Dual Band Radio Opinions

[N/A]

Just got my license and need a rig for the Runner. Here is what I want, dual band, mostly for 2m, controller that is remotely mountable. In the sub $500 Candian price point. I would like Cross Band repeat as I could see using it....will I actually? No idea

That leaves me with a Yaesu FT-8800, ICOM 2730a, Kenwood V71. The FTM100 looks cool but wont do X-Band

I was set on the FT-8800 at $420 as it comes with everything I need, mounts, seperation kit, does x band. But its like a 10 year old design and I am told is going to end production.

The ICOM is $395, looks decent but comes with no brackets which I find super cheap of them. As well I have read a few spotty reviews on it.

The Kenwood at $465looks ok as well and has good reviews but does not come with a seperation kit and they want a rediculous $110 for that

Thoughts?

 

[TravelWest01]

A friend of mine has the 8800, he uses cross band to use as a repeater for his hand held. Very nice when out side of your truck!

 

[1engineer]

Moved to proper sub forum.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I am running the FT-8800 and have been happy with it. I don't even begin to use all the options for it. Mostly use it for Simplex on the trail or to hit a repeater on road trips.

 

[N/A]

Moved to proper sub forum.

Thanks, sorry didn't realize

 

[Orbital Debris]

I have the Kenwood V71 in my rig, and it is a great radio. Simple, works great, not overly expensive like the D710A. I went ahead an paid for the separation kit, but it consists of mainly a cable, and a mounting back that clips onto the radio. I agree, the price is high for what you get in the sep kit, so you may be able to build your own cable.

Incidentally, the V71 has the same body as the D710. Therefore, if you wanted to upgrade later, you could just add the RC710 faceplate with the TNC and have APRS capability. I'll see if I can snap some pics if you are interested.

 

[Orbital Debris]

The V71 fits pretty well within the cubby below the radio. But it is sometimes difficult to read. I have the body of the radio underneath the passenger seat, and the separation cable is run up underneath the console trim.

 

[Orbital Debris]

Attached is a shot of the back of the faceplate with the sep kit back removed, and a shot with it attached. The darker portion at the back is the sep kit back.

 

[loafer]

baofeng makes a nice hand held. you can get them on e bay pretty cheep. congrats on getting your license.

 

[N/A]

:car:

baofeng makes a nice hand held. you can get them on e bay pretty cheep. congrats on getting your license.

Thanks.

Yeah I have a Baofeng, I want something with some power (and some reliability)

 

[Orbital Debris]

I just looked up the Yaesu FT-8800, and it looks like a great radio. I'm partial to Kenwoods, but I've got a couple of Yaesu HT's and they are rock solid.

To be honest, if the 8800 fits your budget, I would go with that and save the extra scratch for a good antenna. It looks like a good design, and not dated at all. You'll notice that it is being replaced by a quad band which is superfluous if you are more interested in VHF-UHF right now.

Congrats on getting a license, too. I've seen too many people that want comms but will not take the trouble, but the quality and distance of signal are really worth it.

Pull the trigger and get it in your truck and have fun. Once you get it, come back to the forum and search for good install information.

 

[N/A]

I just looked up the Yaesu FT-8800, and it looks like a great radio. I'm partial to Kenwoods, but I've got a couple of Yaesu HT's and they are rock solid.

To be honest, if the 8800 fits your budget, I would go with that and save the extra scratch for a good antenna. It looks like a good design, and not dated at all. You'll notice that it is being replaced by a quad band which is superfluous if you are more interested in VHF-UHF right now.

Congrats on getting a license, too. I've seen too many people that want comms but will not take the trouble, but the quality and distance of signal are really worth it.

Pull the trigger and get it in your truck and have fun. Once you get it, come back to the forum and search for good install information.

Thanks, test was easy, I only studied for 3 nights.

I ordered a K400 NMO and a Comet SBB1 to start ( I will get a longer antenna next but I wanted a short flexy one for the trails)

The Yaesu 8900 is not replaying the 8800 it has been out for a long time, it is Quad Band. I am not sure there is a replacement announced yet as they havent really announced the are stopping the 8800, I was just told that by the dealer.

I think I have ruled the Kenwood out as it will an extra $100 and I dont think it does anything the 8800 does I will use. Still on the fence over the 8800 and the 2730. Simply cause it looks less dated and I assume 10 year newer circuitry is a bit improved

 

[Orbital Debris]

Attached is pic of the V71 with the sep kit back in place for comparison. It is upside down, because it can be installed both ways if you want the display flipped.

 

[e60ral]

Is the cable for a v71 just a cat5 cable?

 

[Mgyver1]

I've been very happy with my 8800, it's a quality radio made in Japan. I had it remote mounted in my Tacoma and moved it over to my Runner. I just finally got the programming software for it and now am getting more in to the features of the radio, still only doing about 15% of what it's capable of.

AES has the radio on close out right now for $299

Yaesu FT-8800R: Ham & Amateur Radios - Equipment, Parts and Supply | AES

 

[Orbital Debris]

Is the cable for a v71 just a cat5 cable?

The cable to connect the head to the body is terminated in an RJ-25(?) telephone type connector. The mic to body connection is a typical cat5 cable.