bhadresh
Member
I am looking for a new digital handheld radio for more than a week now. I have decided either to go with Yaesu System Fusion or DMR as off now.
The problem with DMR is that most of the better quality radios available are single band. I know that around 90% of DMR repeaters operates on UHF, but if I get a dual band radio then it also helps me to communicate on analog VHF repeaters in my area. There are a few Chinese manufactured dual band DMR radios, but the overall reviews about these radios is not very good. The single band radio which I found of good quality is CS650. But again, I would be happy to go for a dual bander.
The other option is Yaesu System Fusion. There are 2 radios which I see are currently available, which are FT-70DR and FT-2DR. I see good feedback about FT-70DR, but there are many forums/blogs which complains about its battery. The battery life on FT-70DR is a serious issue it seems. The other Yaesu radio, FT-2DR has antenna complains. The complaint is not as strong as FT-70DR's battery though. I am afraid if I go for FT-2DR and if the antenna is not performing then I will not be able to reach the nearby repeaters clearly. I need my radio to cover 15-20 miles. (My area's terrain info given at the end)
Some of you might ask why not D-Star?
I have no issues with D-Star as such. The problem is that, there is only 1 D-Star repeater in 25 miles radius from where I stay. So it doesn't make any sense to go for D-Star as off now.
Just for information, I do not stay in a city where we have tall buildings. The area where I stay have 2 story houses, some woods and office buildings (3-4 stories).
Whatever I have mentioned above is all based on which I have been reading and watching on internet. I need help from folks who really have experience with digital handhelds and can help me with the ground reality and help me make decision to buy the right device.
The problem with DMR is that most of the better quality radios available are single band. I know that around 90% of DMR repeaters operates on UHF, but if I get a dual band radio then it also helps me to communicate on analog VHF repeaters in my area. There are a few Chinese manufactured dual band DMR radios, but the overall reviews about these radios is not very good. The single band radio which I found of good quality is CS650. But again, I would be happy to go for a dual bander.
The other option is Yaesu System Fusion. There are 2 radios which I see are currently available, which are FT-70DR and FT-2DR. I see good feedback about FT-70DR, but there are many forums/blogs which complains about its battery. The battery life on FT-70DR is a serious issue it seems. The other Yaesu radio, FT-2DR has antenna complains. The complaint is not as strong as FT-70DR's battery though. I am afraid if I go for FT-2DR and if the antenna is not performing then I will not be able to reach the nearby repeaters clearly. I need my radio to cover 15-20 miles. (My area's terrain info given at the end)
Some of you might ask why not D-Star?
I have no issues with D-Star as such. The problem is that, there is only 1 D-Star repeater in 25 miles radius from where I stay. So it doesn't make any sense to go for D-Star as off now.
Just for information, I do not stay in a city where we have tall buildings. The area where I stay have 2 story houses, some woods and office buildings (3-4 stories).
Whatever I have mentioned above is all based on which I have been reading and watching on internet. I need help from folks who really have experience with digital handhelds and can help me with the ground reality and help me make decision to buy the right device.