Radio Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a portable aviation radio is an important decision, and the options can sometimes be confusing. Every instrument pilot should carry one as a backup, and they can also be invaluable for flight schools, FBOs or just for fun. An important question to ask is how you plan to use the radio-will it be a backup, or will it be used every day as a primary communication radio? The answer to that question will determine what features are important to you. Below, we've described some of the important features and terminology you will encounter when choosing a portable aviation radio. COM vs. NAV/COM: The most basic radios are strictly for communications (COM). However, many radios (NAV/COMs) also offer navigation functions. These radios will receive VOR frequencies and display a course deviation indicator (CDI) with a TO/FROM indicator-just like in an airplane. This feature is a great backup for emergency situations. Localizer: In addition to VOR reception, Sporty's SP-200 NAV/COM also receives localizer frequencies and displays a CDI. In an emergency, this feature allows you to fly very precise approaches to many larger airports, even with no electrical system. Bearing to station: This automatic feature shows you what radial your airplane is on, relative to the selected VOR. Useful for situational awareness, you get an instant reading of your bearing to the VOR. Duplex COM: To reach many Flight Service Stations (FSSs), you must transmit on a COM frequency, but receive on a NAV frequency. This is possible on many hand-held NAV/COMs with the duplex feature. 8.33 KHz spacing: In the US, aviation channels are spaced 25 KHz apart. To reduce frequency congestion, Europe spaces some channels by only 8.33 KHz. This is usually a selectable option on properly equipped radios. Battery type: For backup or emergency use, regular alkaline batteries are the best choice-you don't have to worry about them being run down between uses. However, for everyday use, NiCd, NiMH or LiOn batteries offer the convenience of recharging at the end of each day. NOAA weather: NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. These stations broadcast warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service is available only in the US

	SP-200 NAV/COM Transceiver	Sporty's Air-Scan VII Portable Scanner: Portable AM/FM Radio plus Air-Band Scanner	Air-Scan V Desktop Scanner: AM/FM Radio plus Air-Band Scanner with Aviation Interrupt	Icom IC-A6 COM Transceiver	Icom IC-A24 NAV/COM Transceiver
	SP-200A $279.00	3465-0A $149.00	7772-1A $99.95	1756A $259.00	2491A $319.00
Dimensions	7 1/4" x 2 3/8" x 1 7/16"	6 5/8" x 2 3/8" x 1 7/16"	3 1/2" x 9 3/4" x 6 13/15"	5 3/32" x 2 1/8" x 1 13/32"	5 3/32" x 2 1/8" x 1 13/32"
Display Size	1 3/8" x 1/2"	1 5/8" x 5/8"	3 2/5" x 1 2/5"	1 1/2" x 3/4"	1 1/2" x 3/4"
Weight	16.9 oz.	12.7 oz.	2.65 Lbs with Batteries	15.2 oz.	15.2 oz.
Comm Channels	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 142.975	118.000 - 142.975	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 136.975
Nav Channels	108.000 - 117.950	N/A	N/A	N/A	108.000 - 117.975
NOAA Weather Channels	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Com Receive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nav Receive	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Nav CDI	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Nav To/From	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Localizer CDI	Yes	No	No	No	No
FM Rx	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Amateur Band	No	No	No	No	No
# Memory Channels	20	5	5	200	200
Backlighting	Keys and Display	Display	Display	Keys and Display	Keys and Display
Transmitting Power	1.5 watts nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)	N/A	N/A	1.5 watts nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)	1.5 watts nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)
Internal Microphone	Electret	N/A	N/A	Condenser	Condenser
Side Tone	No	N/A	N/A	Yes	Yes
Available Power Supplies	NiCad Battery Pack, Alkaline Batt. pack (8 AA) 12 Volt Cig. Adapter, Wall adapter/charger	Alkaline Batteries (4 AA) 12 Volt Cig. Adapter, Wall adapter/charger	Six C-Cell Batteries or 115v Power Adapter	Ni-MH and Li-Ion Battery Packs, Alkaline Batt. Pack (6 AA's), 12 Volt Cig. Adapter, Wall charger (charging only).	Ni-MH Battery Pack, Alkaline Batt. Pack (6 AA's), 12 Volt Cig. Adapter, Wall charger (charging only).
Standard Battery	Alkaline Battery Pack	N/A	N/A	NiMH Battery	NiMH Battery
Standard Battery Life	Approx. 10-15 Hrs	Up to 80 Hrs on 4 AA Alkaline Batteries	N/A	Approx. 5 Hrs	Approx. 5 Hrs
Mfr. Warranty	5 Years	5 Year	5 Year	Radio - 3 Years Accessories - 1 year	Radio - 3 Years Accessories - 1 year

	Icom IC-A14 COM Transceiver	Icom IC-A14S COM Transceiver	Vertex Standard VXA-300 Pilot III Transceiver	Vertex Standard VXA-220 Pro VI Transceiver	Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit Transceiver
	6284A $209.00	6298A $209.00	1653A $225.00	5292A $179.00	4203A $299.00
Dimensions	53" x 120" x 36.9 mm	53" x 120" x 36 mm	2 1/2" x 4 3/4 x 1 1/4"	4 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 1"	2 1/2" x 3 3/4" x 1 1/4"
Display Size			1 1/2" x 3/4"	1" x 5/16"	1 1/2" x 3/4"
Weight	12.3 oz.	12.3 oz.	13.7 oz.	12.7 oz.	9.9 oz.
Comm Channels	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 136.975	118.000 - 136.975
Nav Channels	N/A	N/A	108.000 - 117.975	N/A	108.000 - 117.975
NOAA Weather Channels	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Com Receive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nav Receive	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Nav CDI	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Nav To/From	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Localizer CDI	No	No	No	No	No
FM Rx	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Amateur Band	No	No	No	No	Yes
# Memory Channels	200	100	150 User & 100 Pre-Programmed (Book) Channels	150 User & 100 Pre-Programmed (Book) Channels	160
Backlighting	LCD	LCD	Keys and Display	Keys and Display	Keys and Display
Transmitting Power	1.5 watts	1.5 watts	1.5 watts nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)	1.5 watt nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)	1.5 watts nominal 5 watts PEP (Peak Power)
Internal Microphone	Condenser	Condenser	Condenser	Condenser	Condenser
Side Tone	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Available Power Supplies	Li-ion 7.4 volt, AC Adapter	Li-ion 7.4 volt, AC Adapter	NiMH Battery Pack, Alkaline Batt. Pack (6 AA), 12v Cigarette Lighter	NiCad Battery Pack, Alkaline Batt. pack (6 AA), 12V Cigarette Lighter	Li-ion and Alkaline Batt. Pack, 12 volt Cig. Wall Charger
Standard Battery	Li-ion	Li-ion	NiMH Battery	NiMH Battery	Li-ion
Standard Battery Life	Approx. 18 Hrs	Approx. 18 Hrs	Approx. 14 Hrs	Approx. 8-10 Hrs	Approx. 16 Hrs
Mfr. Warranty	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years	3 Years