Airband / Ameteur band handhelds?

[craigvince]

Does anyone know of a handheld radio that has both airband and 2m ameteur bands? It seems like Vertex made one, but I can't find it on their website anywhere.

[ddurakovich]

I haven't looked lately, but you are unlikely to find one that will transmit LEGALLY on both bands.

Amateur band, with receive only in the airband is fairly common, and I suspect that the reverse is also possible, but again, I haven't looked for a while.

There used to be a number of HT's years ago that could be 'opened up' with some modification (internal or software) to include the airband, but it was still only FM, while the airbands are AM.

[Lycosaurus]

Originally Posted by craigvince

...airband and 2m ameteur bands? It seems like Vertex made one...

Craig,

The Vertex VXA-700 did what you wanted. Not the best radio around though when looking for feedback comments. Here's a link to an Aviation Consumer review of the VXA-710 that replaced the VXA-700.... which loses the Ham bands.

http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0...hanks-but.html

...and here are some user reviews:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3377

If you really still want one, you'll have to look for a 2nd hand unit.

(just checked aircraft spruce, and it is still in their catalog at $300)
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...and_vxa710.php

I have the VXA-220 airband/weather, and just love it. Well made unit, very durable.

[Kahuna]

The link to the 710 does not have 2meter.
THe 700 did. But I cant find it at SPruce.

[Lycosaurus]

You're right, Kahuna.... VXA-700 is the one .. not the 710. He'll probably have to settle for a used one, or some old stock somewhere. Seems it was discontinued in 2005.

[craigvince]

Thanks guys. The VXA-700 is the one I had heard about.

However, after reading the numerous reviews of this radio on the web, I've decided a dual band (AV/2m) is not a good choice. I've decided to keep the VXA-300 that I already have and buy a separate 2m handheld.