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Author Topic: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?  (Read 1420 times)

OK1RP

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ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« on: December 10, 2018, 08:58:55 AM »

Hi all,

I am looking for most powerful brand FM mobile radio (forget Chinese craps).
Unfortunately dream about the dualband VHF/UHF 85W+ disappeared quickly as there is nothing on the market.
So I have to go step back and find 2m monoband only.

My two candidates are Alinco DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R...

Is there someone experienced and able to say which one and why please?
I am interesting primarily for as best breakthrough immunity of front-end as possible and selectivity as well.

Thanks for all kind tips and hints.

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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N5YM

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2018, 07:24:40 PM »

According to the RigPix database, the ALINCO DR-B185 is manufactured in China "(forget Chinese craps)."
Also, there is a YouTube unboxing the Yaesu FT-2980R, and when it shows the identification label it says MADE IN CHINA.

It appears that neither of these transceivers will satisfy your requirements.  Possibly an earlier model used transceiver that was manufactured in Japan would be a good choice.

73,

Mike N5YM
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SOFAR

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2018, 11:47:31 PM »

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OK1RP

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2018, 01:46:16 AM »

Hi Mike,

thanks for info. Yes, I have to confirm that even these rigs are manufactures in China > what I though by "forget Chinese craps" was to thinking about some let say "no name" junk boxes like TianYang, BeiChung, Abree, TYT, Anytone etc.

I am so disappointed that even branded rigs are made in China too but sometime it is no other way.

Thanks for your time Mike,

73 - Petr, OK1RP
« Last Edit: December 11, 2018, 01:52:32 AM by OK1RP »
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OK1RP

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2018, 01:50:04 AM »

Hi friend (SOFAR),

thanks for that link for IC-2300H. Unfortunately this rig is only 65W out. I know it is not the big difference compare to 85W in reality but at that power level maybe it is possible to find on the market some "Made in Japan" or "Made in USA" dualbander with 65W output on both bands...??

Any suggestion please?
Maybe it is not necessary to be the lates, newest flagship but reliable rig...
In all cases I am going to focus on IC-2300H for sure. TNX.

Many thanks,
73 - Petr, OK1RP
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SOFAR

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2018, 07:16:39 AM »

Don't know of any dual-band VHF/UHF transceivers over 50 watts.

The discontinued Icom IC-V8000 is 75 watts, has a cooling fan. They went for around $200 USD new, should be able to find a used one for less.

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/4080.html
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OK1RP

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2018, 08:27:21 AM »

Hi again,

wow, thank a lot.
It looks like V8000 is another favorite. It is 2m only but reliable 75W out and hope Made in Japan.
I found it on eBay from re-seller New but cost $225 + shipping so it sounds expensive.
...but I am getting what I am going to pay for, hi.

Many thanks pal,

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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OK1RP

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2018, 08:40:19 AM »

So currently in the focus are:

ALINCO DR-B185HE (85W) or Yaesu FT-2980R (80W) or Icom IC-V8000 (75W)

...all monobanders for 2m.

I am interesting in the front-end immunity, selectivity etc.

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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SOFAR

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2018, 11:07:17 AM »

Here are eham reviews for the IC-V8000, yes Made in Japan.
https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2171

I don't know about shipping, for your location.  But I've seen some listed for under $200.

https://swap.qth.com/index.php
« Last Edit: December 11, 2018, 11:10:05 AM by SOFAR »
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AF7JA

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RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2018, 07:38:46 AM »

Hi friend (SOFAR),

thanks for that link for IC-2300H. Unfortunately this rig is only 65W out. I know it is not the big difference compare to 85W in reality but at that power level maybe it is possible to find on the market some "Made in Japan" or "Made in USA" dualbander with 65W output on both bands...??

. . .

73 - Petr, OK1RP

I was thinking the Kenwood TM-281A, but it is also only 65W. I was satisfied with it; but in my application, I only use the low-power setting. If it has 10W max output I would have been fine. Clearly, we have different needs. That isn't a problem, except that, as you see, what you want isn't common.

Is there a reason you are not considering adding a good amplifier?
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VK5WRJ

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Re: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #10 on: November 17, 2022, 05:24:37 PM »

I realize this is an old thread.
Update, I just bought a Yaesu-2980R/E, it is definitely labeled Made in Japan.
I'm located in Australia. :) 
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AF5CC

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Re: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2022, 08:33:27 PM »

Icom 9700.  100 watts on 2m and 75 watts on 70cm.

73 John AF5CC
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K4GTE

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Re: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2022, 04:14:59 AM »

The Yaesu FT2980 is hard to beat for $170. 80 watts and built like a tank. The only transceiver with more power is the IC 9700, at a substantially greater price, and although it can be used mobile, it's more of a base transceiver.. I own both.
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WA3SKN

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Re: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #13 on: November 18, 2022, 05:07:23 AM »

2018 post... and from Europe.  And if he is looking at front-end he wants a filter!

-Mike.
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K7IN

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Re: RE: ALINCO DR-B185HE or Yaesu FT-2980R ?
« Reply #14 on: November 18, 2022, 10:17:46 AM »

Icom ic-2300h, Made in Japan

https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-011532

I too strongly recommend the Icom IC-2300H 2m transceiver.  I use one at my home station and it has eliminated all of the problematic intermod and interference I had before using older equipment.  This radio is a solid 65w output and is far better built than the Alinco or Yaesu radios.  K7IN
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