Rid'Air Team's Review: " ... "
Here is the entry-level radio from the French brand CRT. Designed for paragliding, it allows you to enter all frequencies used in paragliding.
The CRT 00 FP paragliding radio also allows you to use 2 frequencies simultaneously thanks to its dual-band function (like all CRT radios). This way, you can enter the federation frequency 143.9875 MHz for listening and use another frequency to chat with your friends in flight (subject to legal use of frequencies)
Its power, between 1 and 5W, is sufficient for local use on small sites. Cross-country pilots will prefer higher-end models transmitting up to 20km.
Its affordable price, manufacturing quality, and compactness make it an ideal tool for pilots looking for their first equipment. The screen is backlit and very readable. Manual in French, radio language in English.
WARNING: Disclaimer.
Following numerous incidents on unauthorized frequencies, the Agence Nationale des Fréquences (National Frequency Agency) has highlighted free flight.
CRT radios (as well as all VHF radios used in free flight) are intended for exclusive use between 144 and 146 MHz for amateur radio operators only. If you are not a certified amateur radio operator, it is strictly forbidden to use these frequencies, under penalty of prosecution and a fine of €7500.
We recommend the exclusive use of the FFVL frequency 143.9875 MHz and not to transmit, except in case of emergency.
As a reminder, the user is solely responsible for the frequency ranges they use. The use of any other frequency is illegal and at the users' own risk.
Technical Specifications
Standard
AMATEUR RADIO (restriction: transmission use with mandatory Amateur Radio operator certificate)
Mode
VHF / UHF
Frequencies
RX/TX : 144-146 MHz / 430-440 MHz
Power
VHF : 1W / 5 Watts -- UHF : 1W / 4 Watts ERP
Power Supply
7.2V DC ± 20%
Channels
128 channels / memories
Channel Spacing
25 KHz wide band - 12.5 KHz narrow band
Frequency Step
2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25 KHz
Operation Mode
UHF-VHF / UHF-UHF / VHF-VHF / VHF-UHF
TONE BURST
Yes: tone generally used to open a repeater (1750Hz)
CTCSS / DCS (encoder/decoder)
50 CTCSS / 208 DCS: sub-audio coding allowing selective squelch triggering
DTMF (encoder)
Yes: tone coding, for using a repeater, internet gateway or other (originally included)
PTT / ID (caller ID)
Yes: allows programming a sequence of different tones for each caller
ANY CODE
Yes: identification code + selective call coding
DUAL WATCH Function
Yes: scans two frequencies
VOX Function
Yes: this function activates your microphone by sound (hands-free)
TOT Function
Yes: anti-chatter
SCAN Function
Yes: automatic search for busy channels (scanning)
BCLO Function
Yes: busy channel lockout
REVERSE Function
Yes: TX frequency switches to RX and vice versa
ALARM Function
Yes: the device will emit a siren sound and transmit this sound on the current channel
Receiver
Yes: FM radio reception
Various Functions
Keypad lock + Keypad beep + Battery saver + Flashlight + Repeater offset + Cloning function
Display
LCD Screen: blue, green, purple
Display Type
Dual frequency and/or channel display (selectable)
Options
Programming cable + software
PC Programmable
Yes
Battery
Li-ion 1600 mAh * 7.2V
Connector
CRT type K
Antenna
20 cm / high gain / SMA-Female connector
Included
Desktop charger, battery, antenna, 1 neck strap, 1 hand strap, and belt clip
Dimensions
122 x 63 x 36 mm
Weight
260 g
Warranty
2 years