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Advise on radio and headset

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dansbird

Joined: 18 Aug 2017
Posts: 4
Location: Seguin Texas

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:09 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I would like to get some input and advise on an inexpensive hand held radio and a headset as well. I looked on Ebay but there were way to many choices to pick from and I have no experience with radios at all.

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:50 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I've flown all over CONUS, Canada, and Alaska, with an ICOM IC-A6 handheld.



Sporty's has them for 239.00 dollars.  They come with a charger, headset adapter, and some other stuff.



I fly with a DRE-6000 ANR headset, the cheapest of the ANRs, but they get the job done.



http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/icom-ic-a6-com-transceiver.html?utm_source=google_shopping&m=simple&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Radios+%26+Scanners&creative=76141183015954&device=c&matchtype=e



john h

MKIII

Rock House, Burns Junction, Oregon



---- dansbird <hemidann(at)yahoo.com> wrote: 

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 I would like to get some input and advise on an inexpensive hand held radio and a headset as well. I looked on Ebay but there were way to many choices to pick from and I have no experience with radios at all.

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=472493#472493

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

neilsenrm(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 8:29 am Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I have one Sigtronics headset that I have added a headsets inc. noise canceling kit to and another off brand headset that I use for passengers. Nether headset does the job. I have tried all kinds of foam ear plugs, ear buds, etc. under these and nothing worked very. A few years ago I purchased a set of Bose QC 20 ear buds that I wear under my heads sets and they are wonderful. I plug the Bose ear buds into my intercom via a adapter instead of my headsets. I use the headset microphone. I can fly for hours and my ears aren't ringing from the flight noise. I normally fly with both noise canceling systems turned on. I will fly without the Sigtronics noise canceling kit operating but never without the Bose canceling.

I use the Bose ear buds for lots of other things also. When I was stuck on a long commercial flight next to a screaming child, I just sat there smiling.

Rick Neilsen

Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC

On Mon, Sep 4, 2017 at 9:49 PM,  <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>

 I've flown all over CONUS, Canada, and Alaska, with an ICOM IC-A6 handheld.

 Sporty's has them for 239.00 dollars.  They come with a charger, headset adapter, and some other stuff.

 I fly with a DRE-6000 ANR headset, the cheapest of the ANRs, but they get the job done.

 http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/icom-ic-a6-com-transceiver.html?utm_source=google_shopping&m=simple&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Radios+%26+Scanners&creative=76141183015954&device=c&matchtype=e

 john h

 MKIII

 Rock House, Burns Junction, Oregon

 ---- dansbird <hemidann(at)yahoo.com (hemidann(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

 > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dansbird" <hemidann(at)yahoo.com (hemidann(at)yahoo.com)>

 >

 > I would like to get some input and advise on an inexpensive hand held radio and a headset as well. I looked on Ebay but there were way to many choices to pick from and I have no experience with radios at all.

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Read this topic online here:

 >

 > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=472493#472493

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

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byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:30 am Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

i also have sigtronics headsets,,,,  the microphone were so sensitive they picked up a lot of background noise.....   I called the manufacturer and they told me how to decrease the Mike gain    it made a ton of difference...    They came at 100 percent,   I turned them all the way down...   With my hearing the way it is now,   I may need to turn it up 5 percent then see the difference.



On Sep 5, 2017 10:32 AM, "Rick Neilsen" <neilsenrm(at)gmail.com (neilsenrm(at)gmail.com)> wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		  I have one Sigtronics headset that I have added a headsets inc. noise canceling kit to and another off brand headset that I use for passengers. Nether headset does the job. I have tried all kinds of foam ear plugs, ear buds, etc. under these and nothing worked very. A few years ago I purchased a set of Bose QC 20 ear buds that I wear under my heads sets and they are wonderful. I plug the Bose ear buds into my intercom via a adapter instead of my headsets. I use the headset microphone. I can fly for hours and my ears aren't ringing from the flight noise. I normally fly with both noise canceling systems turned on. I will fly without the Sigtronics noise canceling kit operating but never without the Bose canceling.

I use the Bose ear buds for lots of other things also. When I was stuck on a long commercial flight next to a screaming child, I just sat there smiling.

Rick Neilsen

Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC

On Mon, Sep 4, 2017 at 9:49 PM,  <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>

 

 

 I've flown all over CONUS, Canada, and Alaska, with an ICOM IC-A6 handheld.

 

 Sporty's has them for 239.00 dollars.  They come with a charger, headset adapter, and some other stuff.

 

 I fly with a DRE-6000 ANR headset, the cheapest of the ANRs, but they get the job done.

 

 http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/icom-ic-a6-com-transceiver.html?utm_source=google_shopping&m=simple&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Radios+%26+Scanners&creative=76141183015954&device=c&matchtype=e

 

 john h

 MKIII

 Rock House, Burns Junction, Oregon

 

 

 

 ---- dansbird <hemidann(at)yahoo.com (hemidann(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

 > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dansbird" <hemidann(at)yahoo.com (hemidann(at)yahoo.com)>

 >

 > I would like to get some input and advise on an inexpensive hand held radio and a headset as well. I looked on Ebay but there were way to many choices to pick from and I have no experience with radios at all.

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Read this topic online here:

 >

 > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=472493#472493

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 

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Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 11:11 am Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Hi John

Do you use anything other than the stock antenna that came with your Icom?

Thx Mike

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 11:53 am Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I use a 21" ELT antenna, may be a 24".  Can't remember for sure.



About 6' of coax cable trimmed for best SWR.



The ICOM A6 is also very effective using the rubber ducky antenna.  I carry it in the aircraft in case I would have to use the radio outside the aircraft.



I have had good luck with ICOM handheld radios.



john h

mkIII

Rock House, Oregon



---- Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com> wrote: 

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 Hi John

 Do you use anything other than the stock antenna that came with your Icom?

 Thx Mike

 

 --------

 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=473070#473070

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Thank you John.

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1494
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:08 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I believe the correct length for aircraft is 23.5 inches. 



Larry



On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 1:52 PM,  <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>

 

 I use a 21" ELT antenna, may be a 24".  Can't remember for sure.

 

 About 6' of coax cable trimmed for best SWR.

 

 The ICOM A6 is also very effective using the rubber ducky antenna.  I carry it in the aircraft in case I would have to use the radio outside the aircraft.

 

 I have had good luck with ICOM handheld radios.

 

 john h

 mkIII

 Rock House, Oregon

 

 

 

 ---- Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)> wrote:

 > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mcabbage" <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)>

 >

 > Hi John

 > Do you use anything other than the stock antenna that came with your Icom?

 > Thx Mike

 >

 > --------

 > 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 > Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 > Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 >

 >

 >

 >

 > Read this topic online here:

 >

 > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=473070#473070

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 

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 eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com

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 rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

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-- 

The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant of others.





If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.

_________________
do not archive

Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Thank you Larry. 



Is it best to keep the antenna as far away from the engine as possible? I think I remember reading that somewhere.

Does it matter?

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1494
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:03 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

I think most of us put them on the bottom of the cage, using the frame work to enable us to put in a ground plane to secure it to.Larry

On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 3:58 PM, Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mcabbage" <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)>

 

 Thank you Larry.

 

 Is it best to keep the antenna as far away from the engine as possible? I think I remember reading that somewhere.

 Does it matter?

 

 --------

 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=473082#473082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ====================================

 -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List

 ====================================

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 eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com

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 ====================================

 b Site -

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 rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 ====================================

 

 

 

 	




-- 

The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant of others.





If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.

_________________
do not archive

Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Ok I remember seeing a post about that a while back.

Will do a search.  There was one on my plane before I stripped it of everything to sandblast the frame. I also have pics I took too.

Thanks

Mike

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

ceengland7(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:19 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

There's a good article describing how to calculate length in a recent issue of Kitplanes. There are several 'correction factors' that should be applied (that shorten the length) after doing the speed of light/wavelength thing. IIRC, final answer for middle of the a/c comm band was closer to 21"

BTW, if you're not a subscriber, Kitplanes is a really good resource for DIY homebuilt owner/maintainers. The current editor is a former NASA mission controller/manager who's also built a couple of RV's, a bush plane, and a motor glider. Lots of really good techy how-to stuff in addition to the 'feature' pieces. I've been doing pretty much everything mechanical for over 50 years, and I still learn something from every issue. 

Charlie

On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 4:10 PM, Larry Cottrell <lcottrell1020(at)gmail.com (lcottrell1020(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

I believe the correct length for aircraft is 23.5 inches. That should give you the best swr match.

Larry

On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 1:52 PM,  <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com (jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com)>

 I use a 21" ELT antenna, may be a 24".  Can't remember for sure.

 About 6' of coax cable trimmed for best SWR.

 The ICOM A6 is also very effective using the rubber ducky antenna.  I carry it in the aircraft in case I would have to use the radio outside the aircraft.

 I have had good luck with ICOM handheld radios.

 john h

 mkIII

 Rock House, Oregon

 ---- Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)> wrote:

 > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mcabbage" <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com (Mc(at)americanbuilding.com)>

 >

 > Hi John

 > Do you use anything other than the stock antenna that came with your Icom?

 > Thx Mike

 >

 > --------

 > 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 > Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 > Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 >

 >

Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Thanks Charlie will check out he magazine too!

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

Jerry-TS-MkII

Joined: 23 Aug 2017
Posts: 79
Location: Indiana

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:52 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

The location of the antenna can affect the radiation pattern.  If using a whip antenna, think of a doughnut over the wire.. and the signal strength is highest were the doughnut is thickest.  Very little signal strength off the end of the antenna.. it's broadside that works. Since we fly horizontally, put the whip near vertical, and in a clear area.  A aluminum disk can be placed under the fabric, to help establish a ground plane if needed on fabric airplanes, or the SWR shows high.  Since most of your communications will be with a tower, or another nearby plane, range isn't typically a major factor.  If the signal is weak.. fly higher.  That will have a more profound effect than any other factor, if the install is working.



As with any remote antenna, make sure to use low loss foam core coax.. without sharp kinks, and put a SWR meter between the radio and the cable to make sure you don't have excessive standing waves (more likely caused by a short, or a bad antenna, or connector install if done by a individual).



ECM, DF, and avionics repairman in Vietnam, 2nd class FCC license state side, and 2 more years avoinics, 2 years general 2-way communication, installs and bench service to component level on all.  Jerry

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 3:03 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

That sounds about right.



john h

mkIII

Rock House, Oregon





---- Larry Cottrell <lcottrell1020(at)gmail.com> wrote: 

 	  Quote: 	
		   I believe the correct length for aircraft is 23.5 inches.

 

 Larry

 

 On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 1:52 PM, <jhauck(at)elmore.rr.com> wrote:

 

 > 

 >

 > I use a 21" ELT antenna, may be a 24".  Can't remember for sure.

 >

 > About 6' of coax cable trimmed for best SWR.

 >

 > The ICOM A6 is also very effective using the rubber ducky antenna.  I

 > carry it in the aircraft in case I would have to use the radio outside the

 > aircraft.

 >

 > I have had good luck with ICOM handheld radios.

 >

 > john h

 > mkIII

 > Rock House, Oregon

 >

 >

 >

 > ---- Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com> wrote:

 > > 

 > >

 > > Hi John

 > > Do you use anything other than the stock antenna that came with your

 > Icom?

 > > Thx Mike

 > >

 > > --------

 > > 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 > > Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 > > Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > > Read this topic online here:

 > >

 > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=473070#473070

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 > >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 >

 

 

 -- 

 *The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant of

 others.*

 

 *If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email

 address before sending.*

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 3:06 pm Post subject: Advise on radio and headset

Meant to answer this in my previous.



My antenna is mounted under the nose cone on a 6 inch diameter aluminum sheet ground plane.  The stainless steel whip has a 45 degree bend in it.



john h

mkIII

Rock House, Oregon



---- Mcabbage <Mc(at)americanbuilding.com> wrote: 

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 Thank you Larry. 

 

 Is it best to keep the antenna as far away from the engine as possible? I think I remember reading that somewhere.

 Does it matter?

 

 --------

 2007  Firestar 2 503  N203SD

 Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider

 Trike Buggy Soaring Trike &amp; Northwing Stratus XP

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=473082#473082

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

Mcabbage

Joined: 08 Sep 2013
Posts: 41
Location: MA.

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: Advise on radio and headset

Thanks John that is what the previous owner had. I guess I was being lazy and thinking to use a hand held stand alone. 



That being said I want as good as reasonable communications as possible so its worth the time to re install. 

Appreciate your help!

Mike

_________________
2007 Firestar 2 503 N203SD
Moster 185 Flattop PPG/Sky K2 Paraglider
Trike Buggy Soaring Trike & Northwing Stratus XP

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