Backup Radio Option Offers Lightweight Signal Improvement at Little Extra Cost

A nifty little device has been added to the catalog of ICARUS Instruments, allowing an aircraft's VHF comm antenna to be patched into a handheld VFR radio in flight.

The EXTenna Switch is a small device that "greatly extends the range and readability of a battery powered handheld radio compared to the normal “rubber ducky” antenna that has very limited range when used inside an aircraft cockpit", all while negating the need for a dedicated backup antenna. That means less cost, avoiding the trouble of buying a second VHF antenna, installing it, and routing it, and the greater savings of cutting down on just a smidgeon of drag over the lfie of the plane. The EXTenna Switch is a small, non-powered, 2-ounce panel mounted unit, which should largely be ignored most of the time...until a radio failure.

Once needed, the pilot can bust out the handheld VHF radio, and hook in the supplied 4-foot cable to the EXTenna port. The BNC RF jack and 3.5mm connector hook the radio up and automatically disconnect the built-in comm 1 radio, allowing the handheld to use a much larger, more exposed antenna system. Whether caused by electrical failure, busted avionics, or money-saving engine-off clearance delivery before a flight, the modification is a slick little piece of work. The suggested retail for an Extenna Switch is a nickel short of $130, and helps add a convenient, affordable backup without a whole lot of hassle. (Just make sure nobody misplaces the cable!)

FMI: www.edmo.com