Avionic Suggestions ?

[cbailey]

I'm nearly to the point building my Sparrowhawk kit, where I will need to layout my control panel so I need to make some decisions about radio, intercom, and transponder - i.e. things I'll need in addition to the EFIS that comes with the kit. I have no experience with any of these yet and I'd probably like to steer toward something middle of the road price wise given it seems possible to spend as much money as you have on this stuff. Naturally from a quality/capability point of view, I'd like to have the very best available! ;-) Any one have any suggestions for starter equipment in these areas? Any help appreciated.

[Brent Drake]

I use a microair radio. they also make a small transponder.

[mgoroff]

Craig,

I'm using an Icom A200 transciever and a King KT-76a transponder in my SH. I also have a PS Engineering PM-1000 intercom. The Icom is a great radio at a very reasonable price (under $700 IIRC). The KT-76a is an old unit I had in my plane and swapped out when the tube failed. For $400 I had the tube replaced and it should be good for many more years. The PS Engineering unit is compact and a great performer.

If I didn't have the used transponder already, I would have been tempted to go with a garmin. There are lighter units around, but the weight difference is insignificant in a craft as heavy as the SH.

Marc

[jlmitche]

Hey guys, i saw Dougs SH2 here in Macon Ga, Steve and Doug has done a great job and the control panel lay out can be removed in less than 2 min's. You will see it at BD. Good luck, jonathan mitchell

[Mark Sanders]

cbailey I use Icom A200 and the garmin GTX320A.

[mark treidel]

It might be a good idea to stay clear of the MicroAir brand for a while. I spoke with one of their importers last week who said they have had lots of problems with them right out of the box...several didn't work at all & those that did, soon had problems....For what it's worth...

[Brent Drake]

I think my microair is about 10 years old. It works great. I wonder if they tried to make some improvements and it went wrong

[cbailey]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was already considering the iCom A200 and PS Engineering PM1000 intercom. Looks like they are good choices. Where did you guys install the antenna on the SH?
-Craig

[ckurz7000]

I have a Filser ATR500 com which includes a two place intercom. The intercom and the radio work great! Good reception, good range. I am using an antenna inside the vertical fin.

-- Chris.

[mgoroff]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was already considering the iCom A200 and PS Engineering PM1000 intercom. Looks like they are good choices. Where did you guys install the antenna on the SH?
-Craig

Craig,

Take a look at antenna install (http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=160758#post160758) There are a couple of pictures of my antenna install there.

Marc