[Shaunrbell]

Three posts in one day, my enthusiasm is too obvious for this hobby. So now I'm joining the GF membership, I was wondering about a radio to scan aircraft frequencies. Flying at a full scale airports requires a radio but I've got no idea what's out there. Any ideas? I found a Vertex VXA 220, looks ok.

Shaun

[skyad]

Do you need a transceiver or just a air band scanner.Maycom make a airband scanner for about half the price .

[Shaunrbell]

Originally Posted by skyad

Do you need a transceiver or just a air band scanner.Maycom make a airband scanner for about half the price .

Didn't even think of a scanner, that's a great idea.

Thanks

[DPO1]

If you're interested…

https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/showthread.php?t=77217

Dennis

[Steve N.]

Originally Posted by Shaunrbell

Didn't even think of a scanner, that's a great idea.

Thanks

Hey Shaun.... I'm not sure what your requirements are in Grand Forks, but at Princeton, we have to have a transceiver. You have to be able to talk to the full scale traffic if and when required. Bart has ours right now, so I can't even tell you the make of it. You might PM or email him for details.

BTW: Sorry that I can't help you out for Princeton right now. Normally, I'd jump at an excuse to go,,, but I'm a little short on jets right now. Sold the little Boomer, blew up the Big Boomer, haven't started bulding the Middle Boomer and my F-15 is short a go-faster.

Steve

[Wayne22]

Shaun, check out the ICOM lineup.. we got one for our club up here.

One thing for everyone to keep in mind if you get have a 2 way transceiver...you are not authorized to give instructions to an aircraft in flight...all you can do is provide an advisory...for example "Be advised that there is a model jet flying over XXXX airport at the present time." . Since models have to yield the right of way to full size aircraft, it would be wise to also a advise that "we'll land as soon as possible, but it may take a few minutes to clear the runway."

Give the pilot the information, and let him take the necessary precautions - do not play air traffic controller.

Also don't be lulled into a false sense of security because you have a radio. Keep a sharp look out for no radio (NORDO) traffic...Ag planes, in particular, are especially bad for popping up out of nowhere without any radio call...but other aircraft can too - especially at an uncontrolled airport.

[rcbart]

As per Wayne, I can recommend the Icom line, we have a IC-a6 which works great. As we only use it at Princeton I have it set to automatically come on to the proper channel, a good safety measure.

Good hunting.

Bart

[akb]

I use the Icom IC-A6 as well here, and it works very well. Have used it for a full 8 hours plus each day for our event last year and it works very well.

Alan

[Youngguy]

We use a Icom IC-26 at Tofield and Mayerthorpe as well. Works well. I have and carry a dry cell pack for it in case the ni-cads give out. It is available as an option for around $20. Good insurance for those times you might forget to charge.