Which radio for a Semi?

[WØTKX]

I use software to program the FT-857D's and that works pretty good. Doing it from the menu is a PITA.

Ride the RF gain down on them a lot. The front end overloads readily, and the SNR when mobile is usually bad enough that it's a good idea anyway. If I use it like that it's more listenable as well. Radio works great for camping and such, away from the big city... and I kind of like the controls. But I'm used to them.

They don't have the "ears" on 2 meters for really weak signals. My old IC-251A is better.

[KA9MOT]

I use software to program the FT-857D's and that works pretty good. Doing it from the menu is a PITA.

Yes, but could you load 1000 memories? A trucker is going to need allot of memories.

[Happy_Hamer]

I have owned all of the radios you asked about. For the truck, you will be better off with the IC-7000. The IC-7000 already has the filtering built in and a mic for remote use. Another option of the IC-7000 is that you can connect an external display to the radio making the mounting of the radio more convenient, combined with the remote mic it would make it a truckers dream for safe operation. The IC-7000, like mentioned, is VHF/UHF so when there is nothing on HF for you, then VHF/UHF is an option.

The only thing lacking of the IC-7000 is a built in antenna tuner which could be solved with an LDG IT-100. In a truck you are not going to be running a mess of antennas so the tuner is a good option with maybe a hamstick for HF, no it's not the most efficient, but all antennas are a compromise, even more so if you do not own the truck :-?

http://www.ldgelectronics.com/c/252/products/1/48/1

I would stay away from the TS-480HX, 200 watts is to large of a current draw in a company vehicle and may require "modifying" a power source into the cab.

The TS-480SAT is a decent radio with a built in tuner. The radio, as you know, is HF/6 meter, which is ok if you are interested in only that.

My choice? The IC-7000

OH, and I would stay away from the "screwdriver" antennas on a big truck, my opinion only but they are a P.I.T.A.

[W9JAM]

Thank you to everyone for the responses. I actually got an email from Ray Novak, Division Manager for Icom America. He's actually very interested in me getting one of their IC-7000 radios. Not only from a financial standpoint, but he's interested in seeing how the radio hold's up in "that harsh of an environment" as he puts it in the e-mail. This should be fun :) I think once I get the radio I'll do a Video Blog about the radio and how it holds up in the semi. Anyone else interested in a video like that?