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Mr Gadget
Good to see teenagers interested in Amatuer Radio
The hobby needs more of you
General license hereI was in the HAM radio club in high school back in the early 90s, but never got my license until last year. I was debating on which HT to get, as there doesn’t seem to be one that does it all.
I was debating between the Yaesu FT2DR, Yaesu VX-8DR, Kenwood-D72A, and Icom ID-51A. After months and months of internal debate, I decided to start with a cheap Baofeng.
I’m still on the lookout for a better radio, but no idea which to get.
My dream radio would be the size and ease of use of the Icom, the functionality of the VX-8DR, the touch screen capabilities of the FT2DR (but not the same junk UI) and the internal GPS capabilities of the Kenwood-D72A.
Wait a second… what is this Kenwood-D74E I see??????
I would be leary of anything too new like the Kenwood 74 myself,this would be a first for them in DStar but I love this one for APRS!
The Kenwoods have historically been a little”Odd” when first released too and I would want the bugs worked out before jumping in with that much money!The choice of any radio with new Digital capabilities has more to do with the availability in your area of that system than anything else?
I would get a Yaesu VX-8 of the ones listed as it is well proven and will not lock you in to digital just yet.
I did get an FT1DR last year and really like it but we also use Fusion System repeaters here and so there is some practical value in it for me already.
Actually we also have a few DStar repeaters but it is not as developed here overall that I can tell and the Fusion system lets you go Analog/Digital through the repeater which seems like huge advantage to me.Any radio that has been out a wile though from either of the Big 3 will be a great radio I think!
Got my ticket in 07 as a lark jus to see if I’d pass the test. Bought a handheld and never took it out of the box. Too many other things held my attention longer.
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I’ve got my general ticket, and it’s hot and cold with me. I was all in for a while and now I have the equipment but treating it more like prepper stuff which I know is wrong but what ya gonna do. So many hobbies so little time after work
EZDog said: ↑
I would be leary of anything too new like the Kenwood 74 myself,this would be a first for them in DStar but I love this one for APRS!
The Kenwoods have historically been a little”Odd” when first released too and I would want the bugs worked out before jumping in with that much money!The choice of any radio with new Digital capabilities has more to do with the availability in your area of that system than anything else?
I would get a Yaesu VX-8 of the ones listed as it is well proven and will not lock you in to digital just yet.
I did get an FT1DR last year and really like it but we also use Fusion System repeaters here and so there is some practical value in it for me already.
Actually we also have a few DStar repeaters but it is not as developed here overall that I can tell and the Fusion system lets you go Analog/Digital through the repeater which seems like huge advantage to me.Any radio that has been out a wile though from either of the Big 3 will be a great radio I think!
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Great points. I checked Repeaterbook and it looks like there are more SystemFusion repeaters than DStar, but I do have access to both where I live. However, I mentioned in another thread that I was a bit taken back that the airwaves are pretty much silent these days. I’m not sure if I’m ready to plunk down a significant investment into a higher end radio until I make some more contacts over radio.Guarddog said: ↑
General Class here. Had my ticket since 1997. Region 4, Lower 48.This is another one of my lost/forgotten hobbies . . . I haven’t operated in years. I don’t even have my shack set up anymore.
I have recently sparked my interest in getting back active with it. I am considering getting my Extra Class.
I’ll stay tuned in to this and other HAM threads to keep my interest going . . .
Guarddog
Update . . .I passed the Extra Class exam yesterday. Woo Hoo
Guarddog
I got a tech license about a month ago. General to follow.
Not sure what I’ll do. I like radios but hate antennas.
I got a tech license about a month ago. General to follow.
Not sure what I’ll do. I like radios but hate antennas.
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Congrats on getting the Technician Class! Hang in there and keep the momentum going!Guarddog
Just finished studying for my General ticket. I’m now taking practice exams and I’m consistently getting passing scores. Early next month is the exam session and I know I’ll be ready. Over 20 years I’ve been a no code Technician ham and I felt this is the time to upgrade. I am already planning to do my Extra Class upgrade at the end of the year. I’ve been using an app on my Android phone called Ham Test Prep and it is sweet. Easy to use and keeps track of what you know and don’t know. I’ll let you guys know how it goes.
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