Well I did it and it was this groups fault!

[Voodoo Blue 57]

I passed the Technician test last night and it was this groups fault. Not really though but you all were an influence, I've wanted to get a license for a long time, in a past career I installed and serviced electronics including ham radios on yachts. Most were installed to non-hams. The owners premise was that they would use any means to get help and would rather be alive to deal with the FCC and pay any fines (won't happen) for using the radio without a license than the alternative.

Now I have to do my part to help stimulate the economy. I'm looking at a Yaesu FT-8800R. I only have to decide where to mount it. I like the idea of putting it under the seat, out of site out of mind, but I'm leaning toward mounting it on the overhead by the mirror because it stays cleaner (less dirt and dust) and it can be removed. I'd like to use it as a base station occasionally. My only concern with it on the overhead is that it can be seen and is an easy target for smash and grab. Decisions....Decisions....Decisions

[cruiserlarry]

Congratulations on earning your Technician's ticket !!! Welcome to the world of "I can't beleive how much money I just spent on radio equipment..."

I think the Yaesu FT 8800R is a terrific radio, but I don't think I would count on using it as a base and a mobile. While it is possible to do, you'll be taking out your seat, undoing and reinstalling cables, pulling off and reinstalling the faceplate, and generally that will get to be a PIA after a while. You can probably pick up a good used radio to keep in the house, and leave the FT-8800R alone in the rig...don't forget you'd need to set up an antenna system for the house that can take advantage of the 4 bands the FT-8800R accesses, which might be overkill for home. I'd consider a more simple 2m or 2m/440 for the house, as that's where 95% of the action is on uhf/vhf anyway...just my 2 cents...

[DaveK]

Congratulations on earning your Technician's ticket !!! Welcome to the world of "I can't beleive how much money I just spent on radio equipment..."

I think the Yaesu FT 8800R is a terrific radio, but I don't think I would count on using it as a base and a mobile. While it is possible to do, you'll be taking out your seat, undoing and reinstalling cables, pulling off and reinstalling the faceplate, and generally that will get to be a PIA after a while. You can probably pick up a good used radio to keep in the house, and leave the FT-8800R alone in the rig...don't forget you'd need to set up an antenna system for the house that can take advantage of the 4 bands the FT-8800R accesses, which might be overkill for home. I'd consider a more simple 2m or 2m/440 for the house, as that's where 95% of the action is on uhf/vhf anyway...just my 2 cents...

The 8800 is a dual band radio. You are probably thinking of the 8900. In either case, I second the "terrific radio" comment by Larry. For a first radio (or even as a second radio) it is one of the best. Tough, rugged, reliable and relatively easy to operate. One of the advantages of buying a very popular radio is that there are a lot of guys here on the net who are familiar with that rig and who can help answer questions as you start your learning curve.

Congratulations on getting your ticket. Join us on the Net!

[cruiserlarry]

4 bands the FT-8800R accesses

The 8800 is a dual band radio. You are probably thinking of the 8900.

My bad - your are absolutely correct, I was thinking about the FT-8900R...but the issues with removal and re-installation into the vehicle are still the same, IMO...I'd consider using 2 separate radios....

[BlueFJ]

Congrats and you're welcome!

[Frogeye]

Hey congrats!

[Voodoo Blue 57]

Thanks for all the Congrats. I'm looking forward to talking to some of you on the air.

[OLLIE]

I know it's late in the coming but congrats. At least we can influence some people.

[brentbba]

Another late congrats! I just finished installing my second Yaesu FT-8800R. I've had one in the Landcruiser and missed one in my commuter car (Miata). Finally saved enough pennies (love Larry's comment re: I can't believe I just spent that much money on radio equipment! ) to get a second one. I agree totally with his comment about using it as a base station as well. If you've got the base unit hidden well, it really would be a PITA to take it out, put it in, etc. That being said, there is one guy on the MUD board that does it. He's got a quick disconnect put in on his power cord to make things easier.