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.
FRS and GMRS Radios
The
powered paragliding community mostly uses FRS and GMRS
radios because they are inexpensive ($25 to $85), though
cheap is a better description. Range requirements are
minimal for paramotor pilots because they usually fly
within a mile of each other, and often within one wing
span.
The problem with FRS is that
newer models do not work well for powered paragliding.
FRS frequencies can be crowded. Sub frequencies on
most FRS radios pick up noise from the
engine's ignition system, and some FRS radios won't work
at all near a running paramotor.
Purchasing
a cheap FRS radio may mean throwing away your money.
The exceptions are the Garmin Rhino series ($140 to $500)
and the Icom ICF21GM ($160). These radios perform well
and are not cheap in any sense of the word. The
Rhinos include features like GPS and altimeter. But
at those prices, VHF radios may be a better deal.
VHF Radios
The paragliding community
uses 2 meter VHF ham handheld radios, usually 5 watts.
Paraglider pilots have greater requirements for range
because they venture out on cross country flights, land
out in the middle of nowhere, and need to contact others
for retrieval.
The range and clarity of the 2 meter
radios is far beyond FRS. And if you buy the right model,
there is no engine ignition noise. However, the trade
offs are greater cost and inability to communicate with
many paramotor pilots still using FRS. In addition,
ham radios require a license in the US.
As a VHF user, you should be able
to convince pilots you fly with regularly to convert to
VHF. With some VHF radios, like the Yaesu VX2, it is possible
to use GMRS frequencies.
There are two major brands in 2 meter
VHF hand held radios, Icom and Yaesu. We have had the
best luck with Yaesu. Choose a model that is simple,
easy to use and not too expensive. Most of these radios
have multiple bands. The fewer bands, the lower the ignition
noise. Choose a radio with only 1 band, 2 at the very most.
Lithium batteries are light, charge quickly, and have the
least memory, but are more expensive.
Currently, our top VHF picks are the
Yaesu VX170, VX2, and the VX150.
Yaesu VX170
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 for powered paragliding.
Yaesu VX2
The Yaesu VX2 is a 1.5 watt super small radio that runs
on a quick charging lithium ion battery used in some
cell phones. Though the VX2 does not have quite the range
of the 5 watt VX170, it does very well in clear line-of-sight
transmission and will easily meet the needs of most PPG
pilots.
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 which usually requires
an adaptor that goes from the Yaesu to a two pin
connector. The Icaro
PPG Helmets are compatible with
the Yaesu's and most other radios. Check out connector
types at the bottom of the Icaro Helmet page. |
