I am currently studying for my Technician license and I have the opportunity to get a 2970 for free. I would like to advance to my General license and use this radio but I'm not sure how much wattage my JK can handle. I ordered a 2012 Rubicon that has a ship date of 3-15-12 so I hope to have it in a few weeks. I would really like to use this radio but is 200 watts more then what I can run in my Jk or will this be safe to do? I do not test for my license until 4-12-12 so I have a while to make an educated decision on what radio I will be using.

Thanks

 

There are generally two schools of thought on these radios (RCI, Magnum, etc).
1. They are illegal pirate freeband junk not worthy of a licensed ham.
2. They are a cheap and easy way to get on 10 meters.

As usual, the answer depends on what you want to use it for. Most mobile communications are VHF/UHF, which the Ranger will not do.

If you intend to actually use the full privileges of your General license, you'll want to look for a better mobile radio such as an Icom 706/7000 or Yaesu FT857/897 that transmit on both HF and VHF/UHF bands.

Google is your friend, there is lots of info out there. Start with http://www.k0bg.com/

 

Not true. Unless they have been opened up for 11m, they are a LEGAL 10m HAM radio. Some do both 10 and 12m as well. Not the best radio in the world but not the worst either. Seeing that he is getting it for free I would say jump on it. The only problem you will have is having problems with RF getting into the electronics of the jeep while transmitting at full power. Many are dealing with this by installing a lot of bonding straps on the jeep.

 

yep, that's school of thought #2: "They are a cheap and easy way to get on 10 meters."