7800 Vs 7900?

[SunTzuNephew]

Thanks guys. I am pleased to learn that the new is a little more powerful. The guys at the local ham shack are trying to sell me an HT first but I keep leaning to the mobile. I know I will be much happier with the mobil after the instal but the HT is a lot more versatile. What to do, what to do?

LOL. The guys at the store will answer that for you: Get them both!

 

[7wt]

LOL. The guys at the store will answer that for you: Get them both!

Yea, I got that but which first? I am kinda leaning towards the HT to start with and later the mobile. Most of the hams are on the local repeaters so the HT will fit the bill for that. I don't really have a need for the mobile at this moment but want one anyway. I can talk myself into each one faster than I can think so it gets pretty confusing at times. BTW, the HT I am looking at is the FT-60R if it matters.

 

[gary in ohio]

Yea, I got that but which first? I am kinda leaning towards the HT to start with and later the mobile. Most of the hams are on the local repeaters so the HT will fit the bill for that. I don't really have a need for the mobile at this moment but want one anyway. I can talk myself into each one faster than I can think so it gets pretty confusing at times. BTW, the HT I am looking at is the FT-60R if it matters.

It really depends on where you at and how will you use the radio.. Ht are great if your portable a lot but poor if your mobile all the time. Mobiles are great unless you need the portability. If you live in a big city with lots of repeaters and just want to listen during commuting to/from work then an HT is ok, If your mobile a lot then get a mobile. If your home a lot then get a mobile for home use.

Or better yet, do the correct way, get one for each location....

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Yea, I got that but which first? I am kinda leaning towards the HT to start with and later the mobile. Most of the hams are on the local repeaters so the HT will fit the bill for that. I don't really have a need for the mobile at this moment but want one anyway. I can talk myself into each one faster than I can think so it gets pretty confusing at times. BTW, the HT I am looking at is the FT-60R if it matters.

FWIW, I'd get a Vx7 or Vx8, myself... The HT is more portable, but if you're mainly going to use it in the vehicle, get a mobile. If you're going to get the HT, get an external antenna (mag mount or better).

 

[Charlie56]

Or better yet, do the correct way, get one for each location....

Oh! I just did that. FT8800 and a FT-60R. As a brand new Ham I can say from a WHOPPING 3-days of experience that this is not the recommended way to go. Way Too much information to learn. I am suffering information overload big time. I thought with the units being the same manufacturer that the input commands would be the same. They are just different enough to be very confusing to a new Ham. :Wow1:

 

[crawler#976]

I'd recommend the mobile first. one of the main reasons I use HAM is for long range comms if I need help. If you travel solo like we do, it's nice to know you can reach out and hit a repeater if needed.

I plan my travel comms on http://k5ehx.net/repeaters/qrepeater.php

Using the "Directions" tab will list repeaters along your route - very, very handy!

 

[tmac]

I'd recommend the mobile first. one of the main reasons I use HAM is for long range comms if I need help. If you travel solo like we do, it's nice to know you can reach out and hit a repeater if needed.

I plan my travel comms on http://k5ehx.net/repeaters/qrepeater.php

Using the "Directions" tab will list repeaters along your route - very, very handy!

Cool link Mark, thanks:victory:

 

[7wt]

I'd recommend the mobile first. one of the main reasons I use HAM is for long range comms if I need help. If you travel solo like we do, it's nice to know you can reach out and hit a repeater if needed.

I plan my travel comms on http://k5ehx.net/repeaters/qrepeater.php

Using the "Directions" tab will list repeaters along your route - very, very handy!

Nice! Thanks for the link. Today I am leaning towards the mobile, tomorrow is a different day.

 

[gary in ohio]

the handheld inside the car is not gonna work very well at all without an external antenna attached. Not to mention the 5 vs 50+ watts of power difference.

The 5 vs 50 watts may not make a difference if your within the repeater coverage area. Its really going to depend on where you need to operate.
Overall the mobile is better for mobile use.