Kenwood TM-281A

[Grogan]

I decided to buy a mobile 2 meter rig for the work van. Wanted something easy to program, 2 meter, lowest priced. I installed with a dual band FMJ antenna $20.00. I had out in the garage.Then paid an extra 28.00 and got the Hustler RX-2 Because it just looked a lot better than the short MFJ ant. I spent a little time pulling out my hair before I burned the manual and learned to program somewhat on my own.
It would be nice if they made @ 2 meter rig like the home patrol that just lets you enter a repeater from an updated list. Starting to program this radio . Went to repeater book online and downloaded the Iphone app. The app makes it easy to find all the rep. info!!

 

[W5LZ]

I have a '281 and didn't think it was that big of a problem to program. I also use the computer software to do the programming too, it's even easier.
Good luck.
- 'Doc

 

[Grogan]

I learned to program the 281 with all the repeaters in the local area. The radio is very easy to use in the truck. I can now by touch and both eyes on the road scan the vfo then switch to the memory chanels and scan and stop on an active chanel. next step is to learn to set the buttons on the mic. The audio is great and I have to say for the price this may be the best 2 meter rig on the market. any Yaseu or Icom users out there that can say the same? And I thought this radio would be impossible without the computer conection cable. I say buy one for your first rig or a spare !!!!:

 

[Grogan]

moved the TM-281A into the shack,put up a dual band antenna ( why not for 99.00 may want a dual bander one day) had some nice coax that was un-used and install complete. Like the reception better than in the mobil. Also used repeater book app. to find repeaters in the area. may buy a prog. cable.

 

[2RT307]

Cool! I went with the dual band Kenwood V71A since there is a lot of 70cm action in my area, as well as two meter. Not much 220 activity at all. I bought the RT Systems software and cable... very easy to program. Never did play with the Kenwood software, but I've heard it's easy to use. Most everyone says the Kenwood rigs have great audio, and sound better than the Yaesu and Icom. I don't know that for sure, but there are a TON of Yaesu FT8800's in operation in my area. They sound pretty good to me, and I haven't gotten to listen to my own rig yet to see how the audio sounds.

What antenna did you put up on the base? I've just been using a Slim Jim and it works pretty good.

Congrats on your new rig!

73,
RT307