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03-28-2011, 09:41 PM
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#1
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Handheld HAM radio
Getting "close" to leaving on my roadtrip with my son, and the wife asked if I had a HAM radio for the van, which I don't, as emergency communication. Trying to see if a low dollar handheld is a viable option for me.
Anyone have any experience or recommendations for a basic (2M at minimum) handheld Yaesu or Icom?
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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03-28-2011, 10:53 PM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 79
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
I just picked up a Kenwood TH-F6A, it isn't a low dollar handheld however, it works on 2M/440/70cm, has weather channels/alerts and also has a very broadband sub-receiver in it that tunes AM, SW, and FM. It's a pretty amazing little rig, and it IS little.
I tend to favor Icom handhelds but the Kenwood seemed like a good bet. Check out the reivews on eHam; you'll probably find lots of info on handhelds,etc: http://www.eham.net/reviews/
Rick L
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03-28-2011, 10:55 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,071
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Herb,
Both are good brands. Reviews can be found at http://www.eham.net.
Make sure you know how to use it and see if there are repeaters where you are going. I find that 2M does not get out all that far without a repeater.
Also you will need a license to operate legally.
steve
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'05 Ford V-10 4x4 SMB "50" White
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Does anyone really read this stuff other than surfgeek?
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03-29-2011, 05:46 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Quote:
Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE
Herb,
Both are good brands. Reviews can be found at http://www.eham.net.
Make sure you know how to use it and see if there are repeaters where you are going. I find that 2M does not get out all that far without a repeater.
Also you will need a license to operate legally.
steve
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Steve,
I've had my license for a few years now, and have a Yaesu 7800R in my Bronco. That doesn't necessarily mean I'm well versed in how to use it however, though I do know to identify local repeater frequencies before I head out somewhere.
Ideally, I'd just add a new power harness and antenna to the van, along with a temporary mount, and be able to swtich my radio back and forth, but the last thing I need right now is another project.
I will add that I think I'll very rarely even be out of cell phone coverage, but this will be my wife's first time away from my son for any extended period, so it's all about keeping the homefront happy, and if a small radio fits the bill, so be it.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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03-29-2011, 08:40 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Carmel Valley, CA
Posts: 634
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Herb-
I have a Yaesu FT-60 that you can borrow for your trip if you like.
Bill
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2008 RB 50 Pueblo gold, Diesel, 4X4, Aluminess
NO2B
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03-29-2011, 10:00 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 48
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Have you consider just getting a "Spot" http://www.findmespot.com. Covers off the emergency assistance and you can ping mum (oops sorry its mom over here isn't it) with OK messages as required. I have used mime in both North and South America with good results (and the batteries last forever). Another bonus is the ability to provide tracking so others can see where you actually are on google maps etc. (make sure to turn it off before heading taking that detour to Vegas ). If you use the tracking you can also use the waypoints it has saved to geo-tag your photos.
Sorry but this is the best photo I have of it. Its the orange thing on the right hand side of the handle bars
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03-29-2011, 01:09 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skywagon
Herb-
I have a Yaesu FT-60 that you can borrow for your trip if you like.
Bill
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Bill,
VERY generous offer from you. It would definitley buy me some time to make a more educated decision, but it would only postpone the inevitable. Between the SMB and the Bronco, some form of remote comms with the wife is vital.
Will let you know as things get closer if I'd like to take you up on your offer.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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03-29-2011, 01:16 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozrockrat
Have you consider just getting a "Spot" http://www.findmespot.com. Covers off the emergency assistance and you can ping mum (oops sorry its mom over here isn't it) with OK messages as required. I have used mime in both North and South America with good results (and the batteries last forever). Another bonus is the ability to provide tracking so others can see where you actually are on google maps etc. (make sure to turn it off before heading taking that detour to Vegas ). If you use the tracking you can also use the waypoints it has saved to geo-tag your photos.
Sorry but this is the best photo I have of it. Its the orange thing on the right hand side of the handle bars
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Hadn't really considered SPOT since it first came out, but seeing the capabilitiues of SPOT 2, it's now in my list of options. Not sure whether to thank you for that or not.
I do really like the SPOT coupled with the DeLorme GPS unit.
The Annual Service fee (basic + options) can get a bit pricey though.
Herb
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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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03-31-2011, 08:47 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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03-31-2011, 12:09 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 477
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Re: Handheld HAM radio
Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Getting "close" to leaving on my roadtrip with my son, and the wife asked if I had a HAM radio for the van, which I don't, as emergency communication. Trying to see if a low dollar handheld is a viable option for me.
Anyone have any experience or recommendations for a basic (2M at minimum) handheld Yaesu or Icom?
Herb
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Second vote on a plain Find me Spot.. most economical for emergencies.
I've seen deals on the older model (<$100). I didn't think the service was that much.
Without cellular, I count on my used Globalstar SAT phone but if all else fails...
Not a handheld 2m but here is one of the nicest newer HAM FT857 HF/6M/2M/440 Mobile unit with Automatic Antenna combo I've seen that I want for the van. With a mobile, you can relay your 2meter radio to your Van which can then reach out further.
With HF, you should be able to reach someone for sure..
http://cgi.ebay.com/YAESU-FT857-HF-6M-2 ... 1710wt_906
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