Equipment Recommendations

WQIR683 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 02:50 AM

I was wondering if anyone on here had any recommendations for a reasonable repeater-capable handheld (ie not the repeater-capable bubblepacks that have been referenced in other threads) or a reasonable mobile to go into a vehicle?

--
Dan
WQIR 683

fineshot1 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 01:07 PM

This would depend on whether you have any brand preferences.

I like the used Motorola R split (403-470Mhz)MTS2000 Model 1 HT's

and

the Motorola MCS2000 Model 1 mobiles in the same band split.

and you don't need a complex flash for these radios, just conventional
operation but would be nice to have QCII feature in the flash.

Icom and Kenwood also make some nice HT's and mobiles.

gewecke · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 03:03 PM

I use a Kenwood TK 805D which works quite well on GMRS repeaters,
N9ZAS

trace1 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 03:27 PM

ICOM IC-F21GM, great little HT's.

b7spectra · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 06:45 PM

Really what ever fits your budget! There are radio's out there that are field programmable, which is nice since you can change your frequencies when you want. Some radios like Kenwood, Vertex, etc., the software is out there and lots of it is free. Motorola makes some real solid radios (older radios) such as Saber, HT1000, MT1000, MT2000, but you have to buy the software (of which since the radio's are no longer supported, good luck on finding it), a RIB (Radio Interface Box), cables and you will need a SLOW computer (read P100 or less).

You can also buy a lot of these radio's off of eBay and the sellers usually offer free programming.

Good luck with your search!

bezking · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 07:32 PM

Honestly, Motorola is just a money hole. You will probably pay more for the programming software (~$300) and the cable and RIB apparatus (~$200) than you will for the radio. Therefore I recommend Icom. The guy I buy my radios from (gmrsoutlet.com) waives the cost of the programming software if you buy the programming cable. I would recommend the IC-F43GS (or the F24 if you are looking for one of the less expensive units) for a beginner, it's pretty easy to program and has an abundance of features, not to mention the things are rugged as heck! I can't tell you how many times I have dropped my F40GT and it doesn't even waver at all.

(I'm not affiliated with Icom or GMRSoutlet in any way.)

RADIOGUY2002 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2009, 10:05 AM

Ditto, for most of the post above.

I'm selling kenwoods as well that support uhf, if you like Motorola ht1000's their on sale used for 150.00 and Motorola visars for 99.00 to 110.00.

matt131 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 11:25 AM

I myself use Icom. I have found them to have great quality radios at low prices. I use the Icom F-221S mobile, F-4161 and F-60V portables.

Great equipment for the price.

WQIR683 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-19-2009, 01:34 AM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Unfortunately since I'm trying to finish college money is a bit tight so it'll probably be awhile before I can afford anything. I don't have any brand preference but most of what I've worked with for the FD are Motorolas.

b7spectra · #10 (**permalink**) 09-19-2009, 08:45 PM

People can say what they want about Motorola, but they are what everyone tries to emulate. Call it the Craftsman Tools of radio's. Yeah, there are a lot of fancy features, lower cost and easier programming with others, but when push comes to shove, I'll stack my Motorola up against any of them for durability.

ihcollector · #11 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 01:18 PM

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8310/4.5.0.110 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/-1 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.0)

I use HYT and Midland equipment that I got from Davis Comm. I used to sell, service and use Motorola equip. The older Moto equip is great but costly to purchase programming software. The HYT and Midland were under $100.00 per radio type and use winXP or older software.

MPSCS · #12 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 03:41 PM

I like Motorola's HT-1000 for GMRS. There are numerous trusted sellers on Ebay selling these along with accessories for very fair prices. Many sellers will included GMRS programming for free, or for a very reasonable charge.

ihcollector · #13 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 04:54 PM

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8310/4.5.0.110 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/-1 UP.Link/6.3.1.20.0)

HT1000 is a great radio. I purchased 4 years ago from the Moto dealer I worked for. I have replaced 2 of the 4 with 256channel HYT's for size and weight reasons. I am in the process of selling my last 2 HT1000's.