Alinco US Distribution

KK4CUL's paradoxical statement is quite true IMHO. While attending various Ham-Coms & conventions, I've spoken to reps of the big 3 makers. They all tell me the same story; not much interest for them in producing 220 equipment because it's a limited market. 220 being used only in the USA. What they do produce it limited in features, modes, and power output. Yes, there is Alinco and Jetstream, (bless them) and I have used them both. but, I'd like to see someone like Kenwood, or Yaesu produce a quality 220 multimode rig with some decent transmit power. Propagation experimentation can be quite fun, I'd love to try some 220 MHz SSB.

 

VX-8DR

I have the Yaesu VX-8DR and it has 220 capability. I also have the FTM-350, and it has 220 capability. The power output on the handheld is 5 and the power output on the FTM-350 is also 5 but it seems to have much better range than the handheld does.

I've talked on the handheld in Minneapolis, Indiana, Dayton, and Florida on 220. But other than Minneapolis, I didn't find a great deal of radio traffic on the 220 repeaters.

Recently I bought the Alinco DJ-G7 with the 2 meter/900 mhz and I have yet to speak to anyone on the 900 mhz band. But the 2 meter works great, and the radio seems really solid. My local dealer doesn't sell Alinco (I bought this one in Dayton). I like the radio and the build quality and agree with what's been said, but unless you're near a repeater that services the bands, I'm not sure what good it does you.

 

Have you measured the power out? My VX-6R, rated 5W, puts out less than 4W measured. Maybe it's just mine, or maybe my Bird slug is out of calibration, I don't know.

 

Thank you George! My experience with Alinco's performance over the years has at least matched that of the other manufacturers and surpassed at least one in reliability!

73!
NU4R

 

I do have a Yeasu VR 6, but with only 1.5 watts on 220 I have a hard time getting in to any repeater, have one 15 miles from me but need a radio with more power or make a beam antenna.

Peter N0RCE

 

I just want to put in a plug for REMTRONIX.
I contacted Epi there and he was able to supply some much needed parts to help get my old DX-70T back on line. Very reasonable price and shipping.