Reddit reviews Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver
We found 5 Reddit comments about Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Dual Band VHF/UHF 2 Meter & 70cm Amateur Radio.CTCSS/DCS (PL & DPL), DTMF, AlphaNumeric Display, Lighted Keypad, Scan modes.Receives 108-520Mhz and 700-999.99Mhz (less cell), Transmits 144-148Mhz & 430-470Mhz, Locking mode prevents accidental changes of frequency.One Thousand memory Channels, NOAA Weather Alert, Receives Emergency channels in 800-900Mhz, RF Power Output: 5W (High) / 2W (Middle) / 5W (Low)Includes 1400mA Battery, Charger, antenna & belt clip.
>Communicate with my wife while she's walking home even if cell phones are dead.
You want a ham radio, and whatever repeaters exist around your city programmed into it.
Something like this would be good: https://www.amazon.com/Yaesu-FT-60R-Handheld-Amateur-Transceiver/dp/B00Q1UYR1G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502262309&sr=8-3&keywords=yaesu+handheld
Something like this would be cheap: https://www.amazon.com/GT-3TP-Mark-III-Tri-Power-Transceiver-Upgraded/dp/B014J5RJ7I/ref=sr_1_10?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1502262341&sr=1-10&keywords=Baofeng
Get two (or 5, because they're so cheap) and learn to use them.
Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF / UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q1UYR1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Dwx9BbH73DSEZ
There are cheaper HTs but this one is a quality one that I prefer over the junky Chinese radios. You can find used ones for less if the cost of new is too much.
Pair with a roll up jpole:
http://www.2wayelectronix.com/Dual-band-2m-70cm-Slim-Jim-Antenna-DUAL-STD.htm
Then use 50 feet of coaxial cable, some paracord with a weight on one end, and you can run your jpole up a tree and you're in action.
I keep all this in my bag it takes up little room.
ETA: Study your technician materials, you will learn that for VHF/UHF your range is going to depend a lot on the terrain and other obstacles. I have gotten 20 miles regularly using the roll up jpole in a tree but only North and south because of hills to my East and West. To reach out in those directions I need to move to the top of one of those hills which is only 10 minutes by car but a longer walk (uphill of course!)
Get your license and then just practice a lot and you'll figure out what works for you.
DX Engineering has good gift card options. They have tons of little things too.
I'd also suggest a first radio - I'd shoot for a Yaesu FT-60R
Does he like kit building or electronics? Tons of cheap options there, as well as tools - who doesn't love tools?
I totally get what you're saying! I am a Systems Engineer and I would never tell an organization to purchase sub standard hardware. So touche, sir. I agree that with this radio, I'm getting the experience I paid for. However, I wanted to get started right away. Once I took apart the radio, and saw the internals I have to admit it's not like a Kenwood or Motorola. Also, thoughts on this one?
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https://www.amazon.com/Yaesu-FT-60R-Handheld-Amateur-Transceiver/dp/B00Q1UYR1G
Is this a bad price? I need the HT before Friday
https://www.amazon.com/Yaesu-FT-60R-Handheld-Amateur-Transceiver/dp/B00Q1UYR1G