Scanners / Transceivers

[BoDEAN]

With Christmas time coming, I am debating on purchasing a Transceiver or a hand-held scanner. Do any of the users out there have either of these? What can you share about them (brand you prefer, how much use you get out of them, features to look for, etc).

I use to own a bearcat (yellow handheld) but sold it a few years back

 

[HappyFlying]

I have an ICOM IC-A5 ($319) that I use all the time to get ATIS and clearances. I try to get the clearance before we load the PAX. I can't reach the Battery master from the right and I'm too lazy to switch seats. The A5 has a rechargable cell phone type battery that dies with little warning. I'll probably buy an adapter that will allow me to use standard alkaline batteries. You can change those in flight. I bought mine for a back up in my Cessna. I have used it twice for that. Once for a total electrical failure and the other for a push-to-talk malfunction.
Sporty's has a pretty good deal on a handheld NAV/COMM for $275 that uses AA batteries. It has the new frequency splits that are in use in Europe already. As our frequencies get more crowded we eventually will have to change over too.
A flashlight, handheld GPS and transceiver all with fresh batteries can get you home when your airplane decides to have its own personal blackout. I don't leave the ground without them in my flightbag.

Happy Flying

 

[TDTURBO]

I picked up an Icom A-23 for 300 at Oshkosh, (included $75 rebate and a spare battery), and love it. You can find good deals out there if you're patient.

 

[BoDEAN]

Thanks.
Do you get a lot of use out of it as a "scanner (Ie. Setting it on your desk, listening to tower or departure at your local airport)?"

 

[azpilot]

The benefit of a scanner is that it will scan multiple frequecies at one time where a transciever won't. I have both. My scanner was around $150 at Radio Shack an my Vertex Standard transiever was $299 from Marv Golden. I like both and have used both in flight sometimes just on the ground to get ATIS or talk with Unicom. I think it really depends on what you want to do. If you goal is to have fun and listen to the frequencies get a scanner. If your goal is to have a backup com then get a transciever. I used to carry my scanner with my on flights if my radios failed I could still receive via plugging my scanner into my intercom.

Good luck with your choices. There have been other messages on this forum so you might want to do a search. Everyone seems to like the handheld they selected so it is doubtful you will get negative feedback on one particular brand. Icom and Yaesu/Vertex Standard are the most popular handhelds.

- AZPilot

 

[BoDEAN]

Just as a followup:
I think Santa is going to bring me an ICOM A-5.
Can't wait

 

[bigD]

I have an ICOM A-5 as well, and it's been great. I use it primarily for getting clearances, but sometimes when I'm bumming around at the airport I'll just sit on the grass, do homework, and listen in on the frequency. Now that I'm renting twins and the hobbs meter is tied to the master, the thing is saving me money too. With each tick of the Hobbs costing me 14 bucks - getting my clearance from my ICOM is like getting a free lunch.

 

[BoDEAN]

Couple questions BigD:

How is the coverage on the ground with the A5.
I work my second job 20 miles north of Detroit Metro, and wondering if I will be able to pick up approach and departure from the ground.
Also, did you get the model with the rechargables or the SPORT model? What did you pay (if you don't mind me asking)

Thanks

 

[bigD]

No problem, gizbug!

I have the model with the NiMH rechargable battery, and it cost me $310 or so. I don't remember the exact price, but my FBO beat Sporty's, which is $319.

I live about 15 miles northwest of AUS, and I can't get Approach or Tower - I can only hear the traffic in the air. I know of a guy that apparently installed an antenna on the roof of his home, and runs a cable into his bedroom to connect to his transceiver, and he can hear everything. I think the little whip antenna on these tranceivers leave quite a bit to be desired. In all fairness though, I've never had a problem contacting ATC from the airport grounds, which is generally when I need it most.