ICOM IC-A210, any experience?

[SSFoxBuilder]

So I know the Garmin SL40 seems to me a popular choice these days for a comm transceiver, but does anybody have any recent experience with the ICOM IC-A210? How the built in intercom works in the Kitfox, specifically the SS? Any help is appreciated!

[AirFox]

From what I have found doing some searching is that the ICOM 210 is a good radio. I know a guy that has a SL40 and an ICOM 210 installed together and they both work very well. He told me that he hasn't had any issues with the ICOM 210. I also like the idea of the built in radio. Although I may end up going with the MGL V6. The MGL has a nice small footprint.

Scott

[kitfox2009]

Hello All
I have an ICOM A210 in my Vixen 912UL for 2 years now. Could not figure out how to wire up to the PMI intercom so removed it and use the integral one. Works well, took me a while to get it adjusted properly. Occasionally I get some "feedback squeal???" on transmit,but I do not believe it has anything to do with the radio. My latest guess is that the squeal seems to be related to the amount of output from the charging system. Sometimes at reduced RPM the squeal occurs but goes away at normal cruise?? Not sure why??
I really like the flip flop and dual monitoring features. Much nicer than my old Terra.
Cheers
Don

[Dorsal]

I use the built in intercom in the SL40, works quite well (I know, not the question you asked but thought it might be helpful).

[Dave S]

Don,

FWIW - I had a transmit background noise on my ICOM - more throttle more noise....less throttle and less noise.....not at all on the ground at idle.

Found that it went away after experimenting and adjusting the side tone on the radio. Apparently individual brands of headsets react differently to the side tone setting. I have no idea if I know what I am doing on this but the noise went away.

I have been thinking about pulling the intercom out of the plane for simplicity and going with what the ICOM has for an internal intercom so I am interested in others' experience with this too.

Dave S
KF7 TRigear

[SSFoxBuilder]

Thanks everyone for all the insight! I like the thought of not having to install a separate intercom for simplicity and lower $$, but I still want to use the xm radio function of the 696.....is there a way of doing this while only using the SL40 or ICOM A210?

[David McCormick]

I used a Icom handheld w/a external antenna for the 1st 8 yrs flyng my Kitfox and it worked great then spent the money for a IC-A210 to clean up my panel about 3 yrs ago & have been very disapointed with it. It was confusing to set up & the Icom reps were not very helpful . It is hard to see when the sun is to my back.

[SSFoxBuilder]

David,

Thank you for the info! I have now heard both great and not-so-great reviews on the ICOM tech support. How is the sound quality and intercom set up? Did you use the aux imputs at all? Any setting on the display to help with the sun issues?

Dustin

[David McCormick]

I didn't use the aux inputs. the intercome took a lot of trial adjustments and is now working fine. not much you can do about the display with the sun.

[Pingert]

Would anybody have experienced feed back from strobes I've put filters in the wing tips but still get the feed back
regards Rick