If you are anywhere close to an HRO or have a ham fest coming up near you soon, you really should go & experience the different interface styles of the Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood (the big 3, but not the only of course). There will always be specific models from each that have a better amp, tuner, front end, back end, rejection, sensitivity, yadda yadda. If you're like most of us you'll end up buying more radios & the thing that may matter most in the long run is how easy or intuitive you find the interface. If you end up preferring one vs. the others (Icom for me, for example) you'll end up buying more of the same brand.

"It's not really a rule, it's more of a guideline... "

 

Any thoughts on detachable face plate units? Seems like they would be easier to mount overall.

Thanks Tim

 

two of my HAM radios have detachable faces and I would highly recommend it.
ICOM MKIIg706 and a ICOM2720

 

The only other thing I'd offer (regardless of single band / dual band) is to make sure the radio you select can be programmed via a computer, rather than just via manual input. It's so much easier to program, and re-program as needed, via a computer.

 

I run the Wouxun KG-UV3D and bought a sma to so239 adapter and run a 2m antenna on the antenna bracket they make for the JK's tire carrier. I get pretty good reception and it allows me to take the radio out of the Jeep since I park outside.

That radio has the option for a handheld mic and cig lighter adapter that deletes the battery pack, and you can buy a USB programming cable. You can get that radio with all the accesories for under $200 and that will give you 70cm and 2m.

 

I'm with you, looking to buy my first mobile rig. I think the 7900 is a good rig, but I'm still new to Ham. Am already studying for the General exam (man, this is a lot harder than the Technical!). My big question is, if I get the 7900, then what antenna should I buy to go on my 08 2-dr Rubi?

 

I ran an SBB-5 on the Jeep for a long time. It whacked a lot of stuff (including my garage at least 1000 times) and kept ticking . Stay away from the higher gain antennas as they tend to be a bit more fragile at least that's my experience with the Comet SBB-7 and Diamond SG7500.

Re your radio. Best piece of advice I can give is imagine yourself in the jeep moving down the road/trail and see how well you'll be able to work the radio. I change stations often so a big display and easy controls was key for me.

 

I have the Yaesu FT-7900R and love it so far. This is how I mounted mine, the unit is under the passanger's seat. The only drawback is that is difficult to hear it so I'm getting a remote speaker

 

Thank you for the info. I'm trying to meet the local Ham club where I live and learn more. Taking the test was just scratching the surface. I wish I had a mobile rig yesterday.
I was out hiking and came across an emergency situation. I rushed back to my Jeep and got on the CB, tried to call the ranger station on Ch. 9, but no one home. Ended up just driving to the ranger station. I feel if i had a mobile Ham rig, it could have saved me a lot of time.