So I can get the 706Mk11 for $490.00 but am wondering if I am going to miss the 50 watts the G model has compared to the Mk11 and also the 400-470 MHz recieve is something I am going to miss. Please help. I am ready to buy. Thanks, Mike

 

Thanks for all theinfo here , I found out what I need to know.

 

The non-G does 20 watts on 2 meter FM, while the G model does 50. Sure, 50 is great, but there's more of a difference (IMHO) between say 5 and 20, vs. 20 and 50. That is, you'll probably be fine for 2 meter repeaters using 20 watts. I normally run 5 from the base station (fixed antenna), and 10 or 25 from the mobile. I move to 65 W only when I absolutely have to. I wouldn't sweat it... 20 is okay. Yes, 50 is better, but not a show stopper... again, consider other factors such as your budget, and also the terrain where you live, and your proximity to repeaters.

You'll probably find that you end up using only 2 or 3 repeaters frequently, if not fewer... so as long as you can hit them with 20 watts, great. Also consider your terrain. If you're in flat land, 20 W great... if you're in hilly Vermont (where repeaters are fewer and farther between, too), go for the 50 W.

As for the 440 MHz band, I've personally never found much use. Like computer networks, a radio network/band is only as useful as the nodes/users that are on it. 2 meters has loads of activity, repeaters, people listening, people to get in touch with. 440 always seemed quieter to me, same with 220 MHz. If I'm putting out an emergency call, even if half the users are dorks, I want them to hear me. So I always stuck with 2 meters. On the other hand, 220 and 440 will allow for smaller antennas, if that's important to you, etc.

 

Ok thanks and mostlystock, I am going to go with the 706Mk11G, I can get one for $575. I have ordered the daystar dash thing, and will install it the small place, well not the radio on the back window, since I have a soft top. I will put the radio under the passenger seat I think. oh the speaker, did you put in a speaker for it? Humm anyway I will figure that all out. So the 706 Mk11G is serial # 1502670, does that mean any thing? I can't seem to find a way to check the serial # to find anything out about the radio. But it is from a reputable seller at QHT. I will be asking more as time goes on thanks to all of you

 

$575 is a great price. Not sure if that s/n is new or old but I wouldn't worry about any serial number in the G model, as the G generation is a refinement of the II, which is a refinement of the I... the point is they probably got all the bugs worked out; that rig has been in production for so long.

For speaker: my stock AM/FM stereo has an AUX jack, so I just run a short cable from the display/control unit on the Daystar right to the AUX jack, and use the factory stereo speakers - perfect! You'll get the hang of how far up to turn the rig's volume w/o distortion, then just use the factory radio's volume control. It's great. If I need to listen to something else on the AM/FM/CD at the same time as using the ham rig, I just use the rig's built-in speaker - in my hardtop mounting location, the speaker is facing forward - it does just fine. Given the rig's mounting location and the small space in the jeep, there's plenty volume. But I prefer running it through the factory radio's speakers.

If you mount it under passenger seat, just make sure you have it secured. Maybe just attach it somehow to one side of the seat bracket, or something... Too easy for it to slide around and get ruined, or to become a flying weight when you roll the jeep Also consider that if you get water in the keep the rig should be lifted a little but off the floor, would suck to have it sitting in a pool of water. Also the speaker may be exposed to lots of dirt and grit getting throgh the speaker holes in that location.. maybe cover it? Obviously ventilation is important - that rig does get warm even on receive only. But under the seat things should be fairly cool... just make sure it can breathe.

For $575 I think you'll be very happy with a great choice (G model)

Oh, you might check to make sure it comes with the separation kit! If not, you'll want the MB-63 mount plus an OPC-somethingorother extension cable. Both are probably readily available but might be additional costs.

 

FWIW, another mount spot to consider is either flat spot behind the back seat over the wheel well.
Friend of mine mounted his Yaesu there and it works pretty good.
Just a thought.