HAM Radios...which one?

OutdoorX4

OutdoorX4

Adventurist
Just started taking practice tests to get a HAM license and since I'm sure many of you have already been through this process, what do you recommend for equipment once I get the license? It'll be used exclusively IN the 100 Series Family Overland Build we're currently working on.

Any tips/suggestions/etc are greatly appreciated.
 
Are you looking for a handheld or a pernanentky mounted unit? I have a handheld baofeng, and it's great, and works wonderfully. This thread reminds me, i really need to study up to pass my technicians exam.
 
I too need to study for that test. I have a Yeasu handheld, and a radio shack vehicle Ham radio, and a big home base Swan 350 from the 1970's, vacuum tubes and all. Plus a 40' tower with dipole antennae next to my house. I used to raise Tammworth Irish Grazers too, but that's a different kind of Ham.:D
 
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I like my Yaesu FT-8800 dual band. Advantage I like is the ability to monitor two bands at the same time. I've not tried to figure out the cross band feature, basically turning your truck's dual band as a repeater from a handheld outside the truck to take advantage of the presumably higher power and better antenna off the truck to hit, say a repeater farther away than your HT could reach. Come in on one frequency from you HT and out on another frequency using both bands of the radio. Lots of opinions. Good sections on Expo Portal and IH8MUD for electronics/ham radio. Choices can get as opinionated as say the caliber you use in a handgun for instance. The little cheap Chinese BaoFeng or Wouxun are what they are, a cheap decent entry level HT (handheld) radio.

Good luck to both of you on your tech exams!
 
For trail work I think a handheld is the way to go IMO. Easy to move from vehicle to vehicle as needed, you can use it out of your vehicle if you are spotting for someone/checking the trail ahead, etc.
 
Thanks for the input thus far. I had been thinking a permanent (not hand-held) setup is what I'd prefer but I do think having a hand-held has a lot of benefits as noted above.

I'll check the IH8MUD section on electronics/ham and see what's out there as well. Any additional info/input/etc is always appreciated.
 
X2 on the Yaesu dual band. I have one in my pickup and have had 30 mile simplex comm without even transmitting at full power. Once you get a good HAM radio, you will never want to use a CB again.
 
I've had 2 different handhelds and 3 mobile radios since getting my license. For what they're worth, here are some thoughts.

A handheld (HT) is nice to have when you're out of the vehicle, but while inside it can be a pain. Transmission and reception are not great because of little antenna and being held inside a vehicle. Also, power output is a measly 5w. If you add an external antenna, mic, and power adapter, you end up with a bunch of wires coming out of it and lose the benefit of instant portability.

Moving to a basic mobile radio gives you 10x the power and with a modest external antenna, you've got the ability to reliably talk with distant repeaters as well as the convenience of a real mic, big screen, and bigger buttons.

I've tried both and though I still carry my HT in the Jeep in case I need it, the mobile really is the way to go when you've got one hand on the wheel.

Regarding the dual receive/crossband repeat features, I liked the idea too and bought a Yaesu 8900 (the big brother to the 8800). I ended up finding it too distracting - multiple signals coming in at once, small-unlit buttons, and it had way more capability than I needed or could use while driving. I gave it to my father when he earned his license and went back to the 7900. (big backlit buttons, fewer knobs, cheaper to replace if it gets stolen, fewer things to go wrong, etc)

I've owned and can highly recommend the FT1900 ($140) for 2m, the FT7900 ($300) for 2m/70cm, and the FT60 ($150) for portable, dual band use.
 
Another Yaesu FT-7900 user. I've considered upgrading to the 8900 but I can't justify the cost for capabilities I really don't need or would use. I use a Larsen NMO 270 antenna. Drilling holes in my roof (I have an NMO CB antenna too) was scary but I've never had an issue with leaks. A nice feature on the Yaesu is the remote mountable faceplate.

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I am the communication sergeant or Search and rescue posse. I have selected Icom's for us. I have a v8000 n my truck, 75watts. For hand helds we use V80's with lithium batteries and AA back up packs.
Modified to operate on the frequencies need for SAR.
 
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