I can answer that
alpinelakespilot2000 said:
I was just looking at the Icom website and the A200 supposedly has a built in intercom. Because I've only heard great things about this radio, because I've used it in a Skylane with no problems, and because it's cheap I've been planning to use it in my -9. Now I see another way to save a couple hundred dollars: If I have no need for music or other audio inputs (mine will be VFR only to start), is the A200 sufficient for communicating clearly with my passenger? Here I guess it would be important to have headsets that each have their own volume control, but are there any other considerations to keep in mind? Thanks.
Let me get to the point, Yes it has an intercom (almost in name only); Yes you will need (want to buy) a real VOX intercom (voice activated).
I think all the com radios claim an intercom to fill up their features list. I have an ICOM A200 and after I bought it noticed it has an INTERCOM and made slight mention in the installation instructions. The operation manual does not say anything.
This is how it works, you have to wire in optional panel switch (not supplied) to select whether you want your mic to transmit on the radio or on the intercom (not both). If you select intercom, you press the PTT to talk on the intercom, like you do to transmit on the radio. When you do this it is a party line and both mics open. (Good stand alone voice activated intercoms only open the mic that is being spoken into to cut ambient noise in the audio. The A200 intercom function is definitely not voice activated.)
I could see a stripped down day VFR bi-plane tandem that might have a hard time with a VOX radio with the wind blast and noise keeping the mic open, so a Press to Talk system might be better. We are talking day VFR, local hops with leather helmet, scarf and away from active ATC communication. I could see this as a weight saving, dog dirt simple reasonable use. In a RV made for travel it would be a pain in the..... A good VOX intercom is not expensive and adds many other features.
The biggest down side is you have to choose to talk on the radio or intercom; you can't do both. Next is you have to push a button to talk. Last it will not be as quit as a VOX intercom with separate auto channels for pilot and passenger. Buy a good intercom, I recommend DRE or PS Engineering.
As far as ICOM A200, great radio and the only down is the installation sheet is OK, but the wording is vague sometimes and light on background info, case in point the intercom function. This is likely from translating japanese to english. Other than that, its a great value and the next radio I would have is the Apollo SL30, but it cost twice as much. For a good flip flop com with 9-10 channel presets, I don't think you can do better. It also has several monaural audio inputs for warnings or what ever.