Photo of new radio installed.
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:57 am
It was good flying weather here in SoCal today. It was my first time up since replacing my old Icom A22 with a new Icom A24, and with reshaped glare shield in place over my redesigned instrument panel. I still need to get new fabric to cover it. Re-using the old fabric left a few gaps.
The A24 is a newer design than the A22 and the squelch is much easier to use. Now it is a dedicated button and then adjust the level with the right knob on top of radio. Display is bright and character size is large. Installation is more complex because it cannot be connected directly to 12 volt supply. Radio is designed for use with either a 12v or 24v system. It has a transformer that takes power from a cigaret lighter socket and outputs 11 volts. Thus I had to build a new mount incorporating required power socket. Actually two sockets so that I also can power my iPhone or soon-to-be acquired iPad3.
(If you haven't discovered Seattle Avionics free iPhone app, Free Flight, take a look. Displays nearest airports, along with satellite photo and runway diagram, frequencies, current weather, etc. Also can get regional or national weather radar maps. All airport data is updated free automatically about monthly.)
I wanted to install a Sporty's SP-400, which advertises a large backlit display, simple controls and 12 volt power. Actually ordered one but sent it back. Display is very low contrast. Photos and videos that Sporty's shows have obviously been enhanced, which is disappointing. Also discovered that I could not connect to the 2-place intercom and push to talk switch I used with the A22. Mic and spkr sockets are different sizes and different spacing. No adapters available to connect to intercom. But adapters are available to connect to a single headset and also a Sporty's proprietary PPT switch available.
Bottom line is the new A24 is easier to use and sounds better than the A22. A6 is the same radio minus the VOR radial tracking feature and cheaper.
Dick
The A24 is a newer design than the A22 and the squelch is much easier to use. Now it is a dedicated button and then adjust the level with the right knob on top of radio. Display is bright and character size is large. Installation is more complex because it cannot be connected directly to 12 volt supply. Radio is designed for use with either a 12v or 24v system. It has a transformer that takes power from a cigaret lighter socket and outputs 11 volts. Thus I had to build a new mount incorporating required power socket. Actually two sockets so that I also can power my iPhone or soon-to-be acquired iPad3.
(If you haven't discovered Seattle Avionics free iPhone app, Free Flight, take a look. Displays nearest airports, along with satellite photo and runway diagram, frequencies, current weather, etc. Also can get regional or national weather radar maps. All airport data is updated free automatically about monthly.)
I wanted to install a Sporty's SP-400, which advertises a large backlit display, simple controls and 12 volt power. Actually ordered one but sent it back. Display is very low contrast. Photos and videos that Sporty's shows have obviously been enhanced, which is disappointing. Also discovered that I could not connect to the 2-place intercom and push to talk switch I used with the A22. Mic and spkr sockets are different sizes and different spacing. No adapters available to connect to intercom. But adapters are available to connect to a single headset and also a Sporty's proprietary PPT switch available.
Bottom line is the new A24 is easier to use and sounds better than the A22. A6 is the same radio minus the VOR radial tracking feature and cheaper.
Dick