Recommend me a handheld HAM

[4x4mike]

I've got a mobile setup (2m) and want the flexibility of a handheld. There is a local marathon coming up and they need radio volunteers but I'd need a handheld as my vehicle won't be allowed on the course.

I currently have a Yaesu in the 4Runner and would like to stay with that brand as the literature and features are similar. Another desire would be for the radio to be dual band 2m/70cm because it'll open up some use down the road. Size isn't a huge issue but I have noticed that there are a lot of variances. I'm thinking this will be on my belt or bag and have a mic plugged into it. For the Yaesu I've been looking at the VX6r as it appears to have more features than I need. The reviews are mixed and include issues with the belt clip and receiving TV stations instead of repeaters. It is at the top of my price range if not over it, I'd like to spend no more than $200 as this will be a second radio.

How do you guys like this radio? Are there other models I should be looking at? From my reading I couldn't find which radio this replaced in the lineup but would be interested in buying a used "last years" model, as it would be cheaper. One last thing with the radio is flexibilty with antennas. I don't plan on using it in my vehicle so I can handle a larger antenna that will get me more range. I just want to make sure the radio will support different ones.

Thanks in advanced. The HT world is new to me and can use the help.

Mike
KJ6LMQ

 

[MCL_68]

If you don't need or want all the bells and whistles from the Yaesu VX-6R offers,maybe consider the VX-3R.

It has received mixed reviews for its performance,but some rate it 4 out of 5 Worldwide radio.com Eham.net I'm personally skeptical of some of these online reviews being bias.


It's a dual band and can operate with AA batteries if the Lith-ion battery is drained,the radio has plenty of features for the price.

It also meets your target range of being under $200. HRO Universal radio


The VX-6R used still goes for more than $200 on the market.

For me, i'm considering the Yaesu VX-8DR for the APRS feature to accompany my FTM-350R.

 

[Hawk62cj5]

A FT-60 is about your only option , it is a great radio but its been around for a while but can be had for 179 right now at gigaparts or hro I think . The VX6 is the next level up ,its a little smaller and waterproof with 1 watt on 220 .



ETA: the 3r is a low power radio , 3 watts on vhf is its highest output .


I have a 6r and dont use all the features but its been a good ht for the last 5 years now . It has going jeeping , hiking , camping and kayaking with me and more.

 

[4x4mike]

After some research today I stumbled upon the FT-60. I like it's specs and the price. It appears there are a lot of battery options available which is nice for my uses.

Hawk62cj5, what antenna do you have on yours? If it's a dual band does it get better reception and range than what came with it? I found these radios on eBay for under $200 shipped so I think I'll wait for just the right one. I'll have to check the above links for deals.

Thanks

 

[frgtwn]

Vx6-r

Here's another vote for the VX6-R. Mine is nearly 4 years old and still going strong. I find that the battery will last me a day on the trail before recharging. It will run on 12 volts with no fuss, but there is alternator whine on both receive ends, so I generally run it on the internal battery.

As to antennas, there are adapters out there for most applications, so HT choice will not be limited by antenna choice. A good aftermarket antenna is the norm for HTs, as the supplied antenna is servicable, but not the best.

Some of the guys I hang with are happy with their VX-3R as a second radio. Great for hikes, or often, folks that walk/photograph while the trucks are in motion. A real safety feature. The 3 is small, really small. And, it runs at 1 1/2 watts on internal battery, or, as mentioned, 3 watts with external power.

Another lesson I just learned is that an HT will run hot if you transmit a lot. I forgot this, and the display showed me that it was 180 degrees inside. Yep, an internal thermometer is standard. Easy fix this time. (Stop yacking!) Also, I could have easily moved my power down to .5 Watt, which I did after letting it cool a few minutes.

If you have the time, watching the "Ham Radio Gear for Sale" on QRZ may result in a good radio at a decent price.

I have found that a single earpiece and lapel mike is really handy for many uses. The only place I do not use this combination is on the highway, as I do not want to try to convince a CHP officer that it is, indeed, legal. I generally plug in a cheap external CB speaker, and get much improved audio over the necessarily small internal speaker.

Another "mod" that is often done, is to carefully prick holes in the waterproof membrane over the internal mike. This is said to greatly improve the transmit audio. Of course, you lose the waterproof feature. For my use, I'll take the downgraded audio, and keep the waterpoof feature.

It is no longer a surprise to be able to reach repeaters that are 60 or so miles away, both as a true HT, and mobile with an external magmount antenna. This is likely more true because of the exceptional receiver sensitivity on the repeater end than anything special about the HT. But, many times it works that way.

Good luck with your search,
Dale

 

[1leglance]

I have 2 Yeasu handhelds, the Vr6 (2m/70cm) and the FT170 (2m only), and I do a bit of volunteer work.
Honestly I would say get the FT170 as I have rarely seen a need for more than 2m in community service stuff and I hardly ever used 70cm....but it is up to you if you really feel you will use it.
I will say I love the Yaesu waterproof speaker/mic that screws into either of these radios. It allows me to have the radio on my belt of day pack and place the speaker mic on my shirt/pack strap. It also has a earbud port so I can be very quiet when working events.

Another reason to save some money and get the 2m only radio is you can then afford to get a couple of different antennas. I use a really short rubber ducky when I don't need distance and want to not get poked in the ribs by an antenna and then I have a longer flexible antenna for working more range.

The 12vDC car charger is worth having along also.

Post up want you end up with.

 

[4x4mike]

All great info. I just joined QRZ last week but haven't had time to hang out there. It's nice to hear some first hand experience with these.
Keep it coming.

 

[Hawk62cj5]

After some research today I stumbled upon the FT-60. I like it's specs and the price. It appears there are a lot of battery options available which is nice for my uses.

Hawk62cj5, what antenna do you have on yours? If it's a dual band does it get better reception and range than what came with it? I found these radios on eBay for under $200 shipped so I think I'll wait for just the right one. I'll have to check the above links for deals.

Thanks

Its the Diamond SRH320A dual band and it does alot better than the rubber ducky , Comet makes a similar one that is like by some friends of mine . I also keep a homemade roll up dipole with 15 feet of coax on ir in my backpack that always goes with me every where that I go. The Dipole smokes the 320 when Im stationary , ive used it quite a bit to get into repeaters that I could hear but could not get into with . Also get yourself a stubby antenna for "urban" or short range use , make carriyng the radio alot easier.

 

[4x4mike]

I have 2 Yeasu handhelds, the Vr6 (2m/70cm) and the FT170 (2m only), and I do a bit of volunteer work.
Honestly I would say get the FT170 as I have rarely seen a need for more than 2m in community service stuff and I hardly ever used 70cm....but it is up to you if you really feel you will use it.
I will say I love the Yaesu waterproof speaker/mic that screws into either of these radios. It allows me to have the radio on my belt of day pack and place the speaker mic on my shirt/pack strap. It also has a earbud port so I can be very quiet when working events.

Another reason to save some money and get the 2m only radio is you can then afford to get a couple of different antennas. I use a really short rubber ducky when I don't need distance and want to not get poked in the ribs by an antenna and then I have a longer flexible antenna for working more range.

The 12vDC car charger is worth having along also.

Post up want you end up with.

Another reason for the dual band is for what I'll come across needing in the future. I don't run the Rubicon but it is very close to where I live and have mountain biked and hiked it. The radio system on that trail uses 2m and 70cm and there are rules for using the repeaters. The coverage is so good most get by with handhelds. Transmitting out of the basin (2m) is also possible through the repeater on the trail (70 cm) so dual band is a must. It's not like I'm running the trail tomorrow but if I do I'd like to be setup. I also have some friends that have dual band so I'd like to learn some stuff from them as they use it when 2m is busy.

I like that Yaseu has battery deleaters and drycell options and the FT-60 seems like it will work.

 

[Gear]

Hello Mike,
I sent you a PM about a Yeasu VX-7R - Black that I would be interested in selling. Check your PM.

Thanks

Justin

 

[bj70_guy]

I've been happy with my VX-6R. I don't have much experience with other HTs to compare it with though.
I use the mobile far more than the HT, but it's nice to have.

 

[4x4mike]

Any reason you have so many handhelds? And all different models? I realize they are all different sizes but that's a lot.

 

[xtatik]

Get the 60....it'll have everything you need, and nothing you don't. It's probably Yaesu's most trouble-free HT.