Well Mike, thanks for answering my question and clarifying your purpose. More often than not poorly worded and unclear questions mislead as yours did and then there are the show-offs but that's another can of worms. Oh and BTW, I'm relaxed to begin with, if I relax any more I'll fall apart.
One little hint though, good thing you're listening and picking up on things but please don't pick up the wrong things. Repeaters are hangouts where operation is very casual so basically courtesy is all there is to procedure, pretty much the same with point to point FM simplex. When it comes to modes other than FM and DX it gets more like HF but we can cover that another time. Beware the CBers and the idiotic lingo, often even those who didn't bring excess baggage from another band tend to use "terms" where plain English will do. Please don't copy them, come the day someone asks me the usual question "Is that a CB?" and I agree is the day I mail my license back for cancellation.
"On a happier note i should be getting a yeasu vx8r soon."
Oh I've been happy all along, happy to help any way I can being it's my way of paying back the help I have been given. Speaking of which an HT is a very poor choice for a beginner's first radio due to limited range and versatility. Then there are problems with them eating batteries and overheating when used at full output for extended periods. Many new hams who go that route are quickly disappointed and quit before even getting off the ground, I'd hate to see yet another. You'd be much better off with a mobile, power supply and base antenna, once you become more familiar you may consider putting it in the car from time to time. Save the portable for last IF you think you need a portable.
Think first before you waste your money particularly since a 6M portable is like teats on a bull unless you happen to be sitting near an active repeater. Both 6 and 220 are very little used so regardless of what sort of rig you buy leave those bands to more advanced users. Your best bet is a simple, easy to use (few needless bells and whistles) dual band (2M/70cM) mobile with power supply and antenna as mentioned above. No sense getting in over your head first time in the pool, best you learn to swim first.
Good luck and have fun, that's what it's all about!
