Yaesu FT-8800R Questions

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Yaesu FT-8800R Questions

Posted: 12/16/2009 5:04:20 AM EDT

I would like to get into HAM radio. I have no previous HAM experience. I'm looking for a mobile VHF/UHF with cross-band repeatability. I don't need 10m in a mobile unit. The FT-8800R looks like it has what I need, and I've heard nothing but good things about both Yaesu's products and customer support. Thoughts? Anyone here have experience with the 8800R? Also, what is the difference between the 8800R and an 8800? I've seen some used 8800's for sale online but couldn't find the specs for them. Are these really just 8800R's and people didn't type the R?

Alright....that should be enough questions for now. ;-)

Taco

Posted: 12/16/2009 5:42:10 AM EDT

[#1]

I hope to get a 8800 after the first of the year , been wanting one for a while . As far as I know the 8800 and 8800R are one in the same . Unless it was like the 857 and the 857 D , the D they added a few new features and it is about all you can find any where but I doubt that with the 8800 . The only thing Im worried about is yeasu just upgraded their vhf ,uhf line up but skiped the 8800 and 8900 but with that said the did just release the ft-350 but it a new design .

Posted: 12/16/2009 6:04:42 AM EDT

[#2]

Chalk the R up to laziness. The 8800 is a great little radio. I have two and wouldn't mind one or two more. Very simple to use and I have yet to find any 8800 owner that wasn't happy. There are other radios that have more features but for a straightforward radio it doesn't get much better.

Posted: 12/16/2009 6:25:55 AM EDT

[#3]

i have one that's in my car. use it daily.

i love it. i was seriously looking for a second for the house but it wasn't in the budget.

very good radio, very easy to use.

Posted: 12/16/2009 7:54:37 AM EDT

[#4]

You can't go wrong with the FT-8800R

Posted: 12/16/2009 9:28:14 AM EDT

[#5]

The 8800 is pretty good radio, but the crossband function on the Kenwood V71A is MUCH MUCH easier to setup and use.

(I've owned both radio's).

Posted: 12/16/2009 2:59:39 PM EDT

[#6]

I've never used the Kenwood but I can't imagine xband being any more simple. Can you give specifics?

Posted: 12/16/2009 3:47:40 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
I've never used the Kenwood but I can't imagine xband being any more simple. Can you give specifics?

i was wondering about that myself.

2 dials set freqs... done

Posted: 12/16/2009 3:55:42 PM EDT

[#8]

Use hypermemories and it can be even quicker. Press HM button, hit set button twice, and you're crossbanding.

Note: You have to have the menu on #45 when you store the hm to stage you there so you don't have to go looking for it.

Posted: 12/16/2009 3:57:42 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Use hypermemories and it can be even quicker. Press HM button, hit set button twice, and you're crossbanding.

Note: You have to have the menu on #45 when you store the hm to stage you there so you don't have to go looking for it.

i need to sit down and figure out how to use those.

Posted: 12/16/2009 5:03:51 PM EDT

[#10]

Like Jax Shooter I have 2 and love them, GREAT little radio!
Sarge

Posted: 12/16/2009 5:10:45 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
The 8800 is pretty good radio, but the crossband function on the Kenwood V71A is MUCH MUCH easier to setup and use.

does the V71A have a "single button enable" feature for crossband?
because IMHO my 8800 isn't exactly complicated to set up for crossband.

ar-jedi

Posted: 12/16/2009 6:06:11 PM EDT

[#12]

Well if anyone has (or knows someone who has) a used 8800 / 8800R for sale please let me know.

Taco

Posted: 12/16/2009 6:16:09 PM EDT

[#13]

I got the 8900R. Adds 6m and 10m FM.

See
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=630178

-Foxxz

Posted: 12/16/2009 7:43:30 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Well if anyone has (or knows someone who has) a used 8800 / 8800R for sale please let me know.

http://swap.qth.com/search-results.php?keywords=8800&fieldtosearch=TitleOrDesc

http://www.eham.net/classifieds/

http://forums.qrz.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7

http://shop.ebay.com/yaesuft8800

ar-jedi

Posted: 12/17/2009 6:43:27 AM EDT

[#15]

I have an 8800, and love it. On the right band, I have all of the local amateur repeaters. On the left band, I have a lot of public safety frequencies for local municipalities (not modded). So it is like having a scanner and a ham rig all in 1 box. I really like it, and would buy a second one in a second (but I'd rather get the FTM-350).

Mike F

Posted: 12/17/2009 12:24:29 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Well if anyone has (or knows someone who has) a used 8800 / 8800R for sale please let me know.

http://swap.qth.com/search-results.php?keywords=8800&fieldtosearch=TitleOrDesc

http://www.eham.net/classifieds/

http://forums.qrz.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7

http://shop.ebay.com/yaesuft8800

ar-jedi

Yes, I am aware of Ebay.

I have already e-mailed someone from QTH but have not heard back.

I will look into eham and qrz. I am hoping to find a USED one, as I don't really have $450 to drop on a radio right now.

Taco

Posted: 12/17/2009 12:45:29 PM EDT

[#17]

$450? The 8800 don't cost that much. $380 is more like it. Guess they jacked the price. I paid about $350 for my first.

Posted: 12/17/2009 2:35:46 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
as I don't really have $450 to drop on a radio right now.

http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=zys-ft-8800r

ar-jedi

Posted: 12/19/2009 5:28:09 AM EDT

[#19]

450.00?!

i have never seen one for that much.

i paid 330.00 for mine last year.

Posted: 12/21/2009 4:55:48 AM EDT

[#20]

http://texastowers.com/yaesu_ft8800r.htm

$350 and free shipping on all radios for the rest of December.

edit: Ham Radio Outlet also has it for $350, and they've always got free shipping for most stuff over $100.

Posted: 12/21/2009 5:49:36 AM EDT

[#21]

You guys are great!

Thanks for all the replies.

Taco

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Yaesu FT-8800R Questions

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