Handheld Question?

[1938BF50]

I have been reviewing many of the handheld radios available for purchase. Too many decisions! Any thoughts on a SIMPLE, rugged unit for basic communications? I have heard tha many displays that offer NAV funcions are to small to even read. What about battery options? Thanx!

[flylo]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have a Delcom,a Yaseu,& an Icom.The Delcom is the heaviest,least attractive,but works the best for me.It gets out better & is very heavy duty.It was my first handheld & I keep buying better looking ones with more features,but I keep coming back to the ugly,hevier Delcom.Hope this helps,Eric

[Dano"T"]

Re: Handheld Question?

I've had the same ICOM for 13 years. It works very well. I use an intercom with PTT....I seldom if ever use the VOR....but it's there is I need it. I have shielded ignition and an external antenna.

[Vasey fan]

Re: Handheld Question?

ICOM here also, same unit since about '94. Everybody says it sounds great with the external antenna. Sh*tcan the NiCad and use the 10 AA battery pack, works good, lasts long time.

[M Towsley]

Re: Handheld Question?

The Sportys that came with the plane worked well, readout too small though. Went with an ICOM A-6, great readout and functions. Everyone says it is very strong sounding. I also utilize a fixed antenna. Intercom with PTT also used. The stock Ni-Cad battery is OK if you remember to remove the battery after use. There is a small amount of drain that will continuously wittle it away. ICOM recommended this idea, by the way. You will NOT lose the memory if you take the battery off. They just came out with a Li-Ion I believe, should be even better. I carry a spare pack with alkalines, just in case.

[Goneflyin]

Re: Handheld Question?

I too have a Delcom, it sits on the floor and is held to the seat cross tube. Thumbwheels for the freq and a knob for volume, real simple and plenty of range. Only catch is I don't think they make them anymore.

Bill

[selje]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have an old Yaseu 100, now called Vertex Standard. External antenna and headset. Got the sport version (no VOR or rechargeable battery). I have two alkaline battery packs so I can easily change during flight.

Works well. A few pilots have indicated that they did not believe the audio is from a Taylorcraft.

[M Jones]

Re: Handheld Question?

I've used an ICOM for about 10 years. I went with an external 12V 5AMP hour battery that I take out and recharge now and then. I have one battery for the ICOM and one for a GPS196. I can plan on 10 or more hours usually before recharge the one used with the navcom. More for the GPS when I use it. Both radio and GPS are mounted with RAM mounts also.

As an example: http://www.batterywholesale.com/batt...tml?prodID=374

[Len Petterson]

Re: Handheld Question?

2 year old JRC from Air craft spruce, with VOR. I like it.
I pick up Buffalo VOR @ 2500' and 15 mile out, the display is small but it works.
I use a motorcycle battery for radio and GPS a 15 amp/hr it last me the summer with one charge.
The battery sits in a acid proff plastic container = Windshield washer fluid continer, Perfect size, 3 pluggs monted on top with master and 10 amp fuse.
The radio and gps has there own fuse in the plugg.
Many function to tinker with in flight, so you have learn well or not use them all. I don't use them all.
External wip antenna gives me 150 + mile range, Welland to Collingwood 5-5
I dont like to use the nicad as it has gone dead on me when I least expected it. It seams to be a 4 hr battery.
As on any hand held, watch out for the manual frequency change knob, it turns easy and there you are, on the wrong frequency.
Does anyone know where I can find a pair of speakers for a head set?
Len

[hangarb7]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have an old Sporty's A300 that really works well and is very small.

I removed the 8-AA pack at the bottom and ran a cord to the baggage compartment where I made up an 8-D cell Alkaline pack. It worked for three years on the same set of unrecharged Alkalines.

I have shielded long plugs with an external belly antenna. I love it.

Jack D.
N44057

[fearofpavement]

Re: Handheld Question?

I think the Icom A-4 is the most bang for the buck. I just recently purchased one for someone at Marv Golden and they had the best price. If you are going to use the radio regularly when you fly the NiCad may be worthwhile. If you want it for "just in case" I would go with the battery packs as the storage life on batteries is long and then you'll have something that works when you need it. I use mine through a David Clark portable intercom (which is great) and it works fine (external antenna)

Before you shop, have in mind exactly what you need (or want) the radio to be able to do. I use mine to communicate with. If I want to navigate I use a GPS (or look out the window) So for me a handheld that has lots of capabilities in addition to ironing shirts and microwaving popcorn is just more complicated to figure out. Reliability wise, I would guess that all the major players are good so I price shop. If you like gizmos, there are some radios that have a bunch of features...

One other important consideration, not all handhelds come with all the accessories you will need or want so decide which accessories you are going to purchase and price the complete package. Some radios sound cheap but by the time you get a headset adapter, a cig light power cord or whatever it may be considerably more than some other unit. Some come with these items.

my two cents...

[1938BF50]

Re: Handheld Question?

Thanx for all the responses! It has been a help.

[barnstmr]

Re: Handheld Question?

How many of you have unshielded plugs? How's the interference?

[M Towsley]

Re: Handheld Question?

Terry,

If it is any indication, when I am next to my friends plane, 30-40 ft or more on the ground, I can hear his ignition popping on my radio. He has unshielded plugs on a Luscombe 8A. While in his plane, the radio is almost unbearable to listen to. I also cannot hear him while in flight........

[Len Petterson]

Re: Handheld Question?

The JRC radio has an exelent noise reduction CCT (ANL circuit)I had unshielded pluggs when I first purchased the radio, Worked very well ,clear despite the pluggs.
Now I have new mags and a good radio.Most new radios has the ANL circuits now.
A friend had one and we tryed it in my plane before a got mine, it was # 1 reason for the JRC.(;f
Len