Sporty's SP-400 Handheld NAV/COM Sporty

Rated 4.31/5 based on 100 customer reviews

Product description: Aviation Consumer's "Gear of the Year!""...better than some panel-mounted gear.""Sporty's SP-400 Shines. Its performance is clearly exceptional.""You can easily pick this unit up and use all of its features without touching the manual.""...it's a solid bargain."A complete avionics stack in the palm of your handIntroducing the all-new SP-400 from Sporty’s. It’s simply the most powerful portable radio you can buy—like having a complete standby radio stack in your flight bag. The SP-400 makes a reliable backup for emergency use, but it’s also perfect for listening to ATIS, getting clearances before engine start or just monitoring local traffic.But a great radio is worthless if it’s hard to use. That’s why our staff of pilots, flight instructors and aircraft owners spent so much time making the SP-400 intuitive and easy to use. It has all the features you need, but none that you don’t. There are no confusing menus, no memory bands and no complicated squelch buttons—just turn it on and type in a frequency. After all, an emergency is no time to look for an instruction manual.Why the SP-400 is the pilot-friendly radio:Oversized, high-resolution screen—twice as large as most other radiosLarge, soft keypad is easy to use, even in turbulenceNo menus or memory banks—just type in the frequencyOne-handed operation for fast emergency accessUnmatched battery life, powered by easy-to-find AAsQuick-change battery pack—switch in just 3 seconds!Backlit screen and keypadDedicated squelch and volume knobs for precise adjustmentCOMLast frequency flip flop makes it easy to switch back and forth Visual memory recall shows five memory channels per screen NAVFull ILS display—the only portable radio with this feature! VOR with large CDI display and automatic bearing-to-station readout WEATHERNOAA weather radio receiver built inNationwide coverage with pre-programmed stationsEMERGENCYDedicated 121.5 button for instant emergency communicationsSidetone—hear yourself talk when using a headsetIncludes alkaline battery pack, antenna, wrist strap and instruction manual. Measures 5 1/2”h x 2 1/4”w x 1 5/8”d. Click Here for Instruction ManualClick here to view The Aviation Consumers "Portable VHF Radios: Sporty's SP-400 Shines" ArticleEAA AirVenture Oshkosh News review

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Sporty's SP-400 Handheld NAV/COM

Price: $399.00

ID #: SP-400A

Overall Customer Rating

Read all 100 Reviews

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Accessories
Quickly add accessories along with your Sporty's SP-400 Handheld NAV/COM purchase by changing the quantity for the accessories you would like to purchase.

	Headset Adapter (for all Sporty's Radios) - $26.00 Connect your headset to your Sporty's radio! Plug your standard twin plug general aviation headset into this adapter, and you can use your radio without taking off your headset. Makes use of your headset speakers and microphone. With Sporty's SP-400, there is even side tone--so you can hear yourself talk when you make transmissions. Works with Sporty's JD-200, SP-200 and SP-400.
	Push-to-Talk Switch - $42.50 We recommend this dependable, high quality PTT switch. Don't be fooled by the foreign look-a-like that fails "hot" causing frequency congestion and burnt up transmitters. Features a unique top-mounted trigger which closely resembles that of a built-in push-to-talk switch. Has a VELCRO® strap, 6 ft. coiled cord, jack and plug for any general aviation headset. Made in USA.
	Spare Alkaline Battery Case (for SP-400) - $26.00 Keep a spare set of AA batteries loaded up and close at hand for your SP-400 radio. Quick-change design allows you to change battery packs in just 3 seconds.
	115V Wall Power Adapter/Battery Charger (for all Sporty's Radios) - $50.00 Allows the SP-200, SP-400, SP-125, JD-200 NAV/COM and JD-100 to be powered externally from a 115 volt wall outlet. Plugs directly into the side of the JD-200/SP-200/SP-125 and permits the radio to operate normally with or without a battery pack attached. Also charges the optional Nicad Battery Pack (#8631A) if installed, and is safe for use with the standard Alkaline Battery Pack. Power cord measures 6 ft. long. JD-100 and JD-200 no longer manufactured.
	Metal Belt Clip - $9.95 Made of sturdy, solid steel for a lifetime of use. Attaches to the back of the radio with screws (which are included as standard equipment). Works with SP-400, SP-200, SP-125, JD-200 and JD-100. SP-200, JD-200 and JD-100 no longer manufactured.
	High Capacity Rechargeable NiMh Battery (for SP-400) - $149.00 Alkaline batteries are a great choice for irregular or backup use, but if you use your SP-400 on a regular basis, a rechargeable battery can be a convenient way to keep your radio running. High capacity, 2200 mAh NiMh battery goes beyond standard rechargeable packs to provide extremely long battery life.
	Magnetic Base Antenna (for all Sporty's Radios) - $75.00 A handy way to use an external antenna in your car without permanent attachment. Includes antenna, magnetic base and 10 ft. of cable. Works with SP-400, SP-200, Air Scan V and Air Scan VII Radios. SP-200 radio no longer available.
	115V Desktop Charger (for SP-400) - $99.00 Keep your SP-400's rechargeable NiMh battery pack charged and ready for use with this handy desktop charger. Ideal for FBOs or flight schools. Includes 115V wall power adapter and quick-charger base.
	Home VHF Antenna (for all Sporty's Radios) - $199.00 For the ultimate home radio installation, this kit will provide outstanding reception for your Sporty's radio. Allows you to install an antenna on your roof or other outside surface. Includes antenna, hardware for mounting and 50 ft. of cable. Works with SP-400, Air Scan V, Air Scan VII, JD-100, SP-200, and JD-200. JD-100, JD-200 and SP-200 no longer manufactured.
	Antenna Adapter (for all Sportys Radios) - $79.00 Allows your Sporty's radio to be connected to your aircraft's external antenna, significantly improving reception and transmission range. Requires installation in the panel and adapter cable--contact your avionics shop. Works with SP-400, SP-200 or JD-200.
	SP-400 RAM Mount Cradle with Ball - $24.95 Securely mount your radio with this custom designed RAM Mount. Included clip mounts to the back side of the SP-400. Radio slides into the base and the clip locks into place. Bring on the G-Forces, this mount isnt budging. This custom cradle is constructed with a high strength composite that will withstand years of abuse. These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty.
	Permanent Mount Car Antenna Kit (for all Sporty's Radios) - $50.00 Includes antenna, mounting hardware (for metal surfaces) and 10 ft. of cable.
	SP-400 RAM Yoke Mount - $59.95 Securely mount your radio with this custom designed RAM Mount. Included clip mounts to the back side of the SP-400. Radio slides into the base and the clip locks into place. Bring on the G-Forces, this mount isnt budging. This custom cradle is constructed with a high strength composite that will withstand years of abuse. These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty.
	12V/24V Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter (for all Sportys Radios) - $39.95 Plugs directly into the side of the SP-400 and permits the radio to operate normally with or without a battery pack attached. Is safe for use with the standard Alkaline Battery Pack. Power cord measures 6 ft. long. Works with SP-400, SP-200, Air Scan VII and JD-200. SP-200 and JD-200 no longer manufactured.
	230V Desktop Charger (for SP-400) - $99.00 An easy way to keep your rechargeable NiMh battery pack recharged on your SP-400 radio. Just drop it in the base and let it charge. 230V adapter is ideal for Europe, and includes European-style "type C" plug with two round pins.
	SP-400 Accessory Kit - $99.95 Accessory kit for SP-400. Includes: headset adapter, spare battery case, radio carrying case, cigarette lighter adapter and 8 AA batteries.
	SP-400 RAM Suction Cup Mount - $59.95 Securely mount your radio with this custom designed RAM Mount. Included clip mounts to the back side of the SP-400. Radio slides into the base and the clip locks into place. Bring on the G-Forces, this mount isnt budging. This custom cradle is constructed with a high strength composite that will withstand years of abuse. These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty.
	230v Wall Adapter (for SP-400) - $50.00 Allows the SP-400 to be powered externally from a 230 volt wall outlet. Plugs directly into the side of the SP-400 and permits the radio to operate normally with or without a battery pack attached. Is safe for use with the standard Alkaline Battery Pack. Power cord measures 6 ft. long.
	SP-400 RAM Glareshield Mount - $59.95 Securely mount your radio with this custom designed RAM Mount. Included clip mounts to the back side of the SP-400. Radio slides into the base and the clip locks into place. Bring on the G-Forces, this mount isnt budging. This custom cradle is constructed with a high strength composite that will withstand years of abuse. These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty.
	SP-400 RAM Beechcraft Yoke Mount - $59.95 Securely mount your radio with this custom designed RAM Mount. Included clip mounts to the back side of the SP-400. Radio slides into the base and the clip locks into place. Bring on the G-Forces, this mount isnt budging. This custom cradle is constructed with a high strength composite that will withstand years of abuse. These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty.
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Aviation Consumer's "Gear of the Year!"

"...better than some panel-mounted gear."
"Sporty's SP-400 Shines. Its performance is clearly exceptional."
"You can easily pick this unit up and use all of its features without touching the manual."
"...it's a solid bargain."

A complete avionics stack in the palm of your hand

Introducing the all-new SP-400 from Sporty’s. It’s simply the most powerful portable radio you can buy—like having a complete standby radio stack in your flight bag. The SP-400 makes a reliable backup for emergency use, but it’s also perfect for listening to ATIS, getting clearances before engine start or just monitoring local traffic.

But a great radio is worthless if it’s hard to use. That’s why our staff of pilots, flight instructors and aircraft owners spent so much time making the SP-400 intuitive and easy to use. It has all the features you need, but none that you don’t. There are no confusing menus, no memory bands and no complicated squelch buttons—just turn it on and type in a frequency. After all, an emergency is no time to look for an instruction manual.

Why the SP-400 is the pilot-friendly radio:

Oversized, high-resolution screen—twice as large as most other radios
Large, soft keypad is easy to use, even in turbulence
No menus or memory banks—just type in the frequency
One-handed operation for fast emergency access
Unmatched battery life, powered by easy-to-find AAs
Quick-change battery pack—switch in just 3 seconds!
Backlit screen and keypad
Dedicated squelch and volume knobs for precise adjustment

COM

Last frequency flip flop makes it easy to switch back and forth
Visual memory recall shows five memory channels per screen

NAV

Full ILS display—the only portable radio with this feature!
VOR with large CDI display and automatic bearing-to-station readout

WEATHER

NOAA weather radio receiver built in
Nationwide coverage with pre-programmed stations

EMERGENCY

Dedicated 121.5 button for instant emergency communications
Sidetone—hear yourself talk when using a headset

Includes alkaline battery pack, antenna, wrist strap and instruction manual. Measures 5 1/2”h x 2 1/4”w x 1 5/8”d.

Click Here for Instruction Manual

Click here to view The Aviation Consumers "Portable VHF Radios: Sporty's SP-400 Shines" Article

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh News review

Headset Adapter (for all Sporty's Radios)

$26.00
Push-to-Talk Switch

$42.50
Spare Alkaline Battery Case (for SP-400)

$26.00
Remote Antenna Mount (for Sporty's Radios)

$29.95
115V Wall Power Adapter/Battery Charger (for all Sporty's Radios)

$50.00
Metal Belt Clip

$9.95
High Capacity Rechargeable NiMh Battery (for SP-400)

$149.00
Magnetic Base Antenna (for all Sporty's Radios)

$75.00
Tip and Tricks for Sportys SP-400 Handheld NAV/COM (DVD)

$19.95
115V Desktop Charger (for SP-400)

$99.00
Home VHF Antenna (for all Sporty's Radios)

$199.00
Antenna Adapter (for all Sportys Radios)

$79.00
SP-400 RAM Mount Cradle with Ball

$24.95
Permanent Mount Car Antenna Kit (for all Sporty's Radios)

$50.00
SP-400 RAM Yoke Mount

$59.95
12V/24V Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter (for all Sportys Radios)

$39.95
230V Desktop Charger (for SP-400)

$99.00
SP-400 Accessory Kit

$99.95
SP-400 RAM Suction Cup Mount

$59.95
230v Wall Adapter (for SP-400)

$50.00
SP-400 RAM Glareshield Mount

$59.95
SP-400 RAM Beechcraft Yoke Mount

$59.95

Headset Adapter (for all Sporty's Radios)

$26.00
Spare Alkaline Battery Case (for SP-400)

$26.00
VFR Sectional Chart

$9.00
Push-to-Talk Switch

$42.50
Remote Antenna Mount (for Sporty's Radios)

$29.95
En Route Low Altitude Chart

$5.25
Metal Belt Clip

$9.95
Airport/Facility Directory

$5.30
VFR Terminal Area Chart

$6.20
FAR AIM 2012 (ASA)

$16.95
High Capacity Rechargeable NiMh Battery (for SP-400)

$149.00
Terminal Procedures Publications

$5.95

Featured Reviews

Overall

Pros

Works like a charm. Even picks up my local FBO in my Kitchen! Is cool to listen in while not at the airport. Have not used the GS yet, but am sure it will work great.

Sportys does a great job in selecting the products it sells. Have yet to be disappointed in any of the products I have purchased so far (and I have bought a lot!)

Cons

Have not come across one yet.

General Comments

Would be nice if they included a case with it, even a cheap one.

7-11-2011

Overall

Pros

I love that I can listen to Atis and capture all the information needed before starting the engine. This helps reduce fuel and time on the plane. Not a Hugh savings but every little bit helps.

Cons

I haven't found one yet!

General Comments

I love the fact that in the event of a electrical failure or a communication failure I always have my backup radio and navigation aid. I am training for my instrument rating and felt that it would be better to have it so that I am always planning ahead.

2-25-2011

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

100% (0)

Overall Rating

Average

Total Reviews

Recommended
(100%)(100%)

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101

Reviewer - Michal

Location - park ridge,

Date - 9-19-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 9-14-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Really nifty. Imagine that, a glideslope on a handheld!

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 9-7-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

The Sporty's SP-400 is a very nice radio and will work well for my use. It's fairly easy to use and seem to be well built.

Cons

The Sporty's radio comes with nothing, so be prepared to spend another $200. for accessories you will want to enjoy the radio. Be prepared, because the assessories seem quit high priced for what they are.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Reviewer - jasta13

Date - 8-31-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

So far, so good

Pros

Screen is easy to read, and the unit seems easy to use in general.

Cons

I have only had the unit a month or two, but none so far.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Reviewer - Jerry Lane

Location - Sebring, FL

Date - 8-18-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Best hand held nav com

Pros

This is a must have item for GA pilots-ILS and VOR that works very well and the com is outstanding

Cons

None

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Reviewer - runannierun

Location - Lees Summit, MO

Date - 8-9-2011

Pilot Rating - Not a Pilot

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

GREAT

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Reviewer - Don Singer

Location - , CO

Date - 8-2-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Big deficiency. Won't work with intercom.

Pros

Great basic radio in many ways. Very easy to program and use.

Cons

Had to return the radio. Cannot use it with a portable (battery-operated) intercom and standard headphones, which is what I bought it for. I fly a Champ with no electrical system. It's a very noisy environment. My only radio option is a hand-held connected to the intercom and a good set of headphones. The optional (Pricey!) headphone adapter only allows the headphones to plug directly into the radio, preventing use of the push to talk switch on the stick and communication with a passenger. The plugs from the intercom appear to fit the mic and earphone jacks on the SP-400, but when the mic plug is inserted, it locks the radio in Transmit mode (just like having a stuck mic). Also, there is NO audio in the headphones when the earphone plug is inserted. I got the same result with another intercom in a different aircraft. It's a good radio for ground use, but pretty impractical for in-flight use, except maybe for emergency backup.

Perhaps the worst thing is that there is NO mention of this (that I could find) anywhere in the product description on the web site or in the user guide, both of which I read carefully before buying. Had I known, I'd never have bought it. There should be a very prominent warning about this limitation in the product description. Headphones, intercoms and portable radios are pretty generic items, and it's not unreasonable to expect them all to work together. ICOM and King radios work in this aircraft with the same intercom with no problem.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-31-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-27-2011

Pilot Rating - Instrument

Overall

Recommended Yes

uhuhu

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Reviewer - bigdoggh

Date - 7-26-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Needs better battery case

Pros

Works well

Cons

Battery case is an awful design...keeps slipting off the radio.

General Comments

The radio works great. I had to use it in flight when both of my comms died. The major problem is the battery case which needs some type of latch or clip so the battery case doesn't fall of, which it WILL! The battery life has been great. I haven't used the Glidescope features yet.

Date - 7-23-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-22-2011

Pilot Rating - Instrument

Overall

Recommended Yes

Pros

The features on this radio should add additional capabilities to my light aircraft. I look forward to using it.

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

I believe the headset adapter cable is a highly necessary accessary for communications inside the cockpit. In my aircraft I cannot use a handheld and fly the plane at the same time. Hooking the radio to my headset is essential. I would recommend making the cable a part of the SP-400 purchase.

Location - USA, TX, CityWaco

Date - 7-22-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-13-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-11-2011

Pilot Rating - Instrument

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Cons

Have not come across one yet.

General Comments

Would be nice if they included a case with it, even a cheap one.

Date - 6-29-2011

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-29-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-28-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Screen readability is great and very easy to use. Great for getting weather brief before start up.

Cons

Does not come with lighter/wall power adapter or protective case.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-21-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended No

Pros

Nice to get Atis/Awos before hobbs start running or on way to airport.

Cons

Cheaply built,, the battery pack falls of the radio quite easily with the slightest of "jarring". Will make time to return and hopefully mine is just produced defectively and next one will stay on properly.

General Comments

Just wished I hade faith in quality, aviation is not an arena to have undependable product.

Reviewer - fred

Date - 6-13-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

As described

Cons

None

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

( No Reviews Found )

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Our one-year guarantee has not changed since we introduced our first product in 1962. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, let us know—we will make it right. If you would like a refund or exchange, please return the product on a timely basis in the same condition in which it was received.

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