What radio to get? New HAM

[callahanfirebuff]

I am getting my license on the 29th of May. I want to get a radio ASAP. Here are the specs. I want(that I know of)
*handheld/portable
*durable
*VHF/UHF
*wideband
*dual receive/channel watch
*100 memory channels
*trunking

I have looked myself and I think I like the Yaesu VX-6R and VX-7R.

I want to monitor my area's public safety frequncies.

Any suggestions about reliable brands and specific models would be greatly appreciated!! Like I mentioned I am new to HAM and want to have an easy-to-operate radio.

Thanks!!

 

[gewecke]

Congrats to you!
Welcome to the club, and I have the vx6r and use it almost every day so I can give it a +10. I have never had the vx7r but have friends who claim small issues with it, such as intermod near high rf sites.

73,
n9zas

 

[scannerboy01]

The two radios you are thinking about do cover the specifications that you want except trunking. I"m sure if any amateur transceivers have trunking capabilities. The best I can suggest, is to get a scanner with trunking, however, if someone else knows of an amateur transceiver that has trunking capabilities, I'm sure they can point you in the right direction.

 

[callahanfirebuff]

Trunking is optional. The other specs I want for sure(if a tranceiver has them).
Which HAM radio distributor do you recommend buying from? What should come with the radio?

Thanks!!

 

[gewecke]

I bought mine from gigaparts.com when it was on sale for $249. It's a little more now at $264 but still well worth it.

I previously used my vx5r which was pretty beat up over the years, but all my accessories work on the vx6r so it was a no brainer!

Here's the link if you want to check them out,

"vx6r" Search Results from GigaParts.com

73,
n9zas

 

[scanphreak]

There isn't such a thing as a Ham radio that is trunking capable. In order to have something that does trunking you'd have to buy a commercial radio. Everything else you want is very doable for ham radios. I like Yaesu but for someone on a budget the Wouxun KG-UV6D has exactly what you want, PLUS something that not many other ham radios offer is the new narrowband FM, making this radio suitable for monitoring vhf and uhf public safety that is using the new 6.25khz channel spacing. Check the link out. This model has some very impressive reviews and capabilities.

Wouxun KG-UV6D Dual Band Handi-talkie. KGUV6D

 

[Jhkayakr]

Are these companies (HRO, Gigaparts, etc...) reluctant to see you a tx radio if you don't have your call yet? I am patiently ( or impatiently) waiting on the FCC to issue my call and and wanted to get a radio before I get it. They all want call sign to buy upon checkout.

 

[Jhkayakr]

Should say : reluctant to sell

 

[N8IAA]

Should say : reluctant to sell

No.
Larry

 

[W8RMH]

Are these companies (HRO, Gigaparts, etc...) reluctant to see you a tx radio if you don't have your call yet? I am patiently ( or impatiently) waiting on the FCC to issue my call and and wanted to get a radio before I get it. They all want call sign to buy upon checkout.

You don't need a license to purchase a radio, but you do to transmit with it.

 

[N8IAA]

Trunking is optional. The other specs I want for sure(if a tranceiver has them).
Which HAM radio distributor do you recommend buying from? What should come with the radio?

Thanks!!

Have you heard the SO on the VHF/UHF frequencies? According to the RR database for your county, the SO is on the P-25 system and is encrypted. The only TGID's in the clear are FD/EMS. Maybe ask in the FLA state forum for a more accurate answer
HTH,
Larry

 

[W8RMH]

deleted

 

[ropin4gold]

I have a VX-7R and have been very happy with it. Buy you a used one at qth.com or qrz. That being said I would highly recommend that you get a mobile. It seems like every new ham wants to get an HT and then they get dissappointed when they can't make it into the machine or work anyone.

 

[KC9VZV]

I posted a very similar thread a few months ago because I was in the exact same situation - I had just gotten my technician license and was trying to find a HT that would be good for a new ham that I could also monitor public safety frequencies with. I ended up getting the Yaesu FT-60R radio and I am very happy with it. I would suggest getting the Diamond SRH77CA antenna, or a similar, third party antenna because the rubber-ducky antenna included with the radio is not great. Overall, I'd say it is a great little HT. Good luck and congrats!

 

[callahanfirebuff]

purchased a radio

I purchased a lightly used IC-V82 from a HAM in my town. It is working well! I was even able to access the local repeater with the antenna provided. Thanks for all of the suggestions!

KK4JVR

 

[KC9VZV]

I purchased a lightly used IC-V82 from a HAM in my town. It is working well! I was even able to access the local repeater with the antenna provided. Thanks for all of the suggestions!

KK4JVR

Glad the thread was helpful to you!

 

[bigmichaelcool]

I posted a very similar thread a few months ago because I was in the exact same situation - I had just gotten my technician license and was trying to find a HT that would be good for a new ham that I could also monitor public safety frequencies with. I ended up getting the Yaesu FT-60R radio and I am very happy with it. I would suggest getting the Diamond SRH77CA antenna, or a similar, third party antenna because the rubber-ducky antenna included with the radio is not great. Overall, I'd say it is a great little HT. Good luck and congrats!

I also have the Yaesu FT-60 and the Diamond RH77CA antenna; used with an SMA adapter. I have not had any issues with getting into any of the local repeaters. I also connect it to a mobile antenna when Im in the car. Good radio!