KI4QFY
08-04-2006, 10:14 AM
A detailed review to be posted on my site, however this is a quick initial review.
Just received it yesterday. First thing, the "cheap" speaker/mic I got off ebay does NOT work with it. Dont cut corners like me, and get a Yaesu S/M if your going to get one!
Size: Its pretty dang small! Almost too small. However, its still managable. It has a bit of weight to it, and feels solid. The antenna is long, which adds to its overall size.
Display: It is an alphanumeric display, but Ive not tried to mess with that. Ive found it to be easy to view both daylight and zero light. The keypad lights up too, which is a nice addition. The backlight is a pleasent orange and works very well.
TX: The VCO is right on target. Voice quality is very good. Power out is great, .3 to 5 watts and 2 steps between! I can adjust to 1W for close by repeaters, or step up to 5W for the one that is far out.
RX: Appears to be sensitive. Have not had time to carry it around too much yet, I brought it to work with me to program, however the squelch doesnt seam to open up like some other radios.
RX Audio: LOUD! Audio is very clear! When turned up on max, you can clearly make out the audio when traveling 70mph with windows down. Very nice. Additionally, the volume control has spaced "clicks" so the knob doesnt just spin freely.
Belt clip: Im not a fan of very many belt clips, this one doesnt stand out either. However, I have to take into account that the size of the radio doesnt permit a big clip. It is however well designed for what it is. I plan on finding some kind of canvas pouch to carry it in, more on that with the full review later.
Initial programming: Some complained the manual was confusing, and programming was confusing. However I found the manual to be straight forward and had several freqs programmed into memory in less than 5 min of getting it out the box. ARC makes offset easy, accessing tones is easy. Storing to memory is easy. In all, its pretty easy. I did write down a cheat sheet with the cut and dry steps to programming and did help a lot.
Antenna: The supplied antenna appears to be very good. I have not had much time to test extensivly, however I cannot tell any difference with the Prym RD-98. After I get to go hiking with it, Ill know more then.
Manual: The manual was well written and have not found any problems with it yet. The English translation is very good. Pictures are very good, instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Additional perks: Listening to SW was pretty neat! Built in WX is a big plus for outdoors type people. Extended RX is nice, but havent gotten to play with it. You can pick up all kinds of stuff, most of which you really dont need, but it can do it.
Submersible: Well, I havent tried it out, intentionally. However it was a deciding factor in this unit, as Ill be using it outdoors extensively.
Triband: Were 220 poor in the area, but its nice to have.
Overall: I give this a 10/10 at this time. Further testing will possibly demand adjustment. Keep an eye on my site for a detailed review! I will post back on this thread when I have one ready.
Cheers..
Andrew KI4QFY
Just received it yesterday. First thing, the "cheap" speaker/mic I got off ebay does NOT work with it. Dont cut corners like me, and get a Yaesu S/M if your going to get one!
Size: Its pretty dang small! Almost too small. However, its still managable. It has a bit of weight to it, and feels solid. The antenna is long, which adds to its overall size.
Display: It is an alphanumeric display, but Ive not tried to mess with that. Ive found it to be easy to view both daylight and zero light. The keypad lights up too, which is a nice addition. The backlight is a pleasent orange and works very well.
TX: The VCO is right on target. Voice quality is very good. Power out is great, .3 to 5 watts and 2 steps between! I can adjust to 1W for close by repeaters, or step up to 5W for the one that is far out.
RX: Appears to be sensitive. Have not had time to carry it around too much yet, I brought it to work with me to program, however the squelch doesnt seam to open up like some other radios.
RX Audio: LOUD! Audio is very clear! When turned up on max, you can clearly make out the audio when traveling 70mph with windows down. Very nice. Additionally, the volume control has spaced "clicks" so the knob doesnt just spin freely.
Belt clip: Im not a fan of very many belt clips, this one doesnt stand out either. However, I have to take into account that the size of the radio doesnt permit a big clip. It is however well designed for what it is. I plan on finding some kind of canvas pouch to carry it in, more on that with the full review later.
Initial programming: Some complained the manual was confusing, and programming was confusing. However I found the manual to be straight forward and had several freqs programmed into memory in less than 5 min of getting it out the box. ARC makes offset easy, accessing tones is easy. Storing to memory is easy. In all, its pretty easy. I did write down a cheat sheet with the cut and dry steps to programming and did help a lot.
Antenna: The supplied antenna appears to be very good. I have not had much time to test extensivly, however I cannot tell any difference with the Prym RD-98. After I get to go hiking with it, Ill know more then.
Manual: The manual was well written and have not found any problems with it yet. The English translation is very good. Pictures are very good, instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Additional perks: Listening to SW was pretty neat! Built in WX is a big plus for outdoors type people. Extended RX is nice, but havent gotten to play with it. You can pick up all kinds of stuff, most of which you really dont need, but it can do it.
Submersible: Well, I havent tried it out, intentionally. However it was a deciding factor in this unit, as Ill be using it outdoors extensively.
Triband: Were 220 poor in the area, but its nice to have.
Overall: I give this a 10/10 at this time. Further testing will possibly demand adjustment. Keep an eye on my site for a detailed review! I will post back on this thread when I have one ready.
Cheers..
Andrew KI4QFY