handheld purchase advive

[zr1rbr]

I am looking to purchase a vhf/uhf handheld.
The options are Icom W32a or Kenwood THG71
Which route should I go ??

[W2TXB]

I hate to add confusion to this, but you may also want to look at the Yaesu VX-5R; granted, when I first saw it, I had my doubts, but then a quick demo run proved otherwise. It is one very capable and versatile radio with plenty of receive sensitivity and transmit power to get the job done. Programming it with the ADMS-1E or EVE software is a snap, too.

[N4JCS]

If you decide on the IC-W32,better get one right away. It has been discontinued by ICOM.

[K9KJM]

Yaesu VX-5R is a nice rig! Icom Q7A if low power is acceptable. The Icom W32 is older and bigger......... would be my 3rd choice.............

[W8BKI]

I too have to agree with the vx-5r made by yaseu the unit is very small and easy to handle, plus it has the extended recieve which is nice if you like to monitor other freq. besides those assigned to amateur. I purchased a yaseu ft-50r because i have trifocal eyeglasses and the "rounded" display was easier for me to read and the back light display really helps me see what freq. i am on during night time operations. I have found that yaseu HT's seem to be a little more user friendly than that of other makers, and that was exactly what i was looking for when i bought my HT.

73 and good luck with your search
Joe; W8BKI

[w0krb]

I have an older W32 A and it is nice, However, I love my Kenwood D7 - Dual Band, Cross band (but why on a HT) but built in TNC which is ideal for all applications. Ready for APRS and the list goes on and on. Would buy another one in a heartbeat if I can come up with a good excuse to the wife to let me have a spare.
73
W0KRB

[KF4GON]

Wait, Hold the presses...The Yaesu VX-7 is on the horizon...Don't just you love having all those choices?

[KB3IBY]

I guess I'm going to have to talk up the Yaesu VX-5R also. Nice features, easy to use, great reception, and it's on sale right now at most places.

[kf4mnc]

Well I just bought a Yaesu VX-5R today, May 14. And I love it!! Its easy to use and covers a lot of frequencies! It would be my top choice if you don't have the money to spend on a kenwood! Or if you don't really need the cross band tx/rx. It offers lots of features, like the Dual-Watch which scans two different frequences for activities back and forth and selects the one that shows activity, or can scan memory channels or channels on the same frequeny, just to mention one feature! Its and very nice HT, and although I am still learning I enjoy it a lot. Again is is defintally my top choice if you can not afforade one of top end dual-band kenwoods.

73's Chris Walsh - KF4MNC

P.S. And if you act now they are on sale!! Not to mention there are very, very easy mods for this radio!

I have both an Icom T8A and T7H.

I like the T7H better as an all around dual bander. It is larger than the T8 and VXR5 type radios with more beef to it. Several people have told me they cannot tell the difference between my mobile (706 MII G) audio and the HT - I consider that a good sign.

As for the T8 - well, it's cute and does 6 meters. But I think there is such a thing as too much in a HT. The "Multi Function" buttons can get to be a biit much on a radio so small.

If you can get to a ham equipment store, handle the raidios. Listen to the audio. Get sig reports from someone - then pick what you like best

Rick

KD7QCG

[9W2WW]

Well, for handy...I would propose Icom (IC-T7H).....it's having ERP of 6 Watt Output !!! Most Handy only 5 Watt output....

The beauty .....it's cover most bands from 118+, 300+, 433+, 980+.

Do give it a considerations........ go to shops and have a test.....

[W4CGP]

I'll add my kudos to the VX-5R, it's got great RX/TX and the battery life is great, it was worth the money! The biggest plus for me was the lithium battery and the size associated with it; I don't think you can go wrong with this HT.

[KD7SDY]

I just ordered an alinco DJ-196 hand held . DOes any one have one? R they any good?