what say ye? (possible CB purchase)

[OGBeno]

Or the CFO?

Bingo.

 

[Rudical]

I guess I am taking the leap. Tech. study guide came in today. Now I have to learn how to read. That is the hard part.

We should encourage folks to go with the Yaesu brand of HAM radios if possible. HAM radios are so complicated that it'll take all of us to figure out the ins and outs of these things! Also, it's nice to exchange files between compatible radios too!

Beno says that there is a test on July, perhaps aim for that one?

Not to bad of an idea. I know everyone has their preference to which would be best, but not eveyone can afford the same make/model, so (those of you that have one) if you can let the rest us of know make/model, price and a quick comment. Who all is planning the July test? Mike any info on a group class?

 

[pappy]

Not to bad of an idea. I know everyone has their preference to which would be best, but not everyone can afford the same make/model, so (those of you that have one) if you can let the rest us of know make/model, price and a quick comment.

If we stick with Yaesu, then there are several options. Prices are new from Hamcity. A few conventions ...

2M band = 144Mhz = VHF
70cm band = 440Mhz = UHF

FT2800: 2M only. $123. This is a 2M only radio. I have one. Intimidating at first, but rather simple in the long run. Most repeaters are 2M. Also the club frequency, 146.460, is covered by this radio.

FT7800. 2M+70cm. $236. Mike has this radio. It's a dual band radio that lets you monitor either 2M or 70cm, one at a time. There are some 70cm repeaters out there.

FT8800. 2M+70cm. $340. This is the radio Evan just bought, and it will be my next radio. It is not only a dual band radio, but lets you monitor two bands at the same time. It is essentially two radios in one box. So you can listen to 2M+70cm, 70cm+70cm, or 2M+2M. It also has cross band repeat which means you can set one side to an incoming frequency (like from a hand held), and it will transmit out (repeat) on another frequency, like to a repeater, or just your buddies at a stronger power than the hand held.

These mobile radios put out between 50-60 watts depending on the radio.

 

[Beowulf]

Mike any info on a group class?

I am out of town this week. I will try my contact again on Friday or Saturday. I haven't forgotten.

-Mike-

 

[1911]

FT2800: 2M only. $123. This is a 2M only radio. I have one. Intimidating at first, but rather simple in the long run. Most repeaters are 2M. Also the club frequency, 146.460, is covered by this radio.

I have two of these radios; IMO this model is the ideal beginner and/or trail radio. Although among the least-expensive mobile 2-Meter radios made, it is very well-constructed. It has a large heat sink built-in and requires no cooling fan. It is more powerful (65 watts) than most 2M radios. The display is large and easy to read. The built-in speaker is more than adequate (depending on mounting location). It has 200 memories, and with an approprite cable and software you can program the memories with a PC. It also recieves NOAA Weather Bands.

It does not however have a removable and remotely-mountable control faceplate like the more expensive dual-band Yaesu radios. It's not a huge radio, but if space is a premium then it would be nice to have the option of putting the body of the radio out of the way and the small faceplate on or near the dash.

If you later outgrow this radio, you have not spent a fortune on it, but IMO it will always be useful for what it is, an excellent 2-Meter radio.

Here is a picture of one mounted in my FJC:

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Another vote for the FT2800. Great radio for the price.

 

[Beowulf]

I strongly encourage anyone buying a compatible Yaesu radio to buy the software from these guys: G4HFQ Software - Order It is only $15 and you can pay with CC or PayPal. He sells different versions for different model radios but you can export/import the memory files for sharing. He has a link on where to buy cables.

-Mike-

 

[pappy]

Another vote for the FT2800. Great radio for the price.

Ummm, maybe I should sell mine and upgrade.

 

[OGBeno]

The 2800 rocks. The speaker is loud--I rock out pretty heavy in my rig and I can always hear the folks talking even with my CD player blasting away.

It's rugged and I've gotten tons of dust, coffee, drinks all over it and it still keeps on truckin.

 

[SteveLCetc]

I have the 7800 and have yet to use the UHF, so the 2800 would have worked for me so far. I'm not sure what the advantage is to the UHF band yet, other than faster data transmission if one uses that. Any ideas on that? It's not like the 2m band is crowded.

I also have a VX-170 handheld 2m that works very well.

 

[Rudical]

I guess the 2800 is a good place to start then.

Ummm, maybe I should sell mine and upgrade.

I was thinking the same thing today. If Carol is not interested, let me know if wanna go that route.

 

[alia176]

The 2800 rocks. The speaker is loud--I rock out pretty heavy in my rig and I can always hear the folks talking even with my CD player blasting away.

Yes and we can hear your CDs loud and clear on the other end too

 

[spressomon]

Yes and we can hear your CDs loud and clear on the other end

X2. Onur: Can you at least change your music to something I like?


Sorry to hear you had to cancel your Rubithon plans...that's a bummer.