I passed! Now what?

[mikelite80]

I passed my technician test about a week ago and today got my call sign :wings: KF7BMT :wings: The old guys there talked me into trying for my general too. How can you say no to a bunch of old vets and nerds! Didn't go well, got about a 50%. Decent for never having looked at those parts.

So now the questions is which radio. I was pretty set on the Yaesu 8800, but then I saw the 8900 is only like $40 more. Should I just go for the 8900 now and be ready for future radio desires or go 8800 and hope I can sell it for a fair amount when possible ready to expand my frequency range. As for as I can tell the only real difference between them is the 8900 adds 10m and 6m I believe.

I've already got a antennae cable assemble on the way to began working on a mounting location. I plan on going with one of the Diamond NR770 for the trail and a Comet B10 for around the city and so I can park in my carport.

Mike
KF7BMT
2001 4Runner

 

[gary in ohio]

I passed my technician test about a week ago and today got my call sign :wings: KF7BMT :wings: The old guys there talked me into trying for my general too. How can you say no to a bunch of old vets and nerds! Didn't go well, got about a 50%. Decent for never having looked at those parts.

So now the questions is which radio. I was pretty set on the Yaesu 8800, but then I saw the 8900 is only like $40 more. Should I just go for the 8900 now and be ready for future radio desires or go 8800 and hope I can sell it for a fair amount when possible ready to expand my frequency range. As for as I can tell the only real difference between them is the 8900 adds 10m and 6m I believe.

I've already got a antennae cable assemble on the way to began working on a mounting location. I plan on going with one of the Diamond NR770 for the trail and a Comet B10 for around the city and so I can park in my carport.

Mike
KF7BMT
2001 4Runner

Congrats on the license. The 8800 and 8900 are similar and with the current coupons they are only 40-$50 different in price. Is it worth it? Well, I suspect the 8800 will live longer in Yaesu lineup than the 8900 will.. If you get the 8900 then you will need to get an antenna to support all 4 bands. There is really one 1 that will do that right now. Either radio is fine. The price on the 8900 has come down the last couple of years make it more cost effective even if you dont have 10 or 6m activity in your area.

 

[Blackeye]

I've already got a antennae cable assemble on the way to began working on a mounting location. I plan on going with one of the Diamond NR770 for the trail and a Comet B10 for around the city and so I can park in my carport.

Mike
KF7BMT
2001 4Runner

Congrats Mike! Regarding your antenna choice, especially if height is a periodic issue, as it is on our rig, you might consider the Diamond Antenna NR770HB Dualband VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna mounted with the Diamond Antenna K9000LRM Motorized Mobile Antenna Mount. That way you have a great antenna that you can lower as needed. Check them both out at https://www.expeditionexchange.com/diamondantenna/

Here is a photo that shows our Diamond antenna (the one on the driver's side) in the up position.

When it is lowered, it rests almost flush with the top of the rig.

Now that you have your license, you are one step closer to becoming Overland Certified. http://www.overlandtraining.com/

 

[1leg]

8900 is the way to go. I wish i had one!!

 

[hochung]

Congratulations on the new call sign.

The 8900 isn't all that. It only does FM. In order to really use the 10m and 6m bands, you need the side band mode. Even then, it's rare to see much traffic on these bands.

I'd recommend the 8800. Now, if you want to pay a little more to get a more capable radio, then look into the FT-857 (all mode + all band):

 

[BigJimCruising]

Congratulations on passing the test!!! Hope you enjoy you're new hobby! While I usually would say to get all the radio you can afford as mentioned earlier there isn't that much activity on 6m or 10m FM. You'll do great with the 8800.

As for antennas I've used most of the styles over the years and for serious off roading I'd strongly recomend the Larsen dual band antenna. Every one of the Diamond/Comet/others of rigid type antennas have bit the dust sooner or later. They work great for street use and soft off roading but sooner or later you'll be attacked by an angry tree and they always go for the antenna! For longer off road use they will simply vibrate enough over time to fatigue and break. The Larsens are fexible and stand up a whole lot better around trees and brush and such. Plus if you do trash the whip section you can replace it without buying the entire antenna again. I even keep an extra whip along just in case.

 

[ScottBailey]

my .02

I started with an Icom IC-V8 HT. It was inexpensive, but solid.

After I had it awhile, I figured out what I initially thought I'd want -- the Yaesu 8900 -- wasn't it. 2 meter is all I need or want.

After some research on eham.net, I settled on an Icom IC-V8000.

Congrats on getting your call!

W7SEB