Com2 Options

[gsxrpilot]

I've got a G3X Touch to go in the Kitfox and am looking at radio options now. I'm probably going with a GTR 205xR. But I'd like a Com 2 option as well.

Those of you with G3X panels, what did you do for Com 2? Or did you install a Com 2?

Thanks,
Paul

[jiott]

My Comm2 is a handheld radio for backup. I think its better than a 2nd panel mount radio because it will work even if your ship's electrical system dies. Only downside is you can't monitor 4 radio channels at once, but who needs to do that unless you are flying IFR.

[Shadowrider]

I agree com 2 is overkill. Handheld is also the option I went for. I use the hand held quite often taking friends to new spots when I am outside the aircraft. With the G3X and monitor feature its like you have 2 radios anyhow.

[Eric Page]

Agree completely: handheld backup for the win. It has the additional benefit of going with you to the hotel if you stop somewhere overnight, allowing you to listen to the ATIS from the comfort of your room while you wait for the weather to improve.

I fly IFR for a living and we have only two radios, neither of which have the 2nd frequency monitor function of a modern comm radio. Very seldom do we use more than one transmitter at a time, and I've never wanted a third receiver.

[gsxrpilot]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've been flying a turbo Mooney for quite a few years and between IFR, long cross countries, time in the flight levels and being based at a very busy training airport, I really like having two com radios. The other airplane I fly is a Pacer and it only has one radio. In our busy airspace it's nice to have a second radio to get ATIS, or monitor the practice area I'm transiting, while maintaining communication with Approach or Tower.

I don't want to add any more weight to the Kitfox than is absolutely necessary. So using the monitor function on a single com radio through the G3X will be an excellent solution.

The panel will be the G3X Touch with the GTX45R Transponder with GPS and the GTR205xR Com radio. I haven't decided whether to add the GFC500X control unit yet or just control it through the G3X.

Thanks for all the good advice.
Paul

[alexM]

I'll join with the band that says a single COM with monitor is as good as two COMs for most (and certainly the most cost effective). The only thing better about two COMs is that you can set up four frequencies (e.g. Tower, Ground, ATIS, Departure) to minimize button poking when you're busy. But for VFR or easy IFR skip the complexity. The last Garmin COM I installed also had a built in two place intercom, allowing you to skip that piece of hardware (and the wiring) entirely.

As for handhelds, I urge anyone to actually use one before being satisfied it will help. A zillion years ago I was a CFI and had a student show up with a handheld. She wanted to try it out and I was more than happy to oblige. She elected to whip it out on the way into Boeing Field. Things I learned that day:

a) The rubber duck antenna has very poor reception unless you hold it up vertically where it has a view out the window. That takes one hand away from everything else you're doing while trying to transmit and receive. And if you're on the way into class D or busier that means you just lost one arm.

b) Invoking the handheld cuts your passenger(s) completely out of the loop. Not ideal when your passenger is your instructor.

c) Success of any kind assumes you already have the headset adapter installed. Because a basic handheld in your hand is a brick that you can't hear or be heard from. If I'm on the ground using it as other suggested, I remove the headset adapter and then put it right back on when done.

Now I'm not hating on the handheld. I own one*, and I have used it (in a pinch) as a primary radio on a T-6 and Yak-18. But it was because I was able to use the aircraft mounted antenna (game changer, I assure you), and I was able to affix said radio where I could see the display and manipulate the frequency knob. My Citabria had the COM antenna up at the right wing root, and the coax cable routed through the A pillar to the panel. I created a coax cable that had a connector where I could easily reach it, and I carried a 24" extension in the bag with my handheld. If my Narco Mk 12 radio tanked (perish the thought), I could easily splice my extension and use my handheld and almost not miss a beat.

*Yuasa 550 I think. It's also a NAV radio which is more exciting that being a COM radio.

[jiott]

AlexM,
Extremely good comments and I agree with them all. The handheld is just a backup in a pinch that we all hope to never have to use; I have been flying with one for 11+ years and 1400 hours and never have had to use mine, other than a few times for practice and to make sure it works. Making a way to patch into the ship's antenna is simple and the best way to improve the situation.