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Me too, although for the shack rather than as a mobile rig. I'm currently using an ancient Icom single band 70cm rig that gets a bit flaky sometimes when the weather is warm. It occasionally decides to change frequency with no input from me.Quote:
Originally Posted by WØTKX
Same here... These radios are so inexpensive it makes not pulling the trigger on a new one hard.Quote:
Originally Posted by WØTKX
I can't find much in the way of good reviews on this radio. However, after reading them, nits are being picked. That being said, it seems they are selling for around $325. Though I did see one or two direct from China sites that have them for $275 and free shipping. The only other dual band with dual RX in that price range is the Alinco 635 which does not seem to get a lot of positive chatter going either.Quote:
Originally Posted by WØTKX
One thing is for sure, we are starting to see cheaper alternatives. If like the HT's a few more companies bring out such rigs we may see a dual band for around $200. But I do have to wonder, if these companies become more and more popular, won't the price start coming up?
Oh? That's interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by KB3LAZ
I have had a lot of success over the years with an Alinco 510 (now on my second one) and an Alinco 590. For their day, they were nice rigs. Be a real shame if Alinco now has a QC issue.
I dunno. You know what they say about online reviews so keep that in mind. I never had an issues with my 605.Quote:
Originally Posted by W3WN
Quote:
Originally Posted by N2NKW
Nothing. The UV-5R, 5RA, 5R+ etc etc are pretty much all the same radio, aside from cosmetic differences. The UV-5RA was supposed to the the "American" version if I'm not mistaken.
There are now 3600maH batteries available for the UV-5RA that do not require radio modification. I believe Three Old Crows General Store has them, and if not I highly recommend this guy:Quote:
Originally Posted by KC2UGV
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261163626874...84.m1423.l2649
"Radioshop888" is one of the higher recommended vendors out of Hong Kong. I ordered mine and it was here in less than 5 days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KB3LAZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by W3WN
Before deciding on the FTM-350 I had been looking at the Anytone or the Alinco. The Alinco is said to have severe RX issues, and its a complaint that is fairly common among users. It was the #1 reason I decided against it.
This is just one of the many things I found on the issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9RZ4vjJ5vc
As far as intermod problems go, Alinco isn't the only one with that issue. All the Icom VHF FM rigs I own are quite susceptible to this as well. My IC-2200H goes wack when I drive by the huge computerized billboard at a local Toyota dealership and once when I was volunteering at a community event I found that my HT was useless whenever the stop light I was stationed near was switching from red to green and back again.
I'm just regurgitating information that I've found in my own research and decision making.
Well, to update a little on the review:
Went to the CoB City Hall observation deck, to try out some simplex over lunch, on both 2M and 70cm.
Nary a contact.
Quite possibly the result of one of the following: Crappy antenna, few operators on during lunch time (Especially on simplex), poor operation of the radio (I think it kept kicking over the the other VFO every time I un-keyed), or some other reason.
I'm leaning towards the "few operators" idea. Assuming a -5 db gain on the current antenna, 1W FM ERP, at 174ft AGL should be able to hits SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, especially given the 360 view.