Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Vertex Nav Com Transeiver
by John from Reno NV USA 
Pros: Works great comes with all accessories
Cons: Needs more volume on headset
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Works great a little complicated to program
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Friday, December 07, 2012
Excellent Radio
by C from Central Indiana USA 
Pros: Quality, price, features
Cons: Outdated PC software
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] High quality from Yaesu (parent company) that has been making superb 2-way radios for quite some time. Less expensive than Icom and has a few more features. Only negative is the software to be used with a PC. It has not been kept up-to-date for Windows 7 and Windows 8....maybe they will update it soon!
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Great unit.
by Tony from Melbourne VIC Australia 
Pros: Price, extras, solid, waterproof, ease of use
Cons: Needs different country plugs, not a big drama
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Another great delivery to Australia from My Pilot Store. Basic functions are easy to use straight from the box, entering a band etc, alot easier than some I`ve had in the past. Certainly haven`t used all the functions it can do, but will get there. Although unit does feel slightly heavy, I do prefer that, feels a very solid reliable unit. Did come with some free extras which made it even better value, only thing it didn`t have was an Australian plug to charge it, but a cheap adapter fixed that. No dramas working with my headset (Telex) just plug and play. I would expect alot of years use out of this.
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012
LOTS better than the older transiever I have.
by Rick from Buckner MO USA 
Pros: Power packed and water resistant. A good buy!
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Does all I want it to do and much more. I like that it hase time to learn the functions, but every good a VOR function that is very sensitive and very accurate. It does take some time to learn to use all the functions, but that's normal with any sophisticated instrument.
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Tuesday, August 07, 2012
by william from rochester NH USA 
Pros: great presentation
Cons: no substance
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] the radio has exciting capabilities, large screen, nice fit in the hand, a lot of included accessories,etc. however it receives intermittently, and not at all with the rubber antenna.standing next to a buddy with an icom his picked up ATIS, the vertex would not..the first one i exchanged had the same problem. ill keep it for emergency use. bill in n.h.
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Monday, July 09, 2012
Looks very familiar!
by Fred,at Travelers Aid JFK from Forest Hills NY USA 
Pros: Fits in your hand;light weight;receive both LGA/JFK from my Apartment approx.7 miles away from either airport.
Cons: Price seems somewhat high.But what isn't these days?
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] This unit is basically identical to my Yaesu "Aviator Pro II" except for a better Antenna; the keyboard lights up;the batteries are interchangeable BUT I LIKE IT !!  Which is most important.  Receiving Tower,Approach,Departure and Ground Controls at JFK is poor from inside the Terminals due to too much metal/flourescent fixtures etc. but outside these reception and transmission is fine.
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Good stuff but............
by Peter Pan1 from Singapore 
Pros: Compact and weatherproof.
Cons: Nil
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I'm satisfied with the Vertex that I've bought. If only the freight to Singapore could be more less costly, I'll probably ordered more stuff.

It would be nice if Vertex charger can come optional with either 110v or 220v. The package which I've got comes standard with 110v only. I need a 220v charger instead.
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Sunday, June 10, 2012
Good radio for the price
by Jared from Houston, TX, USA 
Pros: Small size, long battery life, included hardware
Cons: Could be more intuitive to program
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I really like the compact size and long battery life. The NAV receiver with CDI works great. This is a good all-around handheld either for ground use or as a backup in the airplane.

The NAV receiver gives a valid reading 30 miles away from a VOR at 2000 feet, so it works as well as I would expect.

The only thing I would call a negative is that it could be more intuitive to program, especially the CDI function. Some of it may be that I am a relatively new pilot and not familiar with handhelds in general, so I did not reduce the rating because of it. The manual is comprehensive and well written.

The radio should fit nicely in any flight bag. I am able to put it in the pouch that came with my flight bag without removing the antenna.

Another positive is that the radio came with the base charging station, cigarette lighter adapter, belt clip and aircraft antenna adapter. That is a very good deal for the price.
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Saturday, June 02, 2012
Excellent Value!
by A Customer from Redding, CA 
Pros: Better quality than I-Com (Icom not waterproof) and less costly than SP-400 which has contrast problems.
Cons: None. Manual is easy if you have half a brain and a free morning or afternoon, and don't suffer from attention deficit disorder.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Obviously the complaints about this unit are due to pilots not willing to sit down with the manual (which to me is the fun part), or non-pilots who don't know any different. The buttons are not hard to press; they are easy to press. Reception is great. You don't "need" to program freqs into the memory; just key in the freq you want, same as in your airplane. You don't program 200 freqs in your airplane do you? Of course hand-helds are not for tranmitting 20 miles out; they are an emergency back-up. For example, use it to report directly over the field 500' or more above Class D airspace (just to be safe); you will be effectively less than a mile from the tower (vertically) and they will hear you just fine. Stop complaining because you expect panel mount strength from a 5watt hand-held and a two page user manual! Take an afternoon and study the instructions.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Robust
by Paul from State College PA USA 
Pros: sturdy
Cons: not really functional unless further accessorized.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Robust well built unit. Needs some extras to use in the cockpit: a quality push to talk switch to use with head set, and augmentation of the antenna. I used the provided sma(male) to bnc adaptor, and added some bnc cable and a sma(female) to bnc adaptor to extend the rubber duckie antenna to the back of the plane.
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Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Great Radio
by josh from clancy MT USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The radio is well built and has good reception.It has a lot of features which can be a little overwhelming at first.  Defiantly worth the money.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
Good for the price
by Brian from Chico CA USA 
Pros: A lot of features
Cons: Transmission a little weak
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It's amazing they can pack so much into a small radio. Receiving works great and is clear, except when setting on the seat next to you when the engine is running, too much interference. I got this as a second radio as I only have one radio and it only monitors one frequnecy. I can get ATIS now by holding the radio up to the mike and hearing it through the headset. The VOR works quite well, even from inside my house 4 miles away. Transmitting is a little weak, even on the field. Hooking to the ships antenna may help.
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Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Better than expected
by Charles Caudill from Frederick, MD 
Pros: Reception, size, cost
Cons: Ease of operation
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Exceeded expectations so far. Great reception, a little tough to figure out from the start. Lots of extras included. All in all, good product to keep in my helicopter bag.
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Saturday, March 17, 2012
Great Radio Poor Software
by Kurt from Elizabeth CO USA 
Pros: Great Radio
Cons: Poor Software doesn't work. Radio not recognized by computer.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The radios are excellent quality. The features are extensive and there is a huge amount of technology for the money.

There is a software program for programming the radios which I cant get to work on my computer. The computer wont recognize the radio so I cant import or export data to the radios. In this situation I cant remove the dozens of useless NYC Arinc frequencies that are programmed into the radio for some reason or organize the local frequencies Ive manually programmed into the radio. This has me quite unhappy with this portion of the radio operation as Ive spent hours trying to get this to work and there in NO available help or additional troubleshooting information on this that I can find. According to the software its supposed to work but it obviously doesn't.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Great
by Matt from Duluth MN USA 
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Easy to use, great for soloing students!
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Monday, February 20, 2012
Not bad
by patrick from coburn PA USA 
Pros: quality-not bad
Cons: more than i need.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] More than I need.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
Excellent Buy
by maakif from TX 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It is compact durable and very clear. Only thing I am having issue with is storage - I couldn't find a softcase for it.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
by Carl from Cocoa Beach FL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Great for the money.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
great for everything I use it for
by James from Metairie LA USA 
Pros: nothing but the best is all it is
Cons: none what so ever
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Being in the Civil Air Patrol it has made finding an ELT very easy and quick and its so easy to use when flying thank you for the great product
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Monday, November 14, 2011
Best value for the money
by Walter from Tomahawk WI USA 
Pros: Small size. Good battery life.
Cons: A larger display would have been nice, but not at the cost of a larger size.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It met all my expectations. Worked great right out of the box, and easy to use.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
solidly built
by James from North Andover MA USA 
Pros: Well-built and fair price
Cons: Not easy to use, default antenna has very limited range
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It's a solidly-built unit, and looks like it'll hold up to extended use. Controls are less than intuitive, so be prepared to spend quality time with the manual. Reception with just the default antenna is poor; will likely need a ship's antenna connection to use in a real emergency, unless I happen to have an emergency directly over an airfield.
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Monday, September 19, 2011
Love this radio!
by Lee from Boulder CO USA 
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Instructions are clear and programming was fairly easy. Still waiting for battery to prompt me it's low -- haven't used it a lot and it's holding a charge for a month or so. Great price for a lot of bells and whistles -- which I won't use. I wanted a radio that had great reception and from some distance and am getting that.
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Friday, September 09, 2011
It does what it says
by Chronis from Leroy MI USA 
Pros: size, back lit, emergency, flip flop
Cons: none
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Nice, solid product, delivers as promised. I like its compact size and simple to use if you take a moment to read instructions. Receiver quite strong, transmitter not yet tested from air but seems weak on ground. I could be wrong on that one. Buttons maybe little small for fat fingers. Nice back lit display. So far it seems as a great product. Time will show.
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Excellent Handheld
by Jim M from Fairbanks AK USA 
Pros: Great size, solid/rugged construction, great reception and ease of use
Cons: None that I've found yet!
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Although I haven't had the need to use this handheld while inflight, I'm very happy to have it onboard just in case it's ever needed. It was very easy and intuitive to program and its reception range is impressive.
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Monday, August 15, 2011
by Ted Stahler from East Peoria IL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] They do not work. The airport control tower will not let us use them becaue they are garbled and too much static. We ended up having to buy and ICOM. It works great.
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Monday, August 15, 2011
I would buy this product again
by T140V from Turlock CA USA 
Pros: good price
Cons: Be carefull not to over charge it.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It does quite a bit for the price. I didn't find it dificult to operate.
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Sunday, July 31, 2011
Really is waterproof!
by Gene from Antioch, IL 
Pros: Light, waterproof, great scanner.
Cons: You really need the manual to program it.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Just got back from Airventure, used this radio all week rain or shine. Took a few minutes with the manual to get the scanner set up for the OSH frequencies and it worked well as a scanner all week, it was outside on a table during one of the rain storms, and was clipped on my belt during other showers. The belt clip worked much better than I expected. The rechargable battery lasted about 20 hours, the AA batteries lasted even longer and are still going strong. But I never could figure out how to get the foam pad that comes with the AA case to fit.

Tried the VOR function on the way home, worked well, and cross checked with the panel mounts.

I'm not going to miss my old KX99 a bit. The Vertex is light, receives well, and in every respect exceeds my expectations!
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Good radio
by Douglas from Horseshoe Bay TX USA 
Pros: Price is good
Cons: A little hard to use in a bouncing airplane.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The key pad and features are a little hard to use. You have to use it a lot to get any confort with the key pad.  It may just have too many features to use as a back up Com.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
by Rick S from New Fairfield CT USA 
Pros: Quality / Value for the money
Cons: none
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I have had the opportunity to use the transceiver four times since it arrived and it has worked very well. I fly in both a J-3 and L-4 Cub and the transmission and reception has been very loud and clear using external antennas. The L-4 has an antenna problem so I am working with the noise reduction settings on the radio to attempt to reduce interference. Since the problem exists with other radios I've used, I hope the newer Vertex will help avoid an antenna replacement. Overall, a first class piece of equipment at a reasonable price.
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Saturday, July 23, 2011
You get what you pay for.
by Av8or from Waco, Tx. 
Pros: Very Well built, Long Battery Life, Reliable.
Cons: Squelch Adjustment could be easier.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It's a great radio for what it is. a "HANDHELD" tranceiver. This is not a replacement for a good permanent mount VHF radio installed in your aircraft, but an excellent Backup. If your expectations are that you can replace your VHF receiver you're just plain IGNORANT. The radio works great for what it is designed for and with the Headset option integrated with my Aircrafts Intercom system. I appreciate the ability to use my Primary VHF radio for Flight Following etc, and have this one off tuned to CTAF/advisory frequencies. Plus the Peace of mind of having a backup radio, and the ability to tune a VOR frequency and validate my primary receiver(or even identify an intersection) is priceless!

Also reading the owner's manual goes a long way to understanding/using ANY piece of equipment REGARDLESS of AGE.
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Excellent Buy
by Glenn from Saint Louis MO USA 
Pros: Easy to operate and rugged
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] For the money, this is an excellent radio. Easy to use & program. Rugged and durable. Also, NAV feature is nice backup to VOR in the plane.
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Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Good first handheld
by joshthelefty from Cheyenne, WY, USA 
Pros: easy to use
Cons: price
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Good first handset, does what you need it to do and fairly easy to use as long as you read the instruction manual first. Be sure to read how to assemble the belt clip before assembly. Quickly programmable. Unable to set squelch so static is always in the background. Battery long lasting. VOR easy to use however no DME on VOR.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
by Robert from San Jose CA USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Works as advertised... No problems with it.
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Monday, June 20, 2011
Exceeds the Mission Requirement
by Roger from Spokane WA USA 
Pros: Nice compact size. Knobs easy to use. Good Value
Cons: Larger screen would be nice
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The radio is easy to use and offer many features potentially desired by certain users. Both Comm and NAV work as advertised and the receiption range is suprising good. I can pick up the local airport transmitters. that are about 5 miles line of sight. Seems to be a very well made unit. I have not tried many of the functions yet but the basics work well for me.
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Monday, June 06, 2011
Great Radio
by A Customer from AZ USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] This radio works great. The price was great and it came with all the accessories that you had to buy seperate on other websites.
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Monday, June 06, 2011
Invaluable piece of equipment
by A Customer from Corpus Christi TX USA 
Pros: Good reception
Cons: Does not indicate when battery through charging.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Great to have in plane as a backup or just to use on the ground. Present for my wife, the pic. She loves it.
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Monday, June 06, 2011
Compact, with good features
by Ryan from Fort Huachuca AZ USA 
Pros: Compact, rugged, versitile
Cons: Not necessarily intuitive to program, but easy once you've done it a few times.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Just what I was looking for, and it came with the accesories that are essential, without having to order (pay for) them.
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Thursday, June 02, 2011
very versatile
by tony from La Canada CA USA 
Pros: gets the job done!
Cons: can be complicated to make use of the options
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Lots of functions, lots to learn. Basic operation is straight forward, but the programing options extensive.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
i would buy this product again
by Jorge from miami FL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] This is an excellent radio, this radio has very good coverage, the audio output is clear, compact size and work great.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Excellent!!
by James from Marathon FL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Great deal, works well and battery lasts all day. Recommended..!!
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Hear you loud and clear
by Philipp from Wilen Switzerland 
Pros: compact, easy to use, stable, long accu lifetime
Cons: transmission range
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Easy to use, structurized menu. It's easy to get in touch with the key functions. The audio output is clear, even if the product is very compact. It is quite stable and I'm sure it would get over a fall out of the hand.
The accu is very strong. The negative point is: I believe, the output power is a bit weak. So sometimes other people don't hear my transmission even if we are at the same altitude and I may hear them.
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Friday, April 29, 2011
I am completely amazed by it
by Sid from Charlotte, Nauth Carlina 
Pros: Every thing is as advertised
Cons: More capability that I'll ever use = waste
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Haven't used it except here at home. It has excellent sound from a/c departing CLT. One, however must remember my basis of comparison is from late '60's when the Corps got the dregs from all services except Nigeria. There's way more capability in it than I ever expect using. It seems complex and too full of play things but it will pay for it's self with one needed transmission. You young'uns will play with it with ease [while flying into a cloud of rocks]. Need to adapt it to '60's NAVY helmet.........HELP!
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Friday, March 04, 2011
Great bang for your buck!
by Jared from Anaheim CA USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Solid quality, compact size, works great!
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Friday, January 21, 2011
by Christophe Bolle from Johannesburg South Africa 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] This radio seems to be very nice unfortunatly i did order it for South Africa and diden't notice that in the USA they use 110 volt and here is 220 volt! then i wanted to reload it i was just burning the radio and the charger, now on repair...
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Friday, January 21, 2011
Great Product!
by Aaron from Valparaiso IN USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The radio works great. I can listen to others in the pattern, about 6 miles away while I am inside my house. I would recommend this to anyone.
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Monday, January 10, 2011
Compact! I would like to recommend the VXA 300!
by Rob from Dublin 4 Ireland 
Pros: Easy size, clear buttons
Cons: Book selector very touchy. Would advise a better click system when moving through the memory bank. Adapter NOT compatible with elec. network in Ireland. The selection of adaptor should be made possible on the online buy.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Compact,handy, easy to use, comprehensive guidelines.
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
by A Customer from Brasil SBMT 
Pros: Small Size, IPX7, aluminium case
Cons: A cover for radio
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Heavy Duty constructrion case, IPX7 Mil STD, Loud Volume
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Monday, October 25, 2010
Good price, easy to use, vertex is versatile!
by Ken from Florham Park NJ USA 
Pros: Long charge, works well
Cons: need a light button for nite use
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The Vertex VXA300 Pliot III Nav-Com transceiver is a well constructed, easy to operate must have for pilot flight bags. I unwrapped it, charged in the supplied charging stand and then was able to listen to my local FBO and then weather operations.
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Wednesday, October 06, 2010
by Jason from Pulaski VA USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I was surprised by the many features of the Vertex VXA - 300 Pilot III. I finally finished reading the manual which took me quite a while. I still do not know all the operations well enough to feel comfortable using them but I am sure as I use the unit, I will get better. The only disappointment, I have, and this is a minor one, is I would rather the Navigation portion was GPS instead of VOR, but I can use it like it is.
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Wednesday, August 04, 2010
all you need for a backup
by Dangerous Dave from Dumont CO USA 
Pros: Bulletproof
Cons: 12 hr recharge time,make sure the battery is dead or you will ruin it
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] If you follow the instructions, it will do a lot.  Practice is the key to using it.   If all you want to do is dial in frequencies, it's simple.  The rest takes some educating.  If you got your pilots license you can operate it.  Don't expect to take it along and figure it out in the air, you didn't do it with your airplane and you wont do it with this radio.  It functions as advertised and for the price it cant be beat.
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Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Really Nice Unit!
by William from Keaau HI USA 
Pros: Designed well and great reception
Cons: I would like an antenna connector cap when not in use.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Performs as advertised. Simple to use. Have not tried Navigation yet...only voice. Well built and small enough to carry easily.
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Sunday, August 01, 2010
A good balance
by Latewings. from Auckland, NZ 
Pros: Solid, with valid clear aviation functions.
Cons: Takes a few minutes more concentration to master.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I bought the Icom IC-A14 and the VXA-300 and will be taking the VXA-300 flying with me and using the A14 as a solid base station. The headset adaptor alone on the 300 is a great addition as a 172 cockpit can be rather noisy without the ear-muffs on. Having navigation functions, backlighting, and a very rugged feel, I'm sure if I needed it in the cockpit I'd be fine. I actually find it intuitive to use (having other yaesu products) and don't find it fiddly.
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Monday, June 21, 2010
vertex VXA-300 Nav/Com Tranceiver
by kathy from Eureka MT USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Might be a life-saver some day. Had fun with it while talking to airplanes while I was on the ground. Is hard to hear in an airplane with all the noise and removing just one ear-piece on your headset. Need to be able to plug it into the headset direct, and have your outside antenna installed.
{Reply from MyPilotStore:  The VXA-300 does come with a headset adapter to allow you to plug directly into your headset.}
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Monday, May 17, 2010
This Product is Fantastic
by A Customer from Saint Cloud MN USA 
Pros: Durable, heavy-duty, qaulity construction.
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] In my opinion this product is of very high quality. It is a small tough and durable transceiver almost of military quality. I would most definitely recommend this product to any pilot looking for a quality "back-up" hand-held radio. It does have a lot of features, but you do not have to use all of them to be able to operate this really simple-to-operate transceiver.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
External antenna, open squelch can be fixed - Radioman
by Radioman from Mesa, Arizona 
Pros: excellent radio
Cons: It is too easy, when turning it on, to accidentally depress the volume control and change the mode. You have to look at the display and ensure you are in the mode you want to be in.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] As a radioman, I have previously reviewed this transceiver and gave it five stars. I had noticed another reviewer had complained that when hooking it up to an external antenna on the aircraft, the squelch was always open (presumably with noise, broadcast AM radio, etc.). Having now used the radio for some time, I have to say that I have encountered the same problem around town, using an external antenna on my car -- some places one or more AM radio stations just force their way through the squelch. THERE IS AN EASY FIX, and reading the manual helps: All you have to do is press the function switch, then depress the volume control once. Roatate the channel selector until you get Menu Item #1 (SQL) and press the volume control again to make it blink. The default setting is 6, using the channel selector, I set it to 7. Then press the volume control again to make it "take" the setting, and press PTT briefly to exit the setting mode (it won't transmit). Haven't had a problem since, and it receives the control tower at Falcon Field from all over town just as before.
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
by Gerardo from Waltham, MA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] VXA-300 great radio for the price. Very rough looking radio great quality great price
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Review by a Radioman
by Don the frdmftr from Mesa Arizona 
Pros: Rugged, versatile, sensitive, great dynamic range, loud ... and more.
Cons: Given its purpose and its price, none.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The Vertex Standard Pilot III Nav-Com transceiver is very similar in appearance to the Yaesu VX-170 2-meter FM amateur radio handie-talkie I've been using for several years as a ham radio operator. I knew that radio was good, and had high expectations for the Pilot III. The Pilot III not only met, but exceeded my expectations. I had been using a Radio Shack scanner to monitor the local tower frequency from various locations around town, and most of the time the tower was barely readable, aircraft on the ground couldn't be heard at all, and aircraft in the air came blasting in much too loud. By contrast, the tower is full quieting the Pilot III almost everywhere in town, I can usually hear the aircraft on the ground (weakly) and the aircraft in the air sound about the same as the tower. This indicates not only at least fifty percent greater sensitivity (.8-microvolts compared to 1.5-microvolts on the scanner) but also MUCH GREATER dynamic range. The audio quality and power output is also greatly improved, making even the foreign-accents heard from the local Part 141 school trainers understandable. I am very impressed, and I would give it more than five stars if more were available. (One recommendation to those whose reviews of this radio were less than sterling: It really helps to read the manual. Practicing with the various functions and procedures for five minutes makes all the difference in the world. It is an excellent and very versatile radio.)
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
by James from Dublin OH USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] easy to learn and use
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Friday, February 12, 2010
by C D from arcadia fl USA 
Pros: none
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] to hard to use
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Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Good product
by A Customer from Enumclaw WA USA 
Pros: Water proof and rugged construction
Cons: Programming time for channels
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I would highly recommend to have a backup radio when flying IFR operations.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
Full of useful functionality, rugged, handy -- COM and NAV in on device !
by Guido Peterzelka from Luxembourg 
Pros: Full COM and NAV (VOR including CDI) functionalities, strong and clear, adjustable sound, rugged, handy
Cons: none
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] As I'm used to the excellent quality and functionality of YEASU's (USA: Vertex Standard) ham equipment, I ended up comparing between ICOM and VS devices for airband COM transceivers with NAV functionality. My decision for the VXA-300 Pilot III was based on trust, but also on a good presentation on the web, e.g. of technical specs and pictures and manuals. I've used the Pilot III a few times in flight for exercising the setting of VORs and as a NAVaid, but often on the ground to get the current ATIS. Will use it soon for air-to-air on the next fly-out, and hopefully never as backup for on-board COM-devices should they ever fail. I also got the Alkaline battery pack as backup- strongly recommended and easy to use, and at a very reasonable price.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
nice and compact
by Thomas from Orting WA USA 
Pros: good volume, price, compact and ease of operation
Cons: Learn the basics before moving onto the more complicated functions.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I like this radio. A little confusing on all the things it can do. So many things it can do. A teenager can master this radio quickly, but us older guys need a little more time. As long as you stay with the basics until you can move on to the other functions, it is a pretty nice set. Good volume and ease of operation. No regrets on this purchase.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
I'm a newbee and it was just what I needed
by Rick from Alachua FL USA 
Pros: small, strong and works well
Cons: Having trouble getting the headset adaptor to work
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It took about an hour at the kitchen table beginning to learn how to use it. Still has more functions than I can figure out.
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Good Tranceiver
by Syd Cohen from WAUSAU WI USA 
Pros: Small, light and clear
Cons: None that I've found
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I have used the Vertex VXA-300 for a month now, and found no problems. Small, light and clear. Good product.
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Mostly satisfactory
by Michel from Palo Alto CA USA 
Pros: sound quality
Cons: headset compatibility
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] + Package unexpectdly included an antenna adapter. - I was disappointed to discover that it is not compatible with my Lightspeed 3G headset, with or without ANR (very garbled sound after 2-3 seconds). (but I may have missed something, still investigating). It works well with my other standard headsets.
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
Compact - Long lasting battery
by Joe B. from Northern CA 
Pros: Small, light
Cons: The only drawback to this radio is when it is connected to an external aircraft antenna. When flying over populated areas that have FM radio stations, the squelch is always open. Even with the ANL feature on and the squelch set at 8. It is very frustrating to have to turn your radio off unless you are near an airport.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Compact, light, many features.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Great NAV/COM, I would buy again!
by Matthew from San Diego CA USA 
Pros: Good size and the battery lasts a long time on a charge
Cons: none so far...
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I am still figuring out all the bells and whistles, but I was able to pick it up and use it for the basics right away.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
I like the radio
by Eric from Sidney ME USA 
Pros: clear reception, long charge life
Cons: need user manual close by when you begin using
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Once I figured out that you have to screw in the headset adapter, I was very impressed with the transmission and reception of the radio.
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Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Good Trans
by Dan from Denver CO USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Great around airports to hear whats going on. Haven't had to use in the air yet (and hope I don't loose my radio and have to use it) WX portion Radio works great everywhere
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Works Well!!
by Daniel from Clayton NC USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Works as advertised, good looking,great deal..
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Friday, May 08, 2009
Absolute Quality
by DENNIS from Kansas City MO USA 
Pros: Sensitivity is outstanding, From my home I not only hear pilots in the air but pilots and controllers on the ground as well. I can also pick up ATIS and one VOR station from home.
Cons: I'm trying hard, but can't think of any.
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] One of the best bang-for-the-buck purchases I have ever made. I innitially purchased a Grundig G6 Avaitor to familiarize myself with ATC terminology before becoming a student pilot. The G6 was junk, couldn't pick up anything unless parked at the airport. Replaced it with the Vertex VXA-300 and now I enjoy hours of listening from my home, and all around town. I turn it on and carry it all day, recharging after two full days of listening.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
by MGM from BALLWIN MO USA 
Pros: Price, size, durability
Cons: Somewhat complex to operate without regular use
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The Pilot III has met my expectations: feature rich, reliable back-up, rugged, clear sounding, affordable. The only gripes I have are that it has so many features that it requires more regular usage to remember how to activate without the manual, and I thought I would be able to pick up more from the ground further from the airport.
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Everything well. thanks
by ALBERTO from APO AE USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Excellent product.
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Monday, January 26, 2009
Great Price on Otherwise Expensive Electronics
by James from Houston TX USA 
Pros: Power (range), portability, price (was on special when purchased)
Cons: None identified
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I purchased this transciever for my son-in-law, who is the owner of Sky Dive Houston, http://www.skydivehouston.com/. He specifically requested this model, as he needs to be constantly aware of communications between his control station and his aircraft andbetween the towers at several nearby airports and their traffic, and he needs to communicate with his staff and gound support workers. He carries this transciever with him while out in the drop zone or anywhere around the property.
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Friday, November 21, 2008
by Aaron from Granbury, TX 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Great product for the price. Does what is advertised and then some. For the money, can't beat it.
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
Great deal
by Randy from Fayetteville GA USA 
Pros: LOTS of capabilities!
Cons: Complex, but not too complex
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I'd give it 5 stars, but there's always room for improvement. I'd like it to be lighter/smaller, but it still beats the competition. A full charge for me (receive only) lasted 24 hours. That's hard to beat.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Very ok!
by Imre from Budapest Hungary 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] I used little yet, but the apparatus good and operable.
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Excellent Nav-Com Transceiver
by Scott from Pawling NY USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Very happy with product. Easy to program, easy to use.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
perfect
by TRIANTAFYLLOS from DAYTONA BEACH FL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Perfect radio! Enormous abilities I still didn't have the time to study everything it does! I take it with me every time in flight.  It is a good friend.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
OK, but not perfect
by A Customer from Parsippany NJ USA 
Pros: price and size
Cons: see above
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It does roughly what what it should do. However, one cannot lock the canal button on the top of the gadget. It easily turns to wrong position and you are out. A little bit too complex logic. Could be simplier. I could have bought also a more simple one with less fuctinality.
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Viewing frequency of a preset channel
by Peter Kroon (glider pilot) from Groningen, Netherlands 
Pros: Small, feature-rich, well prices, long battery life, water resistant.
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The VXA-300 replaced my Icom which has served me well for over 15 years. The VXA-300 is an excellent replacement. More sensitive, longer battery live, an almost excessive list of features, waterproof and very rugged. In response to the posting of Lester from Gretna om March 31, 2008: It also took me some time to find out how to display the frequency of a preset (MR or BOOK) channel. This is actually very easy and described in the manual: push the Enter key (top-right key on the keypad) to switch between display modes.
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Tuesday, April 08, 2008
by Robert from Ocoee FL USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Very happy with performance and quality.
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Monday, March 31, 2008
by Lester from Gretna LA USA 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The only problem i have with this radio is that it has alot of preset channels that are labeled, but I don't know what frequency they are. For example: It has all the centers listed as 1 thru 15, but it doesn't tell you which one they are. I can't even get what numerical channel it is.
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
I would buy this product again
by Max from 9034 Eggersriet . Switzerland 
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] The excellent reception and the easy handling .
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Vertex300 Pilot Nav-Com
by A Pilot from Nacogdoches, TX 
Pros: Small, clear, long battery life.
Cons: None
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] Compact, well built, good looking, long battery life, clear as a blue sky, and value priced. What else can I say. Great handheld.
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Saturday, February 17, 2007
by A Customer from Portland, OR 
Cons: None yet
Review: [This review was originally posted for the predecessor, the Vertex VXA-300] It does everything it's supposed to do, have had no problems with it at all. Sound is good. Input is easy and it even makes cute beeping sounds.
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