Author Topic: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T  (Read 41878 times)

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InTheWood

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Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« on: Dec 05, 11, 05:28:54 AM »
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

Or

Alinco DJ-V57T
http://www.alinco.com/Products/DJ-V57/

Anyone have an opinion on either of these or a different suggestion?


Offline Wrightwood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #1 on: Dec 05, 11, 05:57:03 AM »
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



Offline Wrightwood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #2 on: Dec 05, 11, 06:01:32 AM »
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

Offline MojaveSidecar

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #3 on: Dec 05, 11, 06:07:06 AM »
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..


InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #4 on: Dec 05, 11, 06:09:59 AM »
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.

Offline Wrightwood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #5 on: Dec 05, 11, 06:15:03 AM »
By the way... congratulations to InTheWood & MojaveSidecar on becoming new hams!

Offline KrzyCatLdy

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #6 on: Dec 05, 11, 06:44:23 AM »
Hey don't forget me.  I a new grad too!

InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #7 on: Dec 05, 11, 03:16:40 PM »
Hey don't forget me.  I a new grad too!

Congratulations to you all of us! And thanks to Moe!

Offline Toolman

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #8 on: Dec 06, 11, 03:55:32 PM »
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 !

Offline Wrightwood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #9 on: Dec 06, 11, 04:20:35 PM »
KrzyCatLdy I'm sorry I missed you!
Congratulations!

InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #10 on: Dec 07, 11, 05:25:04 AM »
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!

Offline Toolman

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #11 on: Dec 07, 11, 05:43:40 AM »
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

InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #12 on: Dec 07, 11, 05:54:17 AM »
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?

Offline Wrightwood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #13 on: Dec 07, 11, 06:12:43 AM »
Quote
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.

InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #14 on: Dec 07, 11, 06:59:26 AM »
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!



Offline Toolman

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #15 on: Dec 07, 11, 04:09:30 PM »
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 $$$ in the direction of benefiting. Besides, it's always fun spending other peoples $$


InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #16 on: Dec 07, 11, 04:22:03 PM »
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!

Offline lagomorphmom

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #17 on: Dec 07, 11, 04:30:51 PM »
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

InTheWood

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #18 on: Dec 07, 11, 04:56:16 PM »
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!

Offline Toolman

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Re: Handheld Opinions YAESU FT-60 vs Alinco DJ-V57T
« Reply #19 on: Dec 07, 11, 06:34:27 PM »
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.