Which VHF/UHF mobile (analog) has great Cross-Band Repeat? (w/ minimal time between RX and TX open and good selectivity)

[chiwititsara]

I'm looking for a cross-band repeat capable VHF/UHF (or quad-band) analog mobile to mount near my attic antenna while I use my handheld around the house/property (on UHF). Price is a consideration but could pay for quality - or at least up to ~$400 - if I was confident it would serve my needs. That said, there are a number of options in the $200-$250 range...

• I currently use a TYT TH-9800D Quad Band in my truck and it's a decent radio BUT the delay between RX and cross-band repeat TX is annoyingly long (apparently the template for this radio, the Yaesu 8900, discont'd, had the same problem). It is also very sensitive to near-frequency signals and the squelch will open randomly when using a good antenna.

• I'm considering a TYT TH-7900 Dual Band (successor to the TH-7800 and Yaesu 8800 copy) at roughly the same price but suspect it will have the same problems.

Both the TYT's can be purchased for under $250 with programming cable, separation kit, and any other helpful accessories.


I would happily purchase a good Japanese radio but Yaesu and Kenwood have discontinued analog cross-band repeat mobiles except for the $400-$600 digital-capable models. And the secondary market is not cheap. The ICOM IC-2730A remains but I have no experience with ICOM and I'm a little turned off that they sell a bare bones radio with all accessories having to be purchased separately.

• So, would the Alinco DR-735T have better hand-over from RX to TX in cross-band repeat than the TYT models? Better selectivity? It would cost me more than $150+ over another TYT.

• Is the Anytone AT-5888UV any better than the TYT's? It's roughly the same cost as the TYT's but not a known quantity to me.

• How about an ICOM IC-2730A? This would cost roughly double another TYT once I have a programming cable and accessories.

• Any other models I should consider?

Finally, it's an absolute MUST that these radios work well MARS-modded. Don't need explanations or debate and I'm aware all these radios can be modded. But again, I know the TYT functions well MARS-modded (like my Yaesu single-bands). If the Alinco, Anytone, or ICOM have problems on MARS frequencies, that would be a deal-killer.

If none of the above are recommends, I'll just cobble together a cross-band repeater using two of my quality Japanese single band units and a cheap controller. But would prefer the ease of a single radio with a single antenna and coax run.

 

[MTS2000des]

So instead of using some illegal to use on part 90/95 ham toy that will destruct under the typical repeater duty cycle, especially in an attic, you'd be better served with your Japanese LMR "cobbled together" cross band setup. You could always use an antenna diplexer to use a single antenna/feedline. Since you're talking about cross band, you would not have the headache of tuning a duplexer, having to use HQ feedline, and all the fun of inband repeating. Just make sure to put a good fan on both radios. Attics aren't friendly places for radios.

 

[chiwititsara]

So instead of using some illegal to use on part 90/95 ham toy that will destruct under the typical repeater duty cycle, especially in an attic, you'd be better served with your Japanese LMR "cobbled together" cross band setup. You could always use an antenna diplexer to use a single antenna/feedline. Since you're talking about cross band, you would not have the headache of tuning a duplexer, having to use HQ feedline, and all the fun of inband repeating. Just make sure to put a good fan on both radios. Attics aren't friendly places for radios.

Thanks, friend. I wasn't familiar with the dangers of using cross-band repeat per manufacturer recommendations from an uninsulated attic in Maine in the winter. And my Radio Tone repeater controller works quite well for these applications, for the record. It's been in service on-and-off for 7+ years now and I give it a strong recommend.

Did you have a suggestion for a good rig at $400 or below? Or is your point that cross-band capable radios should not be used for cross-banding?

I'll broaden my question to avoid offending: Are there ANY current production cross-band mobile rigs on the market other than premium-priced digital rigs?

 

[MTS2000des]

There aren't any good quality cross band radios for under $400. Junk from China or used old stuff at that price point. My point is, if you want quality, you're gonna have to pay, and it isn't my recommendation, if you actually read the manual for any ham grade stuff, they clearly tell you what their duty cycle their products are rated for. Great, you live in the coldest state. Some of us see attics with 140 degree and higher in the spring/summer.

You want stake and ale but only want to pay for pizza and beer. Typical cheap ham mentality at it's finest. Have fun with that.
I run an APX7500 HP with a Pyramid VRS. Go big or go home.

 

[KB0VWG]

I'm looking for a cross-band repeat capable VHF/UHF (or quad-band) analog mobile to mount near my attic antenna while I use my handheld around the house/property (on UHF). Price is a consideration but could pay for quality - or at least up to ~$400 - if I was confident it would serve my needs. That said, there are a number of options in the $200-$250 range...

• I currently use a TYT TH-9800D Quad Band in my truck and it's a decent radio BUT the delay between RX and cross-band repeat TX is annoyingly long (apparently the template for this radio, the Yaesu 8900, discont'd, had the same problem). It is also very sensitive to near-frequency signals and the squelch will open randomly when using a good antenna.

• I'm considering a TYT TH-7900 Dual Band (successor to the TH-7800 and Yaesu 8800 copy) at roughly the same price but suspect it will have the same problems.

Both the TYT's can be purchased for under $250 with programming cable, separation kit, and any other helpful accessories.


I would happily purchase a good Japanese radio but Yaesu and Kenwood have discontinued analog cross-band repeat mobiles except for the $400-$600 digital-capable models. And the secondary market is not cheap. The ICOM IC-2730A remains but I have no experience with ICOM and I'm a little turned off that they sell a bare bones radio with all accessories having to be purchased separately.

• So, would the Alinco DR-735T have better hand-over from RX to TX in cross-band repeat than the TYT models? Better selectivity? It would cost me more than $150+ over another TYT.

• Is the Anytone AT-5888UV any better than the TYT's? It's roughly the same cost as the TYT's but not a known quantity to me.

• How about an ICOM IC-2730A? This would cost roughly double another TYT once I have a programming cable and accessories.

• Any other models I should consider?

Finally, it's an absolute MUST that these radios work well MARS-modded. Don't need explanations or debate and I'm aware all these radios can be modded. But again, I know the TYT functions well MARS-modded (like my Yaesu single-bands). If the Alinco, Anytone, or ICOM have problems on MARS frequencies, that would be a deal-killer.

If none of the above are recommends, I'll just cobble together a cross-band repeater using two of my quality Japanese single band units and a cheap controller. But would prefer the ease of a single radio with a single antenna and coax run.

If you can find them a yaesu ft-8800 or a 8900 are good but they still might be in the $400 range used. I have 3 of them and wont let them go untill they die. I have a tyt tri bander mobile that the left side went silent but still can be used for cross banding or general use.
kb0vwg
wpru444

 

[prcguy]

If you can find them a yaesu ft-8800 or a 8900 are good but they still might be in the $400 range used. I have 3 of them and wont let them go untill they die. I have a tyt tri bander mobile that the left side went silent but still can be used for cross banding or general use.
kb0vwg
wpru444

I've got a couple of FT-8900s and have use them cross band on low power with very good results. Haven't used them in awhile, maybe I should cut one loose...I used to have a TH-9800 and although it worked ok it didn't meet any of its power output specs and had an annoying pop in the speaker when squelch breaks, even with volume all the way down.

 

[mrweather]

A used Kenwood TM-V71A should meet the OP's requirements. And depending on the production run of the radio, it'll allow for remote control via DTMF and automatically transmit your callsign in CW to keep things nice and legal.

I have FT-8900, FTM-400DXR and FTM-300DR mobiles and I'm happy with how they crossband repeat except for the transmit hang that can't be eliminated. My old TM-V71A had an adjustable transmit hang (0 or 0.5 sec).

 

[kayn1n32008]

A used Kenwood TM-V71A should meet the OP's requirements. And depending on the production run of the radio, it'll allow for remote control via DTMF and automatically transmit your callsign in CW to keep things nice and legal.

I have FT-8900, FTM-400DXR and FTM-300DR mobiles and I'm happy with how they crossband repeat except for the transmit hang that can't be eliminated. My old TM-V71A had an adjustable transmit hang (0 or 0.5 sec).

Of all the hammy cross band repeater capable radios, the TM-V71a is one of the best. Way better than the FT8800/8900. I owned an FT8800 and sold it for a TM-V71a.

I much prefer LMR mobiles and sold the TM-V71a to a friend

 

[ladn]

I have three hamobiles that do crossband: Yaesu FT-8800, TYT-8900 and Icom 2730A. It's not a feature I use very often, but of the three, the Yaesu seems to handle it the best.

 

[AB4BF]

Thanks, friend. I wasn't familiar with the dangers of using cross-band repeat per manufacturer recommendations from an uninsulated attic in Maine in the winter. And my Radio Tone repeater controller works quite well for these applications, for the record. It's been in service on-and-off for 7+ years now and I give it a strong recommend.

Did you have a suggestion for a good rig at $400 or below? Or is your point that cross-band capable radios should not be used for cross-banding?

I'll broaden my question to avoid offending: Are there ANY current production cross-band mobile rigs on the market other than premium-priced digital rigs?

I'm on a fixed income and I purchased a new radio (for my Christmas present) on Nov 18. It is an AnyTone AT-D578UV from R&L for $299. Took me all of 30 minutes to program it with the supplied cable and downloaded CPS.

ANYTONE ATD578UVIII [ATD578UVIII] - $299.00 : R&L Electronics, Amateur radio store

R&L Electronics ANYTONE ATD578UVIII [ATD578UVIII] - 2M/220/70CM TRI-BAND MOBILE DMR AND ANALOG 144/440 DUAL BAND MOBILE 2m 70cm Transceiver RADIO

www2.randl.com

Its very versatile and I am well pleased with it. It DOES NOT have GPS or APRS or Bluetooth which while sitting on my shelf, none is needed, lol.
On the spec sheet, it states that the Turbo power is around 55 to 60 Watts. Looking at the ammeter on the power supply, the turbo puts out almost 70 watts on some frequencies especially the DMR ones.
I'm happy...

 

[rescuecomm]

I take it that you don't want to run coax inside your living spaces? Well, my Kenwood TM-V708 and TMV-710 have survived dash mounted in automobiles for a lot of years. It gets hot in SC. The afore mentioned radios have been used in the backcountry on cross-band repeat many times. Worked just fine, so I'd say the TM-V71 is your best bet for the money. They will do locked band repeat which is UHF to VHF one way. Easier to break into a conversation without waiting for the carrier to drop. Set cross band radio for UHF RX and VHF TX to repeater input. Receive repeater on it's native out frequency.

 

[MTS2000des]

None of those are less than $400 new, in fact, the V71A recently discontinued sells for more than it was when new, average price is right around $400-450 for a USED one.

Not that one who intends to use ham gear for bootleg MURS/GMRS operations would care, but the ID requirement exists on crossband repeaters on the link frequency, and the V71/D710 are the only ones with a built in IDer.

 

[chiwititsara]

I would spring for a used Kenwood but indeed, used units are selling at high premiums.

No experiences with the Alinco DR-735T?

Have heard but not confirmed that the Alinco may be unable to TX at different power levels on the respective VHF and UHF sides while cross-banding, which would be another deal killer as I don't need nor want, for both duty cycle and frequency sharing considerations, to blast 50 watts on the mobile/base-to-handheld side... But I did not realize it was viewed as a 'CCR'.

To fix that limitation on a budget (though we're still using some $600 in quality radios + a second antenna + more coax + controller, all of which I luckily have on-hand) - albeit with a more complicated setup - I'm still interested in why the ~$60 repeater controllers (radio tone, surecom, homebrew) are poor choices.

Is it because they rely on passing processed audio in and then also out of both radios? Whereas the single crossband capable radio solution can pass the audio through with less degradation?

 

[MTS2000des]

The Astinko is a DSP based radio and overloads easily. Had one, it's trash.
Find a used V71A and pay the premium. Or an FT-8800. Just sold one on the Zed for $275 shipped. Time to buy them is when you see them.

 

[kk9h]

I have a Kenwood TM-V71A that I use for volunteer events and it works beautifully as a dual band repeat rig. One event that I help with uses a 2M repeater to cover a large 100 mile bicycle course. I really like being able to walk around my assigned area with an HT on a UHF frequency set to low power and still be in easy reach of the event net control station. It works really well and I never miss a call.

 

[kayn1n32008]

I'm looking for a cross-band repeat capable VHF/UHF (or quad-band) analog mobile... Finally, it's an absolute MUST that these radios work well MARS-modded. Don't need explanations or debate...

I won't debate, but based on your requirements, you would probably be best served grabbing a TK8180 and a TK7180 or a VHF and UHF CDM1550 and making a cross band repeater out of them. Both have decent front ends and are part 90 compliant. The CDM mobiles are a breeze to interface to your hammy controller. The TK mobiles have DB 25 connectors that are also a breeze to interface, how ever there is software settings that need to be played with to get the audio and PTT to work.

There are both 25w and 45w models of each. Those radios will run circles around any hamster dual band mobile.

 

[K9KLC]

I'm on a fixed income and I purchased a new radio (for my Christmas present) on Nov 18. It is an AnyTone AT-D578UV from R&L for $299. Took me all of 30 minutes to program it with the supplied cable and downloaded CPS.

I got one of these specifically for its cross band capabilities. To that end, I used it to cross band DMR to analog and visa versa. (which is why I bought it) while not the perfect radio, it works well, and does what it's advertised to do. Yes it requires a little programming but it works great on X-band repeat.

 

[K9KLC]

I won't debate, but based on your requirements, you would probably be best served grabbing a TK8180 and a TK7180 or a VHF and UHF CDM1550 and making a cross band repeater out of them. Both have decent front ends and are part 90 compliant. The CDM mobiles are a breeze to interface to your hammy controller. The TK mobiles have DB 25 connectors that are also a breeze to interface, how ever there is software settings that need to be played with to get the audio and PTT to work.

There are both 25w and 45w models of each. Those radios will run circles around any hamster dual band mobile.

TK 705 and 805 also. I while it takes some Knowlege or searching for the COR and PTT, they'd work great also. Frankly he should just put up a repeater and stop with the cross band stuff.

 

[K9KLC]

Not that one who intends to use ham gear for bootleg MURS/GMRS operations would care, but the ID requirement exists on crossband repeaters on the link frequency, and the V71/D710 are the only ones with a built in IDer

That's straight where I went too on this. He would be better off finding some used commercial stuff and putting them together.

 

[kayn1n32008]

TK 705 and 805 also. I while it takes some Knowlege or searching for the COR and PTT, they'd work great also. Frankly he should just put up a repeater and stop with the cross band stuff.

Why play with ancient crap like that, when there are modern radios, that can be programmed with modern hardware, and are incredibly easy to interface?