Yep..........he could even try for his Extra if he passes his Tech and General.....it's worth a try for sure.

Yes, he'll have to know freq allocations, power limits and such. I imagine theory will be a breeze for him....

 

Im thinking about getting a Yaesu 817 as the radio in the Jeep.
Currently, Im only a Tech but am studying for General and figure I can use it on the freqs Im allowed now and I wouldnt have to get a different radio when I make the grade.
Being that it is only 5 watts, would it be possible to use a amplifer when traveling or would I be better off sticking to 5 watts?
Thanks for any help.

 

The 817 is a very nice radio but, I wouldn't choose it as my main radio. I've owned two of them and can tell you five watts is very limiting. Couple the 5 watts with a very compromised mobile antenna and you're going to have a tough go with voice contacts. Yes you can buy a solid state amp but for the money I'd stick with an 857 or other true mobile. Plus I don't think 5watts would be enough to drive a 500w amp to anywhere close to 500watts.


If your main interest is QRP backpacking go for the 817. If you are looking for a mobile that makes a decent base and only intend to do some portable ops, a true mobile radio (with small gel cell for portable ops) may be a better fit. The FT 857 isn't nearly as backpackable but it offers a couple nice features out of the box; DSP, ATAS antenna tuner, remote face and a substantial power increase.

 

X2 on RedDavids comment.

I own one also and have used it backpacking and in a QRP contests. I also got a small bugcatcher setup that worked but wasn't great. I wouldn't rely on the 817 5W for an emergency radio using it mobile. My experience is a Dipole works best with this radio. Also voice contacts at 5W can be hard and few and far between. The money you will spend with this radio and an amp would get you a decent radio with higher power. I would try to get at least 50W for a mobile.

 

Made contact with Japan today from the midwest on JT65 and confirmed on EQSL.CC and LOTW.

No it was not in the Jeep

 

I have an Icon 703 that is not much better (10W). I have been wondering wether I should exchange it for one with higher power or get an amp. In the case of getting an amp, any recommendations?

In any event, I may just keep it in its backpack and hook it to the amp when going mobile. Not thinking about making a permanent install in my Jeep.