2m Handheld Radio - Recomendations

[Puddock]

Can anyone recommend a reasonable 2m handheld radio? I currently have a Moonraker HT- 90E which was £60 from Maplin. the first one had problems with the display, so went back. The replacement is DOA. The Moonraker is a Japanese made radio, are any of the chinese ones any better and more reliable?

Just looking for a 5W radio to walk about with in my pocket, to take up some hills and do some SOTA stuff (we have a lot of high places in SW Scotland) and get me into the local repeater. I haven't got my ticket yet so meanwhile will just be listening.

[K9VYH]

I have a Yaesu VX-6R. Ive been using it for years. It's indestructible. If you ge.t it I recommend you buy the software to link to Pc, very convenient for loading multiple frequencies if you travel.

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd...5&isArchived=0

[AB3NK]

I'm not sure if the Woxsun puts out 5 watts, but that is probably the most reasonable of the cheap handhelds out there.

On the plus side, their performance is at or above their stated specifications.

The minus side is that you need to use a programming cable and free program to program them.

My main rant is that a handheld is not a logical choice for a first radio because they are not good performers.
Radios requires a certain size antenna in order to perform well and a handheld does not get the job done.

The reason for getting a amateur radio license is to be of some type of service in times of emergency.
We justify our license by producing trained radio operators , technicians and electronic experts who can be called on in times of local and national emergencies, and it does not cost the government one red cent to train these people.

If you can't talk anywhere except the local repeater, then how will it train you to be a good amateur radio operator. At least with a 40 or 50 watt radio and base station antenna - you might be able to talk 50+ miles depending on terrain and listen even further then that.

I have talked 100 - 600 miles on 2 Meters FM with nothing more then a repurposed scanner antenna and some really good coax and a 50 watt mobile radio.
The possibilities are almost limitless for someone who has a tower and a couple of stacked beam type antenna's.
The problem with handhelds is that they do not transmit far, especially when in areas that are challenging for even a good radio.

Your needs would be better served by a good mobile - even if it was just an Alinco, I would have to say that it would be better then the best hand held radio.

[techiesteve]

The reason for getting a amateur radio license is to be of some type of service in times of emergency.
We justify our license by producing trained radio operators , technicians and electronic experts who can be called on in times of local and national emergencies, and it does not cost the government one red cent to train these people.

The OP is based in the UK, so the above does not apply. It is not the reason for gaining a licence in the UK. Small radios, especially when used for SOTA activities from mountain tops are very popular. They are often used with a SOTA Beam to extend the range further.

[2E0JTP]

Can anyone recommend a reasonable 2m handheld radio? I currently have a Moonraker HT- 90E which was £60 from Maplin. the first one had problems with the display, so went back. The replacement is DOA. The Moonraker is a Japanese made radio, are any of the chinese ones any better and more reliable?

Just looking for a 5W radio to walk about with in my pocket, to take up some hills and do some SOTA stuff (we have a lot of high places in SW Scotland) and get me into the local repeater. I haven't got my ticket yet so meanwhile will just be listening.

Think about spending a little bit more and purchase a dual band radio. In the UK, we have a fairly large split of 2m & 70cm repeaters. You will kick yourself if you find that you can't listen/talk on the busiest local repeaters to you just because your radio doesn't receive on that band.

As for which one. Have a look for the Yaesu FT-60E. It can't be beat, and at least one major UK retailer is selling them for less than £130.00, which is an absolute bargain for what you get.

Another good dual band option that is receiving a lot of online applause is the Quansheng TG-UV2 (£85 from UK suppliers, £50 from Hong Kong). It's only downside is no DTMF, which limits its usefulness if you like playing with Internet linking.

Have a look on Youtube, there are a fair few videos of these radios.

[2E0JTP]

The Moonraker is a Japanese made radio, are any of the chinese ones any better and more reliable?

The Moonraker HT-90E is a Chinese made radio. It's sold under different names by different suppliers/distributors.

The Chinese have become very adept at copying other manufacturers designs and mass producing clones at silly prices. Some are pretty good. Some aren't.

In my opinion, the Japanese radios (Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Alinco) are better long term bets.

[M0WAO]

bought a yaesu ft-7900 and it landed today by the royal post man
looking good nice small radio with detachable front possible going in my car. now it's programming time

i also have an uv-3r as run around and it's better with the speaker mic imho as it lowers the volume

[2E0JTP]

The FT-7900 (and its older brother, the FT-7800) just can't be beat for all round dual band mobile goodness!

[M6FAX]

I'm currently toying with the idea of purchasing a Wouxun (pronounced wooshin) twin bander..heard good reports on them so here goes..I take my M6 exam on Saturday 12th November..

[G6NHU]

That's on my birthday, good luck with it

[M6FAX]

Try Rocket Radios they have an e bay shop..I bought a quansheng TG-UV2 with charger etc for 84 quid all in....Now if I can make head or tail of the booklet I may be able to programme it up!!!