- Jan 31, 2009
- 3,280
Wow the red book.... I think there was a yellow book too. I had one, brings back memories. The smell of radio...
That's the tooobs burning off the accumulated dust and the gunk that came out of the dying electrolytics.The smell of radio...
As a professional technologist of sorts, I’ve taken to heart the warning not to spend dough on radio gear until I’ve marinated in this stuff for a while longer. I get it. It’s why I’ve been happy as Mr. Baofeng so far! But ... I have already grown weary of doing the cabling and loose-object-in-the-cockpit dance while driving. I’d like to permanently mount a decent VHF/UHF in the truck. Perhaps something with a decently smart mic for data entry, maybe a removable display/head for security. Something that will look out for me on SWR in case of cable/antenna shenanigans.
Yes: I don’t know what I don’t know. Budget... under $400 would be nice. Ish. But dang there’s a lot wade through out there, and some practical guidance, with an eye on currently available products from reputable manufacturers would be great. I know ... “I want a gun, what should I buy?” I don’t mean to come across that way! But here I am. Thanks in advance!
Speaking strictly for me, that's only 15% off new price ($345) for probably several-years-old used equipment with unknown (to me) history and no warranty. For that little a difference, why not buy new?
The ham used market is almost as good for sellers as the used gun market.
You don't know me, so I won't take that personal. Some people might feel differently. Might want to be more tactful in the future.
I have experience with the two models.
Yeasu FTM-100DR 50w With Digital mode. Can be found for about $290
Yeasu FTM-400XDR Basically the same base unit as the FTM-100 but has dual VFO plus GPS and APRS. This is what I’m using in the car. They go for $450 but it’s a great mobile radio IMO.
Which of those radios is the most likely to have a feature that will also preserve my marriage?
That or I need someone to help me stage an emergency that only a fancy radio can help us escape.
Most of the used stuff seems to go for prices within spitting distance of new, at least on evilBay. Asking prices on craigslist are sometimes higher than new! Even here in the classifieds used gear has not really been a bargain. Maybe that's because the Big 3 gear is so reasonably priced now that there is less room for the used market? For the prices I'm seeing, worth it to buy new from a reputable dealer and get a warranty. Maybe I'm just not good at finding deals or negotiating.