Radio choice and update..

[ZULU1]

We get many calls every week regarding either new pilots or students asking a familiar question-

What radio/GPS should I buy ??

I cant advise fairly on GPS but with radios we have at least one solid choice now;

First prize is the Icom ICA4, really good, very simple to use BUT no stock in the country, the Icom ICA6/24 is not compatible with existing intercoms so I dont advise them. I can tweak the software to work though..

Vertex Standard make some good products, the original VXA 210 doesnt interface well with existing intercoms as it has no adjustment on the side tone.

The Pilot 3 VXA 300 and the Spirit VXA 710, really good radios but over sophisticated for newbies. (I use the 710 and as a Icom dealer !!). Vertex have recently released the Pro V1 VXA 220, now this is more sensible, all the ICA6 has got, user friendly, simple menu and easier to use in flight.

It still has the smallpins for power and a waterproof housing with a desk charger, I have not given a unit along flight but this unit most probably doesnt need a external power supply, (good battery life) it has a SMA socket (needs adaptor and not ideal) and we can make adaptors for existing intercoms.

So choices are now better:

No 1 Icom ICA4 (no stock in country)

No 2 Vertex Standard VXA 220

and this is from a Icom dealer..

Zulu1

[andreb]

Pricing?

[salem]

Hi Zulu1

What headset would you recommend for an Icom IC-A4 used on a trike?

[BOATCH]

I bought a vortex standard 220 looks good but dissapointed in the info they gave me . They informed me that the radio would fit to the BUZZC and i also informed them on wat radio i had before witch was a icom ICA20. I stay 600km from JB and is verry INCONVENIENT to send it all the way back.

[ZULU1]

Hiya BOATCH

The Icom ICA 2/20 series are a totally different switching circuitry to the ICA 4, 3/22, 5/23, 6/24 series. It will retro fit with that series with little modification however the ICA 20 is a different configuration.

The Vertex Standard is a 4 wire configuration as the later Icoms. There is very often confusion when looking at the Icom twin plugs that look all the same but operate very differently.

I am confident that Buzzcomm should be able to sort it out for you as their kit works on most radios. Just remember to adjust the side tone feature.

eish Zulu1

[John Young]

First prize is the Icom ICA4, really good, very simple to use BUT ....

In my opinion ICA4 lousy for trikes.

Can't change frequency or read the screen. Everything reliant on memory (the radio and yours using the MR button).

As an example, routing from Richmond to FAVG - 4 frequencies + chat if required - much easier having a numbered pad to enter frequencies.

ICA4 is fine for ground control.

Regards
John ZU-CIB

[Mogas]

Hi Zulu1
I have been using an Icom A4 with an intercom I got in the US. Works ok but I wanted to be able to more easily key in frequencies so bought an IC-A24. It plugs right into my intercom, I can hear traffic and myself transmitting but my transmissions are not going through. (TX shows on the screen)
Is there an easy fix?
If not please pm me a price for one of your intercoms that will work.
Thanks
Mogas

[Perry]

Folks,

The best rig ever:

A Vertex VXA710 linked to an Airmagic Vee Rabbit Antenna and a Chatterbox unit.

Second Choice, a Vertex VXA220 with the same setup.

Both can live through a rain shower and give me 300+kms TX and RX at 1,000 ft!!! We are getting feedback from our 737-800 and Twin Otter mates that we talk over them with 1W output!!

This gear that Zulu1 manufactures is pure Giftig!

Thank you Zulu1 for making my life a pleasure again!

Regards

Perry

[Bennie Vorster]

Folks,

The best rig ever:

A Vertex VXA710 linked to an Airmagic Vee Rabbit Antenna and a Chatterbox unit.

Second Choice, a Vertex VXA220 with the same setup.

Both can live through a rain shower and give me 300+kms TX and RX at 1,000 ft!!! We are getting feedback from our 737-800 and Twin Otter mates that we talk over them with 1W output!!

This gear that Zulu1 manufactures is pure Giftig!

Thank you Zulu1 for making my life a pleasure again!

Regards

Perry

Price for these two models and where do I get hold of a suplier ?

[andreb]

Bennie

PM Zulu1 on the forum for Airmagic equipment. You can get Vertex 710 locally for about R3,500. I have just ordered mine over internet for R2,400. Getting it delivered to a mate in USA who is bring it over for me in 2 weeks time.

good luck

Andre