New aircraft Radios for USFS, other agencies

[Echo4Thirty]

Tecnisonics latest and greatest radio can have up to 6x APX8000 chassis in it. I don't even want to think what it would be worth, kitted out with a loaded flashes.

When we transitioned to TDMA, the air unit HOWLED at how much the radios were and thus we kept them on FDMA patches until that could be sorted out. Anything aircraft is insane expensive.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

I didn't need another radio, really. But I want it, so I just bought this lovely refurbished and certified TFM-550 and I don't own an airplane. Maybe I'll dash mount this thing in my jeep and put little stubby wings on it. I can make airplane noises with my lips when I drive around.

This is some Ginger Billy level stuff there!

What low band antenna did CHP have connected to their helos? I dont remember Ponch throwing a wire out of the window when he did that ride-along!

 

[prcguy]

This is some Ginger Billy level stuff there!

What low band antenna did CHP have connected to their helos? I dont remember Ponch throwing a wire out of the window when he did that ride-along!

This is the standard aircraft/helicopter VHF lo antenna/tuner used. I bought one cheap but it had problems and returned it. I'll probably get another now that I have two compatible radios. These were originally made by Foxtronics and I think the company name changed.

https://unitronlp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FLX-3050B-Antenna-System-RevA.pdf

 

[Echo4Thirty]

even a 26" antenna at 500' works wonders on lowband.

 

[prcguy]

even a 26" antenna at 500' works wonders on lowband.

I rarely see the tuners sold with the whips and I would love to test the resonant frequency of the loaded whip so if I get a tuner I'll just use a full length whip of the same frequency on the tuner.