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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:18:22 PM EDT
There have been a number of recent threads on communications.
One excellent radio is the Yaesu VX-6R. This radio is available for less than $300 and it offers a number of unmatched features. Firstly as a receiver, the VX-6R will receive frequencies from 0.5 to 999 MHZ. This overs the AM broadcast band, shortwave bands, amateur bands, aircraft bands, etc. It is an excellent receiver and it will enable one to tune into a very wide range of different things. The VX-6R can also transmit on one VHF amateur band and two UHF amateur bands. The VX-6R is of very high quality; it is lightweight and easily portable and it is probably the best value in communications gear today.  Yaesu VX-6R Tri Band HT Overview |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:21:41 PM EDT
[#1]
b-b-but muh baofeng!!@!1
 Yaesu makes great stuff. Kenwood and Icom are good options too. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:25:02 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: b-b-but muh baofeng!!@!1 Yaesu makes great stuff. Kenwood and Icom are good options too. This is the only handheld radio with such a powerful receiver at such a reasonable cost. I cannot find anything else quite like it. Kenwood offers the TH-D74 which costs more than twice as much. Icom makes the IC-R30 which is an extremely capable receiver. But the IC-R30 also costs more than twice the price |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:27:07 PM EDT
[#3]
Tagged for later. Thanks
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:43:00 PM EDT
[#4]
I have no experience with this type of communication., but am interested. What kind of range are we talking about?
I’m in a mountainous area, how will that affect reception? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:57:49 PM EDT
[#5]
@FluffyTheCat
Good Day, I am an experienced ham op, but have no experience with a wide band handi talki. How does it do on the AM broadcast band? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:59:01 PM EDT
[#6]
I've owned this radio for at least 15 years now. Fantastic choice.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 12:59:13 PM EDT
[#7]
Thank you for the recommendation!!!
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:02:32 PM EDT
[#8]
I have a fleet of FT-60r's. They have decent receivers as well. Some of them are getting old enough now that replacement batteries are probably in order
I think the FT-60r's lower floor is somewhere around 105mhz though. So now AM broadcast band. However they go as high as 999mhz |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:02:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have no experience with this type of communication., but am interested. What kind of range are we talking about? I’m in a mountainous area, how will that affect reception? VHF/UHF are line-of-sight frequencies, and a typical hand held is only good simplex for a few miles. You could put a repeater on top of a mountain - this is why 2m VHF and even UHF repeaters are very handy for covering a larger area. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:03:35 PM EDT
[#10]
Great radio, they are also waterproof.
Extra batteries are $75 a pop |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:06:04 PM EDT
[#11]
Rugged race radios????
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:08:34 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @FluffyTheCat Good Day, I am an experienced ham op, but have no experience with a wide band handi talki. How does it do on the AM broadcast band? It is an excellent AM broadcast receiver. It features dual conversion which is something that you hardly ever see on AM/FM radios |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:10:22 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've owned this radio for at least 15 years now. Fantastic choice. Only complaint: The UI isnt all that intuitive. I keep cheat sheets close by. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:11:44 PM EDT
[#14]
If I owned two of these, how far apart on flat ground could the two communicate?
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:12:45 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: metoo Only complaint: The UI isnt all that intuitive. I keep cheat sheets close by. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I've owned this radio for at least 15 years now. Fantastic choice. Only complaint: The UI isnt all that intuitive. I keep cheat sheets close by. Batteries too, expensive and fairly low capacity I like mine, but it’s annoying that they want so much for so little. I need to buy 2 more batteries, and I don’t want to pay the price |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:13:30 PM EDT
[#16]
Tango Fluffy- very pertinent thread. Press on please.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:14:00 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I owned two of these, how far apart on flat ground could the two communicate? No further than any other murs/gmrs radios, but with the right training and information, they can talk to repeaters and go a long ways |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:15:10 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have no experience with this type of communication., but am interested. What kind of range are we talking about? I'm in a mountainous area, how will that affect reception? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:36:03 PM EDT
[#19]
The VX-6R can also transmit on one VHF amateur band and two UHF amateur bands. What does this mean? Simultaneously? Or are bands just ranges of frequencies? Any scanning option? Can it access FM as well? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:43:32 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great radio, they are also waterproof. Extra batteries are $75 a pop Sounds to me like you might want to shoparound on your next battery purchase. 
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:44:26 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What does this mean? Simultaneously? Or are bands just ranges of frequencies? Any scanning option? Can it access FM as well? Quote HistoryQuoted: The VX-6R can also transmit on one VHF amateur band and two UHF amateur bands. What does this mean? Simultaneously? Or are bands just ranges of frequencies? Any scanning option? Can it access FM as well? It has three separate amateur frequency ranges (bands) that it can transmit on. 2 Meters (144-148 MHz) 1.25 Meters (222-225 MHz) 70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz) This is somewhat uncommon, 2 band radios are more common and less expensive, and single band radios even more so FM stands for frequency modulation, and FM can be used on any band(frequency), although there are rules If you are asking if you can listen to FM broadcast radio in the US, then yes, you can. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:45:44 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Rugged race radios???? For when you want the quality of Baofeng with the price of an actually good radio. 
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:46:12 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What does this mean? Simultaneously? Or are bands just ranges of frequencies? Any scanning option? Can it access FM as well? There are amateur radio bands located at 2 meters ( 144 MHZ), 1.25 meters (220 MHZ ) and 70 cm (440 MHZ). This radio can transmit and receive in all three of these amateur bands. It can only transmit in one band at a time. The radio can access the FM band. The radio can also scan through a number of user-set channels. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:47:41 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a fleet of FT-60r's. They have decent receivers as well. Some of them are getting old enough now that replacement batteries are probably in order I think the FT-60r's lower floor is somewhere around 105mhz though. So now AM broadcast band. However they go as high as 999mhz I just ordered a FT-60r last night. Will probably order a N9TAX Slim Jim Antenna once the radio arrives. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:48:08 PM EDT
[#25]
Have this specific radio and baofengs. Light years ahead of a baofeng.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:48:09 PM EDT
[#26]
If I want a shortwave radio receiver, is this what I want?
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:51:01 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It has three separate amateur frequency ranges (bands) that it can transmit on. 2 Meters (144-148 MHz) 1.25 Meters (222-225 MHz) 70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz) This is somewhat uncommon, 2 band radios are more common and less expensive, and single band radios even more so FM stands for frequency modulation, and FM can be used on any band(frequency), although there are rules If you are asking if you can listen to FM broadcast radio in the US, then yes, you can. Here are the ham frequency bands.  VX-7R Specifications. GENERAL. Frequency Range Receive: 500 kHz - 999 MHz (basically "DC to Daylight"). That covers everything from shortwave up. You can't transmit outside of the 6 meter, 2 meter, 1.25 meter, and 440 Mhz bands. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:52:44 PM EDT
[#28]
I'll keep my Yaesu FT3DR.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:53:03 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a VX-7r which is the next newer model. Extra batteries for it were about $25 for 2 of them, plus there's a detachable battery pack which uses AA cells. Sounds to me like you might want to shoparound on your next battery purchase. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Great radio, they are also waterproof. Extra batteries are $75 a pop Sounds to me like you might want to shoparound on your next battery purchase. Same battery Legit, waterproof, reliable batteries from yaesu aren’t $12.50 |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:53:14 PM EDT
[#30]
About range:
There are numerous repeater stations around and if you trip a repeater, your signal will be re-transmitted. You can expect a reliable range of at least 25 miles. Sometimes, if the repeater antenna is located on a mountain top or on top of a high building, your signal might be re-transmitted a hundred miles or further. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:53:41 PM EDT
[#31]
Have a Yaesu FTM400 in the truck. Great radio.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:54:31 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You can expect a reliable range of at least 25 miles. Off the original radio or the repeater? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:54:33 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I want a shortwave radio receiver, is this what I want? If you want a portable one under $300, this is the one. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:55:11 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Off the original radio or the repeater? With the repeater. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:56:07 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: For when you want the quality of Baofeng with the price of an actually good radio. He posts the same drive by comment in about every GD thread on HTs. I can't tell if he's being sarcastic or is a lousy shill for a lousy ripoff. 
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:56:51 PM EDT
[#36]
Where’s the best place to order from ?
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Posted: 1/10/2021 1:57:06 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you want a portable one under $300, this is the one. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If I want a shortwave radio receiver, is this what I want? If you want a portable one under $300, this is the one. I don't particularly need portable. Is there a recommended and available desktop model that doesn't involve hooking up giant antennae on my house, or would you say just go for this one? |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:00:09 PM EDT
[#38]
I'm sick of tagging these damn radio threads.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:00:21 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'll keep my Yaesu FT3DR. This is what I have! I need to learn more of the features, I also need to get my license as I just listen right now |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:00:28 PM EDT
[#40]
SSB portable radios start at around $150. Most are around $250.
With it you can hear international SW and some amateur radio. Adding external antenna will extend range. 
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:00:38 PM EDT
[#41]
Tagged.
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:01:01 PM EDT
[#42]
Are there any turn key packages companies offer?
I'll be honest, my hobby dance card is full and I don't have the time to research every last piece of equipment I'll play with a few times a month tops. I'm getting my Technician license so I don't get fined, but this won't be another hobby where I immerse myself and learn everything I can as quickly as I can. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:01:37 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don't particularly need portable. Is there a recommended and available desktop model that doesn't involve hooking up giant antennae on my house, or would you say just go for this one? If you just want to listen to shortwave, I'd recommend one of the TecSun receivers as a simple starter. Get one that can also receive on sideband (SSB). The on-board antenna will work but is not great except for high power commercial stations, but you can always just alligator-clip a long run of random wire tossed in a tree or something to get a bit better reception. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tecsun |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:01:55 PM EDT
[#44]
Are these discontinued? - can someone recommend a good online site for purchase?
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:03:31 PM EDT
[#45]
It wont do shit for you once the repeaters are down !
HF master race ! |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:05:13 PM EDT
[#46]
Vx8 master race checking in in 6m and being tracked on aprs
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:05:38 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have no experience with this type of communication., but am interested. What kind of range are we talking about? I’m in a mountainous area, how will that affect reception? Depends... are you on top of the mountain or at the bottom...
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:06:18 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are there any turn key packages companies offer? I'll be honest, my hobby dance card is full and I don't have the time to research every last piece of equipment I'll play with a few times a month tops. I'm getting my Technician license so I don't get fined, but this won't be another hobby where I immerse myself and learn everything I can as quickly as I can. If you just want to listen, plenty of simple scanners and shortwave receivers out there. But if you want two-way communication without needing other infrastructure, amateur radio is probably not for those looking for a buy-and-fly solution. It's a technical hobby and the radios and accessories are geared to a userbase that has a knowledge set to make it work. If you want plug and play for simple short range communication, get GMRS radios or CB if that's popular around you. Long range, consider things like sat phones or simple in-reach communicators, but those do rely on external infrastructure so keep that in mind. |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:06:37 PM EDT
[#49]
I have owned the VX-6R close to 15 years and highly recommend it also.
Have the VX-3 too. Yeasu makes good stuff. Have one of these roll up jpole antennas for the HT if extended range is need. https://n9taxlabs.com/ |
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Posted: 1/10/2021 2:07:18 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Being limited to those bands assumes the MARS mod hasn't been done. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It has three separate amateur frequency ranges (bands) that it can transmit on. 2 Meters (144-148 MHz) 1.25 Meters (222-225 MHz) 70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz) This is somewhat uncommon, 2 band radios are more common and less expensive, and single band radios even more so FM stands for frequency modulation, and FM can be used on any band(frequency), although there are rules If you are asking if you can listen to FM broadcast radio in the US, then yes, you can. MARS mod is extremely easy on this radio. Pop the back cover off and use a desolder braid on a solder pad. Boom 5 minutes done. I have the VX6 and some Baofengs. Let's be real, if all you're doing is picking a frequency and sticking the radio on your belt, the Baofengs dont do so bad. But the VX6 adds a waterproof case, extremely wider receive coverage for scanning or monitoring other bands, way better channel management (you can organize channels into groups), better firmware (for example, if you turn the radio on it will keep scanning if that's what it was doing when you shut it off). For people asking about range, all HTs are going to top out around 5 watts and the frequencies are line of sight. What a radio like this gives you over a blister pack FRS is a detachable antenna, so you can string a J Pole antenna up in a tree with some coax and extend your range by many miles, or using split TX/RX frequencies use ham repeaters that could give you clear comms in a 30 mile radius or more. |
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