The KT 70 uses a rear-mounted connector assembly. Wiring must be executed using MIL-W-22759 spec wire, and RF cables must meet low-loss attenuation requirements. Primary Pin Allocations (Molex/Edge Connector) Pin Number Wire Gauge (AWG) Aircraft Power (+14VDC or +28VDC) 2 Power Ground A Gillham Altitude Digit A1 B Gillham Altitude Digit A2 C Gillham Altitude Digit A4 D Gillham Altitude Digit B1 E Gillham Altitude Digit B2 F Gillham Altitude Digit B4 H Gillham Altitude Digit C1 J Gillham Altitude Digit C2 K Gillham Altitude Digit C4 L Gillham Altitude Digit D4 15 External Suppressor Pulse Input/Output 22 AWG (Shielded) 17 Lighting Bus (14V or 28V) Antenna RF Cable Guidelines
There’s no separate one-page “do this first” section. You have to read all safety warnings (important, but repetitive) before reaching the actual steps. A seasoned installer might skip ahead and miss critical grounding instructions.
Use high-performance low-loss foam dielectric cable, such as Electronic Cable Specialists (ECS) or PIC Wire variants.
Installing your KT-70 amplifier requires careful attention to detail to ensure optimal performance and safety. Follow these steps to set up your amplifier:
Use aerospace-grade wire for all power and ground connections (minimum 20 AWG). Kt 70 Installation Manual
The KT 70 features an internal cooling fan. However, tightly packed avionics stacks require an external dedicated cooling duct. Connect a 1-inch cooling hose from an avionics blower to the intake port on the rear backplate assembly. 3. Electrical Wiring and Pin Connections
The Bendix/King is a Class 1A Mode S transponder designed for high-performance aircraft, part of the Silver Crown Plus series. It is often paired with the KT 71 and shares similar installation footprints. The Story of the KT 70 Installation
Turn on the aircraft master switch and avionics master. Slide the KT 70 into the rack and lock it using the hex wrench mechanism. Turn the unit to the "SBY" (Standby) position.
The Kt 70 displays error codes on the bottom right. Use this manual to decode them: The KT 70 uses a rear-mounted connector assembly
Place the mounting tray in the instrument panel stack. Ensure it is perfectly level so the unit engages smoothly with the rear connectors.
Check for loose pin crimps on lines A1 through D4. Ensure the altitude encoder has warmed up completely (some older units require up to 10 minutes).
The KT 70 remains a workhorse in the general aviation fleet. While the hardware makes the mechanical install straightforward, the is your best friend for ensuring the wiring and configuration are done safely. Always adhere to the latest revision of the manual and consult with a certified avionics shop before performing any work on your aircraft’s electrical system.
Proper mechanical placement within the aircraft panel prevents electrical interference and mechanical strain. Panel Mounting You have to read all safety warnings (important,
The manual specifies that the unit relies on convection cooling. When installing the rack, ensure there is adequate clearance behind the unit and that the airflow isn't blocked by wire bundles or other components.
: Mutual Suppression Pulse (links to DME or other transponders to prevent simultaneous transmission). Wire Specifications
The aircraft registration or specific flight ID must be set. Checkout Procedure
The performance of the Mode S system depends heavily on a low-loss RF path. Antenna Placement