Buying a receiver

[jai6638]

Hey there,

I was looking to buy a receiver so that I could listen to the Approach/tower frequencies,etc on my trip to Asia in the summer.. Could you guys recommend me one? Would I be able to get it at radioshack? if so, what am I looking for? I dont wanna spend too much.

[chefnoel]

Remember that any receiver you buy in the U.S. won't be the same electric current - we are 110 V AC and I believe they are 220V DC.  You would need a converter unless of course your receiver runs on batteries.

[dave]

Depends on the country - Asia is a big continent. 

This chart shows the voltages in use around the world:

http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

You are probably best off with a handheld receiver - virtually all of those have chargers that "auto-range" and just "do the right thing."  Check your charger and make sure it says 100-240VAC 50-60Hz.  If it only says 110VAC/60Hz then you will need a voltage converter.

You will need a set of plug adaptors, though.  Radio Shack and other electronics stores carry them, and they are available online from many vendors.

Many great handheld receivers exist - depends on how small you want it to be, how many channels, etc.  Hard to suggest what is best without more info.

-dave

[jai6638]

Thanks for the responses.. I will be in Dubai, U.A.E and India. I already have a converter so charging should not be a problem.. Will make sure that I get a charger that would work on 220/230V

However, what handheld receiver should I get? I checked the radio shack websits and heere's what I got..

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102425&cp=&sr=1&origkw=handheld+radio+receiver&kw=handheld+radio+receiver&parentPage=search

Its too expensive though.. I'm lookin for something relatively small ( something fits in the hand would be nice ) for less than $80-90!

[dave]

The only thing you'll find less than $80 is something at a yard sale or possibly on eBay.

[pilotman1260]

You wont find any handhelds for less than 80,they all do so much and so many channels now about 150 would be the lowest unless you find one at auction somewhere i just bought a PRO-97 for 86.00 on ebay,even though its slightly used and didnt include everything it works fine and easy to program.