Technician License

[tfisher63]

The remote mount would help alot. I'll keep an eye open for a used radio, probably will have to be the ft-857 due to finances...

[kc0rey]

Originally Posted by tfisher63

The remote mount would help alot. I'll keep an eye open for a used radio, probably will have to be the ft-857 due to finances...

The used FT-857D are selling for just as much as a new one. And with that, you never know what you're getting.
If money is an issue (it always is for me) and you don't need/want the HF/6M and all mode capabilities, a used dual band can be had for around $200 or a new one for $250 (Yaesu FT-7800, Icom IC-208H) on up to $500 (Kenwood TM-700A).
There is more to Ham radio then just FM though, and I highly recommend something with all mode capabilities (AM/SSB/CW/FM) like the FT-857D. That is allot of radio for $700 plus you can usually get them with the separation kit. No separation kit? Build your own for under $20 with Wall*Mart Stuff.

[tfisher63]

Hmm now I have to decide if I want to wait until I can get a ft857 or get a dual band a little sooner, it seems like most radios hold their value pretty good, so maybe get a 2m or dual band first. I did find a good deal on an ft857 from ham radio outlet. $670 to my door with free separation kit until the end of the year.

[tfisher63]

What do you think of the Yaesu ft-1802?

[Rook]

Icom v-8000 is an awesome 2-meter. I ordered one for a friend and tested it first and liked it much better than my Yaesu's

[tfisher63]

Rook, The IC-v8000 is impressive...wow too many choices.....

[kc0rey]

2M radios are cheap and they will work well for you, but........you are limited to the single band and there is allot of activity on 440. I don't recommend buying just a 2 meter radio......

As too the V-8000, I have no experience with it. I have had horrible luck with Icom. The only, good one I've had is the IC-207H I have in the Bronco II.

I have no experience with the FT-1802 either..............I have had excellent results with Yaesu.

[tfisher63]

Are repeaters used on 440 mhz band, like on the 2m band? I havent heard much about the 440mhz band here.

[kc0rey]

Yes they are. Repeaters are used for the 10M band and up. What part of Colorado are you in? I'll point you to a list of all the repeaters in your area.

[tfisher63]

I am in the Grand Junction area, When you use a repeater, are you limited to the area that repeater can reach? or are some repeaters connected together, relaying the transmission? Sorry for asking so many questions, I really appreciate the help. The ARRL contact Ihave made here is pretty busy and is hard to ge ahold of.