New Guy, wanted to say hi and thanks to Moleculo and others

[phillyboi]

Hey Guys, the name is Phil. I've had my tech licensed for over 10 years and rarely used it as work and school tied me up. After researching and reading Moleculo's post regarding the Alinco DJ-G7 I made my purchase. But only after knowing the new firmware fixed the issues the radio had.

I didn't want to spend $65 for the programming cable and instead bought a radio shack 20-047 scanner programming cable on clearance for $16.99 to experiment with. I've read that cable worked on some ICOM models. I used my old iphone headphone adapter (skinny plug) that fit into the jack of the DJ-g7 to plug in the USB programming cable. After downloading the driver from GRE and Alinco's Cloning program...the cable worked flawlessly. So not sure if anyone knew but the answer is yes.

Phil

 

[Moleculo]

Thanks for the kind words and welcome to the site. Make sure and keep us up to date on what you're doing with your new radio!

 

[theshupe]

DJ-G7T

I'd love to hear recent (2011, 2012) feedback on the G7. I also read the review here and may be buying one. I actually think at the current price level (~$250-270 at Hamcity or AES) it is worth a look.

I would get it for the rugged design, wide-band RX (all my public emergency bands are below 470, so WFM isn't a killer), dual-band (2M and 70CM) with the 23CM as a bonus. Add in the desk top charger, leaves some spare change for an SMA-BNC adapter, a BNC tri-band antenna, dry cell case and the programming cable for less than equiping a single-band VX-6 to similar levels. I also thought about the TH-F6A, but I'm not sold on the ruggedness, and the extra memories of a more modern HT like the G7 or VX-6 seem a better option.

Primary purpose for the HT for me would be attaching to a B.O.B. as a wideband scanning transceiver and repeater practice. Next year I'll be in Northern Virginia, so I'll be able to pick up a base station/mobile (either ICOM-7000, Yaesu FT-857 or 897 and some antennas).

I understand the Wouxons and Chinese radios are cheaper (and the VX-6 is made in China), but I don't think something at $300 with all the added Xtras is too much of a premium. Certainly not ICOM IC-92AD expensive!

Thanks for any input.

 

[Moleculo]

I still think the Alinco DJ-G7 is a nice radio. The main issue that I had was that I could never find anyone to talk to on 1.2Ghz! The current price is right on these radios, though so if you can get a few of your buddies to all get one, you might have an almost private band to yourself depending on your area.

 

[TonyV225]

WELCOME!!!

 

[theshupe]

I still think the Alinco DJ-G7 is a nice radio. The main issue that I had was that I could never find anyone to talk to on 1.2Ghz! The current price is right on these radios, though so if you can get a few of your buddies to all get one, you might have an almost private band to yourself depending on your area.

Thanks for the original review, and this answer. I can't find any 1.2 GHz repeaters where I live now (FL panhandle), but I did a repeater search in the D.C. area where I'll live next year and saw three in the general Northern Virginia area (didn't even look for the Maryland-side). Honestly though, for the price I consider the 1.2GHz to be a freebie. I am curious to see how it does next year though as I should be able to get a decent gain antenna for the 23cm band...

I forgot to add, I like the dual-VFO too! One question about the IPX7 designation...is that different than what the Yaesu VX 6,7 and 8DRs have? The Alinco website kind of dances around it as being "tested to" but no "certified to" the IPX7 standard.

And I have to get off my @ss and study for the General exam so I can use the HF bands once I get the base station!

Thanks all.