Yaesu 8800, or Alinco 635T

[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:
Kenwood-Trio_TH-31BT.jpg 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 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. 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.