I know it is there and I want it... Amateur radio... a special space (frequency) in the air that anyone can use it, no need to pay like we do in cell phone or commercial radio if we want to transmit something. Why I want it? it will be nice if you can talk to someone over wireless-ly when you are out of reach cell phone signa. This almost-always happen when you do offroading.But the decision is not as easy as I thought... there are a lot of variables other than money that we need to decide.
- Single Band or dual?
- Rig (mobile) or Hand held (HT)
- Brands
- Price
- New vs Used etc etc...
Not knowing anything about Ham radio, I try to do search and read a countless article and review about Ham Radio and finally decide that my first ham radio is: a new, hand held (HT) ,dual band ,Yaesu vx 6R.
- New : Because I do not know shit a bout electronic especially Ham radio, so this is a save bet, I want to have the HT at its prime. The wear in component can reduce the capabilities of the radio... so better buy a new one.
- Hand held : This is very difficult decission, I want it a mobile because of bigger power (up to 75 watt) so I can talk further with other friends, but I read that the wattage is not the only factor (but yes it is one of the factor). With a good HT (5 watts) is good enough to reach 5 miles or more as long as there no obstacle. Adding a good external antenna will extend the reach of HT, furthermore, if we can reach a repeater, the reach will be a s good as 50 watts radi plus high antenna. With HT, you can bring it anywhere you want: hiking, biking etc... very handy..
- Dual Band : Although there is single band with higher power at the cheaper price, I choose dual band so I can talk both in VHF or UHF (clearer but shorter distance). The only draw back for dual band is the price... it will always more expensive than single band transmitter.
- Yaesu Vx-6R : before I lean toward I-com V85 because of its power (7 watts) but single band, but I learnt that Yaesu Vx-6R can transmit in most of the frequency. Although in Brochure only mentioned 144-148 (2 meters) and 220-225 (1,25 meters) and 430-450 (70cm) or three banders... mine can transmit wider frequency than those, including HF and 6 meters. Essentially with adding few more bucks I will have free range HT (it is confirm that it can transmit in 6 meters as well as HF frequency.
So now, I am a happy air citizen...
