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| Reviews Summary for FDC FD-150A/450A |
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Reviews: 13
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Average rating: 4.5/5
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MSRP: $60
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Description: VHF/UHF FM TRANSCEIVERS
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More info: http://
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You can
write your own review of the FDC FD-150A/450A.
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G7AQK
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 16, 2008 07:21
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Great for the price!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned my FD160A for a couple of years and it is used daily to access local repeaters on my regular trips between London and Cambride (approx 78 miles).
The 160A and 460A are basically the same as the 150/450 series, but they have the functions marked on the buttons (which makes programming much easier!).
The Good Bits:
Transmit audio is good.
Plenty of volume on receive (no problems when driving at motorway speeds)
Good sensitivity
100 memories
CTCSS & DCS
5w output
Easy to use when memories are set up.
Rugged construction
The Bad:
Some Rx breakthrough from nearby pager sites.
Displayed S Meter is virtually useless.
No DTMF
Gets hot if transmitting for long periods (screen goes black).
Will only scan the full range of frequencies covered or all memory channels.
Programming from keyboard can be time consuming.
Despite the bad bits, at the price I paid I cannot complain. I have set the time out timer to 90 seconds to avoid problems with overheating (not unusual on handhelds). I always use the radio powered from the car via the Feidaxin adaptor and use a mini mag-mount antenna. The adaptor initially would cut out after a fairly short transmit period so I decided to carry out some minor surgery myself rather than return it to Hong Kong. The thermal cut out has now been replaced and it works fine.
I like the FD-160A so much, I have now ordered a FD-460A together with the computer programming cable.
Neil
G7AQK
http:http://g7aqk.uk.googlepages.com
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KC2TUX
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 25, 2008 05:15
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Great First Radio
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This is a fantastic starter radio!
You will probably need help with programming because the owners manual stinks!
I bought two of these radios on E-Bay along with the mag mount antennas and a 12V Battery eliminator, and I am very satisfied with them.
I can the reach the local repeaters easily, and get good reports most of the time.
My daily commute (Farmingdale to JFK) is 25 miles, and I can reach W2VL 146.850 with no problems during the whole trip.
Bill
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VU2OEC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 24, 2008 22:31
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Gem of a Radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought FD-150A 3 years and recommended to many ham friends. Full VHF coverage. Excellent Performance. Above, I used it in three car rallies in Deserts of Rajasthan, India and in Mountains of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. Great peformance every where. Fellow hams rated it best with the price tag of US $ 75.00 including shipping or US $ 100.00 with accessories like PTT MIC, Car Eliminator, Extra Battery and BNC connector. These accessories are must for field use. Great HongKong Radio.
VU2OEC
Rajesh Chandwani
INDIA
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KB2VYZ
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 11, 2008 12:36
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Not bad!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The FDC looks like a toy radio regardless of which color you choose, however, the radio did perform well on both TX and RX.
73 de Frank/KB2VYZ
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9W2AZX
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Rating: 3/5
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Sep 19, 2008 18:54
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easy to use
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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i'm a new ham & just bought a FD 150A for myself. as described in other reviews, it's very easy to program. just go thru the booklet and in less than 10mins, you'll be programming your fav freqs already. the red colour is also a big hit especially with the kids. the standard antenna though, is not so good. i put a friend's handy next to it, no audio was heard from the FD150A at the same freq.
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ZS6ZR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 6, 2008 07:39
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Great radio & great value.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I was looking for a UHF portable to use around the house on my crossband repeater and came across the FDC FD-450A on EBay at a better price than any used handhelds available locally.
The radio has a nice solid feel about it and does everything it is supposed to just as well as any of the more usual brands hams use. The manual and programming the radio is a bit different than what we are used to, but if you follow the instructions step by step, you soon get the hang of it.
Overall I think the 450A is excellent value for money and I ordered a 150A (VHF) as well.
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ADAMC60803
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 21, 2008 08:21
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Pretty Good Radio
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Well, as a new ham (kc9nto) on a limited budget, I was pleasantly surprised with this little radio. I'll admit that the manual that came with it was hard to understand, but after receiving some help, I got it programmed and it's working like a charm.
I'm able to hit all the area repeaters with just the antenna that's supplied with the radio, and I'm hoping that when my mobile mag mount antenna arrives I'll be able to hit the more distant repeaters as well. Almost all reports say my audio quality is good.
It's pretty much a no frills radio, but for someone just getting started in the hobby it's a good radio to begin with.
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N3KBS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 15, 2008 22:08
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Exactly as promised
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I cannot find a reason to get rid of this radio, even after getting my Yaesu VX-3R. It is water resistant, tough, and MARS capable right out of the box. I still grab it at times I need a bit more power or expect bad weather. All around really is a great bargain and good for anyone to have an extra radio just for rough weather! I was surprised at the drop in charger included and overall exceeded my expectations. No frills, but a great deal on a GOOD radio.
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W8BAD
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Rating: 3/5
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May 25, 2008 08:15
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OK
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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There is no DTMF, The stock antenna doesnt work well at all...Its worth the money if you buy a after market antenna and dont need DTMF.
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KB3OZA
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 22, 2008 08:50
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Good bang for the buck!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This was the first radio that I bought right after I got my ticket last year. I bought the FD-160 on eBay; I didn't see the 150 model at the time, but it's essentially the same radio. I received the radio in about 6 or 7 days from Hong Kong. I've consistently gotten great TX audio reports and the RX audio is always crisp and clear. I found adapters for BNC and PL-259 connectors at a hamfest, so I have no problems using a magmount antenna when mobile. Overall, a good value for a sturdy, compact radio that's easy to pack for traveling.
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