I agree with one exception, I don't respect posters who can't CLEARLY state a topic.  They just use up other people's valuable time deciphering what they REALLY meant.

What more can be said - Everything I have bought from them worked.

Try reloading the USB driver and then make sure you selecting that port in the software.  Also, make very sure the cable is inserted fully into the radio - I had a problem with that in the past.

In production facilities, back when PCBs were populated with leaded components, it was not uncommon to insert all leaded components in the PCB, wave solder and then trim them using a fly cutter.  Then, the PCBs were sometimes sent through a re-flow machine, which made all the solder joints neat looking.  These day, SMD devices predominate to the extent that leaded components often are inserted last and hand soldered.

Not always the case.  I am looking at my waterfall and there are constant lines on my waterfall about 120 Hz apart.  They are not all beacons.  What I have discovered is that they appear when I use my wireless router and are coning from the switching power supply.

Get yourself a vest or harness that allows the radio to be higher up on your body.  That, along with a longer antenna, may salve your problem.

Some questions:

Are you using a hardware serial port or USB to serial converter?

If you are using a USB to serial converter, what chip (FTDI or Prolific) is in it?

Are you having trouble with both CHIRP and VIP software?

Are you reading from the radio before trying to write to it?

Can you point me to any test data that supports your claim?

My take on the subject: http://www.kg4rul.info/GoBox.pdf

You can get a new HF transceiver, with basic features for approximately $529.00. 

Alinco DX-SR8T/E

+Coverage of All short-wave and HF amateur bands - (DX-SR8T North American /DX-SR8E European and other regions)

+Covers the 160m to 10m amateur bands including 5.3MHz (T-model only) in SSB, CW, AM and FM modes. Output power is 100W SSB/CW and FM, 40W in AM with low and super-low power settings for QRP operation. In addition, the general coverage receiver covers 135KHz to 30MHz in all modes.

+Detachable front control panel - Remove front control panel with large LCD display allowing you to install the radio with greater flexibility anywhere including  your car, boat or your shack. (Optional EDS-17 cable required)

+Direct frequency entry via the key pads - While the main dial tunes at the default 10Hz/resolution (adjustable in set mode), the numerical key pads can be utilized for fast direct frequency input, band selection and more.

+Fight QRM with these STANDARD features - Reject unwanted signals with the IF shift. Choose among a narrow filter, a noise-blanker or use RIT/TXIT to stay out of QRM.

+Emphasis on CW Operation - An electronic keyer unit is standard. You're able to  receive CW using either upper or lower side of the carrier frequency. Choice of side tone pitch, FULL (QSK), Semi or Auto break-in, split, narrow filter, AGC and RF gain.

+World-class transmit audio quality - A dynamic microphone (T/E models) and a speech compressor come standard for sharp, clear and powerful transmitting audio.

+Enhanced scan modes - Numerous scan modes are available including Priority, Search, Busy, Timed, Memory and Programmed search. Timed scan setting does not require squelch-mute allowing you to monitor data-modes and broadcasts simultaneously with memory search scan.

+Additional convenient features include - RF Attenuator and Pre-amplifier selectable in 4 steps, / 3 TX power output levels with a Super-Low setting (QRP 0.1W~2W variable) / Dual VFO / 600ch memories in 3 banks / Connections for Auto-antenna tuner and Liner amplifier ALC output / Fully independent AF level, squelch, RIT and IF shift knobs / Dial lock and key lock / TX-RX lamp / Alphanumeric display / Auto-power-off / CTCSS encode for 10m FM repeater accesses / Microphone, Headphone and External speaker jacks on the front panel / Large, temperature-controlled internal cooling fan with anti-overheat output power limiter/ High-SWR protection

Standard accessories

+EMS-64 (SR8E/SR8T: Dynamic)

+DC cable

+Microphone hanger EBC-7

I own one along with a Yaesu FT-100D and Kenwood TS2000 and it holds it own with either of them.  Mine is currently installed as a mobile.

Here are some suppliers:

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010649
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=350&products_id=67773
http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZAL-DX-SR8T
http://www.aesham.com/hf/alinco-dx-sr8t/
http://www.cheapham.com/alinco-dx-sr8t-hf-transceiver/
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/5008.html

So, how will they spin the rules to allow one to press a microwave transmitter against ones head for extended periods of time?  Can you fry me now?

I have one of their Station Monitors.  Solid construction and works as advertised.

Linking two "hams" is really tough.  However, linking two ham radios would be doable except for the fact that your truck radio is 2M only.  You need a dual-band radio that has cross-band capabilities, that could be accessed on UHF using your FT60.  If you step up to a Kenwood TM-V71A, you can also change the memory channel on the radio using DTMF commands.

The thing to remember with EZNEC and other similar modeling programs is, they are based on assumptions about the performance of antennas excited with RF energy.  Yes, they are based on empirical data but, somewhere, you have to be stretching the assumptions too far.  The ONLY real performance measure is getting the test antenna on a range and performing real measurements.