Icom IC A220T

[Wildhorsetrail]

Does anyone have experience with this radio? Is it reliable? Good idea for a new installation? Warranty?

[carusoam]

See if this helps any…

both manuals seem to be available for reading… user and install.

not all reviews were stellar…

-a-

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/icom11-14551.php

[47U]

3 hours ago, Wildhorsetrail said:

Good idea for a new installation?

I really like the Trig I put in a couple years ago.  Only 1.3” high.  Trig says they’re adding a nav half to the radio, but covid has delayed certification.  If/when they do, I’ll make the swap and retire my Nav 121.  The SL30s are getting old, even if ‘refurbished,’ in my opinion. 

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/ty96Aslimlinevhf11-15376.php

[Andy95W]

I have the non-TSO A220 as my COM2.  It works very well, not as powerful as my old KX-155, but sound quality is just as good (maybe a little better).

I’m very happy with the display, the memory function, the control knobs and buttons.  It has been very reliable for the 10 years or so that I’ve had it. It looks good and works great.

There are 2 things I wish were better.  

1.) To remove the radio, you first must remove the faceplate, which is connected to the radio by a thin ribbon cable.  Every time I re-install the radio, I wonder if it’s going to work.  So far, it’s been perfect, but it’s not as sure a thing as others that just slide out.

2.) The auto dimmer isn’t very effective.  For some reason, in auto-dimming mode, the max brightness only goes to 50/100.  That is too dim on a bright day.  Since I rarely (if ever) fly at night anymore in my Mooney, I just set it manually to 100% and it’s great.  If I were to fly at night, I would simply re-engage the auto dimming.

Bottom line: I’ve been thinking of getting a second one, but I’ll likely need a NAV/COM to replace the KX-155.  In that case I’ll get the Garmin GNC-255 which will match the look of the ICOM nicely.

Edited June 11, 2022 by Andy95W

[devyn6seven]

I have a TSO’d version for sale. Worked great as a COM 1 for a while. I just redid my panel which is why it’s available. 
 

[laytonl]

I like the Trig radio.  I have one in my Citabria along with a Garmin GTN 650.  The Trig audio is better than the Garmin radio. The trig is remote mounted and tied into the PS engineering intercom/com.  Lee

[Andy95W]

2 hours ago, laytonl said:

I like the Trig radio.  I have one in my Citabria along with a Garmin GTN 650.  The Trig audio is better than the Garmin radio. The trig is remote mounted and tied into the PS engineering intercom/com.  Lee

I replaced my KX-155 with a Trig panel mount.  Best straight NAV/COM radio I’ve had.

[MikeOH]

56 minutes ago, Andy95W said:

I replaced my KX-155 with a Trig panel mount.  Best straight NAV/COM radio I’ve had.

Better than the KX-155?

[47U]

1 minute ago, MikeOH said:

Better than the KX-155?

Well, the you can buy a TX56A new in the box… and it’s only 1.3” high.

I removed Narco equipment, and it’s sure better than the Comm 120 and Nav 121/122.

[Andy95W]

8 hours ago, MikeOH said:

Better than the KX-155?

Yes, with one caveat- the KX-155 is well known for its reliability.  Only time will tell if the Trig (or any of the very new radios, even Garmin) will match it going forward.

My gut tells me the new designs will be as good or better than the older generation. The GNS-430 is now over 25 years old and still going strong.

 

Edited Friday at 12:58 PM by Andy95W

[devyn6seven]

I would've kept the A220 if it fit in my new panel. It was a solid com radio. Never had an issue with it.