Suggestions For Simple 2 Meter Rigs?

N3ISME · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 4:45 PM

I'm looking for a simple to program 2 meter only ht & mobile rig. I'm tired of rigs with fancy bells & whistles, difficult menus, etc. I do not want to carry an operator's manual with me all the time. Anything out there where an engineering degree is not required?

kf4sek · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 5:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N3ISME

I'm looking for a simple to program 2 meter only ht & mobile rig. I'm tired of rigs with fancy bells & whistles, difficult menus, etc. I do not want to carry an operator's manual with me all the time. Anything out there where an engineering degree is not required?

I would recommend Alinco. They have very easy-to-program HTs and mobiles at reasonable prices. The DR-135T is the 2M mobile and the DJ-195T or DJ-175 (newer radio but still easy to program) is the HT. I have owned both the DR-135T mobile and DJ-195T HT and they were a breeze to program.

The Icom IC-2200H or IC-2300H are also nice, although more expensive. As is the Icom IC-V8000, which provides 75 watts on 2M at high power and a nice and loud front-firing speaker.

I hope that helps a little. 73!

n9mxq · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 5:54 PM

+1 for Alinco. The DR-130's are a great little rig. The HT's are great to program. If you can find a DJ-F1T handheld you won't be disappointed. I still have a couple in my radio stable. I've never had to work hard to program any Alinco radio, as most of it is intuitve, or simple to figure out even without a manual.

I don't think the Icoms qualify as "easy to program" unless you have the software to do so. Yes, I own a 2200 and 2720.

kf4sek · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 6:11 PM

I just looked at the DJ-F1T. That is a nice looking HT. I will have to look for one at the next hamfest I go to. I can see why you suggested it.

n9mxq · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 6:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kf4sek

I just looked at the DJ-F1T. That is a nice looking HT. I will have to look for one at the next hamfest I go to. I can see why you suggested it.

If you can keep an eye on eBay (if you do that) they pop up quite a bit. I've gotten my last 2 there for reasonable prices. But the batteries are usually shot.. A quick eBay search will find the alkaline packs, which I recommend keeping on hand.

They're a solid little radio that you know you're holding when you have it in your hand. I have a couple parts donors in my junk drawer in case any of mine go poof..

WB4CS · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 6:53 PM

Everyone has made some great suggestions, so I'll make my great suggestion as well

If you're looking for a no-frills no bells and whistles simple 2 meter mobile and HT, look no further!

The Kenwood TM-281A mobile and Kenwood TH-K20A handheld are excellent, solid, simple 2 meter radios. They are both built off of the same platform as similar Kenwood LMR/Commercial radios so they are rugged and good quality. The RX/TX audio is loud and clear. They both run +/- $125.00 each. Easy to program via the menu or with the free Kenwood software (cable sold separately.) I personally own both radios and in nearly 20 years of ham radio, they've both been the best 2 meter radios I've ever owned.

Kenwood - TM-281A

Kenwood - TH-K20A

Good luck with your decision, there's a lot of good radios out there to choose from.

n9mxq · #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 8:35 PM

I'd also like to throw in the Radio Shack 2m rigs. Both the HT and Mobiles.. They are the epitome of basic starter rigs that are very reliable.

If you can find them, they'd be great additions.

LtDoc · #8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2013, 9:39 PM

I can say from having one that the Kenwood TM-281 is about as simple as it get's and has very nice performance. Shop around, you might be surprised at the cost variances.
As for an HT, you're on your own. I have a Wouxun that does very nicely for what I use it for. It is cheap, but it is not simple or easy to program. It does exactly what it's supposed to do so works just fine for me. From there it's up to you.
- 'Doc

MOONBOOTS · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2013, 9:47 AM

If you can find a used Yaesu 2400, or 2500, they are great radios, & simple to operate. They are also 1st cousins to their commercial radio line, & don't get intermod. I've had a few since new, & the only maintenance I've needed was to replace the memory battery. But if you want a new radio, you can't beat the above mentioned Kenwood.

doctor795 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2013, 6:24 PM

I have 2 ALINCOS DR135MK11 simple simple to program and operate....it also does packet with the additional board installed and works great..
DOCTOR

mrweather · #11 (**permalink**) 03-20-2013, 8:46 PM

I too support the Kenwood TM-281A for a mobile rig. Simple display, simple buttons, loud audio.

N3ISME · #12 (**permalink**) 03-20-2013, 8:58 PM

I'm considering the purchase of a new Kenwood TM-281A. The only thing that irks me is that it's made in china & the case is plastic. Am i taking a big risk in purchasing this rig?

W9BU · #13 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 5:36 AM

Made in China is probably going to be hard to avoid these days. If it's a real issue, then look at Icom or Yaesu...though I can't vouch for where they are made, either.

What makes you believe the case on the TM-281A is plastic? The front panel may be plastic (as is the front panel on every amateur mobile radio I've owned), but the rest of the housing appears to be stamped sheet metal. I suspect that the chassis is die-cast aluminum and is used as a heat sink for the final amplifier devices.

LtDoc · #14 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 10:39 AM

The top of the case of a TM-281 is plastic. That hasn't been an issue for me so far. How the radio is mounted usually means that top of the case isn't exposed to much 'stress', but that's up to the user, right? I don't have much of an issue about things being made in China, most 'big name' radios have been made in China for some time now (as well as a lot of other things, and that doesn't make it automatically 'bad').
If the plastic parts make that much difference to you then I would suggest looking for another radio. I haven't found it to be a risk to this point. It may turn out to be a risk in the next 20 minutes, but I sort of doubt it, maybe...
- 'Doc

W2NJS · #15 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 10:56 AM

From time to time you'll come across much older VHF/UHF radios, such as the Icom 3200. The 3200 has PL but no scanning and can be had pretty cheaply.

rescue161 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 6:34 PM

It doesn't get any simpler (from an operators stand point) than a Maxtrac. Once it is programmed, you can edit the scan list from the face plate. Great audio too. They are dirt cheap right now due to narrow banding requirements, but the Amateur radio spectrum is not affected. I just gave one to my uncle for his first ham radio.

Five buttons on the front with a 2 digit display. Two buttons to change the channel (up/down), one to scan, one to monitor, and one to select channels during scan list programming. No silly sub-menus to memorize. Although you do have to know what channel is what, that is easily done with a frequency/channel list taped to the radio.