BEST COMM FOR THE $$$$$

N184JG · #1 01-03-2007, 06:15 AM

I am building my avionics stack and only need a comm or two no nav. required. So what is the best bang for the buck???

petehowell · #2 01-03-2007, 06:27 AM

It is a bit more expensive, but the SL-40 is hard to beat. It let's you listen to 2 freqs at once and will download freqs from the GPS (if it is a Garmin). I really like mine.

painless · #3 01-03-2007, 06:28 AM

My vote is for the Icom A200.

N98HK · #4 01-03-2007, 06:31 AM

Second the vote for the A-200.

videobobk · #5 01-03-2007, 06:55 AM

I am pleased with my XCOM. Listen to two freqs, NOAA, NAV freqs, all in a 2 1/4" one pound package. Plus it has a great built-in intercom. Cons: pricy and display needs backlight even in daylight.

Bob Kelly

13brv3 · #6 01-03-2007, 07:32 AM

The SL-40 is an awesome radio! I understand the intercom isn't the greatest, but I'm not using it so I can't really say. I never really figured I'd use the ability to send freqs from the Garmin 496, but I was wrong. I use it all the time.

Cheers,
Rusty

CraigH@KRPH · #7 01-03-2007, 07:47 AM

If low $$$ is the top consideration, the Icom gets my vote as well. Had one in my Citabria, and never expected you could get such a nice radio for so little money.

jcoloccia · #8 01-03-2007, 07:49 AM

If all you want to do is talk, can't beat the ICOM.

Jamie · #9 01-03-2007, 09:01 AM

My vote is for the SL-40. Two radios for the price of one. Slim...looks good. Absolutely a breeze to wire.

I've used the Icom A-200 in a couple of Diamond DA-20's. They work as well if not better than the GNS430's mounted just above them. Unfotunately the ICOMs seem to have taken a bit of a beating in the rental -20's (i.e. loose or inoperable knobs) where the 430's looked pristine, even though they were all installed in the panels since new. I'm sure if you took care of the A-200 it would be perfectly fine. ICom makes some great stuff. I absolutely love my IC-A24 handheld I received for Christmas. If you're of the persuasion to buy American whenever possible you should note that ICOM is a Japanese company.

I know that a while back some folks (maybe on the matronics lists) were talking about the faceplates of their A-200s melting in the hot sun. It may be something worth checking out.

Also, if you ever think you may be interested in upgrading to a NAV/COM, the SL-40 is the sure bet since it uses the same tray and COM wiring as the SL-30.

prporter · #10 01-03-2007, 09:23 AM

Hi Bob,

Did you say your XCOM has a nav receiver?

Quote:

Originally Posted by videobobk

I am pleased with my XCOM. Listen to two freqs, NOAA, NAV freqs, all in a 2 1/4" one pound package. Plus it has a great built-in intercom. Cons: pricy and display needs backlight even in daylight.

Bob Kelly