This new Kaito KA12AIR is a digital radio with Aviation band coverage plus FM!
This radio picks up the 118MHz to 138MHz National Civilian Aeronautical Band which lets you monitor multiple aircraft communication frequencies.
Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is:
- to separate aircraft to prevent collisions
- to organize and expedite the flow of traffic
- to provide information and other support for pilots when able.
When it comes to tuning, the KA12AIR radio offers you 6 different methods including manual, auto scan, digit entry, ATS, memory scan and memory entry.
The radio weights only 5 ounces, so it is easy and convenient to take anywhere!
All you need are two AA batteries (not included).
You can also power the radio by using an optional AC adapter (not included) if you are at home or office.
The key lock feature keeps all the preferred settings for you by preventing accidental button presses.
Other features include 1-99 minutes sleep timer function, earphone jack for private listening and external antenna jack.
FM Band: 87.00 - 108.00 MHz
AIR Band: 118 Mhz -138MHz
Auto Tuning Stations (ATS)
Sleep Power Off (05-90 min)
Key Lock Function
Battery Power Level Display
LED Back light
Radio Size: 4.25" X 2.75" X 0.75"
Weight w/o batteries 4.8 ounces
Miniature in size and lightweight, the KA12AIR is a PLL (Phase locked loop) digitally synthesized and and with a lone (single) bandwidth with good FM reception and great air-band reception (118-138 MHz) with no bleeding from the FM band.
It tunes using fixed 0.05 MHz steps on FM and with fixed 0.025 MHz steps for the Aircraft band frequencies.
Excellent and very fast band scanning capabilities.
Excellent and fast ATS memory storage system with 100 memories.
It also has an easy memory retrieval system for previously stored stations.
It is also very easy to either delete individual stations or all of them.
It has an on-board clock in either a 12 hr or a 24 hr format (with seconds showing for both formats while the system is off, but not available while the radio is turned on) as well as a slide lock system for preventing accidental setting changes including the fine, on-board green LED light which emanates from only the left hand side of the LCD screen.
The LCD screen is a good size considering the size of the radio.
The radio has good contrast at varying angles and numerous icons including error conditions and it shows battery life continuously both while the radio is either on or off.
The LCD screen also indicates when the lock switch is activated, the current band selection, sleep delay timer conditions, etc.
The Kaito KA12 can be tuned six different ways to receive desired stations (including an automatic tuning and storage - ATS and a memory retrieval system) with an Enter and Exit digital key system with the latter used for correcting entry errors.
It also has an easily maneuverable, side and nearly flush-mounted fully rotatable antenna.
The radio has a working local/DX switch control, an external antenna jack as well as an input plug for a 6V power supply (the power supply is an optional extra).
The volume control knob is an analog potentiometer with a good deal of volume adjustment/turning available.
The radio comes with a set of earbuds and a wrist strap (already attached).
The radio has a small reset key to unlock the microprocessor if it ever hangs up on the front of the radio.
All the keys have good response and a nice feel.
The radio does not have a squelch control or circuit for those concerned with background noise. This means you will hear static in the background. The airband receiver will receive noise when the transmitter is not in a transmission status.
It is powered by 2 AA batteries (not included).
The rear battery door is firmly attached to the radio so that it won't get lost and overall the radio is made of very high quality materials and shows the very high quality workmanship that has gone into its production by Kaito.
It also comes with a high quality and very readable English language manual.