Radio choices...

[smslavin]

So now that I've passed the test, it's time to get a radio. I'd like APRS and have my eye on Yaesu's FTM-350R. Based on what I've read, I'm considering a Diamond NR770HB. Opinions? I have no idea how to mount it though. I'd like to have something that I can attach to my rack. The K550 from Diamond looks promising. Do I need a NMO mount?

I'd also like to get a handheld but since most of the budget is going to the 350 and antenna, I'm a little limited. The FT-270R looks promising. Yay? Nay?

[Willie H]

I can't say much about the 350, other than it looks rad, I'm running the FT8800. I have that matched with the NR770 on a Diamon k440, which is the trunk lid mound. It's mounted on the left side of the rear door. I also have the 550 mount that I am going to move up to the BajaRack when I get time.

Here is how i progressed with my radios. I started with a Icom IC-T7H with stock rubber duck. Then upgraded to a Commet CH 75. This worked fine inside of my Jeep. It got even better after I added the NR770. I ran that set up a few months while I saved some money for the 8800. I used the HT inside of my soft top Jeep for months before adding the mobile antenna.

I'll tell you first hand though a HT inside of you FJ is going to suck. I would add the 770 (or what ever mobile antenna you choose) to your truck the same time you buy your HT . That 550 mount will work just fine with your rack. Two good features of the 770 and 550 pair are the antenna folds down for quick stow if you pull in some where that is too low for the truck. The mount folds over too. I have the UHF ends too by the way, not the NMO.

I know Chazz has the 350, and Ralphie has been researching them. Maybe one of them will step in now.

Congratulations by the way!

[cruiserlarry]

So now that I've passed the test, it's time to get a radio. I'd like APRS and have my eye on Yaesu's FTM-350R. Based on what I've read, I'm considering a Diamond NR770HB. Opinions? I have no idea how to mount it though. I'd like to have something that I can attach to my rack. The K550 from Diamond looks promising. Do I need a NMO mount?

I'd also like to get a hand held but since most of the budget is going to the 350 and antenna, I'm a little limited. The FT-270R looks promising. Yay? Nay?

I'd give you a "YEA" on both choices.

If you are looking for a radio that has integrated APRS capability, you have two choices: Yaesu FTM-350R, or Kenwood TM-D710A. Both are excellent radios, so you be fine either way. I use the D710A, and I love it. Several folks I know run the 350R, and they are very happy, too. Some differences: The Yaesu has a larger, easier to read display, and speakers integrated into the head unit, but requires a Yaesu dedicated GPS unit for APRS. The Kenwood can work with many aftermarket stand-alone GPS units, and can be used as a digipeater, which can be helpful in more remote areas to relay APRS signals. Both are pricey compared to other dual band mobile radios, both can have the head remote mounted, and both have a multitude of other features. The Diamond antenna and mount will be fine. Whether you use an UHF, or NMO mount doesn't affect the signal - it's determined more by the style of mount you choose.

The Yaesu FT-270R is a great single band 2M radio - weather / dust resistant, loud audio, sturdy construction, easy controls. I have the older version, FT-170R, and it's is a great radio. If you are going to be alone in remote areas, you might consider the FT-60R or a dual band hand held, which will allow you to use the mobile radio as a repeater - "cross-band repeater mode" - allowing you a longer range while wandering around on foot.

[hmfigueroa]

I have both the d700, d710, and 350r,


The 350 is great for the bigger display, however the feature sets of the Kenwood offerings are better by far.

If you need the bigger display and only plan on basic APRS functions then the 350 is a good choice, however I have found the firmware to be buggy and frequently need to reset the radio. If you get the Yaesu make sure the box has a colored sticker near the serial number data on the box, this indicates that the radio has updated firmware that fixed a pretty serious navigation error.

If you plan on any advanced APRS function or possible using the APRS functions with a computer, the by far the better choice would be either of the Kenwoods.

[DaveK]

Sean:

Congratulation on getting your first Amateur license!

As Larry said, both the Kenwood 710 and the Yaesu 350 are good radios. To my knowledge, we have only one member who has both, (Hector), and you might want to get his input on the qualities of each before you commit.

Also, bear in mind that there are many other radios, including the 8800, which will allow you to use APRS, and even with some of the additional equipment necessary for APRS, they will be cheaper.

If I were to recommend only one feature that you should insist on, it would be dual receive capability that allows you to monitor two frequencies at the same time.

As soon as you install your radio, think about joining the OAUSA Amateur Radio Nets on Thursday evenings.

[smslavin]

Thanks for the advice everyone. One more question, what do I need to connect to Airmail? Based on the input you've given, does wanting to use Airmail affect the choice between the 350R and D710?

I think I'm going to try and run over to HRO down the road this weekend and poke around.

I'll join the Thursday net as soon as my callsign pops up.

[Chazz Layne]

I love my 350. Having fully integrated APRS is nice, but I've found I like it even more for the user interface, big numbers, and ease of use. At first I thought not having a dedicated button for each function would be trouble (the 350 is all "soft" keys), but the functions are all laid out in an intuitive manner and I've found it is actually easier to move around through the radio than on our 7800. Aside from that, I agree with all of the above posts on the unit. Yes, even the negative comments - make sure you get one with the new firmware, as it fixed a lot of bugs.

[cruiserlarry]

Thanks for the advice everyone. One more question, what do I need to connect to Airmail? Based on the input you've given, does wanting to use Airmail affect the choice between the 350R and D710?

I think I'm going to try and run over to HRO down the road this weekend and poke around.

I'll join the Thursday net as soon as my callsign pops up.

Airmail requires an HF radio, a Pactor modem, and some other hardware (see other threads on this forum), as well as a General or Extra class license...

Neither the Yaesu or Kenwwod is capable of HF operation. You'll need to upgrade your license to avail yourself of this service as well...

[DaveK]

Sean:

Airmail is a great means to stay in touch when there are no (or VERY few) other communication options available. Since you just passed your Tech exam, you might want to start first by getting your feet wet with the frequencies available to you through your new license. Just so you know, a General license will be required to operate an Airmail radio station, as I describe below.

If you do choose to venture into Airmail at this early stage, there are several things to consider. First, as you may know, Airmail's strength is it's ability to communicate in places where most other means of communication are not available, including UHF and VHF. While you can do some VHF Airmail, you will be limited to the relatively short distances that these frequencies allow. Your long distance traffic will only be through the HF frequencies. Neither of the radios you are currently considering are HF capable (they both are VHF/UHF only).

In order to do Airmail, and make long distance contacts, you may have to buy another radio. The only alternative, to buying two radios, will be to get one radio that covers all of these bands,(HF,VHF and UHF), such as the Icom 7000. In addition to an HF radio, you will need an HF antenna that has the capability to reliably hit several HF bands. It is not necessary to hit them all, but the more you have, the greater your odds will be for sending and receiving emails. Given the unpredictability of band conditions and the level of crowding, it will pay to have as many bands as possible.

Lastly you will need a PC to run the Airmail program and a modem of some sort to translate the signals. These days the best controllers (modem) are the Pactor3 units manufactured ONLY by the SCS company out of Germany.

Hope this helps.

[smslavin]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Decisions. Decisions. Reading a lot of reviews this afternoon over on eHam on the 350, 710 and Icom's IC-2820H. The 350 can't be a digipeater. Is that a deal breaker? Someone on eHam also mentioned

Now the crossband, it will not ID itself as required and Yaesu will not release any firmware to make the radio ID as required, so I have a crossband I can not legally operate.

What does that mean? There's a new version on HRO, FTM-350AR, however I can't find much info on it. Out of the 3 radios, the 350's screen appeals the most to me.

So what I'm think I may do is go with either a VX-8GR or VX-8DR to start with so I can least have the APRS option. Then I can pick up the new version of the 350 when it arrives. That will give me some time to play, learn a few things and study for the General.