Posted: 5/5/2009 1:03:26 PM EDT
I am studying for my test[s] I plan on taking both at once  but as I look at radios I like the idea of a hand held such as the FT60R but think that the 7800 Mobile would be MUCH better for distance but not as portable.
In ARFCOM tradition I would GET BOTH, BUT $$ does not allow for this right now I already feel I have the illness, ^$##&^%$% this is gonna be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 
|
|
Quoted:
Mobile for your first rig. If you can swing it cost wise, the Kenwood V71A is an excellent dual band mobile rig. I own it, and the Yaesu 8800, and the Kenwood is a LOT easier to program and has a much better front end. I could..........but MOM may not be to happy  plus all the extras I would be at 5 $$ real quick [or close to that]
|
|
The 8800 isn't a bad rig, but the V71A just seems more "polished". Easier to program and use, better front end , firmware upgradeable, etc. The one area I think the 8800 is better is in the area of memory management (if you get the http://www.g4hfq.co.uk software), but other then that, the V71A is just simply a better and more flexible rig.
|
|
You may also want to find out what band is most active in your area. Where I am, 70cm is not too big but there are nearly always people on 2m.
In any case, get both....I have been very happy so far with a Yaesu 1802 50W 2m mobile in my truck and a Yaesu VX-6 handheld that I use when out and about or to monitor different bands. I am thinking about a 2800 for the house. |
|
It really depends on how you're going to use your radio. If you do a lot of camping, hiking, canoeing, anything outdoors, a HT would suit you (recommend VX-6R, or the -8R if you have the cash). It's good for portability whereas a mobile station (i.e. car/truck/etc) would be limited by the road or trail it's on. If you plan on talking here'n'there while you travel, then a mobile station would be better suited. It has more advantages than the HT. Better TX/RX, it's encased in the vehicle, but it is more money: Radio unit, antenna, antenna mount, any accessories associated with running a mobile rig... i.e. grounding the vehicle, buying extra things to make the install look nice, etc. You might want to stay away from base station until you really have the $$,$$$ to spend. |
| The 7800 is a great radio. I have one in my Jeep. I also have a FT-60r which is another great radio. Yaesu makes good stuff. With the 7800, a 12" mag mount antenna, and 50w I can hit a repeater that is about 30 miles away with good audio reports. Also, if you go the mobile route, make sure to get one with a detachable faceplate. It makes it a lot easier to mount everything when you can mount the brains under a seat and then just have the faceplate on the dashboard. |
|
Quoted:
Is it possible/practical to use a mobile for the truck and home. Quick connects etc.............. Or is there just not enough power! Sure. One of my FT-8800s is in a go-box that sits on the shelf in my office connected to my chimney-mounted antenna. Last weekend we took my mom's car when we went to Busch Gardens. I disconnected the antenna and threw the box in the trunk. Ran two lines (data and speaker cables) and slapped a mag mount on the roof. Worked like a dream. Everything I own is outfitted with Anderson Powerpole connectors. I have several leads coming off my main battery inside to handle multiple items. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is it possible/practical to use a mobile for the truck and home. Quick connects etc.............. Or is there just not enough power! Sure. One of my FT-8800s is in a go-box that sits on the shelf in my office connected to my chimney-mounted antenna. Last weekend we took my mom's car when we went to Busch Gardens. I disconnected the antenna and threw the box in the trunk. Ran two lines (data and speaker cables) and slapped a mag mount on the roof. Worked like a dream. Everything I own is outfitted with Anderson Powerpole connectors. I have several leads coming off my main battery inside to handle multiple items. 2 Birds––1 Stone ................thanks 
|
|
Quoted:
Here's my radio deployed as the net control station for a marathon. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/fotomonkey/radio/go-box/DSC_7918_sm.jpg excellent color choice! ar-jedi |
|
Quoted:
Mobile for your first rig. If you can swing it cost wise, the Kenwood V71A is an excellent dual band mobile rig. I own it, and the Yaesu 8800, and the Kenwood is a LOT easier to program and has a much better front end. I'm lookin at it Mom aint gonna be happy
|