KB2GOM
Active Member
If it also has wideband receive and the ability to scan while maintaining watch on a ham frequency, even better!
Recommendation for 2m/440 dual band/dual watch mobile rig?
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KA0KDW
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Check out the icom 2730A. It may meet your needs. It has had an all channels set up or you can program banks. It’s super easy to program form the radio or you can use software (although I never have because it’s super easy to program by hand).
A step up would be the Icom ID-5100. Large touchscreen, full features.
www.icomamerica.com
ID-5100A VHF/UHF Dual Band D-STAR Transceiver - Features - Icom America
www.icomamerica.com
Alinco DR-MD500 / Anytone AT-D578UV (they are cousins, if not siblings). Wideband VHF and UHF if that's what you are looking for.
Both are dual-receive (not just dual-watch) and you can scan on one receiver while the other is parked on a frequency. Yes, they are DMR, but work just great on analog too (I use mine mostly on analog). The programming includes the concept of "zones" which makes it easy to group things by function or location.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
I'll vote for the V71A, if you can find one. Bulletproof receiver, does cross band repeat like a boss, 50 watts out on both band, and it's a proven model with few problems. Second to that, a Yaesu FT-8800R, similar in performance to the V71A. Both have been discontinued- or at least the V71A is always on back order, and prices skyrocketed from around $369 new to over $500. The D710GA is the SAME RADIO with an enhanced control head with GPS and APRS capability.
The Yaesu FTM-300DR is one to consider: even if you never use YSF, it does true dual RX, cross band repeat, great display, a quick release mounting bracket, and you can download FREE software for programming (via micro SD card). It's also JAPANESE MADE and has a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
The Yaesu FTM-300DR is one to consider: even if you never use YSF, it does true dual RX, cross band repeat, great display, a quick release mounting bracket, and you can download FREE software for programming (via micro SD card). It's also JAPANESE MADE and has a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
R&L Electronics in HAMilton, Ohio, claims they have them in stock: TM-V71A KENWOOD TMV71A 144/440MHz MOBILE
So does Ham Radio Outlet: KENWOOD TM-V71A Transceivers Mobile Dual Band 2m-70cm, TMV71A
And, MTC Radio: Kenwood TM-V71A 144/440 MHz Mobile In Stock Hurry
Gigaparts says they have them at their distro center, but not in their stores: Kenwood TM-V71A
KB2GOM
Active Member
Wow . . . thanks to all. This is terrific info.
I currently run the Commuter Assistance Net on 2 meters every work day morning. (Details here https://thebig94.wordpress.com/commuter-assistance-net/ and here
).
Currently I am running a Motorola 1250, which allows me to scan the three net frequencies (main freq and two backups) as well as three NY State Police frequencies), into a Comet GP-1.
I understand there is such a thing as a diplexer (not a duplexer) that allows two transceivers to be connecting to one feedline and antenna without frying each other on transmit. My intention is to use the VHF/UHF mobile to monitor other ham frequencies (440 for example) and then transfer the mobile to my van when I am out and about.
There is a lot to think about from your various inputs. I think I would prefer Japanese-made if possible.
Thanks again for all your input.
= KB2GOM
I currently run the Commuter Assistance Net on 2 meters every work day morning. (Details here https://thebig94.wordpress.com/commuter-assistance-net/ and here
Currently I am running a Motorola 1250, which allows me to scan the three net frequencies (main freq and two backups) as well as three NY State Police frequencies), into a Comet GP-1.
I understand there is such a thing as a diplexer (not a duplexer) that allows two transceivers to be connecting to one feedline and antenna without frying each other on transmit. My intention is to use the VHF/UHF mobile to monitor other ham frequencies (440 for example) and then transfer the mobile to my van when I am out and about.
There is a lot to think about from your various inputs. I think I would prefer Japanese-made if possible.
Thanks again for all your input.
= KB2GOM
If you stick with anything made my Kenwood, Yaesu or Icom, you will be happy with it.
Alinco used to be OK, now they are just rebranding cheap china junk.
As others said the TM-V71, FTM-400, FTM-300, IC-5100 and the IC-2730 are decent. Stick with the big three brand names and you really can't go wrong.
The Alinco DR-735 may be OK as I looks like they haven't ruined that one yet with a CCR rebranding, but give them time and they probably will.
As far a Japanese made goes, there's one variable here. Its generally OK to have a product engineered by a Japanese company, but made in China to their spec. It's the engineered/copied in China and made in China radios that you need to avoid.
The CDM 1250 is a hell of a good radio. They are fine if you don't need to the flexability a ham rig provides.
Alinco used to be OK, now they are just rebranding cheap china junk.
As others said the TM-V71, FTM-400, FTM-300, IC-5100 and the IC-2730 are decent. Stick with the big three brand names and you really can't go wrong.
The Alinco DR-735 may be OK as I looks like they haven't ruined that one yet with a CCR rebranding, but give them time and they probably will.
As far a Japanese made goes, there's one variable here. Its generally OK to have a product engineered by a Japanese company, but made in China to their spec. It's the engineered/copied in China and made in China radios that you need to avoid.
The CDM 1250 is a hell of a good radio. They are fine if you don't need to the flexability a ham rig provides.
KB2GOM
Active Member
R8000
" The CDM 1250 is a hell of a good radio. They are fine if you don't need to the flexability a ham rig provides "
Agreed. The receiver is excellent, and the transmitter is exceptionally clean. My old 706 required reducing power to 7 watts to prevent lighting up stuff in the house. With the 1250, I can run full power (usually not needed) with no household problems.
In addition, you can program in a bunch of frequencies and then specify a subset of those for scanning. The only problem is -- as you point out -- that you need connect a programming cable to change things. Fortunately, you can turn off scanning, specify a nuisance channel, and change power with the touch of a button. For the Commuter Assistance Net, it is well-nigh perfect.
" The CDM 1250 is a hell of a good radio. They are fine if you don't need to the flexability a ham rig provides "
Agreed. The receiver is excellent, and the transmitter is exceptionally clean. My old 706 required reducing power to 7 watts to prevent lighting up stuff in the house. With the 1250, I can run full power (usually not needed) with no household problems.
In addition, you can program in a bunch of frequencies and then specify a subset of those for scanning. The only problem is -- as you point out -- that you need connect a programming cable to change things. Fortunately, you can turn off scanning, specify a nuisance channel, and change power with the touch of a button. For the Commuter Assistance Net, it is well-nigh perfect.
+1 on the Icom 2730A. I've had one for four years, but I do chide Icom for nickel and diming customers by not providing a mobile mounting bracket and remote head mounting hardware. I do most of my programming with RT Systems software.
Were it still in production, I'd recommend the Yaesu FT8800. I really prefer it over my Icom 2730A for ease of operation and programming. The FT 8900 is still available (as far as I know), and has pretty much the same programming logic. It's a quad band unit (2m, 440 plus 10m and 6m). I have the TYT TH 9800, which is a CCR knock off of the 8900.
This is a little late, but adding a vote for the V71. It has true dual receive, and can RX on one band while TXing on another. An older radio with very similar capabilities is the Kenwood TM-742, with the appropriate band modules for the bands of interest.
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