PJ2+ COM Radio (with PJ jacks)

The Ultimate Backup Radio

Building on the success of the PJ2 COM radio, the patented PJ2+ continues to set the bar for what a handheld aviation radio can do. In addition to standard GA headsets jacks, the PJ2+ also features a 3.5mm jack to accommodate wired earbuds or a computer headset. An updated, high contrast screen and 6 watts peak transmit power make the PJ2+ the perfect addition to any flight bag.

The simplicity of this radio makes it a pilot favorite: just turn it on, type in a frequency, and plug in your headset. No menus, no wires, and no adapters. Independent volume and squelch adjustments are easy to do, even in turbulence, and the extra-large screen and keypad make a big difference during an emergency.

Here’s why we think it’s the perfect backup radio

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1. No adapter cables

An emergency requires quick action; there is no time to be fumbling with adapter cables and small plugs. The PJ2+ eliminates this hassle, with standard PJ jacks (compatible with the vast majority of general aviation headsets) built right into the radio. Simply unplug your headset from the panel and plug it into the PJ2+ – now you can talk to air traffic control while enjoying the noise canceling features of your headset without extra wires. Want to use your radio at an airshow? The PJ2+ also has a 3.5mm jack so you can plug in your favorite earbuds.

2. Simple to use

There’s no time to read an instruction manual when the panel goes dark, so the PJ2+ is designed to be dead simple to operate. There is one concentric knob for squelch and volume, so just twist the knob to turn the radio on. There are no menus or frequency bands to manage either—simply type in a frequency to start communicating.

The PJ2+ is also designed for one-handed operation, so you can fly with your left hand and communicate with your right. A large push-to-talk button is easily accessed by your thumb, and a handy last frequency button makes it easy to flip back and forth between approach and tower. The large screen is backlit for easy viewing at night, and the oversized keypad is easy to use in turbulence. Everything has been optimized for pilot-friendly operation.

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3. AA Batteries or USB-C

Rechargeable batteries are a fact of life these days, but while they are excellent for devices you use every day (like a smartphone), they are not the best option for a backup radio. Because it’s likely your radio will sit in your flight bag for weeks between uses, we prefer easy-to-find AA batteries for the PJ2+. With a shelf life measured in years, you can load up the radio and rest assured you’ll have power when you need it. No need to worry about charging another battery. NOTE: rechargeable AA batteries are not recommended.

Our team of pilots went a step further, though. There’s also a USB-C plug on the right side of the radio for additional flexibility. While this won’t charge the battery pack, it will power the radio. Since USB-C is an increasingly popular connector, found on everything from iPads to ADS-B receivers, you don’t have to carry another obscure charging cable. Just plug it into your cigarette lighter or portable battery pack and turn the PJ2+ on.

1. No adapter cables

An emergency requires quick action; there is no time to be fumbling with adapter cables and small plugs. The PJ2+ eliminates this hassle, with standard PJ jacks (compatible with the vast majority of general aviation headsets) built right into the radio. Simply unplug your headset from the panel and plug it into the PJ2+ – now you can talk to air traffic control while enjoying the noise canceling features of your headset without extra wires. Want to use your radio at an airshow? The PJ2+ also has a 3.5mm jack so you can plug in your favorite earbuds.

2. Simple to use

There’s no time to read an instruction manual when the panel goes dark, so the PJ2+ is designed to be dead simple to operate. There is one concentric knob for squelch and volume, so just twist the knob to turn the radio on. There are no menus or frequency bands to manage either—simply type in a frequency to start communicating.

The PJ2+ is also designed for one-handed operation, so you can fly with your left hand and communicate with your right. A large push-to-talk button is easily accessed by your thumb, and a handy last frequency button makes it easy to flip back and forth between approach and tower. The large screen is backlit for easy viewing at night, and the oversized keypad is easy to use in turbulence. Everything has been optimized for pilot-friendly operation.

3. AA Batteries or USB-C

Rechargeable batteries are a fact of life these days, but while they are excellent for devices you use every day (like a smartphone), they are not the best option for a backup radio. Because it’s likely your radio will sit in your flight bag for weeks between uses, we prefer easy-to-find AA batteries for the PJ2+. With a shelf life measured in years, you can load up the radio and rest assured you’ll have power when you need it. No need to worry about charging another battery. NOTE: rechargeable AA batteries are not recommended.

Our team of pilots went a step further, though. There’s also a USB-C plug on the right side of the radio for additional flexibility. While this won’t charge the battery pack, it will power the radio. Since USB-C is an increasingly popular connector, found on everything from iPads to ADS-B receivers, you don’t have to carry another obscure charging cable. Just plug it into your cigarette lighter or portable battery pack and turn the PJ2+ on.

Features

Standard GA
headset jacks

Oversized,
backlit screen

Last frequency
button

3.5mm
headphone jack

6 watts (PEP)
transmit power

Here’s why we think it’s the perfect backup radio
Specs

Weight
18.5

COM
YES

NAV
NO

GPS
NO

Headset Jacks
PJ

3.5mm AUX Jack
YES

Display
1.5″ x 1.625″

Battery
6AA

Warranty
1 year

Staff PIREPs

Why I love my PJ2+

Doug Ranly
Private Pilot

“With the multitude of backup GPS options, what pilots really need from a radio is a solid COM-only radio – not another complicated computer to manage. The ability to unplug your headset from the panel that just went dark and plug it into an easy-to-operate portable radio is a potential life saver. It really is the ultimate backup radio for pilots.”

In the Box

• PJ2+ COM Radio

• Alkaline battery pack

• 100-240V wall plug

• USB-A to USB-C adapter cable

• Belt clip

• Pilot’s guide

• Manual

Looking for the PJ2 Manual?

Download it here .