I'm looking for a simple and easy to program handy talky

[kc0bus]

Hello,
I'm looking for a new or used handy talky that is simple and easy to program and set up for use. I just need a 2-meter FM only transceiver. Other features that I'm looking for are 1) external DC power socket so the HT can be powered by an external power source such as an optional cigarette lighter adapter (not all HT's have this feature), 2) good quality loud audio volume (not all HT's have this feature either). Not all HT's are simple and easy to program and set up for use either.
Thank you

 

[sloop]

Try the Yaesu FT270 (2 meter only,FT170 old version) or the VX6R (144,220,440). Both are simple to 'field' program or you can use a computer.

 

[mmckenna]

^ I agree, or the Yaesu vx-170 if you are willing to purchase used. I've been happy with those. Good loud audio for a small radio. Easy"ish" to program. Has an external DC port.

 

[dgmaley]

An oldie but a goodie.
Ham version of a commercial HT. Yaesu FT-23R.
2m only. Has 10 memories. Very hardy.
If you have trouble programming this one, you need help.
Dave
WA0ZZG

 

[N5TWB]

Hello,
I'm looking for a new or used handy talky that is simple and easy to program and set up for use. I just need a 2-meter FM only transceiver. Other features that I'm looking for are 1) external DC power socket so the HT can be powered by an external power source such as an optional cigarette lighter adapter (not all HT's have this feature), 2) good quality loud audio volume (not all HT's have this feature either). Not all HT's are simple and easy to program and set up for use either.
Thank you

You just described my 1980s vintage Kenwood TH-215 but I don't plan on getting rid of it.

 

[k6cpo]

Try the Yaesu FT270 (2 meter only,FT170 old version) or the VX6R (144,220,440). Both are simple to 'field' program or you can use a computer.

The FT-270 is virtually bulletproof. With the stock antenna it is also submersible... (The VX-170 was the older version.)

 

[ab3a]

If you're looking for a durable, stone simple 2m handheld radio, look on the used market for the Icom IC-2AT.

It has no memories. It has no programming. It has thumb-wheel switches to set the frequency, and slide switches to set the offset.

These radios were very popular in the 1980s and you can still find them on e-bay today for very little money. They're not the most sensitive or selective radios, but you can't beat them for the price.

 

[K5MPH]

^ I agree, or the Yaesu vx-170 if you are willing to purchase used. I've been happy with those. Good loud audio for a small radio. Easy"ish" to program. Has an external DC port.

Im with mmckenna the vx-170 is very easy to field program i own one of these and have never had any trouble to program it with out an computer.......

 

[khaytsus]

If you're looking for a durable, stone simple 2m handheld radio, look on the used market for the Icom IC-2AT.

It has no memories. It has no programming. It has thumb-wheel switches to set the frequency, and slide switches to set the offset.

These radios were very popular in the 1980s and you can still find them on e-bay today for very little money. They're not the most sensitive or selective radios, but you can't beat them for the price.

$80 for a 30 year old HT that you would have to rebuild the battery pack by hand and probably replace caps on?

erm.... I think I'd rather carry a small cheat sheet if programming were THAT difficult. No radio is hard to program the current frequency in. Set it to a channel can be weird on some radios, but even baofengs you can set the current frequency, offset, PL etc in about 20s, max.