by dgvrengineer
The biggest problem for any Dash 8 unit is the computer system. As long as it is working everything is great. As everyone knows, computers do go bad. The Dash 8's do not use any off the shelf computer system or software. It is proprietary to GE and GE long ago quit supporting it. It is also hard wired in that the software cannot be upgraded or changed without changing the circuit boards. So everything on a unit can be in great shape but if the computer gets a glitch you are screwed. The only way to fix it is to take one out of another unit. Starting with the Dash 9's, GE changed the computer to a slightly more user friendly system that allows the software to be upgraded or changed as needed.