Becker 6201 Unrepairable

[Russ Owens]

I have a Becker AR6201 com radio that I bought new in 2012. The radio failed in 2014 and was returned to the Becker factory in Germany in 2014 for repair. It failed again recently (2025). Becker-USA informs me that it cannot be repaired as they do not have the parts to repair this "older model 6201".

I expected that they might at least have some kind of "upgrade" program that would allow me to upgrade my AR6201 to a more recent model AR6201 that can be repaired. But what Becker offered was to sell me a new Becker AR6201 radio at full price. I mostly just wanted to share my somewhat disappointing experience.

Is it possible that any other avionics repair shop might be able to repair this radio that Becker cannot/will-not repair? Or should I just take it to my neighborhood electronics recycling center?

Russ

[David Baxter]

Sorry to hear as I have the same radio. It's working well now but if I do have any issues, now I know what to expect.

Any idea, if they no longer service the AR6201 why are they offering you another one of the same model?

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[John DeRosa]

This seems odd as last year I had Becker America repair two even older AR4201's.

[Roy Bourgeois]

Sometimes what happens is that they lose the only guy (or gal) who knows how to repair them.  But this is enough to convince me not to buy a Becker product.

Roy

[Russ Owens]

I wondered about that too, how they can be currently selling a radio that cannot be repaired. Despite the fact that my older radio has the same model number as the the currently new AR6201 radios, George at Becker-USA says (in his own words) "Unfortunately, the very first AR6201’s are considered obsolete due to the drastic change of SW and HW".

As a follow-up, George (at Becker) offered me a chance to trade my non-working AR-6201 for one of the current design refurbished AR-6201's for approximately $200 less than the cost of a new one.

And keep in mind that all the Becker radios are EXTREMELY sensitive to voltage spikes that often occur when starting and stopping an engine. Not so critical for pure sailplane pilots.

My Becker transponder went back to Germany for repair for that mistake.

[Russ Owens]

John -

I don't think the problem exists with AR4201's. It's a AR6201 problem.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 4:45:08 PM UTC-7 John DeRosa wrote:

[John DeRosa]

A couple of thoughts;

- As you purchased this AR6201 new you may want to go back to the dealer who sold it and see if their leverage might help your situation.

- While Becker America cannot repair it then maybe Becker Germany can.  $$$.

- If would be interesting if we were to get a listing of the affected serial numbers.

Best of luck.

- John (OHM)

PS - A glider friend of mine bought a very early production model of the AR6201 and had ALL SORTS of issues with it.  Don't know the year.  After much pushing and shoving he was given a new unit.  Unsure if that new unit might be one of the "old bad" ones.

[George Underhill]

Since your 6201 needs to be replaced and Becker will not offer any incentive why not look at an alternative brand?  I purchased an Air Avionics radio and have been very happy with it thus far.  The control head offers multiple functions controlling the radio, compatible transponders, and altimeter if desired.  It can be helpful if you're looking to save space on your panel.  The main box can be mounted remotely.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rasprime/e14f760b-db3b-4a80-a4d7-305986d7c3bcn%40googlegroups.com.

[Mark Zivley]

It's related to the first generation(s) of 6201s.   It appears that they used some electronic components on their boards that were discontinued and as such they can't fabricate the boards for the early 6201s.   While it seems odd that they can and will repair the 4201s, the parts used in that radio are still available.  

[Tom Seim]

I recommend switching to a Trig TY91 if you have to replace the AR6201.

Tom 2G

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