Ham handi-talkies

[Cybrludite]

I'll be testing for my Technician license early next year, (As if I don't have enough in the way of expensive nerdy hobbies...) and am looking for suggestions on a decent dual-band handi-talkie as a starter rig, working with a budget of appx. $200 or so. The radios I'm currently looking at are:

Alinco DJ-C7
Icom IC-T7H Sport
Yaesu VX-3R
Yaesu FT-60R

Any hams on here who've played with any of these guys?

[Catbird]

I have a Yaesu VX-170. It's tough as nails, waterproof, and relatively cheap, (around $150).

My main beef with it is that you can only charge the battery pack while it's installed in the radio, and you can't use the radio while it's charging.

There is a website called eHam.net which has a user review section including one for VHF/UHF handhelds. It's a great resource for shopping for used equipment.

[randy]

I bought my daughter the IC-T7H when she got her license a year ago. Works well for her and has been holding up, but hasn't seen a lot of use.

I personally like ICOM and most of my HTs are of that brand, so one of the decision points in picking that radio for her was that it uses the same batteries and accessories as the ones my wife and I use (IC-Z1As, now about 12 years old and still going strong). A big cost savings for us.

A lot of my friends have Yaesus and like them. I just never ended up with one when I was looking for an HT.

Chris gave a pretty good breakdown of their models, but I would stay away from VX-8R unless you think you are going to get heavily into APRS. If you're not going to be using it for APRS it's not worth the extra money over a VX-7 IMHO.

[postmanone]

After studing the material, can you take the test online?

[randy]

After studing the material, can you take the test online?

No. In order to get your license you must take a test in the presence of a Volunteer Examiner (VE) team. They will grade it on the spot, let you know if you passed or failed. If pass, they will submit the paperwork (actually electronically these days) to the FCC to be processed and issue you your callsign and license.

To find a local exam session check the ARRL exam site

If you have any problems finding a local exam, contact me and I'll see what I can dig out

There are sites you can take tests on line, but for practice only. I recommend them for study and to build confidence prior to taking the real thing.

[jetfxr69]

Randy,
You're not by any chance an examiner, are you?

[randy]

Randy,
You're not by any chance an examiner, are you?

Yep. If you want to test in the Dayton area, there's usually one or 2 test sessions every month and I can get the info for you.

[randy]

That reminds me, I need to renew my license. Its less than six months till expiration.

You can do it on line at the FCC site. If you don't already have an FRN set up, you will need to register on the site first.

IIRC you can renew starting 90 days before the expiration date on your license.

[Rumpshot]

Chris, take the time to upgrade the license. It only takes a bit of time and you could probably walk in and take the test cold.

That said, I did a year and a half ago to General. Can't see the advantage to go higher right now. Spent parts of about 5.5 hours yesterday in the 10 meter contest. Lousy conditions, but scored 324 with only 18 voice contacts. Most from TX, but did have Washington, Idaho and Montana early on. Could not hear CA or Colorado.