[mixturerich]

Hi folks,

I have a query about com radios in aircraft that can be set to two decimal places. For example, you can set a frequency like 123.45. But if you are advised to go to frequency 131.125, can this be achieved using a radio that has only frequency ability to 2 decimal places?

Thanks,

Mixturerich.

[Carrier Pigeon]

Yes, just ignore the 3rd decimal. This is going to change in the next year or 2 but until then don't worry about it. Below is a quote from a BMAA forum discussion on the subject?

Its not quite as dire as that. Shit hits the fan in 2018 finally. From november this year all new aircraft can only be FITTED with 8.33 radios, but as most new planes costs 30K plus they have mostly been fitting panel mount radios for a while now. The guys on a budget have older planes, which will already be fitted with radios, so wont be affected.

The situation that will sting is buying an old plane that hasnt been fitted with a radio and if you cant operate non radio, then having to fork out. (BTW Mike there are lots of approved 8.33 radios - Becker, Funkwerk etc as well as the trig - but all well over 1K)

Maybe we should have a campaign for owners of older aircraft to apply for a radio fitment mod before november regardless if the actually have one - just borrow one for the initial mod inspection. Then they are ok up to 2018.

And we mustnt forget that a handheld can be used not connected to the plane, so could fall outside the 'fitted' requirement, if you do that you cnould use a non 8.33 radio in your pocket / on your leg etc, up to 2018.

There will be a potentially quite big market for a budget 8.33 approved radio - so hopefully a manufacturer responds to that. Icom already do a new A6 model with 8.33 spacing. maybe with the change looming it is time to apply renewed focussed pressure to find a way to approve it.

[xpro]

The only reason they are implementing 8.33khz channel spacing is to avail of more frequencies. Im not 100% sure on this one but i think all planes flying above fl195 are requires to have 8.33khz radios fitted.