Looking for input.

[AK9R]

Also at 4.5 out of 5 in eHam user comments is the Kenwood TM-V71A which, unlike the Yaesu FT-7900, is a true dual-band radio that can receive on both "sides" of the radio simultaneously. Yes, it's more money than the KG-UV920R or FT-7900R, but it's more radio.

 

[jhooten]

Paid $298 for mine at the hamfest, BTW.

 

[SCPD]

The Kenwood V71A is truly the best mobile out there for its price range, IMHO.

 

[sparks40]

Wouxun mobile

I haven't had my hands on the Wouxun mobile, but I've heard there have been numerous issues with them. I'm not fond of the way the head angles up either. Just an aesthetics thing, I guess. I've heard good things about the Anytone AT-58888UV. I just got one yesterday, and it seems to be a pretty solid rig, with plenty of heat sink, plus a cooling fan.

The radio fits the mounting bracket for the Yaesu FT-8900R, but the housing is about 3/16" narrower. The display and operation is identical to the 8900 for the most part, and the audio isn't bad. True dual band receive and crossband repeat as well. I got it from Austin Amateur Radio Supply for $299 shipped, including the separation cable, programming cable, and software. The software isn't bad, but I'll probably get the software package from RT Systems, as their stuff is more user friendly and faster to program with. It also has better reviews than the Wouxun.

 

[VE6E0]

October QST has a review of the Anytone. Just received the magazine today, briefly skimmed the review, but it was not overly good. Measured imaged rejection was horrid, so maybe this was a defective unit, but the brief recap about the transceiver says it will get on the air inexpensively. Has some good features, but some significant drawbacks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[jhooten]

I'm not fond of the way the head angles up either. Just an aesthetics thing, I guess.

They come with different bezels that go behind the head to have it angled or not.

 

[EmilyWolf]

Have this mobile on the dash. Love it. Nice gmrs tx/rx 30 miles away.

 

[eaf1956]

Why are you wanting to transmit on a public safety frequency? You don't need a radio with their specific PL tones so unless you're wanting to transmit on those frequencies, there's no reason I can think of why you would pick a lesser quality radio for its nonstandard PL tones.

Odd I was thinking the same thing! As even if he is an authorized user is it legal to use a ham radio to transmit on them?

 

[EmilyWolf]

Odd I was thinking the same thing! As even if he is an authorized user is it legal to use a ham radio to transmit on them?

Yeah you can use whatever you want usually just check with department policy. I used a baofeng for volunteer sheriffs before, tight budget had to get some of our own gear.

 

[WA0CBW]

Need it be said again that using a non-certified part 90 radio (ham radio) on part 90 frequencies is still illegal.