best receiver for airband?

[w0fg]

wow really? your telling me a scanner with no front end letting in all sorts of crap from DC to light is going to be just as sensitive as a commercial airband receiver with a real front end?

i guess everything ive ever known about RF is incorrect :lol::roll:

No, I'm telling you that the scanner will probably be MORE sensitive. As others have pointed out, the transceiver will probably be more selective though, but that may not be an issue. It's not at my QTH, at least not on airband, where my scanner is definitely more sensitive than my Vertex Spirit transceiver. Preamp and bandpass filter may help your particular situation if you have a weak signal. They may not if you have no signal at all.

 

[SCPD]

If scanning is not an issue, then the IC-A110 is the best way to go for the money you want to spend.

I would agree 100% I use an Icom A6 handheld and it does a really good job. I will say that it's VERY sensitive. (Remember, you're listening to AM and not FM. AM picks up all the household garbage EMI.)

It depends on where you live but a bandpass filter is not necessary - again, unless you live in a dense environment. A pre-amp might also be overkill as AM travels quite good without any amplification. You'd have to make sure your preamp's power source is well-filtered so you don't introduce any EMI.

BTW, I use a R/S Discone and it does a great job on the Airband. I may buy this one some day but it's not high on my "must have" list: DPD Productions - VHF Air & ADS-B Antennas

The A110 is very nice and has some great features. It supports both channel specifications too. If money is no object, then by all means go for it. I picked up a brand new A6 on EBAY for $200 shipped.

 

[tanglong2009]

Use a fixed antenna to enhance signal

I think a good VHF antenna will help to receive air band. As far as possible the antenna to the high place .
A fixed antenna is a good choice