Handheld Transceivers

AggieMike88

AggieMike88

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Jan 13, 2010
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Denton, TX
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The original "I don't know it all" of aviation.
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KDTO (Denton Enterprise)
I am considering the purchase of a handheld transceiver.

I would like to hear suggestions and comments on the different models currently available to determine ones bring the best value.
 
I recently did this same search. After much consideration, I went with the Icom A6. It is a simple transceiver with a large backlit keypad that is easy to use while flying. The memory banks are also very well programed. I don't go flying without it!
 
I use a Sporty's SP400. I love the easy interface but it eats batteries like there's no tomorrow. The Sporty's rechargeable battery pack with base station charger is punitively priced so I'm going to try the rechargeable AAs route (eneloop 2000 mAh typical, 1900 mAh minimum, 1500 cycle) to see if that works.
 
I really like my Vertex Pilot III (not the latest and greatest from them)... tons of features, good battery life, very rugged and water-resistant, and it has a VOR receiver with CDI that works well enough for casual VFR "backup" use. Also very small compared to other units with the same features. I use the stock rechargable battery pack, but I believe you can get a pack for it that takes regular AAs, if you're so inclined.
Only problem I've had with it since 2008 was the built-in mic mysteriously failing... but I RMA'd it and they fixed it and had it on its way back to me the next day... all at no cost to me.
 
I have an archaic ICOM A22, it's about 15 yrs old, used every weekend at the glider club.
I think I'm on my 3rd battery. The original was NiCD, I think it was about 1200mAh.
I replaced it with a NiMH 1500mAh and the current is a NiMH 2000mAh.

Still works like a charm.

The club handheld is the ICOM A6, and a couple of club members have the A6.
Others have had the Vertex, about 6 yrs ago and they did not like them. The newer models may be more reliable.
 
I have an Icom A24 and really like it, especially the nav function, which was extremely helpful during a full electrical failure in IMC.
 
I like my Icom A23, and it's a good radio, but I will never buy another handheld that doesn't use AA batteries. When you hit that 6 hour mark in a busy traffic pattern and your spare battery is starting to fade after burning up your first, it isn't fun. Best to have the ability to put in some fresh AAs.

Ryan
 
RyanShort1 said:
I like my Icom A23, and it's a good radio, but I will never buy another handheld that doesn't use AA batteries. When you hit that 6 hour mark in a busy traffic pattern and your spare battery is starting to fade after burning up your first, it isn't fun. Best to have the ability to put in some fresh AAs.

Ryan
Click to expand...

My NiMH 2000mAh battery will last two days plus on a busy flight line.
I do have a AA battery pack on standby. When I had to use the AA pack, it lasted about 5 hrs of heavy use.
 
With frequent transmissions in the pattern? My experience is that even brand new battery packs can get worn down quickly in the right circumstances.

Ryan
 
Transmissions are a lot more power than receive. Judging any HT battery by "listen time" is useless.

I've got an Icom, FWIW. Don't like the interface but it is way better than the Vertex interface.
 
Icom Nav/Coms, both old and new, have always been great. The old one has a rechargeable pack but I carry a Pop-in pack of small batteries that I've never used.

The new one is set up to recharge off ship's power.
 
Fly to KLUD if you have a radio failure on your two radios and you cell phone is INOP.
 
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