Posted: 3/30/2009 12:58:31 PM EDT
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I'd like some feedback on a few HTs. I have recently come into possession of 3 step-kids and all have the bug to learn amateur radio. I promised them each their own radio if they passed their technician's test. What a can of worms that is. Each wants a different one and all seem to want the most expensive one on the market.
I've now peeled them back a bit. My wife and I decided to put a dollar limit of $140 which is the cost of a new Yaesu VX170. If they want to spend less, they can use the balance for accessories. If they want to spend more, they can add in allowance money they save. These are not old kids. The twins are 9 and the youngest is 7 (he'll be 8 in May). They are taking a class that concludes in May and I think they have a real shot at passing. I'm working with them pretty hard in addition to the class work. My thought is that the VX170 is about ideal. Its rugged and waterproof. I can't figure out if the 150 is waterproof. I think the Kenwood and Icoms are both water resistant, but not submersable. I really want something kid-proof. One is expressing interest in the VX3R, but the 1.5 watts concerns me. Where we live is out of repeater coverage on an HT but we have a j-pole on the roof that will get a 5 watt radio into it. I don't know if 1.5 would make it. He likes the small size though. I'd love any suggestions. The kids like small and I like rugged. |
| My dad started with a 170, He likes it but says he wished he would have got a dual band HT. I started with a Yaesu FT-60R. Got mine NIB for 160 shipped only a little more than you telling them you'll spend but its dual band. I love it it works great all the time. Stays in my EDC bag get beat up on and still keeps ticking. |
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How about Icom V8 Sport ? Although it does not specify rain resistance.
The Kenwood offering at that price point does, though. |
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Quoted:
Why not start out with some inexpensive FRS or GMRS radios and move up to an HT? They have the bubble pack FRS radios and they suck. Beyond the lack of durability and water resistence, they also want to be able to monitor the local repeater. They think its cool to listen to be talk when I'm driving home from work on the motorcycle. Its a bonding thing... good stuff for a cool new step-dad. 
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| I also suggest the VX-170. Now if you have a 440 repeater in your area and you can get into it with a HT you might want to consider the FT-60. I have a VX-170 with a MFJ-1715S anteanna instead of the rubber duck. I get into repeaters better with the MFJ and always get very good reports using the VX-170. Its a very rugged radio and I have taken mine hiking, camping, fishing, and to the beach with no problems. |
| With the Standard Horizon HX370S Marine radio you can disable the Marine Channels and still have 40 LMR VHF channels programmed in. They can have MURS as well as local repeaters and simplex frequencies programmed in. You don't have to worry about them goofing up programming by playing with menus. It is submersible like the VX-170 and all the accessories are compatible with the VX-170. Cost is ~$115 shipped. Add in ~$20 for the programming cable and you're good to go. |
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Quoted:
When I read your title the first radio to pop into my head was the Yaesu VX-170. It's a solid starter radio. ^^^ THIS. Quoted:
I really want something kid-proof. the VX170 is built on top of a Vertex commercial chassis. it is one of the most robust amateur HT's i've owned or held. no, it is not a $1200 Moto HT; but it is for the most part kid-proof. ar-jedi |
| For a truly "kid-proof" radio, I'd recommend a good used jedi series radio from motorola. Anything from a 16ch HT-1000 to a 200+ch MT2000. They are "cop-proof", which is damn hard to do. Another plus with using commercial gear is that you get to pick who/what they can listen and talk too. |