Mobile 220 options?

[tweiss3]

There is some 220 activity in my area, and I'd like to add a 220 radio to my shack (other that the TH-D74) but I see only 3 options for 220 that one can buy new right now.

BridgeCom BCM-220
Alinco DR-235TKMIII
TYT TH-9000D

Are there any other options? I'm not so sure on the BridgeCom of TYT, I don't want to buy junk that doesn't work well or fries in a year.

 

[danesgs]

Read my article on Eham.net

https://www.eham.net/

 

[danesgs]

Miklor also has reviews on a 220 amp for any 5 watt 220 HT.

 

[sallen07]

Are there any other options? I'm not so sure on the BridgeCom of TYT, I don't want to buy junk that doesn't work well or fries in a year.

Anytone AT-D578UV

 

[WB9YBM]

There is some 220 activity in my area, and I'd like to add a 220 radio to my shack (other that the TH-D74) but I see only 3 options for 220 that one can buy new right now.

BridgeCom BCM-220
Alinco DR-235TKMIII
TYT TH-9000D

Are there any other options? I'm not so sure on the BridgeCom of TYT, I don't want to buy junk that doesn't work well or fries in a year.

Have you considered the used market? I've got an ICOM mobile that I've had good luck with. I've also heard a lot of people in the Chicago area mention the Alinco with positive comments.

 

[krokus]

There may be some Jetstream 220 models still around.

 

[ko6jw_2]

I have owned a BCM-220 for some time and it has been excellent. They stopped selling them for a while, but they seem to be available again. The BCH-220 HT is no longer available apparently. Also have one of those.

 

[tweiss3]

Thanks all!

I have a HT that works on 220, but I don't have the power/elevation to get into most of the repeaters. I don't mind going used, but the used market for 220 is almost non-existent. I will take a look at the BCM220 again.

 

[sallen07]

I will take a look at the BCM220 again.

I really like my AT-D578UV but I use it as a base radio (currently on UHF only) and haven't tried 220. I do know the power is considerably lower on 220, like 5 watts I think.

The 578 is also DMR if you have any interest in getting into that.

 

[tweiss3]

I really like my AT-D578UV but I use it as a base radio (currently on UHF only) and haven't tried 220. I do know the power is considerably lower on 220, like 5 watts I think.

The 578 is also DMR if you have any interest in getting into that.

I have an 878+, and honestly in my house its completely deaf from front end overload. It has even been replaced under warranty by Bridgecom. I'm not really interested on paying $500 for something that performs worse than my current 2m & 70cm base station just to add 220. I also have a different direction I want to go with my next 2m/70cm unit.

 

[sallen07]

I have an 878+, and honestly in my house its completely deaf from front end overload. It has even been replaced under warranty by Bridgecom. I'm not really interested on paying $500 for something that performs worse than my current 2m & 70cm base station just to add 220. I also have a different direction I want to go with my next 2m/70cm unit.

OK, your original post just said "I only know of these three options for 220", not that you knew about the 578 but weren't interested.

I don't have an 878 so I cannot compare notes with you on that. The 578 works great for me. I wanted DMR, and didn't really care about 220 so the $400 (not $500) was money well-spent in my book.

Good luck with your quest.

 

[tweiss3]

OK, your original post just said "I only know of these three options for 220", not that you knew about the 578 but weren't interested.

I don't have an 878 so I cannot compare notes with you on that. The 578 works great for me. I wanted DMR, and didn't really care about 220 so the $400 (not $500) was money well-spent in my book.

Good luck with your quest.

I knew about it, but forgot about it at the same time.

 

[AK9R]

I have a HT that works on 220, but I don't have the power/elevation to get into most of the repeaters.

Would an outside antenna help?

 

[tweiss3]

Would an outside antenna help?

I have thought about that. I have a few short lengths of coax sitting in the closet. I'm trying to source a reasonable priced 220 only antenna and stick that in the attic to see if that is enough to reach out.

 

[KD2FIQ]

I had the TYT. Good radio till it died on me. Similar to Jetstream but had more watts. Button interface weird.

 

[tweiss3]

I had the TYT. Good radio till it died on me. Similar to Jetstream but had more watts. Button interface weird.

I appreciate that input. I was afraid that might be the case. I know someone that had another TYT arrive DOA.

I had a lead on a used Alinco, but it had been sold. The search continues.

 

[KD2FIQ]

It's a shame. 220 is a fun band. Nice characteristics. Also like a private band as there are so few people on it LOL! Not that that is a good thing. I wish it was packed. We'd probably get more radios.

 

[jhooten]

I had the TYT. Good radio till it died on me. Similar to Jetstream but had more watts. Button interface weird.

I bought a jetstream and tyt about 8 years (three trucks) ago. The jetstream died after a few months. The tyt is in the current truck still going strong. It is a roll of the dice it appears.

 

[vagrant]

I use this 1.25m antenna. It may fit in your attic as well. Try this with your handheld first. You will need something if you get a mobile anyways. A single run of LMR-400 coax would be good, if able.

This site is under construction.

 

[mass-man]

I used the Alinco for years...absolute workhorse! In and out of the mobile, lots of late nite, long winded rag chews. One weekend I forgot to hook up the antenna in the shack and it still got into a nearby repeater for several hours before I noticed! Only minor caveat was I used the narrow band width as by all accounts it made my transmit audio a little punchier on simplex!(where it matters!)
In Nov I gave it to a new ham n now use the Bridgecom. I like the simplicity and the audio out is a bit louder in my truck! I’ve got all the repeaters in a five state area programmed with memories left over! YMMV but I think you’ll be happy with either!!!!