I have been doing some research, and one got a 4.7/5 and the other got a 4.3/5 on eHam. Most of the complaints seem trivial... I will be installing the one I choose as a mobile rig, and will decide on an antenna when I finally decide on the radio (look for another comparison). I am not sure exactly what realms of Ham I want to get into, but I want to start listening and talking for a little while. It'll probably be a while until I upgrade my tech to a gen, but I am thinking some time this summer.
My questions.
1)
What is the real difference between the two?
2)
If I were to buy them used, what should I look for as far as important things with the radio (I know to test them, if I can)?
3)
Do you have any other advice?

Thanks

As a side note, do you think I should just go for the better radio right away, and be ready when I get my gen? I was looking at the YAESU FT-8900R for a mobile. I will be using my tax rebate for this instead of a snorkel for the jeep.

All help is appreciated.

 

My recommendation is to get the best you can afford. I personally like yaesu but icom is good too.

 

I am also in the need to add a radio to my jeep. I've done so much research on dual band mobile radios and have come up with one that I think I'll get for now. I know I've added a post elsewhere regarding a Yasu FT-897D that I eventually will get in my jk, but for now here's what I've decided to get.

Yaesu FT-8900R $399.95
ADMS-2H software/cable $37.95
MLS-100 speaker $45.95
YSK-8900 separation kit $54.95
Diamond antenna CR8900A $109.95
Diamond K400C antenna kit $68.95
Diamond C110 extension $19.95


The total is around $750 for a decent system.
Even though the 7800 is a nice radio I would go for one that has more options as duneslider recommends. The difference between a 7800 and the 8900 is that you can do dual vfos on the 8900 and only single on the 7800. The difference between the 8800 and the 8900 is that the 8900 is quad band for about $50 more than the 8800.

My 2 cents...


Oscar Cortez,
73 de KE5YYZ

 

Wow I was looking into getting ham in my jeep since round here we go high on the mountains and lose cell signal sometimes but that's a lot of money compaired to a cb. Is that the cheapest they get for low end? Or is that the lowest you'd want to go. I was hoping to not spend more then 300.

 

The 8900 is a QUAD band, true dual channel radio. Can be a full VHF/UHF duplex repeater. If you only want a 2m, you can get a cheap one for around 130.

 

Hi! I happen to pick the Yeasu FT-8800 for SARA as I didn't wish to mount any more antennas than I need to. I like the 8800s (8900s as well) "Hyper-memory" system as one only needs to hit a button and it changes to another set of frequencies / configurations immediately. I also have a Kenwood TM-V71A and tried it in the Jeep and removed it almost the same day! You mentioned cost but it appears you're driving a JK and not an fj (deliberate small case)! Ham radios are very similar...if you want/need dependable communications the expendature of the $$ comes with the territory... Why not a ham rig AND a cb? I'll almost bet that if you get your Ham Ticket you'll put a cb in anyway just to trail-talk with the other rigs as most guys are using cbs! Take care... Mike KC2GMH

 

I definetly agree with Mike. I started with a small CB radio and I haven't even turned it on since I got my Tech license... I keep it in the JK, but I think its coming out once I get my Yaesu in.

 

I have the 208h. Would I buy it again? Probably not now that I know what I really want.

Pros: Size (Remote face fits perfect on Daystar dash), good transmission/reception, very easy to use, multi display colors, MARS mod.
Cons: Tunning knob is on the left of the face so can't see the display while turning knob, no SSB would be key if I was trying to hit somebody long distance, No APRS could be usefull if i got lost/injured etc, Can't be used as Crossband repeater. I'll keep thinking of more.

 

There is a big difference between us flat landers and you mountian folk.

We can get away with low power rigs because we don't have 10000 foot mountians blocking signals.
I have a Yaesu FT8900 quad band I used while in Jackson and Yellow Stone Wy. I also used it in the Denver area including Rocky Mountian NP. It worked very well. Thats not to say I didn't loose some signal.

Get something that will do at least 50w. Also be careful to test the radio with all the jeep controlls, sometimes ham radios will interfear with the electronics when they have a lot of power, generally over 100w but test to be safe.

 

I have a 208H in my car, run it into a diamond 7900 ... works fine for repeaters/car to car ... but if ya want range ... you can't beat HF.