mobile units. which to go with?

[Fatty]

Hey guys
All this radio chatter is giving me the bug again. Im mostly interested in a bug out/vehicle mobile unit that i can count on receiving statewide with the most versatility in frequency.

With the amount of o/t I've been getting I'm pulling the trigger on something this month. I'm leaving it up to you guys to tell me what to blow my money on. (500.00 max)

I'm still w/o license so the focus is being able to tune in.

[ElevenBravo]

1 radio, will cost a few bux, but will do HF, VHF and UHF...

If you have the money, an Icon 706 MKIIG

If your tight on money, search QTH classifieds, Ebay, QRLid classifieds, etc.. for an Icon 706 "Classic" (Which I had, and I regret letting it go!)

EB

[bacpacker]

For your price range, I would have to agree with EB. I have a Gen one 706. The MKII G is the second gen radio and has the added capability of the UHF band. They are good radios, mine is 10 years old and never had an issue with it.

[Fatty]

Alright. I'll go with that.



Now for the expensive part.... Accessories.

Especially the vehicle/hiking related kind.

[bacpacker]

Main thing is a good antnna. For hiking, the 706 won't work. It's. Mobile/base rig only. Unless you want to tote bunch of weight of. Of course.

[Fatty]

Alright. Then what model would be most versatile for vehicle mount/on foot application?

[Fidel MD]

The -706 is nice. So is the Yaesu 757

[Fatty]

Would a hand held be the only way to go if I wanted a setup that was foot mobile?

[bacpacker]

Fidel, I think you meant the Yeast 857. And yes I MO it is a better radio than the 706, but I havent saw one for less than $600. I was trying to stay within the OP's criteria.

An HT is the easiest to carry, but you are limited in what you can do with it. Range is much less, you are limited to VHF/UHF. One option would be a Yeasu FT817. It covers HF, but only has 5 watts output. They are made for mountain topping. You still need a battery and antenna and would be very impractical to carry and use while walking.

[Fatty]

Alright since everyone prefers the 706, I'll set some more money to the side to acquire one for my pickup.

As for hand helds, gimme some models that are bullet proof.

[ElevenBravo]

What "hand held" do you want? What do you want to do on the trail??

For VHF/UHF, Id go with the Wouxun KG-UV6D, such as I have. Easy peasy to program with software, full bore 5W on VHF, at least 4W on UHF, water proof, pretty durable and Ive had great luck with it on the trail... It may cost a dollar or two, but brown water makes a KILLER pull up J-Pole for dual band!! The one I got from him is kick ass, and you WONT have a fraction of the performance with the "rubber duckie" on ANY hand held, so do at least make sure you have a good alternate antenna!!

For HF, pick a band... Mine is 40m because its a day and night, and all season band! Its the primary workhorse band! Id go with an MFJ, dipole, a hand of coax and a decent battery...
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-9440
This is a 12w rig... 100w is only 3db over 10w, so yeah... you can talk on it!!

GL,
EB

[bacpacker]

I have a Yeasu FT60 for a HT. Had it a long time and still being produced. Dual band with 5/4 watt output. Built to Milspec standards so it is pretty rugged. Yeasu also has a newer HT VX 8. It's waterproof to 3' and has some extra features mine doesn't. But nothing you really have to have. It is a little more than the one EB mentioned.

For HF the Yeasu 857 is a better rig than the 706, but new will cost +1000. Used maybe 750 if you find a deal. Niether would make a good "hiking" radio. Yeasu makes a pretty nice low power rig for HF, FT817. Built for mountiantopping, so much easier to carry. None of them would work well for contact while moving. 5 warts max, but that makes the battery last much longer. For HF your antenna is the key anyway.

[Sniper-T]

wow... itès like you guys are all speaking another language :confused:

[ElevenBravo]

I still say 10w and a dipole minimum, but thats just my opinion...

EB

[bacpacker]

Come on T, you got your ears on?

[Sniper-T]

^now that I understood! 10-4 good buddy!
lol

[Fatty]

Alright. My list is growing.

For CB's, should I go standard or single side band? And what brand?

Everything I'm reading about Cobra is that it ain't what it used to be.

[bacpacker]

SSB will give you more options for a cb. No clue on brands. I know Ranger made good SSB rigs years ago.

[ElevenBravo]

NOTHING is like it used to be...

Ive never tried sideband on CB, I think most activity is standard AM... but... you can give it a try and see... same power supply and antenna!

You can even run a dipole.

EB