Thread: How do COM Handhelds work in the CT cockpit environment? What is best configuration?

Is noise level at cruise OK to go without headset adapter and just use handheld alone without headset?

It will work, but the volume sure needs to be turned up. Next time your up with a friend take the headsets off for a moment or two and have a conversation. After you try at cruise rpm (5000-5200) try it at 4000 - 4200 rpm. I wouldn't run at regular cruise and not wear a headset very long because of my hearing.
If I may ask: Other than a loss of the main radio on an airfield approach is there a reason to do this?

Originally Posted by Roger Lee

It will work, but the volume sure needs to be turned up. Next time your up with a friend take the headsets off for a moment or two and have a conversation. After you try at cruise rpm (5000-5200) try it at 4000 - 4200 rpm. I wouldn't run at regular cruise and not wear a headset very long because of my hearing.
If I may ask: Other than a loss of the main radio on an airfield approach is there a reason to do this?

Roger,
I have a handheld NAV/COM that I keep as a backup. The reason I have it is the stock CT radio cannot tune weather from VOR so it serves 3 purposes.
1) lets me hear the ATIS broacast on 110.4 (out of band on the CT radio)
2) Lets me read to/from vectors to VORs
3) Backup for gps and radio.

I have Icom A23 and find its hard to hear while flying, I usually tune to ATIS and then hold the radio to my headset mike to hear the broadcast if I don't have the cable along that plugs into the intercom.

Roger, Roger, had to say that....so I don't say it again. Anyway, always had 2 flip flop capability in GA world and have a nice ICOM HH. Just wondering if I can work it into an active role in the cockit. Its not necessary, just wondering if you'd heard any creative ways to factor it in other than as a backup. I'm sure no pratical way...and I'm still waiting for deliver with ideas floating around in my brain housing group. Thank you again!

Teamplayer, with a headset connection and "push-to-talk" switch added to the HH radio, your HH can become a fully functional COM radio. I also have a dedicated external antenna on my plane with BNC connection at the IP where I can connect my HH antenna which is optional for good range of signal. Actually, if your radio is like my Vertex Pilot III HH radio which provides NAV function with VOR capability and course deviation, this could be good backup for both NAV and COM in the case where there is electrical system failure.

Originally Posted by James253CT

Roger,
I have a handheld NAV/COM that I keep as a backup. The reason I have it is the stock CT radio cannot tune weather from VOR so it serves 3 purposes.
1) lets me hear the ATIS broacast on 110.4 (out of band on the CT radio)
2) Lets me read to/from vectors to VORs
3) Backup for gps and radio.

I have Icom A23 and find its hard to hear while flying, I usually tune to ATIS and then hold the radio to my headset mike to hear the broadcast if I don't have the cable along that plugs into the intercom.

James, if the airplane has a Garmin 396 or 496 with XM you can get the AWOS on the GPS. Tom

Absolutely no reason it can't be the #1 radio. I just thought I would ask.

Hi Dick,
Do you mount it somewhere/somehow? Is there a Letter of Approval involved from FD? What is IP? Doug in IL

You wouldn't need a letter of approval. It isn't permanent and is a portable device

Roger,
'a dedicated external antenna with BNC connection at the IP where I can connect my HH antenna which is optional for good range of signal' doesn't require anything special to install for a HH? Another question, in pictures of rear cockpit bulkhead/wall it looks like there is somekind of shinny metal attachpoint of some sort. Any idea what that is. And how about using velcro to mount HH, first aid kit to interior walls of baggage and cockpit....look like some good use of verticle wall space for light nonhazardous items? Doug