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Best handheld, esp. transmit?

rv6n6r

rv6n6r

Well Known Member
Patron
My emergency backup radio is a King KX99. I had a NORDO event a while back and while RX was fine, I was barely able to communicate (TX) with the tower even from directly overhead at 2500'. This was using an antenna adapter that allows me to connect the handheld's BNC to the belly-mounted antenna.

I'd like to upgrade but wondering how much better other handhelds might be. The KX99 specs at 1.5W output, others such as Sportys' PJ2 advertise 1.8 - is that enough? From what I read, most handhelds are good for 5-10 miles tx and maybe more with ship's antenna. Maybe my radio is just old but in any case, I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade and with what. Extra credit for anyone who has used one with a ship's antenna.
 
rv6n6r said:
My emergency backup radio is a King KX99. I had a NORDO event a while back and while RX was fine, I was barely able to communicate (TX) with the tower even from directly overhead at 2500'. This was using an antenna adapter that allows me to connect the handheld's BNC to the belly-mounted antenna.

I'd like to upgrade but wondering how much better other handhelds might be. The KX99 specs at 1.5W output, others such as Sportys' PJ2 advertise 1.8 - is that enough? From what I read, most handhelds are good for 5-10 miles tx and maybe more with ship's antenna. Maybe my radio is just old but in any case, I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade and with what. Extra credit for anyone who has used one with a ship's antenna.
Click to expand...
Difference between 1.5 and 1.8 watts is zilch. Either your transmitter is broken or the connection to your antenna is broken.
 
rv6n6r said:
My emergency backup radio is a King KX99. I had a NORDO event a while back and while RX was fine, I was barely able to communicate (TX) with the tower even from directly overhead at 2500'. This was using an antenna adapter that allows me to connect the handheld's BNC to the belly-mounted antenna.

I'd like to upgrade but wondering how much better other handhelds might be. The KX99 specs at 1.5W output, others such as Sportys' PJ2 advertise 1.8 - is that enough? From what I read, most handhelds are good for 5-10 miles tx and maybe more with ship's antenna. Maybe my radio is just old but in any case, I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade and with what. Extra credit for anyone who has used one with a ship's antenna.
Click to expand...
A large pilot supply retailer just had an interesting blog/video on handheld radio performance. They seemed to have pretty good performance at 10+ miles on multiple radios. I’ll DM you a link. Obviously they’re trying to sell stuff, but might be worth reviewing. I have no connection to them.

They also sell a switch that goes inline with you ships radio antenna. I’ve not used one. I’m sure that some of our experts here can opine on performance or signal degradation of a device like that.
 
Last edited:
BobTurner said:
Difference between 1.5 and 1.8 watts is zilch. Either your transmitter is broken or the connection to your antenna is
Click to expand...

rv6n6r said:
My emergency backup radio is a King KX99. I had a NORDO event a while back and while RX was fine, I was barely able to communicate (TX) with the tower even from directly overhead at 2500'. This was using an antenna adapter that allows me to connect the handheld's BNC to the belly-mounted antenna.

I'd like to upgrade but wondering how much better other handhelds might be. The KX99 specs at 1.5W output, others such as Sportys' PJ2 advertise 1.8 - is that enough? From what I read, most handhelds are good for 5-10 miles tx and maybe more with ship's antenna. Maybe my radio is just old but in any case, I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade and with what. Extra credit for anyone who has used one with a ship's antenna.
Click to expand...
I also think something must be wrong with your radio or antenna connection. Do you have good batteries? My handheld will work similarly with low batteries. Receive OK but transmit takes power. I have been able to use a handheld for many miles as long as it has a different antenna and good batteries.
The "rubber ducky" antenna is good for about 25 feet (exaggerating of course but still relatively short range) .

Keith
 
rv6n6r said:
I'd like to upgrade but wondering how much better other handhelds might be. The KX99 specs at 1.5W output, others such as Sportys' PJ2 advertise 1.8 - is that enough?
Click to expand...
My hangarmate had his comm fail about ten days ago. When he built his Zenith he added an external antenna with a BNC outlet on the panel for his handheld. Unable to get a comm replacement in time for Airventure he relied solely on his PJ2 handheld. As he departed KLEX Lexington he was able to communicate clearly for the 20 miles he was in contact with departure and was still picking up ATIS 50-60 miles out. He was able to make contact with OSH throughout the Fisk arrival.

I was so impressed that I ordered an external antenna for my -12. I have the older Sportys SP-400 and hope it works as well. If not I will be picking up a L6 (the LEMO version of PJ2).
 
1.5 watts is a ton of power if you have a decent antenna and line of sight, which is why it’s not uncommon to hear airports 100 miles away when you have altitude.
 
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