radio recomendations

[MedicineMan]

I'm working on my tech ticket, should have it by middle of Feb. I'v been looking at radio's in anticipation of getting it. There is alot I still don't know about the functions etc, but I'm learning it.

COuld you guys give me some ideas of radios to look into to get started. I don't have alot of cash to start out with. I was looking at the Yaesu FT-7800R. Anyone have experience with this? pro's cons?

thanks
AL

[tfisher63]

I was asking the same thing awhile back, see the thread "technician license" radios were mentioned there. I guess we got off subject a little.

[kc0rey]

The Yaesu FT-7800 is an awesome radio, and one that I own.......It is perfect for a truck as well because it has 1000 Memory channels and is easy to operate while driving....once you learn it.

I highly recomend it....The best $250 I ever spent.

[tfisher63]

What do you guys think of an ft2400, if I can get it pretty cheap? Less than $100.

[Rook]

It's an ok radio. I once ordered an ICOM v8000 for a buddy. I couldn't resist hooking it up and playing with it. That was the best modern 2M I have ever used. I have an ft2500 in my car at home it was discontinued but is considered to be the best mobile 2m yaesu made.

[MedicineMan]

Originally Posted by kc0rey

The Yaesu FT-7800 is an awesome radio, and one that I own.......It is perfect for a truck as well because it has 1000 Memory channels and is easy to operate while driving....once you learn it.

I highly recomend it....The best $250 I ever spent.

Do you have any links to an antenna that would work good in a truck for this radio?

[kc0rey]

They say that Radial-Larsen makes the best mobile antennas and I own a couple and have no complaints:

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The best antenna I ever put on a truck was a homebrewed copy of the Arrow dual band J-Pole.....This thing was awesome but it cost me more to make it then it would have to buy it.........

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The FT-2400 was a good radio but had problems with the backlights on the display burning out. The FT-2500 was as good with less problems. I owned both.......

I think my FT-7800 is the best mobile I have ever owned.




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[tfisher63]

The 2400 I am thinking about is going for $90 shipped, what do you think? Its cheap enough, but I think I'd like to have a dual bander at least. I REALLY want an FT 857. but that may be a ways down the road.

[kc0rey]

I think $90 is too high for a FT-2400. $75 would be more accurate and less if you couldnt test it out before buying. The MH-27 Mic tend to go bad and are impossable to find and expensive when you do find one ($75). I'd leave it....

If you live in or will be running in an area where 70cm repeaters are available then a dual band is the only way to go.

[tfisher63]

Wow, used radios are going for alot of money. I saw a ft-1802 go for $120 plus shipping, on ebay yesterday. HRO sells them for $124 shipped.