Yaesu 8800, or Alinco 635T

[K9CCH]

I had a thread over in the swamp, and I think it's helped me decide on the Yaesu 8800.

but I'm wondering how the Alinco 635T stacks up to it in terms of performance?

Anyone have any input?

[KJ3N]

Only input I have is that from a support perspective, the Yaesu is probably the better choice. Alinco distribution and service facilities have changed hands at least 3 times over the last 10-12 years.

For the record, I'm not terribly fond of Yaesu or Alinco, but if that's the choice, I'd go Yaesu.

[K9CCH]

For the record, I'm not terribly fond of Yaesu or Alinco, but if that's the choice, I'd go Yaesu.


are you an icom person?

[WØTKX]

If you have the $$, pony up for an FT-857D. You'll get 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm all mode. I like mine, I actually have two of them. Pretty versatile. Not the best HF rig, but OK. Consider a used one in good condition, they are out there. And you'll have the other HF bands for the upgrade to General when you do that.

Well, you do have 80, 40, and 15 CW only privileges right now. ;)

[K7SGJ]

I have the Alinco DR235 rig in that series, and it works okay, no complaints. I also have a Yaesu FT 8900 (like the 8800 but 4 bands instead of two) which is a nice little rig. Perfect for mobile on 10 Meters, 50, 144, 440. I would still have it in the truck, but I put in a FT 857 for HF and 2/440. I now have the 8900 in the shack and it's fun to put on 10 FM when it's open. You can hit the 10 Meter repeaters all over the place. If you went with the 8800, I don't think you'd be disappointed. The option for the remote head is a real plus if you are going to put it in a vehicle, and I think the Alinco has that option as well. Since the two rigs are pretty much in direct competition, it's like Ford or Chevy, or can you get one or the other for a much better price.

[K9CCH]

If you have the $$, pony up for an FT-857D. You'll get 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm all mode. I like mine, I actually have two of them. Pretty versatile. Not the best HF rig, but OK. Consider a used one in good condition, they are out there. And you'll have the other HF bands for the upgrade to General when you do that.

Well, you do have 80, 40, and 15 CW only privileges right now. ;)


Im really wanting something with crossband abilities to go in the Jeep right now. I fish a lot, so it would be nice to leave the Jeep on the beach or the dock and take my Baofeng HT with me.

im taking my general Aug 13th. Right now I'm scoring 100% on practice exams with sections 5-9.

[K9CCH]

. Since the two rigs are pretty much in direct competition, it's like Ford or Chevy, or can you get one or the other for a much better price.

You wanna sell that 8900? LOL

My only concern with the Alinco is the small number of reports of RX issues.

[KJ3N]

are you an icom person?

I was for a long time, especially when it came to the HF line. Now I have a K3. I ran Icom HF gear from 1991 to 2008. I own two IC-7000s.

If I were looking for a VHF/UHF only rig, I'd be looking at Kenwood or Icom, but that's me. I've owned both at one time or another.

[K9CCH]

I was for a long time, especially when it came to the HF line. Now I have a K3. I ran Icom HF gear from 1991 to 2008. I own two IC-7000s.

If I were looking for a VHF/UHF only rig, I'd be looking at Kenwood or Icom, but that's me. I've owned both at one time or another.

i had/have an opportunity to pick up a used D710 for $400... I'm just not sure I want to spend that kind of money on a used unit. And I can't afford one new right now.

Budget is the name of the game until after October.

[KJ3N]

i had/have an opportunity to pick up a used D710 for $400... I'm just not sure I want to spend that kind of money on a used unit. And I can't afford one new right now.

You don't want my opinion of APRS. :roll:

There are plenty of used radios around that can do crossband. I wouldn't piss $400 away on any APRS radio, used or otherwise.

[K9CCH]

I don't know anything about it, other than it gives me the location of the person transmitting... Which seems kinda pointless when I can just ask.

[KJ3N]

My feelings as well. I'm sure it has its uses, but I consider it much like Icom's D-Star; a solution looking for a problem.

If you're willing to spend $400 on a used radio, I'd make the smarter play and but a new Kenwood TM-V71A at about $350.

[K9CCH]

I didn't think the V71A has a crossband feature. Does it?

[KJ3N]

I didn't think the V71A has a crossband feature. Does it?

You tell me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVs97kb4mx4

[K9CCH]

Oooohhhhh.... So it does do crossband.

So now I've got three to choose from.

[KJ3N]

Generally speaking, if the radio has dual displays, it usually does crossband.

[K9CCH]

I'll have to sit down and compare them feature for feature.

[W7XF]

If you have the $$, pony up for an FT-857D. You'll get 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm all mode. I like mine, I actually have two of them. Pretty versatile. Not the best HF rig, but OK. Consider a used one in good condition, they are out there. And you'll have the other HF bands for the upgrade to General when you do that.

Well, you do have 80, 40, and 15 CW only privileges right now. ;)
Chris also has 10m SSB on 28.300-28.500, and full privs on 6. The 857 is the most bang for the buck IMHO. And, being by the Gulp Coast, 6m opens frequently :-)

[PA5COR]

One reason i kept the FT 100 the forerunner of the FT 857/897.
Better reciever better DSP too, HF, 6, 2/70.
Sold the Alinco DR 610 off, no transceiver in the car anymore, can't be bothered about that, if i need access to a repeater i take the Wouxun UDVP-1 with me with speaker phone.
Travelled with us many times on our hollidays to France, did a good job too, added the AM Xfilter too, so it works like a charm on AM as well.

[K9CCH]

There's an FT-100 on the bay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171072649682?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


and it's local, so I can probably go check it out in person. It's just a big chunk of change for me right now.

[WX7P]

There's an FT-100 on the bay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171072649682?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


and it's local, so I can probably go check it out in person. It's just a big chunk of change for me right now.

N8YX must have set the frequency on that FT-100.

[PA5COR]

550 $ looks pricy, i bought mine for 400 euro and i expect the FT100 D to fetch there 450 - 500 $ the FT100 about 375 - 425 $.
That are the prices here in euro, transceivers are a bit more pricey here for the import and longer transport ways and VAT.

There is a large Google group for the FT 100 too.
Mine is now in my posession for the last 7 years and works daily flawlessly.
Mostly used as FM radio for the news and 2/70.

[KJ3N]

There's an FT-100 on the bay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171072649682?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


and it's local, so I can probably go check it out in person. It's just a big chunk of change for me right now.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't buy something on eBay that has only a Buy It Now price.

[K9CCH]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't buy something on eBay that has only a Buy It Now price.


He's only about 5 miles from me. I wouldn't "buy it now" at that price, but it may be worth going to look at in person. Perhaps he'll come down on the price for locals.

[WØTKX]

Maybe. I have had some good luck on eBay doing that with a quiet message. Another eBay trick, don't bid till it is almost over, and especially if the auction ends in the early AM hours for US time zones. Set an alarm clock and see what's happening. I have had my best purchases happen that way.

[KG4NEL]

Maybe. I have had some good luck on eBay doing that with a quiet message. Another eBay trick, don't bid till it is almost over, and especially if the auction ends in the early AM hours for US time zones. Set an alarm clock and see what's happening. I have had my best purchases happen that way.

I snipe every time, all the time.

I draw the line at having it automated, though...a true gentleman uses his mouse :D

[KG4NEL]

He's only about 5 miles from me. I wouldn't "buy it now" at that price, but it may be worth going to look at in person. Perhaps he'll come down on the price for locals.

Considering the chunk that Paypal and final value fees eat away, cash may be king.

[WØTKX]

One of the funniest is when I got my NIB 10m to 2m Ten Tec transverter. I was watching it, and one of the locals I know came on a repeater. He was talking about it, and saying how he had just seen it and was asking my opinion, he knew I had two others. Of course, I'd been watching it for over a week, quietly. He didn't know my eBay screen name. I out bid him, at the last few seconds, because I kept my mouth shut. :lol:

He was mildly upset... "Some other guy in Colorado". Sorry Tom, that was me. I've been watching it for a while. Never play poker with me. Bwaaaa!

[KJ3N]

He's only about 5 miles from me. I wouldn't "buy it now" at that price, but it may be worth going to look at in person. Perhaps he'll come down on the price for locals.

It's overpriced, period. I'd pay a max of $450 cash.

It's been discontinued for years. Parts are becoming hard to come by.

[K9CCH]

I snipe some things using a snipe program. But its mostly sub $100 camera's.

I'm typically don't spend more than $100 on eBay on any given item. If its usually more than that, I prefer to either buy local so I can put my hands on it, and/or just order a new one from an online retailer like Amazon.

Luckily in 63 transactions, I've never had a bad experience.

[K9CCH]

It's overpriced, period. I'd pay a max of $450 cash.

It's been discontinued for years. Parts are becoming hard to come by.



Good info.

Unless I luck into some miracle deal on something like an 857... It's highly likely that I'll end up with an 8800 or a V71A.

The only thing that I like about the Alinco over the others is the multi color screen. But as I said, there are a few reports about RX problems with the Alinco.

I'm going to sit down tonight and compare the 8800 and V71A feature for feature, and do a little more research on both.

What I'll probably end up doing is installing a VHF/UHF radio with crossband in the Jeep, and then saving up for a nice base station. I usually get a nice chunk of change for Christmas from the parental units so maybe that's what I'll give myself for Christmas. A nice all mode base unit, something like an Icom-7000.

[WØTKX]

I got my second FT-857D for $600. Yes, it was a good deal. :yes:

[KB3LAZ]

550 $ looks pricy, i bought mine for 400 euro and i expect the FT100 D to fetch there 450 - 500 $ the FT100 about 375 - 425 $.
That are the prices here in euro, transceivers are a bit more pricey here for the import and longer transport ways and VAT.

There is a large Google group for the FT 100 too.
Mine is now in my posession for the last 7 years and works daily flawlessly.
Mostly used as FM radio for the news and 2/70.

Yeah, I had both the 100 and the 100D. I just cant see paying 500+ for one when you can pick up an 857 for a wee bit more. That being said, I sold my FT-100D a few years back for 600$ without ever putting a price on it. I was setting up my table at a local ham fest and a guy said will you take 600$ for it, the rest is history.

The reason I got rid of them is that both had what I consider less than acceptable audio, volume wise. I just couldnt hear them while driving down the road(windows open). No matter what speaker I used. I did not have the same issue with the 857, 706, or 7000. In the shack it was no problem at all.

[K9CCH]

The reason I got rid of them is that both had what I consider less than acceptable audio, volume wise. I just couldnt hear them while driving down the road(windows open). No matter what speaker I used. I did not have the same issue with the 857, 706, or 7000. In the shack it was no problem at all.


I drive a soft top Jeep, and even though its a 2013 and way quieter than my 2003 was, it still has a lot of road noise. I'm going to wire an external speaker for whatever radio I install. There's enough room in the padding of the roll bar just above the drivers seat to the left, to put a small square external speaker.

[KB3LAZ]

I drive a soft top Jeep, and even though its a 2013 and way quieter than my 2003 was, it still has a lot of road noise. I'm going to wire an external speaker for whatever radio I install. There's enough room in the padding of the roll bar just above the drivers seat to the left, to put a small square external speaker.

I always use external speakers too. Still didn't have enough volume. However, this was only an issue with the FT 100 series that I had. Never an issue with other radios.

[K9CCH]

My other option is to run an RCA directly to my head unit and play the audio through my full stereo system. Which is an option I hadn't though of until just now... Hmmmmmm.

[KB3LAZ]

My other option is to run an RCA directly to my head unit and play the audio through my full stereo system. Which is an option I hadn't though of until just now... Hmmmmmm.

Jammin out to the local gang. :D

[K9CCH]

Only when I want to! LOL

theres a 10" sub in the back, and a JVC touch screen entertainment center in the front... Audio ought to be pretty reasonable! LOL

[K9CCH]

I didn't realize that the FT-350AR had cross band abilities.... I reallly Really REALLY want an FT-350AR. I had given up on it because I didn't think it did cross band, but that is truly the radio that I want.

[NQ6U]

At first glance, cross-band repeat seems like a really cool feature but I never could figure out why I'd ever need it myself.

[WX7P]

At first glance, cross-band repeat seems like a really cool feature but I never could figure out why I'd ever need it myself.

Since you know the area, I'll give you the geographicals.

When I lived in Concord, I couldn't hit the 2m220 529 box on Tam handheld or in the car very well in the Diablo Valley.

With the cross band repeat, the 529 box would receive my input signal through the Hustler G-7 I had at the time, while I was using a 220 ht (I had a Kenwood TM-621A). I could walk around the house using this radio:
10123 which was only 1.5 watts.(the photo is the 2m version. The 220 radio looks exactly the same)

In the car, I had another 621A which I used crossband to access the 2m box through 220.

The only problem was the repeater would have to totally drop in between transmissions, otherwise it wouldn't work. As you might expect, the local yahoos would figure out that you were using crossband repeat and would make sure the repeato would never drop.

[K9CCH]

I've scratched both the 8800 and the 635, an opted for a Yaesu FTM-350AR. I'm picking it up for $450, and its in its original box with all accessories and cables. All cables are original length and it has never been installed as a mobile unit. It enjoyed limited use as a base station, and was then packed away when the owner moved into a condo. I've received pictures of everything, and exchanged numerous emails with the seller. Tomorrow we will be chatting via phone call to make sure everything is legit and we are both comfortable with the deal. (You can never be too safe these days!) I'm really excited as this is the radio that I truly wanted. I like the looks of the 350 even more than the 400.

its APRS ready... Dies that mean I have to have the optional GPS unit added to it, or is it ready to use APRS as it is?

[NQ6U]

I've scratched both the 8800 and the 635, an opted for a Yaesu FTM-350AR. I'm picking it up for $450, and its in its original box with all accessories and cables. All cables are original length and it has never been installed as a mobile unit. It enjoyed limited use as a base station, and was then packed away when the owner moved into a condo. I've received pictures of everything, and exchanged numerous emails with the seller. Tomorrow we will be chatting via phone call to make sure everything is legit and we are both comfortable with the deal. (You can never be too safe these days!) I'm really excited as this is the radio that I truly wanted. I like the looks of the 350 even more than the 400.

its APRS ready... Dies that mean I have to have the optional GPS unit added to it, or is it ready to use APRS as it is?

"APRS Ready" suggests that the optional GPS unit (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/53243350.html) is not installed. He would have mentioned it if it was. Universal Radio has it for $79.95 but it looks like you can plug a standard GPS into it as well.

If you're going to use it as a base station, however, there's not much point in APRS.

[K9CCH]

That's if I want to transmit my information right? I'll still be able to receive APRS info from other stations... Right?

[NQ6U]

That's if I want to transmit my information right? I'll still be able to receive APRS info from other stations... Right?

If you're in your shack, just turn on your computer to get APRS tracking (http://aprs.fi/#!lat=32.79770&lng=-117.13220). You don't even need a radio for that.

[K9CCH]

Well after I get it programmed and get used to using it, it's probably going in the jeep.

[NQ6U]

Well after I get it programmed and get used to using it, it's probably going in the jeep.

Then it makes sense to have APRS, assuming you want all your friends to be able to find you.

[K7SGJ]

And it will make it easier to find your Jeep when it gets stolen, too. Ham LoJack.

[K9CCH]

And it will make it easier to find your Jeep when it gets stolen, too. Ham LoJack.

No effin way.... Seriously??

Ham radio is SO cool....

[K7SGJ]

No effin way.... Seriously??

Ham radio is SO cool....

Well, yeah. As long as the radio is on and transmitting the APRS signa, you will be able to see where it is, and where it's been.

[KG4NEL]

Then it makes sense to have APRS, assuming you want all your friends to be able to find you.

My friends know to look in places that have both good scotch and high concentrations of single women with loose morals.

[NQ6U]

My friends know to look in places that have both good scotch and high concentrations of single women with loose morals.

So, you're saying you can generally be found in Washington D.C.?

[K7SGJ]

My friends know to look in places that have both good scotch and high concentrations of single women with loose morals.

I think Craftsman makes a tool to tighten up those loose morals.

[KG4NEL]

So, you're saying you can generally be found in Washington D.C.?

I worked there for 2 years out of school, and I'm going back on Friday for another interview... :mrgreen:

[KG4NEL]

I think Craftsman makes a tool to tighten up those loose morals.

Yeah, but anyone who's anyone owns the Snap-On version...

:scared::-P

[WX7P]

I worked there for 2 years out of school, and I'm going back on Friday for another interview... :mrgreen:

Godless Commie.

We know all about you.

I'd ask what you are interviewing for, but then you'd have to kill us all by responding.

[WX7P]

Yeah, but anyone who's anyone owns the Snap-On version...

:scared::-P

Now, that isn't very nice, station! :hand::naughty::lol:

[W7XF]

Yeah, but anyone who's anyone owns the Snap-On version...

:scared::-P

WWKMO????
(What would King Missile own?)

[WØTKX]

Black and Decker Pecker Wrecker. That is all.