"Jonathan Sorger" wrote in message
...
This new pilot was rather freaked out after losing one of my two radios
on my first 'real' long trip. Making me an even firmer believer in
redundancy, it is time to get a handheld backup.

I was all set on the Icom A5 Sport (alkaline battery) as this would be
used as a backup. Now I see the A6 Sport has arrived.

I have an Icom A23. The one time I needed it, the rechargeable
batteries were dead. Get an extra alkaline battery pack even for the
sport models. All of the radios draw some current even when off and
eventually you'll be replacing batteries or recharging them. The alkaline
battery packs have to be removed and then the batteries can be changed
before re-assembling everything. I wouldn't want to be changing
individual alkalines solo in IMC. Much easier to swap a pack.

Feature for feature, all the radios from several manufacturers have
virtually the same specifications. Vertex Standard models had a few
specifications that were very slightly better than other brands.
I did a lot of research before I bought the Icom A23. The only reason
I didn't buy the Vertex Standard was the NiCd battery vs. the NiMH
in the Icom. The NiMH battery should last longer than NiCd because
of the higher power output and generally has better characteristics.

The Icom A5 is virtually identical to the A23 except for the nav
and duplex functions. The new A6 appears to be a slightly larger
version of the A5. If you need or want the duplex function go
with the A23. Size is about the only difference between the A5
and the A6.

If the headset adapter doesn't come with it be sure and get one.
My former instructor kept his headset adapter plugged into his radio
and told me about losing radios (complete electrical failure) on more
than one occasion though for different reasons. He had an older A21
and it worked fine on alkalines though the NiCd batteries died.
Icom is a good company and

I joked with my DE for my instrument checkride. I must be really
having a bad day if the electrical system in the airplane and my
handheld died. It has already earned it's keep in my bag though.
I keep spare batteries for everything in my bag so even dead
batteries won't stop me. I'm really having a bad day if everything fails.