"Best" multi-band hand-held Ham?

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Miescha

Miescha

Joined
Jan 12, 2006
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St. Louis, MO
Im really not trying to start an argument over what brand is best, what model is best, etc. . .

I'm just wondering if there is a group concensus on what hand-held is best if money is no option. Heck, I'd even be happy to see a short list of what the group thinks is best.

I've been looking at the Yaesu VX-7R but its been out a long time and I'm wondering if a replacement is on the way. Also, I'm starting to wonder if something with D-star would be a better long-term bet and I know Icom makes some really nice radios.

So fire away with your thoughts!
 
I have a vx7r and it's a nice compact sized radio. In reality a 2m/uhf is plenty good enough and you can save some $$ over something like the vx7r.

I like yaesu radios - but I guess if I had started off with icom then I'd like those :)

I'd recommend a plain 2m/uhf. They cover most of the useful repeaters and take care of 'interfacing' with the common 2m/uhf rigs that folk use in their vehicles. No real point forking out the extra $$ for bands you aren't likely to need/use in a handheld.

D-star, well, until it really takes off (chicken & egg) I don't see a compelling use for it right now. Unless you plan to buy only one HT, I'd recommend just buying a simple 2m/uhf unit for <$200. MAKE SURE that it can be interfaced to a PC and the programming software is readily available. It plain sucks to have to enter more than a few 'channels' via the radio's front panel.

cheers,
george.
 
I went with the VX6, just seemed to be the best match for me.

I've been playing with an ICOM 91AD D-Star radio for the last few weeks and at this point don't see D-Star being of much use outside of a D-Star repeater area. Data is vary limited.

Start with a simple VHF/UHF radio and you can't go wrong.
 
Another VX-7R owner here. I use the weather receiver more than I thought I would. With an External antenna It works just fine on the trail. I also use the water proof speaker mic. Pretty nice set up in my open top FJ40 where dust and water can be issues.

The big down side of the VX-7R, IMHO, is it is so feature rich it's took a long time to learn how to use it. Definitely get the programing cable, entering repeater offsets etc. is a major PITA via the keyboard.
 
rusty_tlc said:
Another VX-7R owner here. I use the weather receiver more than I thought I would. With an External antenna It works just fine on the trail. I also use the water proof speaker mic. Pretty nice set up in my open top FJ40 where dust and water can be issues.

The big down side of the VX-7R, IMHO, is it is so feature rich it's took a long time to learn how to use it. Definitely get the programing cable, entering repeater offsets etc. is a major PITA via the keyboard.
Click to expand...

I agree the programing is a PITA. I would also get the programing cable. Howver I have to say its a very nice piece overall !!!
 
so, anyone know any details on the upcoming vx-8r?
 
I have a Kenwood TH-F6A tri-bander and am very happy with it.
 
I have an old Yaesu FT-50 2m/440. Thing is like a brick. I don't know how useful the other bands are with an HT.

The FT-50 has been replaced by the FT-60. You could do a simple mod to allow tx on the FRS freqs....
 
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