Is anybody using the Pilot USA PA-200 intercom? I need to get a new intercom for my J3 and the PA-200 is interesting because of its small size and cords that go straight into the handheld radio that you specify. My question is how good or bad would the PA-200 be in a high noise environment like a Cub with the door open.

Yes, the PS Engineering Aerocom III would be best but their new $450 price tag is a turn off. The high noise 22N Sigtronics is the next choice at $210 but it's twice the size and three times the weight of the Pilot USA. Plus adapter cables are needed to connect to the handheld and you end up having big balls of cords zip tied together where all of the stuff is mounted.

I've actually had all three of those intercoms. I had the PA-200 on my powered parachute which is very high noise. It worked fairly well there, I'm sure it would work even better in a cub.

My plane had a Sigtronics 22N when I bought it, which I later replaced with a PS Engineering Aerocom III, and then ultimately with a PS Engineering PAR200.

I did not like the Sigtronics much, I was always having to adjust the squelch and it generally was unpleasant to fly with. I liked the PA-200 better.

That being said, I'd wait to find a used PS Aerocom III. Flying has been so much more enjoyable with PS Engineering gear, it just works like it should. If you want to stick to a budget then I would go with the PA-200, it will get you by just fine, just not as nice as the PSE stuff.

Scott

The DRE portables are fantastic if you can find one. Last I checked, not made any longer but I may be wrong, worth a try.

Thanks, Scott. You're first person I've been able to get a reference from on the PA-200 regarding noise so your information is very helpful.

A friend of mine with a Cub has the Aerocom III and he likes it a lot so I haven't ruled it out yet. PS Engineering's price on the Aerocom III went from $299 to $449 with no explanation available from the retailers I've talked to.

Wow! I thought it was over-priced at the old price. That is crazy, I can see why you are considering alternatives.