HT HAM radio for your 4Runner, what to get?

[calnhob]

Just got my tech license so it's time to get a radio.

What do you guys have/like?

I don't want to buy the $30 Baofeng like most people and upgrade later. Rather spend $80-$120 now for something I'll keep for awhile. Primary use would be for emergency and overlanding needs.

 

[Sleeter]

I’m very happy with my tyt th-7800. It does a lot for $200.

 

[MossJenks]

I like my Yaesu FT-65. $120

 

[Bumbo]

Congrats on your ticket! That is a really big accomplishment.

My primary HT is a Yaesu VX-7R and has been for over a decade... it's the best radio I have owned to date.

If I had to buy brand new in today market with a budget in mind... I would look at the FT-70DR just to be able to play in the digital arena.

I put a lot of value into the screen and having true dual band / dual VFO capability as it's like having two physical radio in one. A better screen helps navigate, pull information, see status of things make me miss a higher end unit like a FT2DR and VX-8DR that if my VX-7R even died on me, that would be the only two replacements I would consider.

At a glance I like being able to see the frequency and the alpha numeric name/tag at the same time.
Battery voltage
Memory bank #
Power level
Mode
Tone/Tone Squelch, +/- shift information

The menus are also in literal plain English because of the dot matrix display...

Good luck with the search... there is no one perfect radio.

 

[tx_shooter]

commenting to follow. I should be doing this soon.

 

[slider76]

License?

Congrats on the license. Did you study on your own or join a local club? Just wondering as I’m trying to get started with this as well.

Thanks!

 

[Spudgey]

Congrats on the license. Did you study on your own or join a local club? Just wondering as I’m trying to get started with this as well.

Thanks!

I used Hamstudy.org when getting my tech license last year. Also, check out your local library to see if they have copies of the ARRL study guide on hand.

That said though you could easily pass just using the hamstudy site but you may get a better understanding of the material if you read the study book.

 

[Bumbo]

Congrats on the license. Did you study on your own or join a local club? Just wondering as I’m trying to get started with this as well.

Thanks!

There are a bunch of iPhone apps available along with online learning/quiz resource for each licence level. Anytime I had spare time I would just start doing the practice quizzes.

As soon as I got to a comfortable area 90% or better pass rate, I just went to a testing center on the weekend and tested.

Don't forget to sign up at the FCC website first to get your FRN number. You use that number for any FCC documentation instead of more sensitive info like your SSN.

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

You can do all of your licence management electronically now too here:
https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

 

[Bumbo]

That said though you could easily pass just using the hamstudy site but you may get a better understanding of the material if you read the study book.

+1 on this

The reading material is good, and often times you can find those books at the local library so you don't have to buy them.

If you don't have a lot of technical understanding in electronics or radio, then it's quite valuable resource as well vs just memorizing answers.

 

[fourwd1]

Like Bumbo said, if you just memorize the answers and don't understand the theory, you may pass the test. But as soon as you get on the air everyone will know that's all you did.

 

[chillfancy]

You almost can't go wrong with any of the Icom or Yeasu HTs.. VX-7R, FT-1, FT-65, FT-2D.

I would also look at mobile systems since they will have 5-10x the power. If you are mounting an antenna on the vehicle, you will have to attach/detach the antennas, which takes away some of the appeal of a HT.

http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v20.pdf