KI4DTO
01-30-2004, 06:19 PM
This is my first HT as a brand new ham, and I must say it is an absolutley outstanding value.
I purchased this HT from gigaparts for $85 after reading several reviews. Elements of my decision were:
1: I use many AA rechargable batteries in other equipment, so I am happy to have an HT where I can use the same cells. I can also, in the event of a need, grab disposable alakaline cells and get very good performance out of them.
2: I do not need or expect to be able to run off of a 12-13VDC power supply while talking. I can, if needed, easily attach a 9.6VDC PS tot he terminals. But note, if this is important to you, that the 12V charging circuit is *only* a charging circuit.
3: 6/1 watt tx settings. This is a powerful little HT and with a roll up jpole, can match many mobile rigs. Even with the rubber duck, I very clearly reach a 40 mile distant repeater.
4: fully programmable, extended scan range, handles PL tones for repeaters, has WX channels preprogrammed and programmable, 40+1 memories, auto repeater setting (wonderful for a newbie). I'll admit to a bit of sticker chock on the price of the serial programming cable. from now on, I'll build them rather than spend $40 on one. The older DOS programming software works fine and I can program the HT from my PDA!
5: Standard hardware. Several similarly priced HTs I looked at had non standard (even within their own company) fittings for speaker/mics, and sma or even non detachable ( ! ) antennas. This baby comes with support for all your applicable Icom accessories and has a bog standard BNC antenna connector.
6: $85! I got two HTs (needed one for my wife, who also got her ticket) for less than the price of many fancier HTs. Not that I don't plan to upgrade someday to a model with a built in TNC, but this radio does an awful lot for $85.
The only con really is the manual, but even that wasn't so bad after I spent an hour flipping back and forth through it. Having the DOS programming software helped, too. There is a windows version bundled with a cable for very nearly the price of a stock cable (not at gigaparts, though.)
Granted, my excitement with having a license is huge, but this radio is no slouch.
73
KI4DTO
I purchased this HT from gigaparts for $85 after reading several reviews. Elements of my decision were:
1: I use many AA rechargable batteries in other equipment, so I am happy to have an HT where I can use the same cells. I can also, in the event of a need, grab disposable alakaline cells and get very good performance out of them.
2: I do not need or expect to be able to run off of a 12-13VDC power supply while talking. I can, if needed, easily attach a 9.6VDC PS tot he terminals. But note, if this is important to you, that the 12V charging circuit is *only* a charging circuit.
3: 6/1 watt tx settings. This is a powerful little HT and with a roll up jpole, can match many mobile rigs. Even with the rubber duck, I very clearly reach a 40 mile distant repeater.
4: fully programmable, extended scan range, handles PL tones for repeaters, has WX channels preprogrammed and programmable, 40+1 memories, auto repeater setting (wonderful for a newbie). I'll admit to a bit of sticker chock on the price of the serial programming cable. from now on, I'll build them rather than spend $40 on one. The older DOS programming software works fine and I can program the HT from my PDA!
5: Standard hardware. Several similarly priced HTs I looked at had non standard (even within their own company) fittings for speaker/mics, and sma or even non detachable ( ! ) antennas. This baby comes with support for all your applicable Icom accessories and has a bog standard BNC antenna connector.
6: $85! I got two HTs (needed one for my wife, who also got her ticket) for less than the price of many fancier HTs. Not that I don't plan to upgrade someday to a model with a built in TNC, but this radio does an awful lot for $85.
The only con really is the manual, but even that wasn't so bad after I spent an hour flipping back and forth through it. Having the DOS programming software helped, too. There is a windows version bundled with a cable for very nearly the price of a stock cable (not at gigaparts, though.)
Granted, my excitement with having a license is huge, but this radio is no slouch.
73
KI4DTO