Southern Arizona Hang Glider AssociationHi all. I need a radio. What should I look for and where can I get it? How much will it cost? Do I need a ham radio license?
--Aaron
Radios
Moderators:ioan, John Wolfe, aaroncromer, jlowery
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John Wolfe
- Posts:996
- Joined:Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:08 pm
- Location:Oro Valley (NW Tucson)
You don't need a HAM license to listen or to transmit in an emergency. Getting your license is very simple though, so most of us have jumped through the requisite hoops and can help you get it done in short order.
You want a 2 meter handheld transceiver, preferably lightweight, with a flexible rubber antenna. ICOM (http://www.icomamerica.com/en/) and Yaesu (http://www.yaesu.com/) are two of the biggest and most popular players in the market.
You will also want a headset that can be integrated into your helmet along with a push-to-talk (PTT) button that can be mounted remotely from the handheld unit itself (either on your helmet or on your finger).
Most handheld units come with a rechargeable battery pack. Some also have optional disposable battery packs (I have both).
It's probably also a good idea to get one that has a detachable antenna so that you will have the option of using a more capable antenna than the flexible one, either in the air or in your car.
If you buy a new radio, I think you would have trouble finding one that doesn't have all the features you need like memory channels and repeater capabilities.
I'm guessing the other pilots will have a few things to add that I missed.
You want a 2 meter handheld transceiver, preferably lightweight, with a flexible rubber antenna. ICOM (http://www.icomamerica.com/en/) and Yaesu (http://www.yaesu.com/) are two of the biggest and most popular players in the market.
You will also want a headset that can be integrated into your helmet along with a push-to-talk (PTT) button that can be mounted remotely from the handheld unit itself (either on your helmet or on your finger).
Most handheld units come with a rechargeable battery pack. Some also have optional disposable battery packs (I have both).
It's probably also a good idea to get one that has a detachable antenna so that you will have the option of using a more capable antenna than the flexible one, either in the air or in your car.
If you buy a new radio, I think you would have trouble finding one that doesn't have all the features you need like memory channels and repeater capabilities.
I'm guessing the other pilots will have a few things to add that I missed.
Re: Radios
Aaron,
Around here we use the USHPA frequencies, but if you fly in California and some other places they primarily use HAM 2-meter frequencies.
To use the USHPA frequencies, you get a Vehicular Authorization or Portable Authorization (or both) from the USHPA, and you are then authorized to use their Business Band license, WPRY420. The VA is for mobile radios, the PA is for the handhelds.
To use the HAM frequencies, you definitely need an amateur radio license, "Technician" class at a minimum. HAMS are very protective of their bands, and using them without a license can get you in a crack. The test is not difficult and study guides are available online.
There are a number of good radios that will do the job. The Yaesu FT-270 is a good, current radio, or used VX-170 is very similar. I'm familiar with those two but there are other good brands as well. You need a 2-meter single-band radio with a volume control that can be operated in the air, with gloves on.
You can order them online from Ham Radio Outlet (http://www.hamradio.com), Amateur Electronic Supply (http://www.aesham.com). New ones are cheap enough ($125-$150) that I don't recommend buying them used unless you know the seller well.
Not all models are capable of tuning the USHPA frequencies, so if you go with something other than the Yaesus give me a call to find out if it does.
Talk to Eric Smith about how to get the USHPA authorization, and I can help you with getting the radio programmed for the frequencies you'll be using.
John
HAM: KC7UOS
Around here we use the USHPA frequencies, but if you fly in California and some other places they primarily use HAM 2-meter frequencies.
To use the USHPA frequencies, you get a Vehicular Authorization or Portable Authorization (or both) from the USHPA, and you are then authorized to use their Business Band license, WPRY420. The VA is for mobile radios, the PA is for the handhelds.
To use the HAM frequencies, you definitely need an amateur radio license, "Technician" class at a minimum. HAMS are very protective of their bands, and using them without a license can get you in a crack. The test is not difficult and study guides are available online.
There are a number of good radios that will do the job. The Yaesu FT-270 is a good, current radio, or used VX-170 is very similar. I'm familiar with those two but there are other good brands as well. You need a 2-meter single-band radio with a volume control that can be operated in the air, with gloves on.
You can order them online from Ham Radio Outlet (http://www.hamradio.com), Amateur Electronic Supply (http://www.aesham.com). New ones are cheap enough ($125-$150) that I don't recommend buying them used unless you know the seller well.
Not all models are capable of tuning the USHPA frequencies, so if you go with something other than the Yaesus give me a call to find out if it does.
Talk to Eric Smith about how to get the USHPA authorization, and I can help you with getting the radio programmed for the frequencies you'll be using.
John
HAM: KC7UOS
read the study guide here
http://www.ushpa.aero/forms/pkt_Radio_Auth_Student.pdf
and take the attached test and give it to Eric, that will make you legal to use USHGA frequencies. If you wanna get all high-speed you could take the real HAM test, which will enable you to use repeaters and stuff, which is very helpful to call in emergencies and extend your range for retrieves. Many of the SAHGA guys are HAM licensed and can use repeaters, so it might be a good idea.
http://www.ushpa.aero/forms/pkt_Radio_Auth_Student.pdf
and take the attached test and give it to Eric, that will make you legal to use USHGA frequencies. If you wanna get all high-speed you could take the real HAM test, which will enable you to use repeaters and stuff, which is very helpful to call in emergencies and extend your range for retrieves. Many of the SAHGA guys are HAM licensed and can use repeaters, so it might be a good idea.