Which radio is best for powered paragliding?
Lite Touch does not sell radios, but here are some conclusions we have come to over the years regarding which work best for paramotoring. At this time, the best radio we've found is the Icom T7Hsport. But it's not the cheapest. Read on.
Range is not the issue
Don't get sucked in by claims of amazing range capability. Range requirements are usually minimal for paramotor pilots. They mostly fly within a mile of each other, and often within one wing span. Carry a cell phone in case you land out and need a retreive. However, if you are being chased by a retreive vehicle, range can be critical.
Quality is the issue
A poor quality radio might receive well but trasmit so poorly that others can't understand you. Even if other pilots sound good to you, ask your flying buddies how you sound before judging the quality of your radio. The major cause of poor trasmission is ignition noise, usually the cheap FRS radios, especially on sub frequencies. However, some of the expensive digial multi-band radios can also pick up ignition noise.
UHF: FRS and GMRS Radios
The powered paragliding community mostly uses FRS and GMRS radios which operate on the UHF band. Most are inexpensive, though cheap is a better description. Because they require no licensing, they can be crowded near populated areas or parks. Sub frequencies may have less traffic, but may pick up more ignition noise.
Purchasing a cheap FRS radio could mean throwing money away. There are exceptions including the Garmin Rhino series, the Icom ICF21GM and the higher end Midland radios to name a few.
VHF: 2 Meter Radios
The paragliding community uses 2 meter VHF radios. Because these radios require a ham license in the United States, the frequencies have far less traffic. Many 2 meter radios are not effected by ignition noise, but stay away from digital radios. The trade offs with 2 meter radios are greater cost and inability to communicate with many paramotor pilots using FRS and GMRS.
VHF versus UHF Performance
Comparing performance of VHF and UHF is tricky. UHF has a better line of sight range but VHF works better with mountains or buildings in the way. A short antenna is convenient. UHF performs well will a short antenna, but not VHF. However, if you could have a long antenna running up the one of the glider lines, VHF would be probably be far superior.
Multi-Band, the best of both worlds
Multi-band radios offer the best of both UHF and VHF. These radios are more expensive, but if you buy a good one, it will be the last radio you will buy. Before purchasing the radio, check the specifications carefully. Some radios may appear to be multi-band but do not transmit on all frequencies.
Aviation Band
Many pilots ask about aviation radios. In some countries, you must use an aviation radio, and in other countries, you may not. In the United States, aviation radios are rarely used by powered paraglider or paraglider pilots because ultralights generally do not fly in controlled airspace, and there is little need for an aviation radio outside of controlled airspace. If you are outside of controlled airspace, air traffic control (ATC) would prefer not to hear from you. If you want to fly in controlled airspace in the US, you'll need prior premission and you will most likely be required to have an aviation radio. These radios use different connectors than most other bands and require a microphone amp. The Icro Deluxe Com PPG Helmet has this mic amp feature. The Standard Com does not and will not work with most aviation radios.
Choosing a radio
Below we will give some suggestions of radios we like. However, another way to choose a radio is to buy that you have proven yourself. There's only one way to know for sure how well the radio will work and that is to fly it with your helmet and your engine, in the air. If you can find another pilot who has the radio you are considering, take it up and make sure you ask others how you sound.
Brands: Icom and Yaesu
The two major brands in hand held radios we prefer are Icom and Yaesu. Choose a model that is simple, easy to use and not too expensive. Many have multiple bands. In general, the fewer bands, the lower the ignition noise. Choose a radio with only 1 band, 2 at the very most. Pay attention to the battery technology. Lithium batteries are light, charge quickly, and have the least memory, but they are more expensive. Radios sold in the United States have a smaller range of frequencies. Additional range of frequncies can be unlocked by removing a small jumper inside the radio. This operation is called a "mod." Ask your retailer about modding your radio.
Icom T7Hsport
The Icom T7HSport dual band radio is at the top of our list. An oldie but a goodie, it's the best sounding radio we've tried so far. With a street price of around $150, it's 3 times as much as a pair of cheap FRS radios. It uses 4 regular AA batteries, which might seem like a pain, but if you use recharable AAs, it's not so bad. The T7 is not small or light, but it's rugged and sophisticated. You can even use a computer to program it.
Yaesu VX170(VX270)
The VX170 is a 5 watt super rugged waterproof radio with a nickel metal hydride battery that lasts a long time but takes 10 hours to fully charge. A rapid charger is available. The VX170 is a single band radio, easy to use, and our top choice single band VHF radio for powered paragliding. The VX270 appears to be similar but we have not tried it.
Yaesu VX3
The Yaesu VX3 is a super small dual band radio that runs on a quick charging lithium ion battery used in some cell phones. Though the VX3 does not have quite the range of the VX170, it does very well in clear line-of-sight transmission and will easily meet the needs of most PPG pilots. With an optional long antenna, this little radio really performs. However, you need to be a bit of a geek because changing frequencies can be complicated.
Yaesu VX150
The VX150 was recently replaced the new VX170. The VX150 is similar to the VX170 but is not waterproof and has a few less features, most of which you will never use. If you can find a VX150, they are usually good deals.
Connectors
Radios use various connector styles. Make sure your helmet is compatible. Yaesu uses a proprietary single pin connector. Icom uses a more common 2 pin connector that works with some FRS radios like the midland. There is also an adaptor that converts from the Yaesu radios to a two pin connector, CT44 for the VX3 and CT91 for the VX170. The Icaro PPG Helmets are compatible with the Yaesu's, Icom's and most other radios. Check out connector types at the bottom of the Icaro Helmet page. |
