AIRBAND RADIOS - WORTH A LISTEN (VHF Only)

 Hello and Welcome Back... I'm a huge fan of Aviation, and over the years, I have used various radios to listen to VHF aircraft with. 

While most aviation dedicated radios are fairly expensive, I have come across 3 main radios that I use for listening to my local airport.

So I thought I would list my Favorite '3 radios' that are worthy of years of Aviation listening.

 

1. YAESU VX-6 

This was a surprise. Built solid with a metal body, the Yaesu VX-6 is a Amateur Radio that does Shortwave, Marine band, Amateur radio bands (obviously) and Airband.

Unlike the cheap Baofengs that claim to receive Airband, the Yaesu VX-6 is clear and loud in reception and volume 

It comes with a rechargeable battery and can be used with 2 AA battery's if need be (will need to buy battery cradle).

For antenna, I'm using a dedicated airband antenna that i picked up from somewhere (i think it was South Eastern Communications) but any SMA-male antenna will fit. 

Highly recommend this radio.. 

edit - backlit keypad & 'busy' light is a excellent touch (above)
 

 

2. UNIDEN 396XT

While the Uniden 396XT may no longer pick up PSN, (Public Safety Network) it still is a excellent scanner radio for Airband. The radios sensitivity on AM is excellent and is powered by 3 AA batterys. I recommend the Panasonic Enloop Pro (2450mh) for many hours of listening. 

Antenna I use is a Nagoya NA701 / 771 from John at Secomms (South Eastern Communications). The receive is clear & loud. 

Highly Recommend..

Uniden 396XT with Nagoya NA701 antenna (above)

edit - Don't turn the volume up over 8, you will burn out the speaker and they are a pain to replace.

UNIDEN 436PT

My current go-to scanner for everything inc PSN, DMR, NXDN, & Airband. The sensitivity is excellent on AM unlike the SDS100 which is well documented as being 'deaf' on analog (AM). Pair this radio with a good set of battery's (Panasonic Enloop Pro (2450mh)) and a decent antenna like the 'Diamond SRH771', 'Diamond SRH519', 'Nagoya NA771' or 'Nagoya NA701' and you have a almost bulletproof radio with excellent receive on all bands.

edit - screen is highly reflected and is not good in direct sunlight. Don't turn volume up over 8, you will burn the speaker out.

 

So, There you have it.. My list of my fav 3 radios that I use for Airband listening.. 

Hope this helps

Michael Bailey