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Old 02-26-2014, 07:43 AM   #1
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Portable Ham Radios

Can anyone recommend a good portable ham radio. I was at Escapee RV Boot Camp in January and saw a model MFC 1717 that one of the ladies had, but can't find that model number on Amazon to order. There are so many different portable ham radios to chose from, I have no clue as am new to getting my ham license and equipment. Can anyone help here.
Bev
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Old 02-26-2014, 11:47 AM   #2
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I think you will like the Kenwood....very nice and reliable.....lots of features...and is decently powered.
Kenwood - amateur radio
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Old 02-26-2014, 11:52 AM   #3
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Welcome to ham radio!

One of the first choices you need to make is VHF or HF. A VHF handheld is good for short range communication, and HF is for longer (world wide) use. The antenna becomes the problem for HF, as the size requires a mount outside the RV.

You won't find many amateur radios listed on Amazon - most are sold new through amateur radio dealers, such as:

http://www.hamradio.com/

http://www.aesham.com/

Let us know what your interests are, and we may be able to help.

73, de WDØM
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Old 02-26-2014, 12:22 PM   #4
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We have two Yaesu FT60R with accessories due to arrive today. DW and I passed the test on Saturday. Do not have our call signs yet. These were recommended by our instructor for events and emergencies as well as travel. There are lots of cheaper ones our there. Many of the club members use these.

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007323.
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Old 02-26-2014, 02:10 PM   #5
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I use a similar unit often in the MH and jeep. Added larger rubber duckie antenna, speaker-mic, and DC power port adapter.
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Old 02-26-2014, 02:19 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bevnicka1 View Post
Can anyone recommend a good portable ham radio. I was at Escapee RV Boot Camp in January and saw a model MFC 1717 that one of the ladies had, but can't find that model number on Amazon to order. There are so many different portable ham radios to chose from, I have no clue as am new to getting my ham license and equipment. Can anyone help here.
Bev
Probably mean MFJ-1717. I have some MFJ equipment. You have to pick and choose what MFJ products to buy. I think I would stick with Ken Wood, or Yaesu handheld. BTW MFJ stands for mighty fine junk. Not to demean MFJ they do have some good equipment and I own a lot of it.

As a starter I would get an HRO, AES, and MFJ catalog. Texas Tower also sells ham equipment. Once you have their catalogs you can shop and compare toys.
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Old 02-26-2014, 04:49 PM   #7
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I use a similar unit often in the MH and jeep. Added larger rubber duckie antenna, speaker-mic, and DC power port adapter.
Those were the accessories that I was referring to although we ordered straight antennas, a mag mount, one head set for my wife and a speaker Mic for me.also ordered the USB cable and software to load frequencies into memory.

We expect our license to post tomorrow.
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Old 02-26-2014, 05:00 PM   #8
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Bevnicka1 & CoupevilleDF - Welcome to ham radio.

I prefer Kenwood portables as I dropped one of my HT's from 125' and it still works.
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Old 02-26-2014, 05:00 PM   #9
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Not sure if you are looking for VHF, UHF or HF. But give this place a call. Richard has new and used.
http://www.mtcradio.com/

73,
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Old 02-26-2014, 05:29 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coupevilleDF View Post
Those were the accessories that I was referring to although we ordered straight antennas, a mag mount, one head set for my wife and a speaker Mic for me.also ordered the USB cable and software to load frequencies into memory.

We expect our license to post tomorrow.
Yes, overlooked to mention the programming software. Makes life much easier and saves aggravation.
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Old 02-27-2014, 08:14 AM   #11
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Wow, thanks everyone for all your assistance. I will check all these out. Bev
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Old 02-27-2014, 08:17 AM   #12
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wyorancher: Too funny about MFJ interpretation....I laughed silly. Bev
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Old 02-27-2014, 06:07 PM   #13
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Got our radios last night. Have been playing today. There are more options than windows 8.

Call sign posted today ~ KG7JCA.
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Old 02-27-2014, 06:37 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coupevilleDF View Post
Got our radios last night. Have been playing today. There are more options than windows 8.

Call sign posted today ~ KG7JCA.
Congratulations

Jim KB5ZA
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