dual-band mobile radio for storm spotter

[ladn]

Also look at the Icom 2730A. I have one in one of my vehicles (and a Yaesu FT-8800 in another). I use Larsen NMO 2/70 antennas on both radios.
In addition to the radio and antenna, you will also want programming software. RT Systems provides software with cables for a variety of radios..

 

[mrweather]

In terms of their dual-band radios, Yaesu seems to be pushing their Fusion models. The FTM-7250DR is reasonably priced, basic dual-band radio. But if you want dual-receive, you're relegated to the FTM-400XDR or the new FTM-300DR. Both are over double the price of a 7250.

Disclosure: I own two 400XDRs and a 7250DR and have had no issues with any of them.

 

[MTS2000des]

The 2730A sucks at crossband repeating. It can't cope with different PL tones on each band when crossbanding. A bug plaguing Icom dual bands for years. The Yaesu's and Kenwoods are kings of crossband. The V71A/D710GA are essentially the exact same radio with different control heads.

Wasn't aware the 8900 is discontinued. The one I bought in early 2020 has a late serial number and is a "Yaesu The Radio" product post the split from Motorola-Vertex. Guess I got lucky. I paid $339 for it.

 

[chief21]

The 8900 seems to be discontinued on universal-radio and gigaparts; can you recommend another 70cm/2m Yaesu?

The Yaesu FTM-400 is a popular model... excellent display, true dual-band, separate head, distinct upper and lower memory groups, cross-band, fast scanning, etc. It also does Fusion C4FM (digital), but even discounting the digital, I think it is an awesome radio. I have 4 of them.

 

[bjewett]

You do know that you have to get licensed in order to get on the air, right?

Yes - not sure how long that will take with quarantine

 

[bjewett]

The 2730A sucks at crossband repeating. It can't cope with different PL tones on each band when crossbanding. A bug plaguing Icom dual bands for years. The Yaesu's and Kenwoods are kings of crossband. The V71A/D710GA are essentially the exact same radio with different control heads.

Wasn't aware the 8900 is discontinued. The one I bought in early 2020 has a late serial number and is a "Yaesu The Radio" product post the split from Motorola-Vertex. Guess I got lucky. I paid $339 for it.

I had not heard that about the 2730. That and wondering how many $$ accessories - like connecting face control to body - I would need to actually make it work -- will stick with the big two brands.

 

[alcahuete]

Yes - not sure how long that will take with quarantine

Several groups are doing online testing. You could have it this weekend if you wanted to, assuming there are slots available.

 

[russbrill]

Greetings. I'm a meteorologist looking for a mobile ham radio for communicating with skywarn/NWS radio networks. That's it. As such I'm considering 50W (for range) and 70cm/2m, which seems to be the bands of interest, ~144/440 MHz. I am not currently a ham. My best friend ham radio expert has passed away

I'd appreciate your thoughts. I am tech- and car-wiring-friendly but not a pro. The more intuitive the better, and I won't be trying to broadcast out of band or hit hams in other countries.

In the lowest-price well-regarded radios I was seeing the Kenwood TM-V71a and Yaesu 8*** radios. I'm surprised these radios originated 5-10 years ago but they seem to be some folks' favorites. I see the anti-China-radio community and don't care beyond ease of use and reliability, which seems to take me back to the above two. The Icom's seem to require extra $100s of add-ons, so I'm less inclined there. Any thoughts are much appreciated.

Icom IC-2730A, nice radio..

 

[MTS2000des]

I had not heard that about the 2730. That and wondering how many $$ accessories - like connecting face control to body - I would need to actually make it work -- will stick with the big two brands.

The remote kit and actual radio bracket are OPTIONAL, or they were when I bought one in 2016.
Wasn't impressed with this radio, especially for cross band. Gave it to a new ham as a 1st radio and bought an FT-8900R to replace it.

 

[kayn1n32008]

The 2730A sucks at crossband repeating. It can't cope with different PL tones on each band when crossbanding. A bug plaguing Icom dual bands for years. The Yaesu's and Kenwoods are kings of crossband. The V71A/D710GA are essentially the exact same radio with different control heads.

Wasn't aware the 8900 is discontinued. The one I bought in early 2020 has a late serial number and is a "Yaesu The Radio" product post the split from Motorola-Vertex. Guess I got lucky. I paid $339 for it.

Crossband repeat offered on the V71A is FAR superior to the FT-8800. If crossband repeat is a requirement, I would buy the TM-V71A.

 

[cmdrwill]

I would buy the TM-V71A.

YES the Kenwood TMV-71A IS a GREAT radio.