$100 Handheld or a $250 vehicle mounted HAM?

[Azrocks]

Thought I'd throw in my experience on the topic. I owned a HT for many years before I bought a mobile unit. I rarely ever use my HT anymore. Your exprerience may vary.

Why do I like and use the mobile unit more?
- larger display
- ability to control unit with microphone
- having a microphone
- ability to "reach out" further
- not having a radio loose in the vehicle
- fidelity of an external speaker
- not having wires running all over the place
- i love a clean installation

That being said, I still use my HT when out of the vehicle. I do utilize cross band repeat often as well.

 

[texas taco]

Man everyone has their preferance. I purchased a yeasu 7800 for my tacoma first. Dont get me wrong it is great... For this past Christmas my wife bought me a yeasu vx 170 HT which was way les than 200 dollars. I would say that thing is as close to bullet proof as a radio could be. I just bought a comet high gain antenna for my work van and put the little HT in it. WOW you talk about versitle. There is only one small adapter wire for the antenna, and the battery stays charced for a few days. I can take it out and go hicking, or put it back in a second. It is just agood talking with the good antenna as my mobile is with a larsen low gain antenna., if not better. So for around 250$ I have a jam up simple and extremly versitle radio, not to mention i can take it in side my house and check in on some of the local nets and i dont have to stay in my truck or van. GO Versitle for you first radio. Then later up grade....

 

[gary in ohio]

Go figure, the local clubs here suggest a handheld, then a mobile. Dad reported the same from the HAM club in Flag.

If you just ask the question handheld or mobile for first radio I might have suggested handheld, But you ask for a radio for long range off the beaten path communications. There power and good external antenna is a must.

The classis "It depends" very much applies. The best answer is "BOTH"

 

[Fergie]

Well, I bought a Yaesu FT-60R today. It was the best combination of cost, durability and function that I require right now.

I will be upgrading the ant. to a better one once I am comfortable with the radio, and will mount a good ant. to the vehicle that I can attach a mobile unit to in the future.

I'll make my first Tx tomorrow once that battery is charged!

KI6PFZ

 

[Photog]

Congratulations!

I plan to have my Lisence and radio before the Death Valley trip in November. We will see the 3 of you then. :rally_guys:

 

[Fergie]

Congratulations!

I plan to have my Lisence and radio before the Death Valley trip in November. We will see the 3 of you then. :rally_guys:

Dad has the exam book as well, and may be out to DV.

You'll see them later this week though!