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Handheld Transceivers
OUR OPINIONS ON VHF AIR BAND HANDHELD
TRANSCEIVERS
Brought to you by
APG - Eastern Avionics International
Every pilot will eventually experience COMM
or NAV/COM failure. Just a few years ago, there were few choices and options
when your radios went sour. You were stuck in a very uncomfortable situation.
Today, electronic miniaturization offers us our own personal avionics systems.
One of the most important items a pilot should
have in the flight bag is a handheld radio.
But which one should I buy?
The units listed below are not the only models we have, but they are the units
that make up 90 percent of our sales because they fill very specific customer
requirements. Under each description of these models you will find a "Hot
Tip" that will help you zero in on the model that is right for you.
What accessories do I need?
Many of our models come complete with Ni-Cad or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries,
the charger, a vinyl case, belt clip, and flexible antenna. Anyone who has
any experience with NiCad or Ni-MH batteries knows that they tend to go dead
just sitting around; which is exactly what they will do sitting in your flight
bag. Your six hundred dollar emergency backup radio is worthless to you in
an emergency if the battery is dead. A good back-up solution is to have an
alkaline battery pack on hand for use when your NiCads lose their charge.
They will maintain full charge for years and will run for many hours. At less
than $39, your investment is minimal and it adds a level of safety that could
make a real difference someday.
Another accessory to buy is a headset adapter.
By definition, airplanes are noisy and it is not easy to listen while in flight
to a small handheld that is equipped with a one inch speaker. By connecting
your handheld to your headset and PTT you've made the unit that much easier
to use. Several models have headset adapters included as part of the standard
package, otherwise, we strongly suggest you get one.
At APG-Eastern Avionics, we take the confusion out of selecting the best handheld radio. Just give us a call and we will be happy to recommend the radio just right for you -- and at a great price too!
AVIONICS REVIEWS
ICOM IC-A6E LI COM
$625.00 $319.00 On Sale!
The newest model in the ICOM Communication Only product line is the IC-A6. A large high contrast
LCD display shows both letters and numbers for
fast frequency recognition. The display and keypad are
BOTH backlit and stay ON until you turn them off – a
great feature at night. “Flip-flop” channel recall automatically
stores your last 10 COM frequencies and
allows easy recall of those frequencies by pushing the
left/right “flip-flop” recall buttons on the front panel. An
external DC power jack allows you to use the BC-110 wall
charger or CP-20 cigarette lighter cable and the radio is
fully operable while it is charging. Water resistant construction
meets the highest IPX4/IEC 60529 standards!
Additional features include: 200 memory channels (20 Ch ¥ 10 banks) with 6 character names,
121.5MHz emergency key, Side tone function, Optional Ni-Cd and Li-Ion battery packs,
NOAA marine weather channels, Tag scanning and memory bank scanning, ANL (Auto
Noise Limiter), Low battery alert, and more.
HOT TIPS!!
ICOM is as good as it gets in portable communication transceivcer! This model is a larger alternative to the ICOM's old IC-A5 model. If you have
large hands and find it difficult to press the keys on small keypads this is the portable Nav/Com to buy. The NEW Lithium-ION Battery Pack is perfect if you need a lot of talk time on a given charge.

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ICOM IC-A24E LI NAV/COM
$725.00 $389.00 On Sale!
The newest model in the ICOM product line is the IC-A24 "LI" NAVICOM aviation handheld. Being easy to operate with one hand was the design
concept with this new, larger model. A larger hi-contrast LCD display shows
both letters and numbers for fast frequency recognition. The display and keypad
are BOTH backlit and stay ON until you turn them off – a great feature at
night. “Flip-flop” channel recall automatically stores your last 10 NAV or
COM frequencies and allows easy recall of those frequencies by pushing the
left/right “flip-flop” recall buttons on the front panel. An external DC power
jack allows you to use the BC-110 wall charger or CP-20 cigarette lighter
cable and the radio is fully operable while it is charging. Water resistant
construction meets the highest IPX4/IEC 60529 standards! The DVOR mode shows the bearing TO or radial
FROM a VOR station. The CDI mode shows your LEFT/RIGHT course deviation TO
or FROM a VOR station. You can also input your intended bearing/radial to/from
the VOR station and show the course deviation on the display. Duplex operation
allows you to use the COM transceiver, while you are flying the VOR. Additional
features include: 200 memory channels (20 Ch × 10 banks) with
6 character names, Dedicated 121.5MHz emergency key, Side tone function allows
you to hear your own voice through your aviation headset, HIGH CAPACITY LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK, NOAA marine weather channels, Tag scanning and memory
bank scanning, ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter), Low battery alert, and much
more.
HOT TIPS!!
ICOM is as good as it gets in portable nav/coms! This model is a larger alternative to the ICOM's old IC-A23 model. If you have large hands and find it difficult to press the keys on small keypads this is the portable Nav/Com to buy. The NEW Lithium-ION Battery Pack is perfect if you need a lot of talk time on a given charge.

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ICOM IC-A5 COM (Recon.)
$299.00 $229.00 On Sale!
The smallest communication handheld we offer is the popular ICOM IC-A5 COM. It has all the features you’ve come to expect in a premium handheld plus many surprising features and capabilities. A built-in Digital Voice Recording and Playback System will record a clearance or other ATC transmission and transmit it back to the controller for read back. The recorded information stays in
the radio even if the power is turned off or the batteries disconnected. Easy to operate UP/DOWN switches allow you to
easily change the volume level, or flip through your frequencies with one hand. A Ni-MH battery keeps your radio going longer with no battery memory problems. Includes: Antenna, Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery w/ charger, Belt Clip and Wrist Strap.
The IC-A5 is no longer in production but reconditioning units maybe available.

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ICOM IC-A23 NAV/COM (Recon.)
$349.00 $279.00 On Sale!
Among our most popular handheld Nav/Com's is ICOM's IC-A23 NAVICOM. It has all the features you expect in a premium
handheld plus some surprising new features. A built-in
Digital Voice Recording and Playback System will record a
clearance or other ATC transmission and transmit it back to
the controller for read back. The recorded information stays in the radio even if the power is turned off or the batteries disconnected. Easy to operate UP/DOWN switches allow you to easily change the volume level, or flip through your frequencies with one hand. The ABSS (Auto Bearing Set System) allows you to center your VOR course display INSTANTLY on the IC-A23 with one push of a button. A Ni-MH battery keeps your radio going
longer with no battery memory problems.
The IC-A23 is no longer in production but reconditioning units maybe available.

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Vertex Standard VXA-300 Pilot III Portable NAV/COM
$449.00 $369.00 On Sale!
Vertex Standard's newest transceiver, the VXA-300 has the typical
ruggedness and high quality pilots expect. Special gaskets can protect
the radio from all the dirt and moisture you can throw at it! it
has full aviation NAV/COM capability with a 5 watt transmitter and
8.33 RCVR spacing for use in Europe. The unit is complete with a
1400 Ni MH rechargeable battery that lasts about 10 hours. All 10
NOAA WX Channels are provided with a "Severe Weather Alert"
feature. Compared to the other Vertex Standard models the VXA-
300 adds a 30% larger character display, stop watch/timer feature,
PA Operation with optional MH44B4B mic, Automatic Noise
Limiter (ANR) for noisy environments and a full 800 mW of audio
power. The VXA-300 is up to 50% louder than any other handheld. Other features
include a One Touch Emergency Access (121.5 MHz), Back-Lit Keypad &
Display, Split Channel Operation, Low Battery Indicator, RX Battery Saver, and
Skip Scan. APG-Eastern Avionics includes a NC-88B Overnight Charger, CD-28
Charger Cradle, ATV-10 Ant., CLIP-14 Belt Clip, CT-96 Headset Adptr, & Manual.

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Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit Portable NAV/COM & Business Band Receiver
$550.00 $449.00 On Sale!
The VXA-710 Spirit Multiband is a first in aviation communications! Vertex Standard has combined over 50 years experience in amateur radio communications and in aviation communications to make the world's first Air Band, VOR Navigation and VHF Business Band Radio receive handheld transceiver! Our package includes a full set of accessories including a FNB-80, Lithium -Ion Battery, NC-72B Wall Charger, CT-96 Headset adapter, and ATV-9 Rubber Duck Antenna.
has the typical
ruggedness and high quality pilots expect. Special gaskets can protect
the radio from all the dirt and moisture you can throw at it! it
has full aviation NAV/COM capability with a 5 watt transmitter and
8.33 RCVR spacing for use in Europe. The unit is complete with a
1400 Ni MH rechargeable battery that lasts about 10 hours. All 10
NOAA WX Channels are provided with a "Severe Weather Alert"
feature. Compared to the other Vertex Standard models the VXA-
300 adds a 30% larger character display, stop watch/timer feature,
PA Operation with optional MH44B4B mic, Automatic Noise
Limiter (ANR) for noisy environments and a full 800 mW of audio
power. The VXA-300 is up to 50% louder than any other handheld. Other features
include a One Touch Emergency Access (121.5 MHz), Back-Lit Keypad &
Display, Split Channel Operation, Low Battery Indicator, RX Battery Saver, and
Skip Scan. APG-Eastern Avionics includes a NC-88B Overnight Charger, CD-28
Charger Cradle, ATV-10 Ant., CLIP-14 Belt Clip, CT-96 Headset Adptr, & Manual.

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Vertex Standard VXA-220 Aviator PRO VI COM
$329.00 $299.00 On Sale!
VXA220
Rugged and Submersible Construction (3 feet/1 m for 30 minutes); The VXA-220 is built inside a rugged Aluminum case, carefully sealed to protect against water ingress. Built to survive immersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of three feet, the VXA-220 can keep you communicating even if it gets wet due to servere weather or unforeseen water landing.
Loud Audio (700mW);Ideal for reception in noisy environments, the high-powered audio of the VXA-220 is coupled to a large internal speaker, assuring solid copy throughout difficult and noisy conditions.
5 Watts TX Output Power (at 7.2 V.5W P.E.P. Typ., 1.5 W carrier); for reliable communications over difficult communications path, the VXA-220 provides 65 Watts (PEP) of transmitter power (1.5 W carrier). With its excellent audio clarity, the VXA-220's transmitter will get your message through.
250 Memory Channels (Incl. Pre-Programmed Book Memory Channels); The 150 regular memory channels and 100 pre-programmed "Book" memory channels can store just about any commonly used operating frequencies that you choose. The memories may also be labeled with an alphanumeric title of up to 8 characters, for easy recognition.
8 Character Alpha Numeric Display; Providing an Alphanumeric Channel Label of up to 8 characters, the LCD display also provides convenient operating function icons to provide instant recognition of radio statuses.
Back-Lit Keypad and Display with Dimmer; For quick access to operating frequencies, simply enter the frequency information directly from the 17 button keypad, then press the "Push to Talk"(PTT) button to transmit. There is no need to store frequencies in memory before operating.
NOAA Weather Channel Receive (USA ONLY); The VXA-220 can receive all 10 NOAA weather broadcast frequencies. The Automatic Active Weather Channel Locator (a Vertex Standard exclusive) automatically scans for active NOAA weather stations in your area when WX band is selected.
NOAA Weather Alert (USA ONLY); The VXA-220 includes a special feature that sounds an alarm when the special "Severe Weather" alert tone is received from a Weather Broadcast station. This warns you of potentially hazardous flying conditions.
RX Battery Saver; This feature is designed to maximize the life of the transceiver's battery. When the VXA-220 is in the standby mode the battery saver de-energizes the transceiver's circuitry, waking it up at user-selected intervals to sample for radio activity. If no activity is detected the Pilot goes back into its sleep mode. Current consumption is minimized, thereby maximizing battery life. This feature is only found on Vertex Standard Airband transceivers.
One Touch Emergency Frequency (121.5MHz) Acess; For lighting-fast access to the 121.5MHz Emergency Frequency, a dedicated key on the front panel assures you of no delays in summoning help in an emergency.
3-Way Display Tilting And Back-Lit Display; Easy to use, versatile access to channel information is critical to successful transceiver operation. Only Vertex Standard transceiver offers you one-keystroke access to three different methods of displaying memory channel information: Frequency, Channel Number, Or Alphanumeric title.
Other Features; OX Operations (Voice Activated Transmit/Receive switching): Automatic Noise Limiter: One-Touch Squelch (Monitor) Control: External DC Jack (12V): 8.33 or 25 KHz Channel Steps: Stop Watch and Count Down Timers: Easy-to use Menu System for Custom Configuration: PC Programmable (Requires programming cable CT-29+CT-97 and software CE88)

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ICOM IC-A4 COM
$279.00 $219.00 On Sale!
The IC-A4 is a full 760CH Comm radio with ICOM quality and a low
price. Up-Down keys make frequency selection easy, a channel name
function allows you to assign a 5-character alpha name to up to 19 memory
channels, and a LCD backlighted screen provides for night flying. It
uses a die-cast aluminum chassis and polycarbonate front panel for
extreme durability. The unit is tiny at only 2.3 in. wide, 5.5 in. tall, 1.3
in. deep and 15oz. We include the Antenna, NiCad Battery w/Charger,
Belt Clip & Handstrap.

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