I have the ICOM A-22, I do not use alkaline batteries.. they only last one
day in glider operations.. I have had my A-22 for 6 years and only had to
replace the battery once, I went from the factory 1000mAhr NiCD to a
1500mAhr NiMH and that was four years ago.

I use the radio all day every weekend, I charge it after every second
weekend. I do carry the AA battery pack in my flight bag for when I forget
to charge, does not happen often. When I did have to use the AA pack, it
only lasted about 5 hours.

When on the ground, I find the A-22 able to reach aircraft about 9-10nm
distant. From the air, I have used the A-22 to talk with approach control
25nm away from a composite glider.

I always use the "rubber ducky" antenna, and I prefer the "at extra expense"
Speaker/Mic to clip to my parachute harness while flying.

I know other pilots who have abandoned the Sporty's model (failure), and
also had problems with the Yeasue (small radios, small battery packs) not
many options.

BT

"nospamPlease" wrote in message
...

I am thinking of purchasing a hand held radio (tranceiver).

Can anyone recommend one ? I am a student pilot.

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