Suggestions for handhelds...

[muhockey86]

I'm looking into adding a Motorola handheld to my collection, possibly two. The first one needs to be VHF and have atleast 10 channels...I would also like to pick up one for UHF, however I only require it carry one channel. Any suggestions?

 

[RevGary]

I know that you mentioned Motorola, but have you considered the KENWOOD TK-280 and TK-380 OR the KENWOOD TK-270G and TK-370G ? Please look at the spec's, and for the same money that Motorola wants, you can have much more radio for future expansion if needed.

 

[Rayjk110]

Kenwood makes nice Stereos...


Anyways, if you want to go "cost effective", the Motorola SP50 line comes in a 2 channel model, and a 10 channel model. You could use those for both VHF and UHF. They would run you close to around $70-90 each.

Or, if you wanted to 'Step it up' from there, you could go to an HT1000, which comes in VHF and UHF, altho UHF has 2 splits in the HT1000, 403-470 or 450-512, altho the Rf decks in both of those models are quite similar, so going "out of band" with them is usually never a problem. You can usually find those for around $150-$200.


If you wanted to go new, I would say the CP200, as that is one of the Latest Radius line portables out there. 16 Channels, VHF or UHF, and dealer cost runs just close of $300, so you can usually find them being sold for close to that.

 

[kingpin]

In line with Gary, I've been using Kenwood's commercial line of radios for 6 years now and they are just as god as my motorola's I've carried.

If you're bent on Motorola, chicks dig a Saber III. You can get them usually for less than $200 with 128 channels.

 

[rescuecomm]

There are alot of radios that will work for you. Do you need one capable of narrowband? If so, that may narrow it down. Some of the older Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, and GE radio wont do it. Try to get them all the same model and you wont find yourself having two different chargers and battery types around.

I currently have four different chargers around for the different radios I use every day.

One for Icom U82/V82 ham units. One for the Icom F43GS UHF public safety. One for the Motorola HT750 VHF squad radio, and one for the Icom F40LT my son uses.

Bob

 

[Grog]

One for Icom U82/V82 ham units.

How do you like them? I've been thinking of getting that pair or the yaesu 170/177, but I'm always changing my mind

 

[rescue69]

How about a Relm radio?? They are as good as the motorola and also have more features for around $300. Plus you can get software for them or program them via the keypad. They may not be as rugged as a motorola but for the money not a bad deal. Any one else had any experinces with the Relm radios??


Rescue69

 

[rescuecomm]

I like the V82/U82 radios. They have good audio and the batteries are fairly cheap, alkaline packs for AA's are available. Don't like the single knob on top. You can either make it the volume control or up/dn for the channels/freqs. I would rather have two knobs on top for this especially for use in the dark. The moisture/water resistance is not as good as the Vertex from what I have delved from other sites. The U82 feels more solid than my much more expensive Icom F43GS. It also runs longer on the battery packs. The F43 alkaline case only take AAA cells to my dismay.

I guess I just haven't weaned myself away from my old Icom IC2GAT. One of the best portable hams units ever made. Just a little big and only 20 channels for these days.

Bob

 

[crazyboy]

I think the HT1000 is the way to go.

 

[rescuecomm]

If you don't need narrowband, the HT1000 is a good radio.

 

[Rayjk110]

Don't quote me on it, but I do believe that DN revision HT1000's had narrow-band capabilities.

 

[Grog]

The MT & MTS2000 prices are coming down, so that is fighting with the HT1000 as a good choice. Ir depends if you are going to buy the RSS ($120 vs $285). Lukily, I have access to everything at the radio shop at work

 

[car2back]

I'm looking into adding a Motorola handheld to my collection, possibly two. The first one needs to be VHF and have atleast 10 channels...I would also like to pick up one for UHF, however I only require it carry one channel. Any suggestions?

I have a Relm WHS150 & WHS450 just sitting around both still in the box; both are field programable and work great! (I don't have batteries for them) If you're interersted send me a PM.