2 meter input

[DaktariEd]

OK...after the Trophy Event and the unpredictable CB performance, I'm going to get a 2 meter radio...then a license...(honest)...

I like Brian's Yaesu FT-1802M Yeasu 1802

It seems to do what I would want, and at a good price.

Any thoughts on this or other 2 meters?

Ed

 

[flyingwil]

I have my heart set on a FT-8800R for my future upgrade. I like the fact that is dual band and also has remote head mounting capability.

 

[mountainpete]

I have my heart set on a FT-8800R for my future upgrade. I like the fact that is dual band and also has remote head mounting capability.

I have this radio and love it. It's not the cheapest, but it performs great and the remote mounting head makes the install really nice.

Pete

 

[BajaTaco]

I'm going to get a 2 meter radio...then a license...(honest)...

Ed, you should get the license first As far as picking a radio, I think there have been some discussions on them here at ExPo. I think the Yaesu would be great.

 

[Pskhaat]

OK...a license...

:clapsmile

Any thoughts on this or other 2 meters?

For not a whole lot more $ you can also get 70cm band (dual band) UHF radio. Don't discount UHF, it has some very good properties and a lot more frequencies to use, combined with VHF can really open up the Ham world for you.

The only communication I could get in the Grand Canyon earlier this year was on UHF not VHF (2 meter): food for thought.

 

[goodtimes]

I agree with Baja. Get your ticket, then the radio. You will learn a fair amount about them and the antenna's while studying for the test.

As for which radio to get....kinda like CB's, tires and snorkles. To each their own. I like my Icom v-8000. Yaesu has a good reputation....I think you will be happy with pretty much any radio. You'll be able to listen in as the cool kids make jokes about the non-2 meter people while on the trails.:xxrotflma

 

[asteffes]

I am a total Kenwood snob. I could not believe that the top-of-the-line Icom mobile rig leaves out alphanumeric labels for the memories. That is insane!

I have not played with many Yaesus, but they seem rugged and well-featured. I owned two Kenwoods, and have a TM-V700A (with its included remote head kit, internal TNC connected to the Garmin for APRS, and a fine Diamond antenna on the roof rack) in the Taco now. It does everything I could ever want, has plenty of power and is above all easy to use. The Icom Ic-2720H had the power and that is about it. It was a total PITA to use its bizarre menu system. The microphone was rediculously small with equally tiny buttons with even *smaller* labels.

Among the few hams I know, there is agreement that once you go Kenwood you do not buy anything else.

 

[asteffes]

For not a whole lot more $ you can also get 70cm band (dual band) UHF radio. Don't discount UHF, it has some very good properties and a lot more frequencies to use, combined with VHF can really open up the Ham world for you.

The only communication I could get in the Grand Canyon earlier this year was on UHF not VHF (2 meter): food for thought.

Yeah, I would totally go for a dual bander. Would you buy a car stereo with only FM or only AM? I doubt it (but then again, I have XM!) In California, there is a whole second galaxy of repeaters on UHF. In fact, I would prefer a UHF-only radio to a VHF-only where I live.

 

[desertgirl66]

Ed, I also think you should get your license first. It really is not difficult, just study hard and then take the test right away! I only missed 3 on my test, and I am no ham radio geek! :smiley_drive:

Truly, it is the proper direction and then you can join us in making fun of the CB'ers :luxhello:

 

[DaktariEd]

Geez! Get a license FIRST?
That would take all the fun out of having but not being licensed...using (?) but not being caught...

So where in Tucson do you take the test?
I saw some threads on studying and such...

Ed

 

[BajaTaco]

http://www.arrl.org/

Click on 'licensing' > 'exams'

 

[crawler#976]

here's the ticket to getting your licence!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1993

testing locations:

http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml

radio reviews:

http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/38

I'm a newb at it, but it sure is fun. Already planning to upgrade my antenna to a 5//8 wave hard mount to get a little more performance outta the radio, and I'll be getting a multiband HT (hand held) as an additional radio. The repeater system in AZ is pretty good - support your local system by joining them or making a donation. I'm a member of the ARA - they have some of the best repeaters in AZ.

Mark

 

[Brian McVickers]

Ed,
Note that I bought the 1802 because it is nice and simple and it is $139!
I wanted to go dual band but the 1802 fit so nicely into the budget that it won out. I figure that right now it will primarily be used on ExPo and other offroad trips into the backcountry where the people I am communicating with will all be on a designated 2meter frequency. I also took into account that right now this is the only time I will be using it so I don't need the fanciest most expensive model out there. I'll save getting that model for the day I find myself using the radio I have to the point I feel limited and need more.

If you happen to get wired up before your legal you can put your mic on PTT lock to prevent you from transmitting. Having to listen without talking serves as a great motivator for getting your license!

A few of us are planning to take the test at, ..say it with me in your best echoing reverberating voice.. :jumping: HAMFEST TWO THOUSAND SIX!!!:jumping: I think it's December 2nd in Mesa. :rockon:

 

[Pskhaat]

If you want true backcountry versatility you should seriously add 6m or HF instead of UHF. That is more likely to be useful.

Dave, funny that you of all people are probably the most knowing on Radio and RF/AC workings, I would consider you to definetely be the Elmer around here. I went with the Yaesu 8900 specifically because it has 6m. I love 6m and think it's the perfect ``expedition band,'' BUT so very few people have it. If I were to go do it again, I'd drop the 10m and 6m bands but very much would keep 2m and 70cm. AZ has a lot of UHF activity, and Tucson has a great set of UHF repeater coverage on Mt. Lemmon that seems to perform much better than the sister 2m repeaters.

70cm is also important in the bush IMO as many HT can be had only UHF and thus can communicate back to base or the vehciles.

All of this is idle fun equipment talk though: Ed & Brian, go get your friggin' licenses!!!

 

[DaktariEd]

Ed & Brian, go get your friggin' licenses!!!

LOL! Yes, dad, I will...
:shakin: