| Author |
Message |
    
Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 157
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 11:33 am: | 
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I am getting ready to take the technician test and get started in ham radio, I'm passing tests with 90% or above on a regular basis, should be stress free.
The main reason I want to do it quick is that I enjoy spotting and documenting storms. I figure if I am out there I may as well be of help. I found out the all the local counties use the 2M band for these spotters. What I would like to do is add a 2M rig to the truck.
The questions I have are as follows:
1. In real world conditions how far can one communicate with a mobile unit such an FT2800. I'm not talking any stories on how someone contacted a far off land once. Just straight up local communication, with a good antenna.
2. For the home..... What rigs would cover 2 M and HF and all the others excluding sat of course. I would really like to only have 2 radios, a CB and big coverage.
3. Do you have to have a higher license to run the higher powered mobiles (bigger than a handheld)
4. Does copper sell 2M stuff? I want to see my antenna options, does anyone have antenna recommendations for both base and mobile?
5. What should I expect to pay for a good 2M mobile radio?
6. Any other words of wisdom?
Thanks!
Chad |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2257
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 12:54 pm: |
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1. In real world conditions how far can one communicate with a mobile unit such an FT2800. I'm not talking any stories on how someone contacted a far off land once. Just straight up local communication, with a good antenna.
ANSWER ....
Running 50 watts in your car using a 5/8 wave antenna 10 miles would be a solid range...... from your house with a ringo ranger antenna up 50 foot the 50 watt radio would be good for 20-30 miles .......both asuming a FLAT QTH.
2. For the home..... What rigs would cover 2 M and HF and all the others excluding sat of course. I would really like to only have 2 radios, a CB and big coverage.
ANSWER ....
BEST NO CONTEST IS A IC-706 Now if you want 2 radios for HF the IC-718 and the FT-840 are good radios and there are many 2 meter 40-70 watt radios all of them good you realy have a choice here hard to loose!
3. Do you have to have a higher license to run the higher powered mobiles (bigger than a handheld)
ANSWER ....
NO a no code will cover any radio out there on 6, 2 or 440
4. Does copper sell 2M stuff? I want to see my antenna options, does anyone have antenna recommendations for both base and mobile?
Again wide open lots of good choices for a base vertical i like the colinears like a ringo ranger or a " DISCOUNT ( NO NAME ) 9 db gain vertical " Sold as a 144/440 dual band base very hard to beat this 18 foot tall antenna it at 50 foot will do as well as anything out there.
5. What should I expect to pay for a good 2M mobile radio?
DONT BUY USED UNLESS YOU KNOW THE PERSON WELL
AVOID FT-100D, and ALL old radios WITHOUT TONE BOARDS. The 25-40 watt class sets can be bought for under $100 used and most will do well. For $140-200 you can buy a 50-90 watt radio most have 50-150 memories in them MORE than enough.
6. Any other words of wisdom?
Yes no radio was used by a little old lady to talk to the church net on sunday nights. BUT I HAVE A BRIDGE IN BROOKLYN I'LL SELL YOU (LOL )
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Rover
Intermediate Member
Username: Rover
Post Number: 103
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 1:13 pm: |
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Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 11:33 am:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am getting ready to take the technician test and get started in ham radio, I'm passing tests with 90% or above on a regular basis, should be stress free.
The main reason I want to do it quick is that I enjoy spotting and documenting storms. I figure if I am out there I may as well be of help. I found out the all the local counties use the 2M band for these spotters. What I would like to do is add a 2M rig to the truck.
The questions I have are as follows:
1. In real world conditions how far can one communicate with a mobile unit such an FT2800. I'm not talking any stories on how someone contacted a far off land once. Just straight up local communication, with a good antenna.
**************************************************
Most 2 meter operations are done via repeater stations. That is literally a relay station located on a hill, tower, or a mountain. Ranges vary from a few miles to HUNDREDS of miles. It depends on the repeater. But no matter the range, the good thing is that if you can talk to 'em today from 50 Miles away,you can do it tomorrow, the next day, and the next.........and so on. Unless, of course, the repeater goes on the fritz. As to long range, there are repeaters like Mount Mitchell, NC that covers 7 states! Stations in NC, Georgia, SC, Tenn, Va, even PA get into that machine. You can expect all-round averages of 75 miles regularly--give or take a few. Simplex, direct, talk-around--without the repeater, you may get up to 30-40 miles or more.
VHF is line of sight and your "mileage" may vary according to terrain, power, and equipment.
*************************************************
2. For the home..... What rigs would cover 2 M and HF and all the others excluding sat of course. I would really like to only have 2 radios, a CB and big coverage.
**************************************************
If you are looking for.....say, a tri-band rig, look on the web for "Ham radio dealers". Examine the various brands of equipment. Prices vary depending on brand and features. If you want the whole ball of wax, consider a used IC706 from such dealers as R & L Electronics, HRO, and AES.
If Copper sells ham equipment, I am not aware of it)
3. Do you have to have a higher license to run the higher powered mobiles (bigger than a handheld)
I believe the technician is sufficent to run 1500 watts on *most* bands--with some exceptions. However, let me discourage you from the "Power is do-all, be-all" thing. You will find that even a 5 watt handheld can do amazing things. If it were me, I wouldn't want several hundred watts next to my head. RF *can* be harmful, and I think you find that "power" is "way" over rated!
4. Does copper sell 2M stuff? I want to see my antenna options, does anyone have antenna recommendations for both base and mobile?
5. What should I expect to pay for a good 2M mobile radio?
***********************************************
From $100 to $500. Depends on features, band coverage and brand.
6. Any other words of wisdom?
************************************************
That's about it! 
Thanks!
Chad |
Mrbigshot
Junior Member
Username: Mrbigshot
Post Number: 19
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 2:21 pm: |
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i believe copper sells some vhf amps. i believe thats all for 2m they do. you cant talk a very long ways if you are comunicating with a repeater. its going to depend what hams in your area have set up.
grab a digital vhf scanner and see if you can locate a repeater in your area |
Kb9ryi
New member
Username: Kb9ryi
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 2:45 pm: |
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Hi Chad, Whew! that's a lot of questions but that's what this forum is all about. I dont claim to be an expert at all but I have been actively operating on the CB band since the early 70's. I have been licensed as a Technician since 1998. I can tell you what I have observed. OK here goes. Ill try to keep it short.
1. I have found with a GOOD 5/8 wave mobile antenna mounted on the roof of the car I can reliably talk 30-40 miles with a 50-watt mobile.
2. OK most ham's I know around here use a mobile rig with a 20-amp power supply for base ops. If you are looking at one of the many new VHF/UHF/HF rigs plan on having a very thick wallet before the purchase and a thin one after. They run around $1k. and up to $10K. depending on all the bells and whistles. If you dont plan to upgrade to at least a General license you wont be able to use the HF anyway. I have chosen to use an Icom ic-2720 VHF/UHF in the van and one in the house.
3. As far as power goes you are allowed to use "full legal power" 1500 watts on VHF and UHF with the Technician license, however I dont know anyone using anywhere near that much power. Most use a 50-75 watt mobile. There is no point talking farther that you can hear. It is considered common courtesy to only use enough power so the station your talking to can hear you well. To operate on the HF bands you need a General license that requires a 5 word code test. (At least for now)
4. I think Copper has some 2 meter equipment.
5. Well NEW a 2 meter mobile will run from about $130. to $250. USED from $50. to $150.
6. I have enjoyed my radio hobby for many years. CB - SWL - Scanner - Ham. Its all part of my enjoyment in life.
I got my Ham license for the same reason you are looking at. To report severe weather to the National Weather Service. Our area NWS office monitors our local repeater on 2 meters so we can report directly to them during severe weather. I love getting out there and storm spotting on the Skywarn net.
When Im out storm spotting I have several friends who are not Hams I get reports from via CB and then relay on 2 meters to NWS. It works great.
So I say go for it, the Tech license is not that hard to get. You can combine both Ham and CB to reporting the weather.
Good luck with your test.
73 for now and God Bless, John
KB9RYI
CEF-507
HAM-71
The Stargazer
409 Wisconsin |
Karatebutcher
Senior Member
Username: Karatebutcher
Post Number: 1875
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 2:49 pm: |
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Good Post may I say the FT 2800M is wonderful, Lon will have to anser the other for you. kb |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2257
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 1:18 pm: |
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this is the 18 foot antenna ....
 |
Mrbigshot
Junior Member
Username: Mrbigshot
Post Number: 20
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 3:40 pm: |
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well at least most of my message was left. if coppers does not sell a product and has no desire to sell a product, why not allow a link to another that does? or even a name? |
Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 158
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 3:44 pm: |
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Thanks for the replies, I figure if I'm already out there for my own hobby I may as well be of help, it takes a certain breed to wander out in this weather and I love it, I've been chasing now for 16 years. I have some wonderful pictures, I do not own a vid camera, now that DV is cheap I may splurge.
50 miles is wanted I want to hear, that will easily get to 2 repeaters in my locale i believe depending if one is up as of now. Land here in Illinois is really flat, esp in my area.
As for power, I will probably remain stock with radio and just get a higher end radio.
For base I will go for full coverage as I plan on learning code, I am as of now but had to take a break because I have some mind numbing projects at work and 2 design projects on the bench I HAVE to get done. It may seem greedy but when I relax my brain needs a break. 10/12 meter won't do me much good in funnel chasing so I can wait to upgrade till summer when things slow down a tad for me.
I'll be doing some research. If anyone has anything else to add please fire away! I greatly appreciate it!!!!!
Chad |
Kb5lpa
Intermediate Member
Username: Kb5lpa
Post Number: 176
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 3:58 pm: |
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Under other words of wisdom...you can build some neat beam antennas for 2 meters since they are relatively small. Most components can be bought from Home Depot/Lowe's. You can get great range from this type antenna. Ex. I worked a tropospheric duct across the Gulf of Mexico(from Texas) to Miami,Florida on a handi-talkie,running 2 watts. Not your run of the mill contact but my homebrew beam did the job. Cost me about $8.00 to build.
Additionally...there are many other antennas that can be made very cheaply but work like the best store bought antenna made. Read any antenna book by Lew McCoy or Bill Orr. Those 2 were the best. Their writing is easy to understand and contains no b.s. If either says it "works like this" , it will.
All the other stuff here looks very good.
73 de KB5LPA |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4978
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 4:35 pm: |
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Mrbigshot,
It is very simple to explain.
Forum Membership
Register
Forum Rules
(These are located at the top left of the Forum for all Copper Forum Members to read and follow before making a post.)
Advertising
You will not advertise or solicit other members to buy, sell or peruse any products or services through this discussion forum.
You may not post links or references to direct competitors of Copper Electronics.
*************************************************
Since both of the links you posted sell CB's now and other items that Copper Electronics sells then they are a DIRECT Competitor of Copper Electronics.
That is why a Copper Moderator removed them from your post.
The Rules are very clear and to the point and since it is Copper Electronics Inc. our host who pays for and sponsors the Copper Forum then they set the Rules and Guidelines that we all must follow.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 160
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
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That's a cool antenna bruce, I bet it works well without coax
I have seen that my area has repeaters in the 70cm and 2M range, should I go with a dual mode or stick with 2M? The price increases dramatically in dual mode land, to the point where one could get a quad mode for a little more than dual (quad being 10M,6M,2M, and 70CM)
Chad |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2262
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 12:46 pm: |
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Chad the antenna photo is from the catalog MINE looks just like it but DOES have a coax. THAT antenna will give 9 DBI on 2 meters and 11 DBI on 440 ..... and is wide enough to use on 2 and MURS and 440 and FRS/GMRS ..... with a slightly high VSWR.
NOW ...Get a good 2 meter radio ALL THE RADIOS FROM $150-200 ARE GOOD BUYS ...... take your choice.
Some the head comes off for remote mounting some have a foward mounted speaker ..... some have EXPANDED receivers so you can look around..... and a few even look nice.
AVOID ADI they have a poor repair record.... i have a AR-147 and it gets VERY HOT! All have 30 or more memories and TONE boards.
440 is a good band but 2 has far more people ....
unless your buying a 4 band radio $450 class then 2 will do you just fine ... |
Rover
Intermediate Member
Username: Rover
Post Number: 104
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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If you are going to be using just 2M and 70CM right now, I'd save my $$ and get a dual band antenna. They are not at all expensive. Larsen, Comet, and others offer antennas at various prices. The Larsen is pretty cheap, rugged and reliable. Be careful about "knock-off", look-alike dual band antenna at hamfests: buy from a known, reputable dealer. I made that mistake once and got a dud. Cheap, chinese-made piece of junk!
So if you stay with the known brands, you should find what you are looking for.
IMHO, you can upgrade antennas as you upgrade your ticket. I have a dual-band Larsen for VHF/70cm, and a screwdriver multiband for HF.
Hope this helps.
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Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 161
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 2:30 pm: |
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In the 2M category I like the Yaesu FT-2800M and the Icom IC-V8000 and the IC-2200H. The 8000 has weather band features, which would be handy, I miss that on the old CB. I also like the front mounted speaker. The price also seems affordable. It's wild how many features these radios have but yet are cheaper than CB's. All above mentioned seem to be built like tanks!
Still have a lot to learn, the manual looks intimidating at first glance!
Chad |
Rover
Intermediate Member
Username: Rover
Post Number: 106
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 6:58 pm: |
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(OT)
Chad,
Do you own a Rotty? I was noticing the picture in your sig file. |
Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 162
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 8:26 pm: |
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Rover,
Yes I have a Rotty, His name is Jax and will be 6 in May. I adopted (rescued) him from someone who adopted him from the local rescue program. They got him as a pup and kept him in a kennel about 22 hours a day, he was a year old and 60 Lbs, no muscle at all when he came to me. He jumped to 90# in 3 months and is now between 115-130# depending on season. I trained him as a worker and had a pulling harness made for him, He went on the road with me and loved to pull 3 phase feeder cable and entertain the crew. He can also get heliax off a trailer roll at an alarming rate! He absolutely loves to work and be a part of a working environment.
After retiring from the road his new job is to make sure absolutely no grass grows around the fenceline of the house, he's also good at wearing out the kid! Herding by breed they can keep a 4yr old on the straight and narrow.
He's a wonderful dog with a bubbly personality, I don't know If I got lucky or if it was training but he is an absolute angel and can be trusted with anything, I will certainly have another.
Do you have a Rotty also? |
Stickshift
Intermediate Member
Username: Stickshift
Post Number: 190
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 8:42 pm: |
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Chad,
If you like the IC-2200, I would consider the IC-2100 instead. The IC-2200 really has only 1 advantage over the 2100, and thats the capability of going digital. The last time I checked, the OPTIONAL digital unit for that rig wasn't available. The rig also offers 65 watts of power over the previous 2100's 55 watts. It also has a price tag that's $60 MORE than the 2100. Not money well spent in my book, for that you just as well look at dual banders. I've talked to the local ham shops around the area and the 2200 doesn't seem to be selling well. Also I have seen very little reviews on this radio. The Kenwood TM-271A and Icom IC-V8000 are also good rigs to check out. Any of these 4 rigs will do you a fine job. I agree with Bruce, stay away from ADI's. They are poorly built with cheesy heat sinks.
hope this helps |
404
Junior Member
Username: 404
Post Number: 37
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 10:04 pm: |
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I would go with the Icom V 8000. |
Bc910
Intermediate Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 340
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 10:38 pm: |
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My two cans and a string was JuST MY PRICE!!!...
BC |
Bob_p
Advanced Member
Username: Bob_p
Post Number: 694
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 11:13 pm: |
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I have two FT 2800's and really like the radio. It's easy to program and it has the weather bands too. I thought the FT 2800 had the most bang for the buck, and I still believe it was the right choice for me.
If I was going to buy a dual band radio. I think I would get Yaesu FT 8900R Quad-Bander. I think you're right getting two extra bands for the money makes sense.
I would honestly go to Google and search for "ham radio reviews" and read what people have to say about the radios your thinkng about.
As far as antennas go for 2 meters it really doesn't take much, most are pretty cheap anyway. I have a Diamond CP 22-E, (under $50.00) and it works better than I expected. By the way, I would read the reviews on the antennas at the Ham site too.
Good luck
Bob
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Bigbilly
New member
Username: Bigbilly
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 12:16 am: |
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Let me help you here. When dealing with 2 meter freq. you need to pay special attention to antenna and coax systems. No matter what amount of power you run if it does'nt reach your antenna it's no good! ATTENUATION. With the coax some people sell with VHF antennas you loose about 10 to 25% of your power before it ever gets to the antenna. That's on medium to long runs. But it makes your SWR look really good because you also loose the same percentage of the reflected power so that it does'nt show up on an SWR meter, but, it is still there.
My personal setup is an ICOM IC-V8000 75 watter. I run that into 9913 double shielded coax which feeds a Diamond SG2000HD.
I regularly have conversations on 146.520 simplex up to 30 miles line of sight. I can key and quiet several repeaters around my area up to 65 miles away also line of sight.
just my two, bigbilly |
Pig040
Advanced Member
Username: Pig040
Post Number: 705
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:13 am: |
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I have the 8900 Quad Band radio, I have it coupled to a Diamond Quad band antenna (mobile), it works well for me, still havent decided which base antenna to go with. I used to have the Diamond mounted above my JoGunn on my tower, and it worked well there too.
Rich |
Rover
Intermediate Member
Username: Rover
Post Number: 107
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 11:50 am: |
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CHAD,
Fine business on the Rotty! The reason I noticed, my daughter (who lives out of town) has a Rotty/Lab mix. He has the strength of a Missouri mule, the "look" of a Rotty (well, with a bit of lab features), and the sweet temperament of a Rotty. His name is Jasper and he STAYS into mischief. He doesn't mean to, and my daughter spoils the heck out of him, but he's a good dog. Always happy to see his friends (thankfully) and VERY protective of Ashley. As long as she tells him it's OK, he won't hurt a fly. Of course his size is intimidating and keeps *some* people away, but he's OK. Worries my cat to death when he's visiting-----SNNNNFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF! And she'll slap him on the nose with a claw. He just comes back for more, and the disgusted cat climbs up on top of the freezer where he can't get at her. Sort of funny to see this giant dog gently taunting the cat (Ruff! Ruff) and feinting at her
as if to pounce (he wouldn't hurt her, either); he just wants to play. Cat is having none of it!
She got the dog at a flea market and sneaked it into her Mom's house, Talk about a riot when she found out! But she let A keep him and he goes everywhere (practically) Ashley goes. He rides
with us in a kennel cage in the back of my truck and LOVES it! If it is raining, I keep a tarp that I can slip over the cage, and slip it down over the sides if it is cold. If he thinks we are going somewhere, and the tailgate is down, you can't hold him back; he'll head for the truck dragging you along with him. Boy, is he strong!
Back on topic:
I hope you find the radio and antenna that suits you. Lots of good advice on this board, and I am sure you will use that info to make a good choice.
73
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2272
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 12:37 pm: |
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WATCH out ........
My place is protected by my ATTACK DASHOUND ....
Dasy thinks her teeth are registered in all 50 states! |
Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 167
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 1:01 pm: |
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Bruce, It's the little ones you have to watch! Our female dog (I swear part dingo, part greyhound) is 1/2 the size of the rot but will be the first one into trouble, the rot's just backup. He's also very protective but as Rover mentioned, once he know's your cool, your cool for life, they do not forget. The dingo in the other hand..... That dog is so nuts she prefers to snack on white rock and wood, and everything happens really fast. If you combined Dasy and my neighbor's 2 min-pins there would be enough attitude to conquer the world. That dog came running full bore to the rot one time but realized that as he approached the dog just kept getting larger, no optical illusion there, the pin just stopped in it's tracks, peed itself, and ran away faster than I could imagine. Since then I have had to rescue the pin from the top of my solar pool cover more than once, it's that small! It's fun to watch them play, same color and markings, 125 Lbs difference.
Rover, mine stopped being onery at 18 mos to the day, overnight! One day he woke up and decided to be a dog, no more eating remotes, cell phones, glasses, craft paint, and high heels. Blew my mind. He is also good with my cats, one of which is Siameese so he has no choice, that cat will clean that dog's clock, and never get a tooth laid on it, but thay are best buds. Cat knocks food off counter to dog, dog shares and plays lookout, you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. BTW, I FLIP OUT when there is a cat on the counter or table, so he knows better.
Back on Topic, the Icom V8000 is looking more and more appealing, and has gotten great reviews. It's down to that and the FT2800 for now.
Chad |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2274
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 2:43 pm: |
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The V8000 is a fine radio lots of happy users.
BTW Dasy is 15 1/2 but i tell her she dosn't look a day over 7 ........ Works on the wife too cut 20 years off her age and i can keep buying toys. |
Kd4amg
Intermediate Member
Username: Kd4amg
Post Number: 163
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:01 pm: |
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Why did YEASU quit making the ft- 1500 2 meter mobile ?
They were the tiny rigs ( special mounting bolts & bracket -- bolts go THROUGH the rig to go into the bracket -- )
Why, oh why did they stop making these rigs ? I have one that is UNMODIFIED, and never gets any intermod unless you are within 1/2 mile os fht paging tower...then it is very sporatic...most times no -- once in a blue moon yes.
Personally I think YEASU messed up and accidently made a decent rig and had to quit having it made so other models would sell better. |
Rover
Intermediate Member
Username: Rover
Post Number: 111
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 7:36 pm: |
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CHAD,
LOL! Jasper's thing is SOCKS! Don't let him get ahold of a pair of stray socks. He'll grab one and go strutting thru the house just begging for you to chase him. Ashley's Mom will take out after him---"GIVE ME BACK MY SOCK YOU JACK--- DOG!!!" And he LOVES it.
Japs loves the cat, too. Again he just wants to play. And the kitty will go along with it until she's had enough of his rambunctious play, then its HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! And up onto the freezer!
73 |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2276
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 7:53 pm: |
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I think YEASU messed up and accidently made a decent rig and had to quit having it made so other models would sell better
( I AGGREE ) |
Truckerdon
Junior Member
Username: Truckerdon
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:11 pm: |
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I'll be in the same boat as Chad in a few Month,s. I really like to get regular radio that I can mount in the Truck that will get the no code band's. (Weather Band) At this point I'm not interested in a walkie style radio. The Icon sound's like just the radio I can use in the truck.
If I'm home I can always take radio out and use it on a small 2 meter style magni-topper on a garbage pail. If you get my drift.
Don
CEF # 336 |
Denny1820
Junior Member
Username: Denny1820
Post Number: 23
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 2:21 am: |
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FT 1500M I love that radio. Glad I own one too! For the money, one of the best 2m out there. Simplicity is all I have to say. Easy menus, and programing. Fit almost anywhere mount. Heat sink chassis. It's a shame they let a good one go there. |
Patzerozero
Advanced Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 501
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 1:50 pm: |
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go for it chad! i came home from vacation, looked on the 'net, there was a test being given the next morning, took a couple practices, did great, got up the next morning & a couple hours later was back home having passed tech test 31 out of 35. all on a whim. still have no radio with 50 & up, but am looking to get ic706mkIIg when income tax check comes.
had a friend who did the same, but has since gotten out of radio altogether. he was interested in talking LONG distance, both line of sight & by any type of propagation. he NEVER used the local repeaters. he had homemade quads & beams for 6, 2, 222, 440 & at least 1 or 2 higher bands. there was enough aluminum & pvc attached to his house to supply a home depot for years! he had at least 1 BIG amp for each band, kw+ for most. he just wanted to see how far he could talk without use of a repeater. & he had quite a few 'friends' he'd hook up with regularly. just none of them locally. the local hams HATED him. he didn't interfere with them, & if they had a legitimate complaint with his transmitting, he'd shut down. they told him to give up the power & use the repeaters. they gave him such a hard time over his desire to talk long distance on bands not normally used for long distance that he finally quit. i don't give up so easily, however. need that radio 1st, though.
anyway, DO IT, chad, it was easier then i thought! |
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