 | FAA Repair Station QPIR337K |
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Airband Transceiver V300 by Vertex Standard
The VXA-300 transmits and receives on the International Aircraft Communications Band ('COM' 118 to 136.975 MHz) with 8.33 kHz steps for the new narrow-band channel plan. It packs 5W of transmission power, the maximum allowed for handhelds.
In addition to direct frequency entry via the keypad, the VXA-300 can store up to 250 memory channels (including 100 pre-programmed book memory channels). Memory channels can be entered directly on the unit or programmed using your PC and the optional PC Programming Kit, sold separately. A dedicated One-Touch Emergency Frequency Access Key provides immediate access to 121.5 MHz in the event of an emergency.
Like the higher-priced VXA-700, the VXA-300 can be programmed to skip continuous-carrier stations like ATIS during scanning functions and offers dual-watch operation, where the unit checks for radio activity on a 'priority' channel at 500 ms intervals, even while you're operating on other channels. Using the built-in 'Split Operation' functionality, you can also transmit on the VXA-300 while still receiving a VOR station for navigation.
NEW COM FEATURE! Pitch Control The VXA-300 includes new circuitry to enhance audio output to maximize comfort and communications effectiveness with the new 'pitch control' feature. Like an equalizer on your home stereo, the pitch control will boost sub-sections of the frequency range to suit your preferences or environment.
NEW COM FEATURE! VOX Operation When using the VXA-300 with the included headset adapter, you can forego using a push-to-talk switch with the new voice-activated transmission feature. Speaking into the mic on your headset activates the transmitter. When you're done speaking, the transceiver returns to receive mode automatically. A VOX Gain setting prevents accidental transmitter activation in noisy environments. Most pilots will still feel more comfortable with a traditional PTT, so we recommend purchasing one to use with the VXA-300, despite the obvious utility of this enhancement.
In the US, you'll get NOAA Weather Channels and NOAA Weather Alerts on the VXA-300. If there are two weather channels broadcasting in your area, you can switch between them to get the most relevant weather location for your specific location.
For pilots without a portable GPS for backup navigation or for folks who like to have a 'backup for the backup,' the VXA-300 provides VOR and CDI navigation features on the 'NAV' Band (108 to 117.975 MHz) with a Course Deviation Indicator (CDI).
VOR navigation functionality is engaged as soon as you enter the NAV band. Course, 'TO' or 'FROM' and the VOR frequency are indicated in the display. When flying to a VOR station, you can enter your desired course and the CDI displays an on-screen bar for each 2 degrees the aircraft is off course to the left or right.
NEW! Timer Operation While the small form factor of the VXA-300 precludes literally using it as a kitchen sink, you can use it as an emergency substitute for your kitchen timer. The new countdown timer lets you count down from up to 60 minutes, sounding an alert upon countdown expiration. Stopwatch functionality shows timing information on the alpha-numeric display with start, stop and reset functionality provided by pressing the volume knob.
While the grillwork has been refined in this latest edition, the basic form factor of the radio case is essentially unchanged from previous models, measuring a diminutive 2.4' x 4.7' x 1.2' (60 x 120 x 32 mm) with the battery in place. With the 7' screw-on antenna in place overall weight is still less than 14 ounces (390 g). The upsides of this basic form factor are well-known, versus the roughly brick-like radios of the last generation, include taking up less space in your flight bag and being able to wear the radio on your belt or carry it in your shirt pocket.
On the downside, buttons on all the small units are smaller and closer together than on older designs, making operation more difficult for some users. The VXA-300 maintains the wider spacing found on the most recent Vertex units, enabling most non-arthritic users to breeze through the keys. Still, with the burgeoning functionality jumping into handhelds across the industry, we recommend a more-than-casual review of the manual and some practice with new features on the ground before trying to use them in flight, regardless of the transceiver you fly with.
Durability of the VXA-300 is remarkable, surpassing the DOD's MIL-810D reliability standard. Equally impressive, the sealed design and quality manufacturing processes used to create the VXA-300 make it submersible in up to 3' of water for up to 30 minutes.
The 1.5' x 0.75' 8-Character Alpha-Numeric Display displays necessary information in a well-organized fashion. Both the display and keypad are backlit but use Vertex's Omni-Glow Dimmer technology to minimize night vision degradation.
When properly maintained, the included 1400 mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack (FNB-83) should be good for up to five years or 300 charge/discharge cycles. A sturdy AC charging cradle is included in the package. If you plan to use the VXA-300 every day, the rechargeable will be great, however if you're looking to use your handheld primarily as a backup to your regular radio stack, we recommend picking up an alkaline battery pack and two sets of Duracells. A real in-flight emergency would be a rotten time to figure out what 'properly maintained' means.
Our Summary: We recommend carrying a 5W backup transceiver in case the primary radios go out and the VXA-300 continues Vertex's compulsive pursuit of innovation and value. Reliably packing 5W of transmitting power into 14 cubic inches of space for well-under 400 is still an accomplishment in itself. While feeding our desire for 'cool new features,' we'll have to say the jury is still out on VOX operation, pitch control and the timers. Whether pilots use them or not, they'll probably be in every new model that comes out, simply because they don't cost a lot to build in, once the initial engineering is done to work them in.
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FAA Repair Station QPIR337K
14229 SW 127 Street,
Tamiami Airport,
Miami,,
Florida,
33186
United States of America
Tel: 305-238-6550
Fax: 305-238-7819
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FAA Repair Station QPIR337K
14229 SW 127 Street,
Tamiami Airport,
Miami,,
Florida
33186
United States of America
Tel: 305-238-6550
Fax: 305-238-7819 |
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