VHF Radio Recommendations

Dave Evans · Post by **Dave Evans** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:08 pm

I'm considering replacing my ageing Icom handheld in my Jodel with a fixed VHF radio. My choice is limited to 3 at the moment, all panel mounted.

Becker AR4201
Filser ATR833
Microair M760

Has anyone got any glowing recommendations of using these radios, or have any gripes about them?

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:37 pm

Hi Dave, if you are keeping the aircraft medium to long term I'd recommend you get an 8.33 channel set now, rather than have to change in three or four years. There aren't a great number of options available at present, so you might want to stick with the handheld until competition brings down the prices a bit.

Dave Evans · Post by **Dave Evans** » Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:18 pm

Brian,

I've just read the Eurocontrol 8.33 implementation plans. What depressing reading... I'm tempted to throw the thing out and just fly around non-radio (which is mostly what I do now anyway)

tnowak · Post by **tnowak** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 7:55 am

I have a Becker radio (an earlier version) which has worked flawlesly for 20 years now. Putting aside the issue of 8.33K channels, you want one that has the lowest overall power drain, should your aircraft not have a regular electrical system.
Tony Nowak

gasax · Post by **gasax** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:11 am

I have a Microair. The perceived wisdom seems to be they can be very good - but some are not and mine falls into this category. It is ok since its return from Australia (the only place they can be fixed!).

So when working they are an adequate radio - but nothing like as good as my previous King

Gerry Holland · Post by **Gerry Holland** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:25 pm

I have a Becker 4201 in an open cockpit, non electric Aircraft (Battery Box).
It is excellent and especially combined with Lynx Avionics Headset.

cirrusvfr · Post by **cirrusvfr** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 10:06 am

I've just installed a Funkwerk (Fisler) ATR833 OLED . It is early days , but so far have been very impressed with it.....easy to install, operate and readability of display is very clear. Inbuilt Intercom was originally a concern (whether to rely on it alone or have a supplemental unit ) but happy to report it seems suitable for our use so keeping it as is. ( Aircraft is a Luscombe )