| Author |
Message |
    
Cbblackbeard
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 9:03 pm: | 
|
I will be getting my Tech class ticket soon and I was wondering what would be a good radio to start out with? I'm thinking that I want a dual or even tri band radio. What can I expect to spend? I'll probably want a HT. |
Ca346
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 10:32 pm: |
|
I'm an ICOM fan
ICOM706MKIIG about $750 HF + 6M+2M+70cm
ICOM718 about $520 HF only |
Pig040
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 10:38 am: |
|
Take a look at the Yaesu FT8900R, it is a four-bander, and as a tech without code, you can use three out of the four bands. It has 2 meter 6 meter, 440, and 10 meter. Diamond makes a multiband mobile antenna that matches up well with the radio, one antenna for all 4 bands! |
Bruce
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 12:05 pm: |
|
BOTH thoes radios are good choices lets not forget the dx-70 they have been around quite a while. |
Cbblackbeard
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 6:53 pm: |
|
I was thinking about starting out with an HT.
You guys must think I have a money tree in the back yard...LOL |
Highlander
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 8:07 pm: |
|
I started out with an HT, and it worked out great. Just make sure to get one that has an external power jack, and a removable antenna so you can hook it up to a base antenna and power supply, or use it mobile. If you can afford it, get a dual-bander, 2m and 70cm. I like Yaesus, but the others are nice too.
|
Crafter
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 8:48 pm: |
|
Icom or yaesu HT, or if need cheaper the htx202 was a good proven ht. Check the icom 718 for HF. |
hr2510
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 10:23 pm: |
|
i have a few 
Kenwood ts-50
yaesu ft-100d
yaesu ft-857
icom ic-706 |
Tech8541
| | Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 11:20 pm: |
|
blackbeard, i was thinking the same thing about the money tree. you were asking about a 'starter' radio. a good mobile would be the icom 2100 for less than $200 http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/2mmobile/ic2100hmain.html. mine is over 5yrs old and works like brand new. a good ht would be the icom v8 http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/2mhand/icv8main.html also around $200. another good one that you probably can find cheap (will be used since it is not in production now) is the realistic htx-202. i use one with a spkr mic, power supply, and external base antenna here at home.
|
Cbblackbeard
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:34 am: |
|
Tech8541,
I was looking at the ICOM V8. How does it compare to the YAESU VX150? |
Ca346
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 12:42 pm: |
|
Don't forget that "IF" the petition before the FCC is approved you will have priveleges into the HF bands. |
Bullet215
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 3:33 pm: |
|
Get the Icom V8000 radio..it's capable of 75 watts on the 2 meter band "Hi" power it also has low and medium power adjustment. But if you really want a nice HT (DUAL BAND)....get the Icom w32a handheld....Also, like Ca346 said....hopefully we will have priveleges in the HF band spectrum too! Then you will want the Icom 706 MKIIg rig.... AWSESOME mods for all the above radios. |
Cbblackbeard
| | Posted on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 7:39 pm: |
|
Thanks Bullet,
I've been looking at so many radios, my head is spinning. I like the Icom w32a, AES has them for $249.99 |
Bruce
| | Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 6:05 am: |
|
cb ....
icom makes VERY good radios i have had many icoms including a ic-230 moble i bought in 1974 and STILL IS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER.
Ic-7t and w32a are good dual banders they make a ic-2 sport radio ( 2 meters only ) for $90
I can tell you where i work we have over 1300 f4 460 mhz icom HT's and i work on them in 4 years we have junked 6 and 99% of our repairs are for broken antenna conectors fraims and bad batterys ...... i feel like the maytag man.
Not that kenwood yaseu alinco dont make good radios too THEY DO and i own them too.
when you buy the radio get the programing softwhere and cable ..... it will save you lots of key punching and if you sell it its a nice selling point down the road
Just my opinion
Bruce |
Cbblackbeard
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 8:31 pm: |
|
Thanks Bruce, I'm undecided between the IC-V8 and the IC-2 sport. What do you think? |
Bruce
| | Posted on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 9:33 pm: |
|
If you want 2 meters only the IC-2 is a winner LOTS OF BATTERYS AND GOODIES OUT THERE and at $90 there is no way you can go wrong ..... order the softwhere and programing cable if you would like to save lots of key punching. If you want BOTH 2 and 440 then look at a dual bander HERE in SEMINOLE i use 2 meters but have 2 dualbanders but you PAY for that ... DO NOT BUY RADIOSHACK htx-420 no parts no easy to get batterys no batterycases ..... ive got one and when the battery goes dead it will become a paperweight. |
Cornfed
Junior Member
Username: Cornfed
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 7:04 am: |
|
blackbeard,,
the v8 is solid as a rock and can take some abuse,,,ive dropped,,kicked,,and banged mine around quite a bit and it keeps on ticking...
some of the drawbacks,,,pain in butt to program,,,small display that is backlit only when you are programing or otherwise tweeking the buttons,,,stinks battery power on hi power,,,
the reciever is awesome on this little guy,,i frequently use it to scan the 2 meter band,,,really recieves signal well,,,frequently cant hear them on my ts700s when i switch to it on the same antenna....
all in all a good HT,,,
save your $$$ and get at least a dual band so you can use some more of the frequencies you are licensed to use.....
later
cornfed |
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 26
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 10:56 am: |
|
Thanks everyone. I decided to go with the IC-V8. I took a ride up to AES in Milwaukee so I could see it before I bought it. If anyone has a chance to go to that store I highly recommend it. My V8 is charging up right now and I can't wait to put it on the air. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1005
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 7:43 am: |
|
AES is a bad word here in tampabay ...... LONG story. But i hope you REALY love the radio! |
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 11:21 am: |
|
Thanks Bruce. I've heard mixed reviews about AES to, but they were nice to me when I went there. I know other HAM outlets may have the same products for less money, but I don't trust the postal service, UPS etc... with my electronic equipment. I would rather pay a little extra and be able to see what I'm buying before I buy it, and know that it won't be manhandled during shipping. |
Ca346
Advanced Member
Username: Ca346
Post Number: 604
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 12:05 am: |
|
I have had great transactions with AES out of Las Vegas. They are closest to me and NO sales tax! Actually, I could say the same thing about COPPER! |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1013
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 7:25 am: |
|
AES is a 4 letter word in tampabay......
i deal with all others and avoid them .....
Whats MY beef ?
in short after they bought our local ham store and closed it they sent all licensed hams in tampabay a letter telling us this was to improve service and cut cost so we could get a better price..... they support no local hamfests ....and have the hightest prices of all major dealers.
Sorry but im not on there catalog list ....wonder why?
Bruce
|
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 1:03 am: |
|
When I went to the AES in Milwaukee I left with four flyers for upcoming HAMfests in the area. I wouldn't judge the whole bushel from one bad apple. |
Mr_rf
Intermediate Member
Username: Mr_rf
Post Number: 258
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 10:13 pm: |
|
CB,
Portables:
The Icom IC-T7H is only $170.00 at Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) and would make a great starter HT, full size keypad, 6 watts, dual band. uses a BNC connector which is fairly common.
The FT50RD is a proven workhourse, runs around $210, VERY small size and great features, 5 watts, dualband. *** Uses a unique antenna connector called SMa...get the dealer to sell you adapters/cables if you plan to use it on an external antenna.
Note: Get a DC adapter and Hi-capacity battery for any HT you may buy. It' worth the investment.
MOBILES:
Yeasu FT7800 is the best all round bang-for-the-buck. Dual band, lots of features and under $300.00
The Yaesu FT8900 has got to be the best vaule for under $400.00!!!!!!!! $419.95 and a $50.00 mail-in rebate at HRO.
FYI...I'm with Bruce...I have bought alot of toy from HRO (many Grand over the past 24 years) but the last couple times I have been less than impressed with their operation (long story). However, buy where you feel best served. HRO is the place for me!
Oh, don't forget to keep about $100.00 in mind for basic base and mobile antennas...a little more if you want a beam at home! And, RG-213 is a great choice for coax at home. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1027
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 4:43 am: |
|
IC-T7h Had that radio ...... I had one for 2 years GREAT radio ..... Just ask my brother ..... he has it and ill never get it back. |
Pig040
Intermediate Member
Username: Pig040
Post Number: 300
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 10:48 am: |
|
I would not use a handheld for my only radio, you will not be satisfied. For the most part they have a tendency to be directional. I have a nice Kenwood handheld, and to use it in a structure I have to put it in the window, or near the window. Yaesu has a nice mobile 2 meter for 148.00. I do have the Yeasu 8900 R and it does give you a lot of bang for your buck. |
Cbblackbeard
Junior Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 34
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 1:50 am: |
|
Thanks. As far as mobiles go, I'm thinking about going with the Yaesu FT2800M. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 1640
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 1:56 am: |
|
CB,
Good Choice 
And another PLUS is the Yaesu FT-2800M Power cord will also fit the New Magnum Omega Force also if you ever get one!
Lon
 |
Bob_p
New member
Username: Bob_p
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 1:30 am: |
|
I have a Yasue FT2800M and like the radio as a 2-meter base station, but it is very susceptible to RF from my Cobra 148, and it reset itself once when I forgot I had it on and turned on an amp. So you can’t monitor 2-meters and another radio at the same time. It is very easy to program though after you figure out what the instructions are trying to tell you. |
Mudduck
Junior Member
Username: Mudduck
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 9:23 pm: |
|
Ordinarily, I would say, for a first Tech Class ham rig, get an HT. While it's not the all things too all people that a lot of new hams try to make an HT - with external antennas, power supplies, mics etc..., it is the one rig that you can take everywhere and keep on your hip or in your pocket. Personally, I do not need to hit every overcrowded repeater way across town. I am happy with the handfull of machines that I can hit from where ever I am. If I really need to reach out and touch someone or talk simplex, I can and do use a longer duck and a counterpoise wire. But these days I mostly use my Yaesu VX-5r with a VX-2r antenna. Comet's/Maldol's MH-209 is also a very popular and good mini duck antenna. My 17" MFJ-1717s with a 19" counterpoise wire can turn an S3 signal into an S9 signal. While the big Icoms may be "honkin'" rigs, they do you no good if you can't take it with you. I take my VX-5r everywhere (well, almost). The small tribander (6,2,440) has 5 watts on its internal battery and does not make you look like a "wannabe". My VX-5r works like it did the day I bought it about 4 years ago.
Because, however, you're a driver, or so it says in your profile, and probably spend MANY hours in the truck, a mobile rig must be a strong consideration. I have a Yaesu FT-90r. It's an OK rig. Its biggest appeal is its small size. I am most fimiliar with the Yaesu line. Although I have not used the rig personally, at $250 the FT-7800r seems like a no-brainer. It has been getting strong reviews.
It's a matter of style, but I prefer the single display dual/multi-banders such as the VX-5r and the FT-7800r. Your taste and style may differ. Yaesu's dual display mobiles Ft-8900r and FT-8800r and their handheld VX-7r also get good reviews.
If you ultimately decide to go with a base station, then, I think, a rig with sideband is a must for 6 meters, 2 meters, and 70 centimeters (440 MHZ). There, you may have too many choices. But if you want a rig to do "double duty" in both the base and mobile, then you're likely looking at Icom's IC-706MKIIG, Yaesu's FT-100D, FT-857D or even FT-897D. Besides, looking at that expensive rig by your side may entice you to upgrade to General or Extra. I've never worked 6 meters, and while there is not always alot of activity on 2 meter sideband, its a blast. VHF/UHF sideband is 99% horizontal. With my FT-817 on batteries and a telescopic whip antenna, I have made 100 mile contacts and have copied stations 250 miles away on 2 meter sideband. I have yet to catch a TROPO opening.
Whichever way you go, handheld, mobile or base, a multi-bander, at least a dualbander is a must. There is just too much activity elsewhere in addition to 2 meters - not to mention "out of band" services such as MURS, FRS, GMRS and any other services that you may want to monitor.
73 |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1361
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 12:34 pm: |
|
Go with the icom 706 HIGHLY REMEND IT it will cost a few bucks but save you going out to buy a BIGGER radio. It is not the only set but about the BEST. I have a FT-100D its a great radio HOWEVER it is no longer in production. Now 6 and 2 meters are great bands with a wide range of modes and YES as MUDUCK said you CAN work dx! ICOM makes a HT radio IC-t2 its a WONDERFULL DEPENDABLE radio with 4 watts and 40 ch you cant go wrong ..... under 100 bucks! Copper sells the RANGER 5054 and its as good as they get if you want a 6 meter only set had one and got talked into selling it ....... MY MISTAKE.
Bruce
http://www.qrz.com/wa4gch |
Rldrake
Intermediate Member
Username: Rldrake
Post Number: 156
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
|
Kenwood TS-2000, Icom 706 and 746 series, Ft857 and FT897 Yaesu, etc. Good starter rigs.
Handheld walkie talkies are the worst choice for a beginner, seconded by any FM only rig. There is much more to the VHF and higher frequencies than FM and the repeater rut. Many new hams never do anymore than the "rut" and quickly just drop out of amateur radio entirely.
More important than any particular model of transceiver is to make allowances/plans for good antennas, decent feedline, and some sort of support structure to get the antenna up in the air. |
|
