2M Radio reviews...

[MrMoMo]

Ok, now I know that there are tons of sites where people review ham radio equipment and I know there have been a few threads here with info scattered through them... but I think it would be interesting to see what fellow mudders run, in what vehicle, with what antenna - their results, likes and dislikes about their setup.

Perhaps this could end up in FAQ or something...

I currently have a Radio Shack HTX-212 2M, mounted under my computer desk, with a homebrew antenna. It seems to work perfectly fine for what I have used it for so far. I plan on keeping this rig attached to my desk but want to add one to my cruiser (FJ40 currently, and hopefully soon HJ60).

Here is what I am considering:

Icom V8000
Icom 2200H
Yaesu FT2800

Anyone care to give their opinion/experience with these units - and others... so amature newbies like myself have some cruiser related info.

Thanks!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have the Yaesu FT2800 you mention and have been very pleased. It works great, and has pounded down many washboard roads at this point. Just get something that you can program with your PC-that makes the set up way easier.

I've never used the others, but I have heard the Icoms as a group are nice radios.

 

[Doug_S]

I have a TM-941 Kenwood tri-bander. It's a great radio. I like the three band capability (2M, 440 UHF, and 1.2 Ghz). I'm in the process of re-installing it into my new Cruiser.

Output, as I recall, is 50W in 2M, 35W in UHF, and 10W in 1.2 Ghz. It's too bad that Kenwood stopped making the radio.

Doug
KC6ZWY

 

[offroad_nomad]

I have the V8000 and it's easy to use and program. I went with it because on it transmits at 75 watts. I also use other Icom land mobile radios for search and rescue, such as the F50 and IC-F121.

 

[LEXUSBEN]

I just bought a Yaesu ft-1802m (50w) for the truck with larsen mag mount antenna. I opted for this because it fits in the center console. It is also only a 2m. I figured since I'm new 2m will be plenty, and I'm mostly using it for the trail in place of the CB. So far I like it and it seems very intuitive to use. Might have to put a fan if I determine heat to be a problem. The mag mount works, but I don't like if very much. Have to fold it down every time I go in the garage. I think it may get moved to the front arb, more permanent. Have to see how that affects reception. I do feel like a little kid who just found out about cable tv though

 

[Kofoed]

I have had Yaesu and Icom stuff. I really like Yaesus, the menus are very intuitive to me, and I don't need to refer to the manual for operation or prgramming much.

Of the radios listed, I have the V8000. It works well in the open FJ40 because of the loud, front-fire speaker and MilSpec 810 rating. I find the menus are not very well set up to me, and to program repeaters, etc. w/o software is a real chore.

Radios with the MilSpec 810 rating are designed to resist dust, vibration, moisture, shock, temperature--perfect for vehicular use.

Don't be seduced by transmit power. The real world difference between 65 and 75 watts is not very much at all. Get a higher gain antenna if you need more radiated power.

 

[Capt. Jim]

I've got some old ICOM 229H 2 meter rigs in two of my trucks. They have been modified to TX out of band so I can transmit on Marine Freq's if needed.

I run a 5/8 wavelenth base-loaded antenna mounted on the front bumper. Has worked good for years and I am happy with them.

73,

Jim KD4CNK

 

[Capt. Jim]

Forgot to mention, these have a 50 watt output.