Posted: 7/20/2014 4:36:21 PM EDT
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I have been looking at getting into Ham Radio for a while. I have been reading this board and a few others. I found a local place for testing and going to start studying for the test.
OK for my question. I picked up 2 Radio Shack HTX202 radios with 1 AC charger, 2 batteries, 2 of the things that you can run them off of AA batteries, and 2 VOX headsets. I paid under $100 for everything and both power up and look to be in almost new condition. I have no manuals and wondered if there is anything I should know about these radios? Are there any links for manual downloads? Any help would be appreciated. Thank You, IDHunt |
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You should be able to find the manuals online, try a Google search. From what I remember about them they are decent HT's. Try this for starters.
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1296 |
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They are the best 2m HT radios I have seen so far. RX ad TX audio quality is exceptional. Yes they are bigger than modern radios and they have a limited number of memory channels (15 channels I think).
The most common problem is an internal memory battery that runs out of "juice" after about 10 years. It'll give you ER1 error when battery is depleted. I don't think you can find a direct replacement battery but it's basically a common 2032 Li-Ion battery. Batteries+ store can spot weld 2 tabs to a 2032 battery and the tabs can be soldered to the existing wires in the radio. I replaced a lot of batteries for friends and my own HTX202s and HTX404s. |
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Wow, you guys have been great with the info! Thank You! I have a feeling this may become an expensive hobby. I just read on the battery swap. I may order the parts and just do it to get it over with. I would rather get it done now when nothing is set then have to pull them offline and reset everything later on. I appreciate the info!
Thank you, IDHunt |
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I own one and used it for a number of years as my primary packet transceiver (DX Packet Cluster). Never had any problem with it at all. They are rugged and IIRC based on an old ICOM design. There's nothing in particular to look out for other than supposedly some of the early models were susceptible to RF when the supplied rubber duck antenna was used. Some said RF would cause them to lock up and you'd have to reset them to restore them to functionality. I never found this to be the case with mine, it always worked fine. You should find them to be good serviceable units and an excellent choice for a newcomer to the Amateur Radio Service. Good luck with the test! 73, Radiolax |
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Quoted:
what could possibly go wrong? ar-jedi  Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a feeling this may become an expensive hobby. what could possibly go wrong? ar-jedi What can go wrong? LOL I just talked to my 22 year old son and he is going to take the test too. Me and my hobbies can get out of control. With my son in tow this could get fun. I drive to the range on average with the firearms worth 2x+ what my vehicle is worth. I guess really not too bad in the big scheme of things. A 1986 whatever car is worth next to nothing, a 1986 Obendorf H&K is worth more than you paid for it and it still works. OK screw it. I am going to dive in. IDHunt |