Handheld radio set-up

[Jcurry]

Hi All,
My RV12 has one radio so I'm looking at getting a handheld. Curious to see what handheld radio you guy's prefer. Also, I'm interested to know if anyone has a handheld connected to an external antenna and what items were needed to set that up. Also, if you have an external antenna for the handheld, where did you locate that antenna?

Thank you,
Jack

[HansLab]

Jack please explain what you need a second radio for in a VFR plane?

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Jcurry

Hi All,
My RV12 has one radio so I'm looking at getting a handheld. Curious to see what handheld radio you guy's prefer. Also, I'm interested to know if anyone has a handheld connected to an external antenna and what items were needed to set that up. Also, if you have an external antenna for the handheld, where did you locate that antenna?

Thank you,
Jack

I've used a handheld as the sole radio in three of my planes and they perform quite nicely when connected to an external antenna. In my case all three aircraft had belly-mounted 1/4-wave whips.

You might look at the Sportys radio, it doesn't require an adapter for aviation headsets which reduces cable clutter and simplifies installation. Also, alkaline batteries provide longer life than most lithium rechargeable packs and die gracefully instead of suddenly like the rechargeable batteries.

[Jcurry]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

I've used a handheld as the sole radio in three of my planes and they perform quite nicely when connected to an external antenna. In my case all three aircraft had belly-mounted 1/4-wave whips.

You might look at the Sportys radio, it doesn't require an adapter for aviation headsets which reduces cable clutter and simplifies installation. Also, alkaline batteries provide longer life than most lithium rechargeable packs and die gracefully instead of suddenly like the rechargeable batteries.

Hi Sam,
I was looking at the Sporty's PJ2 today. I will probably purchase it. Thanks for your response.

[LouFly]

I like the compact form factor of the Yaesu or small Icom. Who needs a VOR or a big screen. Then it becomes my primary radio in the Pietenpol.
Bob

[Jcurry]

Originally Posted by HansLab

Jack please explain what you need a second radio for in a VFR plane?

Hans,
Your question seems a little snippy. Why do I need to explain why I would want a back up radio? Seems like it would be pretty obvious....

[Taltruda]

I wish my VFR plane had a second radio.. very nice when you want to pick up an ATIS while talking to atc without asking permission to leave the frequency for a few minutes..

[ryankhallcpa@yahoo.com]

Hi Jack,

I'm nearing the completion of my RV-7 build (VFR Platform) and I've intentionally planned my panel for just one radio. I'm going with the Garmin GTR200B, which, according to what I've read, has a built-in intercom and the capability to monitor the standby frequency, while staying on the active.

I currently fly VFR in a Piper Cherokee and the only purpose for my second panel radio is to check the weather/ATIS, while staying on frequency with ATC. I've always flown with a back-up hand held in my flight bag.

Recently, I upgraded to the Sporty's PJ2 and this will be my back-up radio in the RV-7. I have installed two COM antennas on the belly and run RG-400 coax from both antennas: one to the back of the GTR 200B and the other will be available just under the panel on the Pilot's side to connect into my hand-held via BNC when I need it.

The range of a hand-held when connected to an external antenna is impressive and is enough for me to be satisfied with it as my back up if/when I might need it.

I'll let you know later if this turns out to be a poor plan!

Ryan

[Jcurry]

Originally Posted by ryankhallcpa@yahoo.com

Hi Jack,

I'm nearing the completion of my RV-7 build (VFR Platform) and I've intentionally planned my panel for just one radio. I'm going with the Garmin GTR200B, which, according to what I've read, has a built-in intercom and the capability to monitor the standby frequency, while staying on the active.

I currently fly VFR in a Piper Cherokee and the only purpose for my second panel radio is to check the weather/ATIS, while staying on frequency with ATC. I've always flown with a back-up hand held in my flight bag.

Recently, I upgraded to the Sporty's PJ2 and this will be my back-up radio in the RV-7. I have installed two COM antennas on the belly and run RG-400 coax from both antennas: one to the back of the GTR 200B and the other will be available just under the panel on the Pilot's side to connect into my hand-held via BNC when I need it.

The range of a hand-held when connected to an external antenna is impressive and is enough for me to be satisfied with it as my back up if/when I might need it.

I'll let you know later if this turns out to be a poor plan!

Ryan

Thank you Ryan. That is very good information and what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to write all that out. I fly in Florida in busy airspace and I just want the redundancy. How do you like the PJ2? Good luck on your RV 7.

[seagull]

My -12 has a GTR 200, with a standby frequency that can be monitored. I always carry a handheld when flying out of my area. We fly over the desert on long trips and “if” I had to emergency land somewhere outside of cell coverage the handheld would be handy on the trek to civilization.