Pilots, What is a good handheld transceiver?

[Shelby Griggs]

I need to purchase a hand held aircraft transceiver for ground to air communications during aerial photo missions (I am a professional surveyor involved in lots of aerial mapping projects). Any suggestions? I was looking at the SP-200 NAV/COM Transceiver sold by Sporty's Pilot Shop, only because it had a lot of features for the price of $300. I found a few cheaper models on the web, but not a whole lot cheaper and with a lot less features. I only need the COM frequencies and doubt I would use the NAV frequencies, however, most of the COM only units I have seen don't cost much less.



SHG

 

[klenger]

I think Icom makes some, but I have not looked. They do have a good name in portable radios.

 

[guava]

If nothing else, stay away from Sporty's unless you enjoy a good reeming without even a thankyou to show for it.



My preference is the YAESU brand. Probably ICOM is next. Here is the link for my favorite:



Link to Yaesu

 

[ndennis]

Yaesu now known as Vertex.

 

[Un-Hemi]

Icom A22

Out of all the airbanders I have toyed with, my favorite is still the Icom A22. It is a convenient size, the display is readable, and it is quite rugged. Operation is simple. There is an A3 model that doesn't have the NAV function, but it also has fewer accessories included.



You're using it for work. Don't skimp.



Tom

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions. I ended up purchasing a Vertex Standard Pro V VXA-150. Used it for the first time yesterday. I bought from Marv Golden.



SHG