WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Radio Talk => Topic started by: InTheWood on Dec 04, 11, 09:28:54 PM
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Looking for a starter handheld. Looking to spend about 150.00 for the unit. I've narrowed the field down to these two:
YAESU FT-60
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=6EC43B29CEF0EC2B4E19BB7371688B7F&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0 (http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=6EC43B29CEF0EC2B4E19BB7371688B7F&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0)
Or
Alinco DJ-V57T
http://www.alinco.com/Products/DJ-V57/ (http://www.alinco.com/Products/DJ-V57/)
Anyone have an opinion on either of these or a different suggestion?
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To stay in the price range of $150 including some essential accessories take a look at the Wouxun dual band. (2m-440)
Recommended accessories to consider when ordering a new handi talkie:
Clam shell AA battery pack
High gain antenna
Car charger cable
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The best HT in my opinion is the Kenwood THF6 but they are a little pricey for some. Right now they run $299 from AES - Las Vegas. The THF6 radio will work with all three Wrightwood KW6WW repeaters plus lots more.
Programming software is also free!
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A
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Hi Wrightwood
As you can see.. us noobies HAM grads are looking for some guidance and advice...
As a new General.. I need a 160M to 23cm in a simple handheld device ;D
Looking forward to your upcoming.... what should I get for new HAM grads class..
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I'll check out the Kenwood. The accessories are on the list as well. I was looking to spend about $150.00 before the accessories.
I'm just looking for the two bands, 2 m and 70cm in a HT. I don't think you will find all the possible frequencies in a HT, but then I didn't think I would ever see a WWII designed German motorcycle built in Russia :) either!
A "grad" class would be good!
The one thing the Kenwood TH-F6A has that I think would be nice is dual receive.
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By the way... congratulations to InTheWood & MojaveSidecar on becoming new hams!
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Hey don't forget me. I a new grad too!
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Hey don't forget me. I a new grad too!
Congratulations to you all of us! And thanks to Moe!
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First choice, Kenwood THF6
Second choice, Yaesu FT-60 we have them both and are very reliable. I've been using both brands for many years with no issues. They are also very easy to program.
Congrats to the new Hams !
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KrzyCatLdy I'm sorry I missed you!
Congratulations!
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First choice, Kenwood THF6
Second choice, Yaesu FT-60 we have them both and are very reliable. I've been using both brands for many years with no issues. They are also very easy to program.
Congrats to the new Hams !
Thanks for the additional recommendations.
I'm leaning towards the Yaesu. How often do you find you use the 440 frequency? The one thing that the Kenwood has that seems a real benefit over the Yaesu is dual receiving. Are there any others that I need to know about before I buy?
Specifically, and most importantly would be knowing if the third band on the Kenwood is needed for local emergency communications etc.
Thanks!
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I use 440 a lot, and am coordinator for a couple as well as 2mtrs. The 220 band is also very active in the southern Ca. region and I monitor all three bands with my Kenwood Tri-Band mobile radios in our vehicles. Unfortunately probably without a doubt, the Kenwood 742 multiband capable mobile radio was and is the best mobile radio ever made and no longer manufactured. They are available used, but cost more now than when they were are the market due to the demand. We have them in all three of our vehicles and use the Kenwood THF-6 tri-band HT's when out of the vehicles during walks or while I'm on FS patrol.
Currently we have three repeaters in Wrightwood we have coordinated under the Wrightwood Communications Group FCC license for the 2mtr. 220 and 440 bands. Which is another good reason to own the Kenwood THF-6 HT. ;)
If had to own just one HT it would be the THF-6
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One more silly question. Looking at the two, the Kenwood almost seems too small. Do you ever feel like the buttons are hard to use or that it is too small in other ways?
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Do you ever feel like the buttons are hard to use or that it is too small in other ways?
Never... When using it at an event or during an incident it fits right on your belt and with a speaker mic it's very convenient and not in the way.
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You guys are making it tough!
I had myself sold on the Yaesu and was ready to put down $200.00 for the unit, car charger and AA battery pack as a way to get started.
The Kenwood plus battery pack and car charger is about an extra $170.00.
That puts it out of "mad money" range and into "I have to think about it more" territory!
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One more silly question. Looking at the two, the Kenwood almost seems too small. Do you ever feel like the buttons are hard to use or that it is too small in other ways?
Agreeing with WW on this. I use the Kenwood "because" of it's size and a full 5watts on all bands. It goes with me on patrol everytime I go out. I use a Maxpedition gear bag for my stuff I use in the field : http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Lunada-Gearslinger-12p484.htm
I use Maxpedition radio pouches for my FS radio and the Kenwood that attaches with "Mole" clips.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Phone-Radio-Holders-c8.htm
A little pricey but very durable gear. Unless it's in the charger it stays in the pouch on the go-bag.
The FT-60 may go along in the car or while doing yard work. The primary base station is Kenwood gear with battery back up and the secondary in the house is a spare Yeasu mobile radio on a power supply.
I know you want to get on air ASAP and if the $$$ are tight go for the FT-60, it's a dang good radio. Personally, I'd hold out if you plan on owning just one radio. Another thing to consider is another antenna, not to replace what you have but in addition to. I keep the original antenna in my bag should the higher gain antenna fail.
http://www.diamondantenna.net/rh951s.html
Once you get on air and start enjoying yourself, I can guarantee you'll be buying more radios. If some is good, more is better eh'.
Your doing the right thing asking questions that "seasoned" operators can help you spend your $$$ in the direction of benefiting. Besides, it's always fun spending other peoples $$
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I really appreciate the advice. My plans include more than one radio!
First is the HT for local and mobile communication. I'm going to hold out for the Kenwood for that.
Next will be something for HF. I would like to be able to talk to my two uncles who are hams (Illinois).
I'm working on learning code now as I think that would be fun as well.
Already planning a skywave loop in the back yard!
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There is a used but like new TH-6 on ebay going now for $126 bidding over tomorrow. Orig owner, about 20hr of use. I'd hop on that.
Generally we've had good luck getting used ham equipment. In general hams take good care of their equip OR are a fickle bunch and buy one thing after the other for the latest OR buy the newest thing and like the old thing, etc., etc. And are honest about the quality about the equipment.
Mostly we've gotten equipment from friends or swaps where we could see the items, but did get a couple Yeasu FT-51 dual-banders on ebay. That was our go to radio before the Kenwood due to the *wonderful* speaker mic that has a lighted display - great for working events. Still have them and wouldn't sell 'em.
Good luck!
Kerin
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There is a used but like new TH-6 on ebay going now for $126 bidding over tomorrow. Orig owner, about 20hr of use. I'd hop on that.
Generally we've had good luck getting used ham equipment. In general hams take good care of their equip OR are a fickle bunch and buy one thing after the other for the latest OR buy the newest thing and like the old thing, etc., etc. And are honest about the quality about the equipment.
Mostly we've gotten equipment from friends or swaps where we could see the items, but did get a couple Yeasu FT-51 dual-banders on ebay. That was our go to radio before the Kenwood due to the *wonderful* speaker mic that has a lighted display - great for working events. Still have them and wouldn't sell 'em.
Good luck!
Kerin
I'll check the eBay item out. Thanks!
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Already planning a skywave loop in the back yard!
Normally I don't like wire antennas, I'm a tower and yagi fan. Here's a link to my rotor replacement and yagi antenna update project a few years ago.http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=13328.0
Loops work very well if you can get the wire a minimum of 40' above ground. I ran it through our pine trees supported by heavy gate springs I got from our local hardware store. Be shure to use insulators as you loop the wire. I used plane old THNN 14ga. house wire, works just fine with the insulation on it. I used a Centaur 4:1 balun and was lucky enough that I didn't need a tuner other than the internal tuner on the HF transceiver. I tested it with my antenna anylizer and was turned out no worse than 1.8 in the Ham bands from 80mtr. -10mtr.Make your loop by connecting one end of the wire to the balun and run it back to the balun. I used about 50' of RG213 from the balun to the radio. The total wire length is about 335 feet. Stay away from ladder line, you'll create all sorts of problems so spend the $$ on the 4:1 Balun
The higher above ground the better for this type of horizontal loop antenna, double the wavelength in feet above ground for the lowest operating frq.
http://www.baluns.com/b41lw.htm
Problem you may have is that the squirls chewed through mine and am awaiting some assitance to splice and fix. But it was dang good while it lasted.
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The best HT in my opinion is the Kenwood THF6 but they are a little pricey for some. Right now they run $299 from AES - Las Vegas. The THF6 radio will work with all three Wrightwood KW6WW repeaters plus lots more.
Programming software is also free!
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A
Ok so it looks like I should be buying a Kenwood THF6 from AES in Las Vegas.
I should also order ...
Clam shell AA battery pack
High gain antenna
Car charger cable
I would think these components would be good for "phase 1".
Phase 2 would be adding some sort of linear amplifier and antenna that I could use in the Jeep and sidecars.
A couple of other questions....
Were can I get a copy of the repeater guide book?
How long does it normally take for our names/call signs to show up in the FCC database from the time we took the exams?
TIA
Randy
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Randy,
When you order from AES, ask them for a copy of "The Original Southern California Repeater Location Guide" - it will be $5 and is a great guide to have.
Your call signs should be showing up on the database any time. I'm checking twice daily and will be posting them when they appear.
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Ok so it looks like I should be buying a Kenwood THF6 from AES in Las Vegas.
I should also order ...
Clam shell AA battery pack
High gain antenna
Car charger cable
This is exactly the package I ordered from AES in LV when I got my technician license in summer of 2008. This of course was upon Wrightwood's recommendation, and I've been extremely happy with it. I went ahead and got my General Class license the following April, but being the un-electronic, un-technical, un-everything else mechanical soul that I am, I've just stayed loyal to this setup. I've never been sorry with this equipment.
As I recall, it took about 6 days for my first exam results and my call sign to be posted on the FCC website. I think John saw it before I did. Welcome, and hope to hear you on the Sunday evening net!
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This is exactly the package I ordered from AES in LV when I got my technician license in summer of 2008. This of course was upon Wrightwood's recommendation, and I've been extremely happy with it. I went ahead and got my General Class license the following April, but being the un-electronic, un-technical, un-everything else mechanical soul that I am, I've just stayed loyal to this setup. I've never been sorry with this equipment.
As I recall, it took about 6 days for my first exam results and my call sign to be posted on the FCC website. I think John saw it before I did. Welcome, and hope to hear you on the Sunday evening net!
Thanks for the feedback ForestGirl... Looks like I get to place my order for equipement tomorrow because.....
:wave:
My name showed up in the FCC database tonight ... KJ6TAS
BTW all the other Marbachs listed belong to my cousin Marty and his kids... my nephews. Marty was a Marine Helicopter Pilot in the early 70's. He stayed in the Marines for years working with Marine Communications systems. After he retired, he went to work for a company called Logicom, I believe, which is a company that sells advanced communications to the military.
Who knew what a small world the Ham Community is.... humm... I'll have to see if I can set up enough repeaters to ping him in Virginia.
Anyhow, Thanks Wrightwood and Moe for getting me started in this "sport". ;)
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I picked up a Kenwood on eBay... Here is hoping it works well!
I am KJ6TAR!
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Congratulations Randy, and to all the other new Hams!
Moe was the instructor when I took the General class, and I thought he was a great instructor. You are going to have fun with this. Looking forward to hearing you on the air.
Karin KI6SLC
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I also ordered a Diamond antenna and the AA battery pack. The unit I won has a car charger.
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Congratulations to the new Hams. I hope you'll enjoy the hobby. There are a lot of good people on the Table Mountain repeater that will give you a ton of great advice.
Welcome.