Rated 4.48936170213/5
based on 141 customer reviews
Product description:
Sporty’s experience operating a fleet of 18 airplanes enabled our pilots to engineer the SP-200 hand-held NAV/COM with unique features and pilot-friendly design. It is still the only hand-held radio to put communication, VOR navigation and localizer display in the palm of your hand. Now includes a handy “Last Frequency” button and 8.33 KHz frequency spacing (already in effect in Europe). Includes five year warranty, flexible antenna, removable wrist strap, alkaline battery case and instruction manual.Our SP-200 makes a terrific backup radio. Here’s why:
VOR and Localizer with CDI display—You won’t find this patented feature on any other hand-held, but it can be a real lifesaver. In the event of a total electrical failure, the SP-200’s localizer function can get you on the ground in the worst weather. The Aviation Consumer said, “Sporty's was the best of the group in VOR performance...in a pinch you could actually navigate with it.” Extremely durable construction—The SP-200 isn’t the smallest or slimmest hand-held radio, but that’s because it is built to last. The tough case will survive being tossed around inside a flight bag, and even dropped on the ramp. We are so confident that we back it with a 5 year warranty. Dependable alkaline battery case—For use as a backup, alkaline batteries are unbeatable for reliability. Unlike rechargeable batteries that are often discharged when you need to use the radio, you can reach for the SP-200 with confidence. Easiest to use—An emergency is no time to reach for an instruction manual, and the SP-200 doesn’t require one. It was designed for easy, one-handed operation, so you can use every feature while you fly with the other hand. The size and weight of the radio feels solid in your hand, and the backlit display and keypad is easily viewed in dark conditions. Long battery life—With eight alkaline batteries, the SP-200 will provide hours of service when you need it. The Aviation Consumer found that it had “a decided edge in transmit time endurance” over other radios. Plus, you can quick-change to a spare battery pack in just 3 seconds. “An Excellent Value”—
That’s what The Aviation Consumer had to say in its latest hand-held review. That’s because all of these features are available for under $300. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature, it’s still the best hand-held transceiver available.
Other features:"Last Frequency" button
8.33 kHz spacing
Five-year warranty
LOCALIZER with CDI Display
VOR with CDI Display
OBS & TO/FROM indicator
Automatic “Bearing-to-Station” feature
2,280 COM & 200 NAV channels
20 memory channels
Full-feature scanner (scan the entire frequency range or memory channels)
Duplex COM feature (transmit to FSS & listen over VOR)
Back-lit screen & keypad
Polarized screen reduces glare and LCD washout
Lightweight and compact, fits easily in a flight bag
Used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air ForceLow battery indicator
"Quick-change” battery case
Superior audio quality
Electret microphone
Automatic gain control
Automatic noise limiter
Single-hand squelch control
External power jack
Earphone & microphone jacks
Key lock prevents inadvertent frequency changes
Flexible antenna with standard aviation compatible BNC connector
Power — 5 watts PEP output (the max allowed by law)
Weight — 16.9 oz.
Size — 7 3/16”h x 2 3/8”w x 1 7/16”d
Frequency range:
NAV — 108.000-117.950 MHz
COM — 118.000-136.975 MHzClick Here for Instruction ManualClick here to view The Aviation Consumers "VHF Radio Shootout" ArticleOpen Link in New TabDownload
Sporty’s experience operating a fleet of 18 airplanes enabled our pilots to engineer the SP-200 hand-held NAV/COM with unique features and pilot-friendly design. It is still the only hand-held radio to put communication, VOR navigation and localizer display in the palm of your hand. Now includes a handy “Last Frequency” button and 8.33 KHz frequency spacing (already in effect in Europe). Includes five year warranty, flexible antenna, removable wrist strap, alkaline battery case and instruction manual.
Our SP-200 makes a terrific backup radio. Here’s why:
VOR and Localizer with CDI display—You won’t find this patented feature on any other hand-held, but it can be a real lifesaver. In the event of a total electrical failure, the SP-200’s localizer function can get you on the ground in the worst weather. The Aviation Consumer said, “Sporty's was the best of the group in VOR performance...in a pinch you could actually navigate with it.”
Extremely durable construction—The SP-200 isn’t the smallest or slimmest hand-held radio, but that’s because it is built to last. The tough case will survive being tossed around inside a flight bag, and even dropped on the ramp. We are so confident that we back it with a 5 year warranty.
Dependable alkaline battery case—For use as a backup, alkaline batteries are unbeatable for reliability. Unlike rechargeable batteries that are often discharged when you need to use the radio, you can reach for the SP-200 with confidence.
Easiest to use—An emergency is no time to reach for an instruction manual, and the SP-200 doesn’t require one. It was designed for easy, one-handed operation, so you can use every feature while you fly with the other hand. The size and weight of the radio feels solid in your hand, and the backlit display and keypad is easily viewed in dark conditions.
Long battery life—With eight alkaline batteries, the SP-200 will provide hours of service when you need it. The Aviation Consumer found that it had “a decided edge in transmit time endurance” over other radios. Plus, you can quick-change to a spare battery pack in just 3 seconds.
“An Excellent Value”—
That’s what The Aviation Consumer had to say in its latest hand-held review. That’s because all of these features are available for under $300. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature, it’s still the best hand-held transceiver available.
Other features:
"Last Frequency" button
8.33 kHz spacing
Five-year warranty
LOCALIZER with CDI Display
VOR with CDI Display
OBS & TO/FROM indicator
Automatic “Bearing-to-Station” feature
2,280 COM & 200 NAV channels
20 memory channels
Full-feature scanner (scan the entire frequency range or memory channels)
Duplex COM feature (transmit to FSS & listen over VOR)
Back-lit screen & keypad
Polarized screen reduces glare and LCD washout
Lightweight and compact, fits easily in a flight bag
Used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force
Low battery indicator
"Quick-change” battery case
Superior audio quality
Electret microphone
Automatic gain control
Automatic noise limiter
Single-hand squelch control
External power jack
Earphone & microphone jacks
Key lock prevents inadvertent frequency changes
Flexible antenna with standard aviation compatible BNC connector
Power — 5 watts PEP output (the max allowed by law)
Weight — 16.9 oz.
Size — 7 3/16”h x 2 3/8”w x 1 7/16”d
Frequency range:
NAV — 108.000-117.950 MHz
COM — 118.000-136.975 MHz
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
Battery pack did not allow good contact with positive end of batteries after a while. Had to put aluminum foil patch on each. This extended battery life by double.
General Comments
I have purchased two SP 200s. My first one got rained on and quit. Any suggestions on how to repair?
Date - 6-9-2010
Pilot Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Works great!
Cons
None yet
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 6-2-2010
Pilot Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
I really like this radio. Its simple to use, has a lot of functions, and feels durable. Its great peace of mind to have a back up and I think its a fantastic value.
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 5-19-2010
Pilot Rating - ATP
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Good Value. Easy to use. Like AA Batteries.
Cons
Large size.
General Comments
Overall, very satisified. Large size not an issue for me since it stays in aircraft to be used for ATIS, Clearance and as an Emergency back-up radio.
Date - 5-8-2010
Pilot Rating - Private
Overall Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
It does exacly what I wanted it for. I can listen to ATIS at the airport before flying. I was one of the staff at a CAF Open House and it was fantastic to allow us to listen in to all pattern traffic.
Cons
I wish saving frequencies on memory were a little more intuitive but in no way is this a deterrent, I just need to read the instructions a little more carefuly, mayube I am just not doing it right.
General Comments
It is too early to comment about durability because I have not had it long enough, but it looks well built and the control knobs are firm but easy to use. A great piece of equipment and a great back-up in the cockpit in case of electrical failure. I fly out of a controlled airport in a Mode C area and it would be a great inconvenience not to be able to communicate with my airport's tower. I don't keep the batteries in it while I don't use it but I put them on every time I fly and I always take it with me.
Date - 5-5-2010
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended No
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 4-8-2010
Pilot Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended No
Pros
The SP-200 Nav/Com Transceiver is a well made alternative to a cockpit transceiver.
Cons
I probably bought something not well suited to my current desires but that may be more useful going forward. What I probably should have purchased was a Radioshack scanner that covered the Aviation bands. I bought it to listen to aviation chatter to retrain my ears. the SP-200 does that quite well but I certainly do not need a transmit button at this time. I think the unit has more features than I have discovered yet but I have never been one to read manuals.
General Comments
It is a great product that is not what I needed. Not your fault. No matter, I am having fun with it regardless.
Date - 3-30-2010
Pilot Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Easy to use after the initial fumbling.
Cons
Directions could be better. Orange display like the icon radios would be easier to read. Was mislead on the phone about how long the $279 sale would last and had to pay $299.
General Comments
Good back up radio but not as sensitive as I expected with the whip antenna
Date - 3-12-2010
Pilot Rating - Commercial
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Rich in features and the nav/com capabilities are a plus
Cons
Had one before where the display eventually failed; should come with a cover.
General Comments
Great value
Date - 3-1-2010
Pilot Rating - Student
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
Nice, portable, easy to use. Backlight feature is nice. Good reception ( I live near DCA, so I love the scan feature ).
Cons
I got the cigar plug to recharge, and I have found you cannot listen to the radio while it is plugged in. Complete hissing, squelch is no help. Not sure if the desktop nicad recharger is the same.
General Comments
Overall, I am satisfied with the product. I had even accidentally ordered two of the remote antenna's, and I emailed Sporty's (I hoped in time) to let them know of my mistake, and they corrected the shipment no problem.
Date - 1-5-2010
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 - 12-21-2009
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 - 12-10-2009
Pilot Rating - Instrument
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 - 12-3-2009
Pilot Rating - Private
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended Yes
Pros
The unit works fine, I like the NAV function and the radio channel storage too.
Cons
A little bit on the large size but it perfectly fits in my flight bag.
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
Date - 10-14-2009
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 - 10-2-2009
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
The radio was purchased as a gift for my instructor.
Date - 10-1-2009
Pilot Rating - Instrument
Overall Durability Reliability Value Usability Expected
Recommended No
Pros
( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )
Cons
its a pretty basic device, and larger than it needs to be I have 6 of them
General Comments
( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )
( No Reviews Found )
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One Year Guarantee
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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