This winter I decided to work on my Ham license(s), so I've got a couple of questions for hams.
Licencing
After a week, I'm 80% through the Technician section on HamTestOnline. I should be done by the weekend.
I was planning on getting the General as well. The test in my area is 1st Thurs of the month, so I was targeting March. That gives me ~5 weeks. I don't have any doubts I'll be ready for the Tech/Gen by then.
My question is should I try to get my Extra as well? Is it worth it (see my Ham use objectives below)? If I have to take another month to study up on it, that's not a problem.
Equipment
I'm looking for Ham for using when I'm outdoors. I don't have to go far (< 20 miles) from my house and cell signal is zero. So this would predominately be for emergency use, but I may diddle around with it at home as well (monitoring some of the local EMS channels). Because of what I'm targeting it for, I'm thinking the dual band HTs are what I should be going for.
I've looked at the Yaesu FT-70DR, FT2DR, and the FT-270R.
The FT70 is pretty good - it's dual band, has digital capabilities and the price is good (~$225). The FT270 is rugged (submersible), is about the same price point, but is only 2m. The FT2DR is the Caddy of the three: dual monitor, digital, APRS/GPS, 2m/70cm band - but I'm really not a fan of the touch screen. Cost is ~$420 In fact, if I could find a used FT1XDR that would just about be ideal (I think).
I'm also thinking the Kenwood TH-D72A is a good option. I like the very good GPS and the capability of APRS. It too has dual channel monitoring and is 2m/70cm. It is analog - no digital. Price is ~$400.
I'm kind of leaning toward the Kenwood for the GPS/APRS because if it's just me out in the middle of no where, I'd like my friends/family to know where I am. The reviews on the Yaesu GPS is it is not very good, and like I said I'm not a fan of the touch screen. I also like that I can run the Kenwood at home while plugged in (and charge the battery); can't do that with the Yaesu (according to reviews).
I didn't really see any Icoms that fit what I'm looking for, and I don't want the cheap Chinese stuff.
So my questions:
1) Am I overthinking what I need/want? Just get a low cost 2m and be done? See what I need/want and buy later? (I'm not adverse to spending the $400-500 now vs $200 now and $500 later)
2) Is digital worth it (the Yaesu FT2D)? Or not (go with the Kenwood)?
3) Am I missing any other options?
Licencing
After a week, I'm 80% through the Technician section on HamTestOnline. I should be done by the weekend.
I was planning on getting the General as well. The test in my area is 1st Thurs of the month, so I was targeting March. That gives me ~5 weeks. I don't have any doubts I'll be ready for the Tech/Gen by then.
My question is should I try to get my Extra as well? Is it worth it (see my Ham use objectives below)? If I have to take another month to study up on it, that's not a problem.
Equipment
I'm looking for Ham for using when I'm outdoors. I don't have to go far (< 20 miles) from my house and cell signal is zero. So this would predominately be for emergency use, but I may diddle around with it at home as well (monitoring some of the local EMS channels). Because of what I'm targeting it for, I'm thinking the dual band HTs are what I should be going for.
I've looked at the Yaesu FT-70DR, FT2DR, and the FT-270R.
The FT70 is pretty good - it's dual band, has digital capabilities and the price is good (~$225). The FT270 is rugged (submersible), is about the same price point, but is only 2m. The FT2DR is the Caddy of the three: dual monitor, digital, APRS/GPS, 2m/70cm band - but I'm really not a fan of the touch screen. Cost is ~$420 In fact, if I could find a used FT1XDR that would just about be ideal (I think).
I'm also thinking the Kenwood TH-D72A is a good option. I like the very good GPS and the capability of APRS. It too has dual channel monitoring and is 2m/70cm. It is analog - no digital. Price is ~$400.
I'm kind of leaning toward the Kenwood for the GPS/APRS because if it's just me out in the middle of no where, I'd like my friends/family to know where I am. The reviews on the Yaesu GPS is it is not very good, and like I said I'm not a fan of the touch screen. I also like that I can run the Kenwood at home while plugged in (and charge the battery); can't do that with the Yaesu (according to reviews).
I didn't really see any Icoms that fit what I'm looking for, and I don't want the cheap Chinese stuff.
So my questions:
1) Am I overthinking what I need/want? Just get a low cost 2m and be done? See what I need/want and buy later? (I'm not adverse to spending the $400-500 now vs $200 now and $500 later)
2) Is digital worth it (the Yaesu FT2D)? Or not (go with the Kenwood)?
3) Am I missing any other options?