Posted: 10/5/2009 8:48:17 AM EDT
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So, I'm getting ready to pick up my first radio. I don't have my ticket yet, but should be taking the test in the next few months, and I'd like to get my radio first to listen and because, well, I want one now. I've read the FAQ's, and the guides and stuff, and I understand the reasoning behind getting a mobile first, but here's my problem, $$$. I figured to get a decent mobile set up, I'm looking at $159 for the Yaesu 2900R, ~$100 for a DC power supply, and depending on how cheap I want to go ~$50 for an antenna set up. Also, since I'd want to be able to Tx/Rx in a power outage scenario, I'd need another $50+ of batteries and connectors to do so. That's going to be nearly $400.
OR, I can get a HT. The power is obviously limited (3-5w vs the 75w the 2900R would give me), but the Yaesu VX-3R or the VX-6R are both multiband radios that have a large Rx band, and that are basically ready to go out of the box, for a lot less (3R is $164, 6R is $239). So, should I just get the mobile and spend the next year getting all the stuff for it, or just get a HT for now? Eventually I plan on having both, so I guess it's more of a question as to which I should get first. ETA: I should probably point out that my main reason for getting into HAM is SHTF/TEOTWAWKI communications, but it's also for fun  .
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I'd start with the mobile instead of a HT. Get a good antenna for it and get it as high as possible. The difference in performance compared to a HT is amazing. Might as well start with something that works well. Keep your eyes out for used gear. I was able to pick up a dual band FT-7800R for $170 and a SEC 1223 power supply for $50. |
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Quoted:
Where do you plan on using the radio? Home? Vehicle? Foot? Currently? Foot, I think, will be getting the most use. I'm in an apartment so don't know how much antenna stuff I can do, if any. I'm not in the car much, only to work, school, and home (less than 7 miles to each, one way). I'd like to use it at home, and will set up a base station eventually using a mobile rig, but I don't know where I could even set it up right now. It's a small apartment. If I were to do a home station, it'd be set up a lot like ar-jedi's emergency com box (albeit with cheaper components...). Right now I'm mainly looking for a way to kindof know what's going on if there were an sort of emergency. That's what's drawing me to the HT because of it's large listening bands. I was thinking a HT would be nice because I could keep it in my backpack. But, I don't want to spend the $160, and go "this thing sucks, I can't hear any information, and I can't get any out (once I get my ticket.)" |
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Then I'd say HT with an external antenna. Two antennas actually. I'd probably do a rollup j-pole made from ladderline to carry in your backpack and something like an Arrow Antennas j-pole for the house. My first radio was a HT and I just hooked it up to a Comet SBB-5 on a mag mount on my truck. I got great signal reports and people didn't believe I was running a 5W HT.
I wouldn't waste my money on the VX-3. I like the FT-60 since it's one of the few HTs that will run full power on the AA battery pack. |
| +1 on the FT-60... A mobile would be fine some time in the future but I wanted something I could use anywhere... I carry mine out to my workshops,the office, living room or wherever to listen in..Picked mine up used for $125... Added a Comet SMA-24 (about $23) for better rx/tx. |
| Alrighty, I think I will go with the HT first, and will likely switch to the VX-60r. It does look like a very nice radio. One quick question though. How long is the rubber antenna that it comes with? Weird question I know, but I'm looking for a case to put it in, and they don't list the antenna length... |
| most cases, unless you order something like a waterproof one, doesnt hold the antenna. rough guess on my couple range from about 6-8 inches tall. if your looking for a cheap radio that is dual band check out ebay. there it a radio on there made in china i believe that is FCC approved for ham radio and is dual receive. Here is the website. they run about around the $120 mark. i plan on buying one later this fall just to try out. i dont need an expensive radio thats dual band because 70c is dead around here but it would be nice to have for when i travel. |
| The antenna on the FT-60 is about 7". When buying an aftermarket antenna make sure it seats completely. I was disappointed when I realized this wasn't the case with my Diamond antenna. It's a great antenna but defeats the "watertight integrity" of the SMA connector. |
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FT-60 is a great radio. Not sure where in UT you are but there is a HAM shop in West Jordan. He pretty much only stocks Icom and a few Kenwood radios but he is a really nice guy and very willing to help out new guys. His prices aren't too far off of internet when you figure in shipping and it's always nice to support a local business. He has quite a bit of accessories, antennas, connectors and such. When you get your ticket shoot me an IM and we'll chat. Until I decide on a new mobile I'm running my VX-7R out of my car with a mag mount antenna. Just about always on the air to and from work. http://www.commproducts.net/ ETA: Just saw a note on his website that he has a lot of used gear as well. My FT-60 and VX-7R are both used and I've never had a problem with either. |