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Just passed my exam this AM, trying to decide on a HT

K

kophinos

Member
Jan 25, 2010
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Looks like everyone is oogling over the 8R, I'm going down to the local HRO to check out some HTs tomorrow, any advice other than what is found in this forum? Other HT I thrown around is the Kenwood, but it's pretty old tech, albeit reliable?
 

Establish your budget first. The VX-8r has a lot of features, but most are not necessary for basic simplex & repeater based communications. The Kenwood TH-F6A is a real good little radio...I had one for several years and wouldn't mind having another. Yaesu, Icom, and even Alinco put out several fairly inexpensive, basic 2m/440 dual band radios that are quite good at performing the basic radio functions, especially for people who are just starting out in the hobby.

My recommendation for someone who wants to start with an HT would be to start with something cheaper and more basic like a Yaesu FT-60r, VX-6r or VX-7r; learn the basics, and then decide if you want more features found in the more expensive rigs.
 
From what I hear, other than the Kenwood, the 7R is the go-to radio for most people. However, there's ~$80 difference between those units (new) and the 8R. Buy once, cry once? It appears the accessories are really what where they kill your wallet. Truth be told, I really have no idea what I need, so I appreciate your reply. I'll talk with the folks at HRO tomorrow, handle some of the radios and get a feel for the game. I also really like the 3R because of it's size. I do a lot of mountain biking/hiking and it seems like it would be a great carry radio for such an excursion.
 
The Yaesu FT-60 is a great HT. It is rugged and has all the features you need. I would put the PC software and programming cable in your budget also.
 
I am not trying to talk you out of getting an HT as your first ham radio! I am saying that there are disadvantages to them compared to other types of radios.

The first is that they are small, not exactly the easiest things to learn how to use both physically or 'mentally'. My fingers are larger than most button on an HT. I also hate menus, mainly because I can't keep track of them all, and where things are.

If you carry an HT much, get used to the idea that you will need more than just one or two batteries, and a charger. You'll find that out the first time the little @#$ dies on you when you don't want it to.

Probably the 'biggy' (besides allthe other biggies) is that the furnished antenna is almost never going to be 'good enough' to satisfy you. An HT is meant to be convenient and portable, which are two characteristics directly opposite of a 'good antenna'.

There are more 'things' that can aggravate the owner of an HT. Probably that they are expensive. And just what does that particular 'bell-n-whistle' do that I need it so much?

HT's also have some very nice qualities! The first one is that they are portable and convenient. How convenient jsut depends on the user and how they do things. They make a very nice 'second' radio, as far as I'm concerned. That part is up to you.

And lastly, the brand/model of HT is completely up to you. You really don't want to get me started on that! Cuz everybody knows... If it ain't Kenwood, you got squat!
- 'Doc
;)
 
got the 8R from HRO this afternoon. it was determined that my best bet was either the 7R because of the bands, or the 8R. i stretched my budget and went with the 8R because i can see myself using the APRS and even bluetooth in the future, i figure it has more room to "grow" with me than the 7R, which was only about $50 less expensive. the ft-60 wasn't much less expensive than the 7R, and it's only dual band, not to mention the size of a brick!

the main reason i got an HT as my first radio is because i do a lot of traveling for work and i'd like to take it with me. also, i see myself using it more in an outdoor situation vs having a desktop station at home, and i'm not sure if i'd actually want one in my car. only time will tell how far i get sucked into hamdom, i may end up with everything.
 
Congrads on passing your test..

I would have suggested an Icom T90a or Kenwood THF6a as a 1st HT..
Or the Icom 92AD for upper end unit..
 
i was really eying the Kenwood, it's a very nice HT, but for $80 more at my local HRO, the 8R promised to provide me with so much more room to grow.

KingCobra_CDX882 said:
Congrads on passing your test..

I would have suggested an Icom T90a or Kenwood THF6a as a 1st HT..
Or the Icom 92AD for upper end unit..
Click to expand...
 
I hear you..

Let us know how you like it..

Any other questions..
many here can help and or answer..

Lots of things to learn and can be done as a ham
( ham operator i am speaking of..LOL )
 
I suggest you go to somewhere like radiogearpro.com or a similar site and shop the Chinese units. Do this as cheaply as possible, you'll need the money later to buy more and more gear.
 
i need an antenna! as expected, the stock duck isn't cutting it. when scanning i barely get any hits.

what is everyone using?
 

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