Since I like to work everything possible I like my FT-857D. All mode 160-440. Bought several years ago for $695. I have learned over the years about trying to do cheap....I would spend more money trying to be cheap than if I had started out with the "right stuff". WAS and over 100 countries in the mobile. Have fun.

73 de Lindy

Nice set up!

Anything above 40 meters gives me a nose bleed (:-)

73 de Lindy

I use my FT-857D mostly on HF. Every now and then I use it on VHF/UHF. That being said, I really can not see where a dual band mobile would be any better. Besides I like working a little VHF/UHF SSB just for the fun of it. And of course I love the 6 meter capability. But, different strokes for different folks. Have fun.

73 de Lindy

Aftermarket unit! I use the Plantronics, voyager 835 to go hands free on my FT-857D, GPS, and Cell phone. With a quality MP-3 set up by UTEL for the mic, I get great audio reports.

73 de Lindy

"Instead, you pee'd on him, proving his implied point that this will be just another wasted thread."

The guy using a cross band repeater here may dispute all of this. Unintentionally his unidentified 440 to 2 meter signal was interfering with a Nuclear power plant and it took a long time to locate him. The FCC was not very happy, the NRC was not very happy. The ham is not very happy since he is still doing paper work. Some of use bring up the pitfalls in any scheme hoping to help someone...it is easy to just skip over a post if it does not meet ones approval!

73 de Lindy

...and review the ID requirements for X-band repeat.

73 de Lindy

Would that be third party traffic? I could see a whole lot of problems with the ARRL (Alien radio relay league)  (:-)

73 de Lindy

As a VEC I have also talked to a lot of new guys after they bought a dual band HT then a real antenna for it, then a dual band mobile, then replaced the mag mount with a real antenna and then passed the General and now have invested $500 when they could have had it all for $700/$800. Yes, one of those DC to Daylight radios. If you are into serious sat or weak signal work they are not very good. If you just want to work the local repeater, maybe a 2 meter SSB net or UHF link system these radios are just fine. If you decide that radio is not your thing, you will find that something like the FT-857D which I use both mobile and portable has a very good re-sale value. If you upgrade, you will already have the rest of HF available. Good luck on the test.

73 de Lindy

Over the years, I have seen many new hams getting HT's as their first radio. It usually doesn't take long before they realize the limitations and buy a mobile. Suddenly the HT winds up on the bench or glovebox for most of it's life. I have a dual band HT for the rare times it is useful....it also spends most of the time in the glovebox. Have fun.

73 de Lindy

I love 146.52 at about 8,000 feet in my airplane. All I have to say is "WW5AA airmoble" and let the fun begin! Have fun.

73 de Lindy

I remember back in the 70's when cross polarization was the big rage for VHF. Everyone was giving praise to the windsock antennas and similar ilk. They soon discovered that cross polarization is not the answer. Like my departed friend Mr. Cebik said, "Every thing old is new again".

73 de Lindy

A very cheap in price MFJ dual bander will beat the pants off the overgrown rubber duck.

73 de Lindy

Yup, my A3S works great on 6 meters. Since I'm not a 6 meter guy I do it on the cheapo. It actually shows some gain and front to back, although I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is serious about 6 meters.

73, de Lindy

I also am a believer in higher is better, also bigger is better. And i'm with Steve, I would rather have the antenna at 70' fed with a 100' of RG8 than at 40' with 70' of any LMR.

73, de Lindy

Scott,

An important thing to remember when doing weak signal work is that a good receiving antenna in front of a good pre-amp, followed by proper filter selection is much superior to using an effective transmitting antenna to receive. I will not bore you with the capture area formulas. If you are serious about setting up the best RX system, most ham radio and even commercial radio books are not very good. Some good material is covered by experts in the field of radio telescopes and 3D Radar. Just a little overboard for the average station, but..........

73, de Lindy