Uses
A handheld transceiver can be a very powerful tool in your flight bag. What is a transceiver? A transceiver is a handheld radio that can be used for many things:
- Back-up means of communication
- Back-up VOR navigational abilities
- Learning aviation communication
- Receiving weather and clearances before starting your engine to save money and fuel.
Before you choose a Handheld Transceiver, it is important to have a general understanding of the different features you may be looking for.
Capabilities
There are three levels of capabilities you can select from.
- Scanner – This is a listen-only device that usually covers Airband frequencies.
- Comm only – Transmit and Receive over Airband frequencies.
- NAV/COM– Transmit and Receive plus it interprets and displays VOR signals for Navigation purposes.
Scanners
Scanners are most useful for new students or those who want to become accustomed to Air Traffic Communications by listening to other pilots communicate. The affordable price-point of scanners also makes them a popular item for plane-spotters.
Comm-Only Transceivers
The most popular and common Transceivers are those that allow you to transmit and receive Airband frequencies. A headset adapter (some transceivers include these, others offer it as an accessory) allows you to use your transceiver via your aviation headset, thus allowing it to be used exactly like an extra radio. Most handheld transceivers allow you to pre-program a number of frequencies so that you can access the most important or frequent ones. Click to search for all Comm-only Transceivers.
NAV/COM Transceivers
A NAV/COM Transceiver will allow you to utilize VOR navigational facilities. This is especially useful if you have an aircraft that does not have installed avionics. Adding this feature increases the cost by only about $30-50. Some transceivers also have ILS capabilities. This would allow you to potentially shoot a localizer or ILS approach if you were to lose communications in the airplane. If you have a portable GPS in your flight bag, or you generally know your location based on geographic features, or if you are in an area with radar coverage, odds are that you will not need to use a handheld to track to a VOR, let alone to shoot a localizer approach. But, if you don’t want to buy another Transceiver for a number of years, it may be worth it to you to get the top-of-the line now. Click to search for NAV/COM Transceivers.
Features
Certain Transceivers have a Channel-Recall feature that allows you to scroll or toggle through the ten most recently used frequencies. This is incredibly useful since you can simply dial-in the frequencies along your route and toggle through them for the duration of your trip – no need to officially program them into your unit.
Most transceivers come with both an alkaline battery tray as well as a Lithium-Ion battery. The Lithium-Ion battery is a rechargeable battery that would allow the transceiver to operate as long as it is charged. This would be a good option for someone that would use the transceiver consistently, as long as you remember to charge it. The Alkaline battery tray would allow the pilot who would only use it in case of an emergency to not have to constantly charge the transceiver.
Another feature that is relatively new to transceivers is Bluetooth capability. This will allow you to connect any Bluetooth headset to the transceiver without a headset adapter. This is especially useful because it reduces the number of cords and cables in the cockpit. It also allows you not to have to carry a headset adapter wherever you go. Check out Marv’s selection of Bluetooth transceivers here.
How to choose a transceiver
First and foremost, if you ever intend to use the radio in flight, you need a headset adapter. As discussed earlier, all Transceivers either include one or they are available as an accessory. The simple fact is, unless you are gliding, there is no way you can communicate without one. The engine noise is simply too loud to allow for adequate communication.
Next, look at the keypad and display. The larger they are, the easier it will be to use, especially if you are bouncing around in turbulence. The large LCD screens on most transceivers are generally easier to use. The channel recall function is much easier when you can see the previous frequencies you have entered. Larger keypads and displays require larger units. You will need to decide which is best for you.
Finally, the best transceiver for you is going to depend on how you intend to use it. If you are only using it in an emergency, there is nothing wrong with the most affordable unit. If it is a unit you intend to get a lot of use out of, it will be worthwhile to look at more expensive models offering greater ease of use and more features. And if the radio is going to spend a lot of time dormant in your flight bag, we highly recommend you pick up an extra battery case that will allow you to power the radio with AA batteries. And as with any piece of equipment you carry, take the time to learn how to use it before you are in the air.
Accessories
We carry a large selection of Handheld Transceiver Accessories for current and for older models. We recommend that you check to see what accessories come with the particular transceiver you are interested in, before adding accessories. These Transceiver accessories include: Batteries, Battery Chargers (US and European-Style), Headset Adapters, Speaker microphones, 12v (cigarette lighter) Adapters, Belt Clips, and more. Search for all handheld transceiver accessories here.
Base Station / Panel Mount Transceivers
Marv Golden also carries a variety of Base Station and Panel Mount Transceivers and Accessories. Base Station transceivers are great for FBOs and maintenance shops to communicate with vehicles on the field. Mobile mount units are meant for noisy airport environments such as fuel trucks, airport operations vehicles, etc. Find Base Station and Panel Mount Transceivers here.