Looking for a handheld radio

GoFly

GoFly

Line Up and Wait
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Apr 27, 2024
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GoFly
Had a sportys PJ2 for a while until it disappeared. No issues with it, but does anyone have a recommendation for one they prefer?
 
I've been using a KT-A16 lately, which is a new radio that only costs about $80. I seems to work pretty well, at least tested ground-to-air, listing to an AWOS, etc. There are some inexpensive accessories available for it like headset adapters, higher gain antennas, computer interface cables, etc. Pick and chose the accessories carefully though, as there is also some misinformation regarding part numbers for these out there. The audio quality is sort of so-so, but acceptable. I also lost my PJ2! -- so I can't do a side-by-side test between them on the audio quality. I did notice that higher-end aircraft certainly come in more clearly, so maybe it's more than just the radio I'm using. The KT-A16 is certainly acceptable as an emergency backup radio in a tight spot. The brief manual it comes with though is mostly useless, but there are a few Youtube videos that delve into its capabilities very nicely, and its capabilities are fairly good actually. It's also light and compact, and seems pretty well-made.
 
I have a PJ2 primarily so I don't have to have an extra adapter for my headsets. And if I were to buy again, I'd look seriously at the PJ2 GPS Radio if you use ForeFlight and don't already have a backup GPS source.

Hmmm... my PJ2 is in new condition, it has basically just been stored in a padded bag in my flight bag. Really only take it out to check and change the batteries every so many months. Make me a great offer and it can be your.
 
Has anyone else had issues with the PJ2 (original) battery holder? On mine, the spring tab contacts are too wimpy - they bend, and loose contact pressure, which results in a radio that won't turn on. Ideally, there'd be a replacement battery holder with better / stronger / springier metal.
 
I have the Yaesu FT-550 and it works amazing. It includes a VOR receiver and display when it picks up a VOR signal. They have since came out with a FTA-850 which includes a color screen but I do not have any personal experience with that model. I highly recommend Yaesu radios - they are built very well and come with a headset dongle.
 
WDD said:
Are these radios targeted for theft? Or just easy to misplace?
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Like anything small, they are easy to misplace. Plus I think many buy them as a backup, then stop bringing them and forget where they put them (I did this)
 
I have a PJ2 hooked up with an external antenna,as a backup ,no need for the gps model as I have other options.
 
I've read multiple reports of sporty's radios letting the smoke out. Yaesu became my brand of choice.
 
Dunno. I got a Sporty's radio (sans rubber duck) donated to me by another POA boardie about ten years ago. I stuffed a random 2m ham antenna that I had lying around on it and was able to call up Dulles Clearance (about 3 miles or so away). It sits around my current house to listen to the stuff going on at the airport (or clicking up the runway lights). No smoke yet.

I have an old Yaesu (or Vertex Standard) FT710 which has the 2m Ham band in addition to being an aviation radio. It's really not the best, frankly.
 
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