Used Kenwood or new TYT?

[Rowdyrabbit]

I just got my technician license last week. I'm looking for a mobile rig, but I do not have much to spend. I've found a used Kenwood TM-G707A for sale locally. Actually, it's two radios for sale, but only one works. I've not seen then in person, only pictures. One works both RX and TX. one receives, but will not transmit.

I've also been looking at the TYT TH-9800. It is in my price range as well. But, I've seen quality issues listed online with these.

Ami better off with an older Kenwood, or a new TYT?

Thanks for the help.

 

[AK9R]

The TM-G707A isn't a bad radio, but it has been out of production for over 15 years. Note, I don't think you can simultaneously receive on the two bands with that radio.

I know a lot of folks are flocking to these new radio brands because of the low price. But, I think you have to ask yourself how you are going to get it serviced in the future and is there a U.S-based sales and service organization standing behind the radio.

Take a look at the Yaesu FT-7900R or Alinco DR-635T.

 

[N4GIX]

I own two TYT-7800 (dual band, dual receive) radios. Neither one has given me any trouble whatsoever over the past seven months.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

That's my biggest concern with either choice. It would be costly to get either repaired if there is a problem. I don't see either lasting forever, but I'd like for it to last long enough that I knew I was going to stick with the hobby and be in better shape to spend more. I just wonder whether an older, proven radio, or a newer off brand will last longer?

I like both of the choices you've listed, but they are both pretty far out of my price range.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

How much difference is there between the 7800 and the 9800?
I know the 9800 has more bands, but the 7800 has a higher price tag.

 

[N4GIX]

How much difference is there between the 7800 and the 9800?
I know the 9800 has more bands, but the 7800 has a higher price tag.

Amazon has both the 7800 and the 9800 priced at $198.99... :lol:

Yes, the 9800 is "Quad Band" covering 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm, however with only one SO-239 antenna port, you'll have to cope with an unbalanced antenna so performance on all bands will be compromised as well.

Both units suffer with the same problem in that all memories are shared by the dual receivers, meaning you cannot have separate memory banks. So, if you want to monitor a specific frequency - for example a 146.910 repeater - then when scanning on the "B" receiver it will lock up whenever 146.910 is active. Meaning that both receivers will be on the same frequency at the same time.

On the other hand, the 9800 is also capable of receiving VFH AM aircraft frequencies, so if that's of any interest, it may be worth the trade off in performance.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

I looked at the price again after I posted it. I thought the 9800 was closer to $150, but I was mistaken.

In general, would the older Kenwood be a wise decision, or are older radios just too much of a gamble? I know that's a very subjective question since I don't know much about the condition. The Kenwood deal is 2 radios, but only one will transmit. Price is around $150, but could probably be bought a little less.

I'm just a little leery of the Chinese radios for my first radio. I have a Baofeng ht that works pretty well, but due to its low price it's not near the gamble.

Thanks again for the replies and the help.

 

[AK9R]

Do you need a dual-band radio? Is there enough activity on the 440 MHz band in your area to justify a dual-band radio? I ask because there are plenty of new 2m mobile radios for less than $150.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

I didn't expect there to be, but there actually is quite a bit of activity on
440. I would feel likeness selling myself short only having one band.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

I called to go look at the Kenwood radios, but they were sold.

I could be convinced to try the TYT, but I need to hear from a few people who have experience with them for more than a few days. Amazon reviews are fine, but I always wonder how they've held up down the road.

Also, what are some common models that are generally reliable and in the ~$150 range used? Or does such a creature exist?

Thanks again for the help. It's all still new to me.

 

[N4KVE]

I would pay good $ for a 10 year old Kenwood vs a TYT for free. No customer support, no US repair/warranty center. Just a poor clone of a Yaesu FT8900.

 

[R8000]

I would pay good $ for a 10 year old Kenwood vs a TYT for free. No customer support, no US repair/warranty center. Just a poor clone of a Yaesu FT8900.

I agree

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

That's kind of what I was thinking. I don't mind paying $25 for a hand held Baofeng knowing it may crap out at any time. If it does I'm out $25. A $200 radio crapping out is different.

 

[N4KVE]

Here's 1 feedback post on the radio from E-Ham dot net.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11746



EDIT: The text of the review from eHam.net has been replaced with a link to all of the eHam reviews for this radio.

 

[Rowdyrabbit]

I remember reading that exact post now, but I had forgotten about it. That pretty well seals the deal on all of this. Looks like I'm starting back over. I'll go back to looking for a used radio. I'm surprised how few I'm finding in my local area. I've checked craigslist regularly for a while now, but there's rarely anything there. I know there must be good radios around for sale, I'm just not seeing them.

 

[AC2OY]

Rowdy look into a Kenwood F6-A it's a triband radio. Not a bad radio and its ruggid. New or used I don't think you can go wrong for a first radio. I still have mine and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[AK9R]

I believe that the OP is looking for a mobile radio, not a handheld.

 

[Token]

How much difference is there between the 7800 and the 9800?
I know the 9800 has more bands, but the 7800 has a higher price tag.

If I remember right the TYT-9800 has been on the market longer than the TYT-7800. The TYT-9800 was more expensive when it was first introduced, and has come down in price over time. The 7800 has not fallen as far from its initial price yet.

While the TYT-9800 is a knock off of the Kenwood FT-9800R, the TYT-7800 appears to be a knock off of the FT-8800R. Not sure why they changed the numbering scheme.

Some people have had great luck with the TYT's, others not so much. Since the price delta from the TYT, no-name, no support, radios to the Kenwood known name, known support is so small, $60 to $100 depending on sources and coupons, I would not opt for the TYT myself.

T!

 

[Token]

Yes, the 9800 is "Quad Band" covering 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm, however with only one SO-239 antenna port, you'll have to cope with an unbalanced antenna so performance on all bands will be compromised as well.

Not sure what you mean by this. There are a couple of good antennas on the market that cover the 4 bands of the 9800. Sure, the 10 meter and 6 meter portions of these antennas are lower gain than the 2 meter and 70 cm, but colinear mobile antennas on 10 meters are not really a thing.

In other words, the gain of the quad band antenna is not significantly less than you would have using single band antennas in roughly the same size limitation.

But, if single band antennas are your thing, you can use diplexers to break the bands out to each single band. I originally did exactly this with my first FT-9800r.

T!

 

[AK9R]

While the TYT-9800 is a knock off of the Kenwood FT-9800R...

I don't believe Kenwood ever made a radio with the model number FT-9800R. Are you referring to the Yaesu FT-8900R?