My First Handheld

[Dennis David]

Between the Yaesu FT-60R, FT270R and the VX-3R which would make a good first handheld. How important is dual band for a first timer. Does anyone use WIRES II Internet Linking?

[Chazz Layne]

I started out with a FT270R and liked it a lot, but after a month or so with this group I found myself upgrading to a VX-8R so I could play with APRS.

I also find the small size, light weight, and li-ion batteries well worth the price difference on the VX-series (about $40 on the VX-3R) if you plan to use the radio hiking at all.

[Dennis David]

The VX-3R seems to have less power, probably due to it's size. Will this be a problem? Also If I were to upgrade later it would probably be to a mobile unit.

[Chazz Layne]

I missed that part on the VX-3R. Yes, if I had to choose between 3 watts and a bigger/heavier radio I'd go with the bigger/heavier radio.

I'd also rather have accessories for the FT-270R than access to the 70cm band, if price is a concern.

[Dennis David]

The how much will I use by the fact of not having a 70cm band. Price is a concern because this is my first radio and I want to know a little bit more about what I am doing to help me decide on what features are important for me. Buying something that has everything seems to defeat the purpose of having a dependable handheld. I hear the FT-60R is a little hard to use. Is the FT270R easier?

[cruiserlarry]

I think a simple single band radio like the Yaesu VX-270R is a great starter radio, and will be useful as a backup later if you change to something more feature-filled. Given the journey you are attempting to undertake, I'd suggest considering more than just a handheld for the trip. While you can get 5w output from a handheld, you'll get 50-70w from a mobile installed in the rig (once you decide on a vehicle, of course ).

I don't think you'll miss much by getting a 2 meter only radio like the VX-270R, which is easy to use and read. But you might consider a more sophisticated radio for use on your excursion, so that APRS tracking is available to you (Yaesu VX-8R). If you are going to have a passenger, having both will allow you to keep in touch when one of you is a way from the vehicle, and leaves a spare if you mount a mobile rig, too.

Also, I would work up to the General license, so that you'll have access to the HF bands while on your trip - You'll have to find out about reciprocal licensing in the countries you'll be passing through, but the HF freqs will give you a better shot at alerting help if you run into difficulties in a remote area - including the possibility of reaching someone closer to home. And they can be entertaining if you hit a lonely stretch of road...

[Dennis David]

Spot on. This is only so that I have a handheld to play with. For my rig I'll get something like an 8800 or 8900 or whatever is state of the art when I go. The plan is to have contacts in each of the countries that I will go through (Guardian Angels) plus I will be signing up with Global Rescue who can extract me and my family from any spot on earth should I require that. For more info on them go here: https://www.globalrescue.com/ I've had something similar before but luckily have not had to use it. I don't thing I will be using APRS but rather a dedicated GPS Tracker permanently installed on my vehicle in a secure location.



As far as upgrading to a general license if that's what's recommended then General it will be.

[Dennis David]

I think I've settled on the Yaesu FT60R as my first handheld. This is for training purposes and getting my feet wet. I'll pick one up later this month after my test. I also appreciate the heads up regarding the General license but have a question regarding how does having a General license help with regards to communicating with people in other countries AND communicating while in other countries? Anyone know of any good sites/organizations for communicating with people in other countries?

[Dennis David]

Well just got my FT-60R, a BNC adapter and a Diamond RH77CA Antenna. My test is next Saturday and I'm stoked.

[xtatik]

IMO, you made the right choice. The venerable 60 has proven itself very rugged and reliable....seems every experienced ham I know uses them and I've never heard a negative comment about them. If mine were to give up the ghost right now, I'd buy another. For a handheld, It's everything you need, and nothing you don't.