Handheld Commercial Radio and Ham

[irish_11]

I am looking for something handheld for SAR work. I need to be able to access commercial frequencies. Right now it’s between the Wouxun KG-UV2D & KG-UV6D and the BaoFeng UV5R. I am looking for recommendations. I would like something with some waterproof to it and something that can handle being used outdoors in less than ideal conditions. I really would like to stay as close to $100-125 for the radio if I can, but I would rather buy nice than buy twice. What does everyone recommend?

 

[srch4me]

I have the UV-5ra. It works pretty good but if you can I would go higher quality. Its a good disposable radio. Mic sensitivity is a bit low but I've hit repeaters 60 Mikes away with just the stock antenna. You could start with a cheaper radio till you can afford a nicer one. I like the yaesu radios personally.

KF7ZSK

 

[gary in ohio]

I personally dont recommend either radio for SAR work. those take a lot of punishment and are not designed for rough service. I would go with a more name band commercial radio.

 

[HenryJ]

I have been using the Wouxun KGUV2d radios. I put them into service with our ambulance service three years ago as a test. One has a battery held on with duct tape and one an antenna had to be replaced, other than that they have held up GREAT! They really did get dropped, kicked, forgotten and abused.
Our city public works , and a local road district are using them now too. I have personally seen the performance of sixteen of these radios serving for the last couple years without fail.

I have had mine for many years now. It has exceeded my expectations for a $100 portable radio. Is it in the same class as the Motorola HT1250, that is our fire service workhorse? No. Those things are a brute and extremely durable. The down side is they are difficult to program (software restrictions, prehistoric interface and software),fewer features, big and expensive. I have a couple of those too, but prefer to carry the KG-UV2D. If you are a guy who is going to drive your vehicle over the radio, ever call. Maybe a radio is something that you should not be caring for? Delegate that to someone who will take care of the equipment? I understand...stuff happens. The Wouxun can handle "stuff happening".

My third year I did have to replace one failed battery on my Wouxun. I have seen no other battery failures. I carry a AA battery pack for it in case of emergencies. The included charger works 120V , or 12V in a vehicle. I bought a telescoping high gain antenna for remote contacts, but have never needed it. Most of the time I use it UHF and crossband repeat from my vehicle when hiking the canyons.

I have a friend who tried a newer model Wouxun portable , and did not have success programming it for some of his needs. The KG-UV2D seems to be the best choice thus far IMO.
The software from http://www.g4hfq.co.uk/download.html is a HUGE advantage. Loads better than others. (I use it for my sons Yaesu VX7R HT and my FT8800R too.)

I purchase from http://www.wouxun.us/ and have had excellent price and service. (no ties other than a satisfied customer)

Name brand does not always mean better. Did you know that HYT builds the new Astro mobile for Motorola? They sell the exact same radio without the "name brand" at a fraction of the cost. Motorola failed to secure all the rights

I would give the Wouxun KG-UV2D two thumbs up for SAR! You will have options the other guys will drool over

 

[irish_11]

I personally dont recommend either radio for SAR work. those take a lot of punishment and are not designed for rough service. I would go with a more name band commercial radio.

Thats what I figured. I really was shooting for a Yaesu, but I am not finding much in that can do commercial in the sub $150 range. I already have a FT-7900r in my rig so I just need a handheld to go along with it.

I would give the Wouxun KG-UV2D two thumbs up for SAR! You will have options the other guys will drool over

I have read a ton of good reviews on the KG-UV2D and Wouxun in general. I will look into that. Thanks on the SAR stuff. I am part of the King County 4x4 SAR group so I am vehicle based. I don't really need something a ground pounder would use, but I still would rather buy once and not have to worry about it.

 

[HenryJ]

... I am part of the King County 4x4 SAR group so I am vehicle based. I don't really need something a ground pounder would use, but I still would rather buy once and not have to worry about it.

If you are primarily vehicle based work on the ability to act as a repeater. My mobile rig will crossband repeat. That makes a dual band radio more valuable. I am currently in the process of installing and testing a single band "smart repeater" in our command vehicle. Hopefully that will be the future in our department.
If this works I will be working to install systems in each departments key vehicles.
Things have changed lots in recent history. Don't discount the old stuff that works, but always consider the new tech too. Keep in mind that there are lots of smoke and mirrors in the radio biz. Many either do not really know, or take advantage of that. The whole narrowbanding mandate has brought much of that to light.

Ask questions, learn, have an open mind and share your wisdom.