2¼" dual scan comms

gerrychuck · #1 01-31-2016, 12:34 PM

I currently have a Becker 4201 2 1/4" round comm in my plane. This radio has worked flawlessly in the 4 years I have had the plane. Only problem is that it is my only comm, and lacks any capability for monitoring the standby frequency. Since I will be doing some cross country this summer, with other aircraft, I would really like to be able to have the radio on an air to air frequency but still be monitoring atc. I am in the process of upgrading my panel, installing a GRT HX screen and a 406 elt, and started thinking this would be a good time to address the comm issue as well. I could add a second radio, again probably a little round one, or I could replace the Becker with a newer unit with the dual scan capability, which for the sake of simplicity is the way I'm leaning. Although there is room in the subpanel I am redoing for a flat pack type comm, which obviously would open up the possibilities considerably, anything that tray mounts and has to be attached/braced at the back end of the tray wouldn't work well in my application.

There appear to be several options: the Becker 6201 would be the simplest, hooking directly up to the same connector as my current 4201, but is also by far the most expensive; $1000 Cdn more than the next closest option. Next in order of cost would be the Dittel KRT2 and the MGL V6, which are very comparable in price, and finally the Microair M760 which boasts very similar function to all the others at about 1/2 the cost of the Becker. I guess the Xcom would have to be included in the list too, although I haven't really heard anything about that company. If I was adding a second radio, I would also consider the Flightline radio, but wouldn't on its own as it doesn't have dual monitoring.

So...I am looking for advice and experience with these radios and would appreciate any insights. I would also be very interested if anyone knows of a flat pack comm with similar capabilities that front mounts directly to the panel the same way the round units do. Thanks in advance for any knowledge you're willing to share!

KRviator · #2 01-31-2016, 01:03 PM

I have an Xcom in my -9 that I'm happy with so far, though I'm yet to fly it. In the shed and hangar it works well, it has dual watch, with the active taking priority, a music input (that I have wired to the Dynon Skyview) and a built-in 2-place intercom. For those in the US, it can monitor NOAA weather channels too.

For what I want it is the perfect solution.

agirard7a · #3 01-31-2016, 01:06 PM

How about the Trig TY-91?

http://www.trig-avionics.com/products/ty91/

gerrychuck · #4 01-31-2016, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agirard7a

How about the Trig TY-91?

http://www.trig-avionics.com/products/ty91/

That does look like a great little radio, and I've heard nothing but good things about Trig products. Nearly as much money as the Becker is the only drawback I can see.

SMRacer · #5 01-31-2016, 03:59 PM

The MGL V6 will do that. Fits in round hole. $1095. Have one in my RV4 and have never had any problems.

Jim
N444JT

gerrychuck · #6 01-31-2016, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMRacer

The MGL V6 will do that. Fits in round hole. $1095. Have one in my RV4 and have never had any problems.

Jim
N444JT

Good to know. The V6 is pretty much my default choice here, although the price makes the Microair very interesting.

rjtjrt · #7 01-31-2016, 07:05 PM

I've got a Microair in a non RV aircraft.
Had it for 4 years and it works as advertised.
John

AJ85WA · #8 01-31-2016, 07:34 PM

MGL V6 in my RV6 for 2 years, Excellent radio, easy to operate. Very happy with it.

Intercom built in, music input ect ect.

Great value

judoka5051 · #9 01-31-2016, 07:43 PM

I've put them in two planes now. Great radio and intercom!

gerrychuck · #10 01-31-2016, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjtjrt

I've got a Microair in a non RV aircraft.
Had it for 4 years and it works as advertised.
John

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ85WA

MGL V6 in my RV6 for 2 years, Excellent radio, easy to operate. Very happy with it.

Intercom built in, music input ect ect.

Great value

Quote:

Originally Posted by judoka5051

I've put them in two planes now. Great radio and intercom!

Thanks for that info!
Anyone with experience with the Dittel radios? The second gen KRT2 has several very attractive features; it would appear to have the best display of any of the micro radios.