Radio for vehicle

Honestly, I've had several radios in my past.

IMHO I suggest the Icom V8000 2 meter radio. It's 75 watts and is pretty user friendly. The radios (new) cost about $185.00.

Be sure to get a good antenna though. I am hooked on Maxrad antennas. They are made for commercial radios, but they are rugged and last forever. I used to sell and use them when I worked on 2-way radios.

Another suggestion (if you wanted to save some more dough, and if you knew exactly what frequencies you were going to be using) would be to go on eBay or somewhere else and look for a couple of Motorola Maxtrac radios. They are typically not expensive (used) and are extremely user friendly. Not a lot of frills though. You will need to get these programmed at a dealer, or someone you know that has the RIB and cables for the radios.

 

The 746 is a good radio. Do you know if this is a straight 746, or is it a 746 PRO?

Remember though, this is an HF/VHF radio that covers 160 meters to 2 meters. If you get your technician ticket, you will only be able to use 6 meters and 2 meters until you upgrade to atleast General class.

You will need an antenna tuner and a good antenna for HF and 6 meters, but none will be needed for 2 meters. Icom makes a tuner and antenna set especially for the 746 and others. The AH-4 tuner costs around $250, and the AH-2B antenna I think is about the same.

The only problem I had with the 746 is that there is no alphanumeric display. (just shows frequency)

Anyway, the 746 PRO is still very expensive (almost $1800.00), so if you get a good deal, jump on it.

 

Cool,

Lemme know if u got it, and what a steal you got it for.

Local auctions are soooooo cool....... Especially police auctions.(got a lot if good radios there)

 

Pappy,

You freakin' rule!!!!

That's one of the best deals you will ever come across......

The 746 is a good radio, It will take a little time getting used to, but you'll enjoy it.


The CI-V interface is used for computer control of the radio. I use a CAT controller here at home with my Yeasu FT-857D.

Download Ham Radio Deluxe for your control software...It works really good.

If you wanted to be sly and look like the CIA or something, get you a laptop and a RigBlaster pro soundcard interface and completely run the radio off the computer.

I'll eventually do that in my truck.


Anyhoo, Good luck and I hope everything works out well.

 

no problem....

If you do get on HF there is a multitude of things down there like Military,Maritime,SW Broadcasters,Hams,everything.... I love HF....

Anyway, remember to get an antenna tuner and a good antenna before you transmit on HF.

If you wanna go cheap, Get an LDG AT-100Pro automatic tuner and a coax fed antenna like a 75 meter hamstick. I've personnaly never did this, but in theory it'll work.