33 and sliding it back into the same slot. About $1500 plus 5 or 6 hours of labor. BUT, this option is not available for your TDI, although it is I believe for NGs and 62s. According to Garmin this is a "software issue," which may or may not be correct, but it is definitely a regulatory issue. So, this means you have to go to the GTX 335R or 345R, which involves re-arranging the avionics bay (50 hours) and buying a new $3-5000 box. But you'll love your DA42; there's nothing else quite like it and for what you get quite good value even with the expensive retrofits.
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Re: DA42 retrofits

Post by CFIDave »

NickBudd wrote: Fri Dec 11, 2020 2:08 pm The inexpensive "1090 Solution" should be the GTX33-ES, which involves Garmin upgrading your existing GTX33 and sliding it back into the same slot. About $1500 plus 5 or 6 hours of labor. BUT, this option is not available for your TDI, although it is I believe for NGs and 62s.
This is correct. Back when we owned a DA42-VI, our Legacy G1000 was software upgradable to GDU Version 15, which is capable of supplying a WAAS position source to the transponder. So back in 2015 we were able to upgrade our GTX33 transponder to a GTX33ES with ADS-B Out (no IN) for only $1500 + installation labor.

One of the reasons we (the DAN 6) are working with Diamond to encourage them to make GDU Version 15 software available for DA42 TDI aircraft is to support this type of functionality (i.e., being able to support WAAS GIA63Ws, and making it available as a position source for an ADS-B transponder). But this may take awhile...
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
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