my first radio is a handheld...

[mparker]

now that i passed my tech ticket ive been researching radios... ive decided on getting a hand held.. i really like yaesu's offerings... i was talking to a highly recommended local retailer about which hand held to start with. i was referred to the ft60r, but after seeing the vx7r and all its features i fell in love... but i was told it would be to complicated to operate...

i feel that if i can figure out my uniden bct15 scanner i can figure out about anything... lol


anyhow just trying to see what daily users think about this...

[N8IAA]

Originally Posted by mparker

now that i passed my tech ticket ive been researching radios... ive decided on getting a hand held.. i really like yaesu's offerings... i was talking to a highly recommended local retailer about which hand held to start with. i was referred to the ft60r, but after seeing the vx7r and all its features i fell in love... but i was told it would be to complicated to operate...

i feel that if i can figure out my uniden bct15 scanner i can figure out about anything... lol


anyhow just trying to see what daily users think about this...

Welcome to the ham community MParker. If you can figure out the 15, the VX7R won't be a problem. Just a suggestion, the FT60R is a great first handheld radio. Free programming software: http://www.kc8unj.com wide band receive, and a 1000 memories in 10 banks that can be scanned together, or, separate. Not a dual display, but a solid transceiver. I know. Had one, sold it, and just recently bought another because it just does so well in the ham bands and as an extra conventional scanner. Accessories are a bunch cheaper too I even modified a VX150 hard leather case to fit the 60. Just make sure that you buy the programming cable.
HTH,
Larry

[canav844]

Originally Posted by mparker

i feel that if i can figure out my uniden bct15 scanner i can figure out about anything... lol

With that attitude I wouldn't be too worried, I programmed my 996t and it was just a matter of hours by the time I had "Yaesu speak" down.

If you're willing to read the manual, and sit down with the radio to figure it out, then by all means get the one with the features that'll benefit your uses.

[poppafred]

Originally Posted by mparker

now that i passed my tech ticket ive been researching radios... ive decided on getting a hand held.. i really like yaesu's offerings... i was talking to a highly recommended local retailer about which hand held to start with. i was referred to the ft60r, but after seeing the vx7r and all its features i fell in love... but i was told it would be to complicated to operate...

i feel that if i can figure out my uniden bct15 scanner i can figure out about anything... lol
anyhow just trying to see what daily users think about this...

My current handheld is an FT-60R. It is my 4th HH radio. First one was a Kenwood, next a Radio Shack HTX, then an Icom 24AT and now the Yeasu.

I have learned that bells and whistle look cool when you first get a radio but in the end, you will wind up annoyed at most of them. Your first hand held should be simple, rugged, dependable and plentiful. Those standards cut down on the costs of extra batteries and other accessories, needs for repairs and confusion. Pick a HH that is common in your area, plenty of folks to help you learn it then.

Your tastes WILL change. Start with a used one if you can find one in very good condition. Look for an Old Guy (like me!) who is leaving the hobby and took care of his rigs. First accessory should be a spare battery. Next, a hand mic, Then, a rapid charger. Take is nice and easy until you figure out what you like and what you really want and then go with a new HH.

It will save you a lot of angst.

Just my 2¢ worth....

[leone35130]

I started with an Icom W32 HT and had a lot of fun with it and it was fairly simple to navigate.

I now have a VX-8R and just when I think I've got it down, I forget how to navigate its menu and have to break out a cheat sheet.