Upcoming test and upcoming purchase

SlipNutz15 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 09:25 PM

I have my Ham test coming up this Saturday, Aug 8, and I have been looking to purchase a dual or tri-band portable radio. Looking for input. I've been looking at Yaesu and iCom and was looking for simple but semi rugged radio that will put up with me. The local frequency is VHF but there are some 144/222/420 bands just outside my area which are in my travels and was looking for a popular dual- or tri-band. What are your recommendations and why?

gcgrotz · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009, 10:01 AM

I use a Yaesu VX6, it has 1.25 watts on 220 and lots of memories. Took it with me on a cruise last year, loaded marine and air freqs in it, and carried a copy of my Ham license.

I might consider a VX8 now, it wasn't out when I bought the '6.

They are both pretty rugged, and I always thought the VX7 magnesium case was cool but power on 220 is much lower.

SlipNutz15 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 12:09 AM

Passed my Technician and General Class License Test. Now I'm waiting for my callsign to show up on the FCC's website. Still debating on a radio. A lot of the radios used around my area are FT-60's and they look ok. There's no 222 around me but I'd like the capability if needed so maybe the 6R... Thanks!

K2QI · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 02:22 PM

Congrats on passing the tests. Quick question; you're not planning on using an amateur radio for your professional duties as an EMT/FF are you?

SlipNutz15 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A400 Safari/528.16)

No. I use an MT1000 VHF-Low for fire department and an HT1250 UHF for EMS operations.

Why do you ask?

K2QI · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlipNutz15

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A400 Safari/528.16)

No. I use an MT1000 VHF-Low for fire department and an HT1250 UHF for EMS operations.

Why do you ask?

Just curious; we had another person who was a volunteer FF ask on another ham forum how to modify his radio to transmit out of frequency so he could use it to contact his dispatcher. That is a big no no.

SlipNutz15 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 07:34 PM

No, but I do have another question. Am I allowed to use my HT1250 UHF to transmit on 440 band amateur radio frequencies or do I need to purchase another radio? I do not have a VHF radio yet but I was thinking about getting another HT1250 or equivalent so I can use for public safety with surrounding counties and possibly with amateur. Anyone able to verify or deny any of this?

K2QI · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 09:35 PM

You can legally use your professional or industrial HT's to transmit on the amateur bands so long as you're licensed and have operating privileges for that band. It's the other way around that's not legal; i.e. using amateur equipment within the professional segment regardless of license. The MT1250 is a fine UHF radio, and would work well on the amateur frequencies. I'm assuming your model is banded for 435-480 MHz or somewhere close to that?

SlipNutz15 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 09:43 PM

It's the HT1250 but yes, it's 403-470MHz. I'm licensed as a Tech and General Amateur Class user now, just waiting for my callsign to show up. Thank you for clarifying this. I knew it was illegal to use an amateur radio for professional but I wanted to make sure it was ok to use a professional radio for amateur.

SlipNutz15 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 07:30 AM

I believe I have decided on the Yaesu VX-7R. Hopefully I'll be on the air soon talking to one of you guys, somewhere!

K2QI · #11 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 08:24 AM

The VX-7 is a good radio. It's AF is a bit low since the speaker is covered by a protective film. Same goes for the mic; you have to close-talk it to get decent modulation. If you can live with those minor things, then you're good to go. Otherwise, have a look at some of Yaesu's monobanders.

The VX-270 and VX-177 are great 2m and 70cm HT's. They're loud with about 700-800mw audio out and simple to operate. They're also water resistant, mil-spec, and built like bricks. They're probably the closest thing to buying a Motorola in an amateur radio that you can get. Best part is they're cheap too; usually around 110 bucks new.

SlipNutz15 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 09:21 PM

Thank you for that info. I'm hoping this radio provides for me for a long time.

SlipNutz15 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 10:48 PM

Finally got my callsign from the FCC. Now I need to get on the air...