Handheld Question?

[AlvinMcIver]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have unshielded plugs and a Yaesu handheld with ANL button, an external antenna, and an intercom. Some static, but not a problem at all.
Alan

[Leenicklas]

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.

I'm using a newly acquired ICOM A-6 and am outwitted by the instruction manual. Anyone out there I could chat with re memory functions, et al?

[Peterroy]

Re: Handheld Question?

Good luck with that! I have two iCom 6's but don't use them for the very reason you mention. Too bad the company can't make them more intuitive. I really like the sound quality.

[M Towsley]

Re: Handheld Question?

I've had a couple and just use the manual. There is a large one online.

[Kerbs]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have an Icom A25N and an unshielded ignition. I use an externally mounted antenna and a PPT switch mounted under the throttle. I have been extremely happy with the A25N. The noise limiter and VOX work pretty well to help cut out the engine noise and I have not received any complaints on my transmissions being hard to hear. The A25N has a pretty long battery life and I like the interface. I have most the airports and AWOS/ASOS stations programmed in the radio so all I have to do is rotate the small knob on top to scroll through them. Programming was pretty easy, just took a little time. I believe it is also a 6Watt unit for what that's worth. It also has a volume knob instead of buttons like my old Icom A23.

My only recommendation would be to maybe look at the A25C and save the $100. I have yet to use any of the nav functions and their bluetooth interface/software is pretty archaic. Here's a pict of it mounted with the comm box I use as well.

[Leenicklas]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have an Icom A25N and an unshielded ignition. I use an externally mounted antenna and a PPT switch mounted under the throttle. I have been extremely happy with the A25N. The noise limiter and VOX work pretty well to help cut out the engine noise and I have not received any complaints on my transmissions being hard to hear. The A25N has a pretty long battery life and I like the interface. I have most the airports and AWOS/ASOS stations programmed in the radio so all I have to do is rotate the small knob on top to scroll through them. Programming was pretty easy, just took a little time. I believe it is also a 6Watt unit for what that's worth. It also has a volume knob instead of buttons like my old Icom A23.

My only recommendation would be to maybe look at the A25C and save the $100. I have yet to use any of the nav functions and their bluetooth interface/software is pretty archaic. Here's a pict of it mounted with the comm box I use as well.

Thanks for all the good comments and suggestions. I called tech svc at the ICOM headquaarters and talked with a very helpful rep that explained the otherwise confusing instructions. He explained the 10 freq. that are in the memory and then explained the real memory. He held my hand while I programmed the radio. Very helpful.

[Hank Jarrett]

When you find the 6 year old who teaches you to use the new forum layout, just ask him to explain the iCOM to you too! It isn't that it is complex, it is that we are getting too old to learn new things. Why else would we fly planes from the 1940s?

Hank

[NC43150]

Re: Handheld Question?

I have an Icom A25N and an unshielded ignition. I use an externally mounted antenna and a PPT switch mounted under the throttle. I have been extremely happy with the A25N. The noise limiter and VOX work pretty well to help cut out the engine noise and I have not received any complaints on my transmissions being hard to hear. The A25N has a pretty long battery life and I like the interface. I have most the airports and AWOS/ASOS stations programmed in the radio so all I have to do is rotate the small knob on top to scroll through them. Programming was pretty easy, just took a little time. I believe it is also a 6Watt unit for what that's worth. It also has a volume knob instead of buttons like my old Icom A23.

My only recommendation would be to maybe look at the A25C and save the $100. I have yet to use any of the nav functions and their bluetooth interface/software is pretty archaic. Here's a pict of it mounted with the comm box I use as well.

I would like to see more pictures detailing how you mounted your radio and intercom. Would you be willing to post more? Thanking you in advance.

[Kerbs]

I would like to see more pictures detailing how you mounted your radio and intercom. Would you be willing to post more? Thanking you in advance.

Sorry, I have been out of town the last two weeks. Happy to provide more info. I basically built a little box out of 1/4" or so plywood. The Sigtronics Transcom II intercom sits inside the unit. (Basically just sets in there). I have an older Transcom and you have to use a screwdriver to replace the battery every 25 hours or so. I created a jumper instead and mounted a 9v battery holder from an electric guitar (purchased on amazon) on the side. The A25N then essentially clips on above the Transcom, but allows me to access the knobs and jacks.

I have an external antenna which runs in the box and comes up the back and plugs into the A25N. The connection for the Transcom is also inside the box. The PTT is just a simple strap on button that people usually put on the yoke. I have it under the throttle in stead which I find to be a really easy an natural place for it. Just reach under and hit it with my index finger while hand is on the throttle. You can see it in the third picture

Let me know if you want any more pictures. I should be out at the hanger tomorrow.

[Hank Jarrett]

I mounted my iCOM to the A pillar with this small metal bracket (in the upper left hand corner of the photo). It uses the screws used to hold the trim piece which are reached from the outside and through the hole in the bracket. The antenna connection is the black wire hanging down just above the bracket and you can just see the headset and mic wires sitting on the glare shield. The clear plastic thing above the wheel is a tablet mount I am experimenting with for moving map GPS and also attaches with a glare shield screw and one of the glove box screws. No extra holes needed in the plane. The iCOM works great with the remote antenna (not so much with the whip and un-shielded ignition) ;-) The second photo shows how the radio and tablet do not interfere with the view outside or inside the cockpit.

[Hank Jarrett]

OK, for some reason it wouldn't let me load the second photo on the same post.