I think Iv narrowed it down as to the mobile Im going to put in the Jeep.
Either a Yaesu 7900 or Alinco DR 635.
My choice is based, IMHO, on looks and ease of mobile operation.
My question is which would be a beter choice?
Being fairly new to Ham radio, I would rather ask this from members with experience with the radios instead of installing one and being unsatisifed with it.
Thanks.

 

I've had Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood rigs. From my experience, it seems that most HAMS stick with one of "the big 3" Not that Alinco isn't a good radio, I just have never had one, and don't know a lot of HAMS that do.

 

YAESU

 

I have a Yaesu 7800 installed and carry a Yaesu VX-6 HT when I leave the JK to hike around. That all being said, if I had to do it all over again I think that I would install a Yaesu FT-1900 or maybe a FT-2900 in the Jeep. Why you may ask? Because I have never used anything but 2 meters on the trail. I have no experience with other Ham radio brands, and I am very satisfied with my Yaesu radios.

KI6VBQ

 

Honestly, I havent really used the HT I have much other than to rag chew on a couple of repeaters locally.
When We do go on the road , there are Amateur Interties across Calif, Nevada and Utah.
That is the reasoning for the dual radio.
Thanks for the replies.

 

actually the brand you get maybe determined by the mounting you are going to use. i have an icom 208h in my jeep. the reason for this choice as the radio body is mounted under the seat. and the control head is mounted on the loop above the rear view mirror. the mic on that radio mounts to the body so it is not hanging down in the way. the yaesu radios, which i have a ft 7800 in another vehicle, has a detachable head but the mic connects to the head itself, so wherever the control head is attached the mic will be right there also unless an extension is used.

 

Where I plan on mounting the head is either under the heater controls or above the mirror.
And the brains behind the left rear seat.
Orginally, I thought about a FT 90 but they are few and far between.
Still going with Yaesu but dont know if it will be a 7800 or 8800 because of the head mounted mic location. Plus Im not sure Id use the crossband repeat the 8900 is capable of.
Thanks for the replies.

 

Would the power wire for a mobile stereo amp be too large for the power line for the radio?
My line of thinking is the amp power line is hefty and it may be overkill, but I just want to do it once and do it right.

 

I went with the HT and used an adapter for the antenna feed and hand mic.
Works great and I don't have the issue with leaving an expensive radio in the Jeep. I uncouple (BNC) antenna cable and the radio goes with me.

Take a look at this.
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/misc/4512.html

 

No, it won't be too big. Just make sure you fuse it adequately as close to the battery as possible and and the transceiver.