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Author Topic: Need basic 2M  (Read 1276 times)

N3DT

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Need basic 2M
« on: February 25, 2021, 06:13:38 PM »

I had a bunch of Moto Spectra VHF radios that died all of a sudden so I am in need of a basic 2M mobile, but for base use. Looking at TM-281A, FT-2800M, TYT TH-8600 but know next to nothing about them. First priority is no fan noise. Second is I don't need much power, 25W is plenty, less is even better. I would like display other than just numbers. Second hand is fine. Would like to have everything including programming cable. Not looking to spend more than $150 and less if possible. Not in a rush but not next year.

For the price I could almost do without alpha display with the TYT and it's available at R$L.

But the primary thing is I don't want any fan noise.

Thanks for the help.
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K0UA

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2021, 07:07:23 PM »

I have had two of the Yeasu 2800's for many years. One in a car and the other is the "base" rig. I have had zero trouble with them.  No fan, and will run up to 65 watts. There are 4 power levels for transmit.  Some people say they are crap. I like them. Again zero problems for many years. I cannot remember just how many, but I paid $117 each for them. So it has been a while.
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73  James K0UA

N3DT

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2021, 07:22:34 AM »

Thanks, I always sort of preferred Yeasu but I've had them all. Think I can find a used one for around $100. Actually all I need is about 5W to hit all the repeaters I need. I can hit the local 440 repeater with less than a watt and a 2M GP.
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N3DT

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2021, 03:12:41 PM »

Well, actually I messed with the wiring to the Spectras and all of a sudden they started working again. Must have been a connection problem. But I think if I wanted to get a new one it would be the 2800.
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N2HUN

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2021, 04:48:11 AM »

I recently bought an Alinco DR135T/EMkIII, $155, free shipping.  Very nice radio, check that one out.  Good luck in finding your radio.
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N3DT

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2021, 06:54:58 AM »

Thanks,I was looking at that Alnico too. Does it have a fan? The price is about like a good used Yaesu.

These Spectras are OK, they work, 55W but there's no display, just numbers. And since my W3.1 computer won't boot any more, I can't program them. They're expendable at this point. My old FT51R still works OK on UHF, it receives on VHF but the TX is messed up. It always starts in extra low power and then switches to what ever is selected. If extra low would work with the local repeater it would be OK, but it would be nice to have separate UHF/VHF.
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KE2SJ

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2021, 01:53:06 PM »

I would take a close look at Alincos.  Low-priced, solid, good features.  Love my Alinco dual band HT.  Not sure about the fan on the base radios. Customer service is great. If you want used, they're on eBay or GigaParts.  The DR135 looks like a great radio for the price (new) though it's dual band.
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N2HUN

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2021, 05:28:09 AM »

Don't see a fan on my Alinco but it has a good heat sink built in. It's 2m only, which is what I wanted.  After shopping for used 2m radios and seeing the asking prices, it made sense to buy new.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2021, 05:30:38 AM by N2HUN »
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K4JJL

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2021, 08:25:21 AM »

I had a bunch of Moto Spectra VHF radios that died all of a sudden

Check the electrolytic caps on all the boards.  They leak out corroding and shorting traces affecting the PA, command board (specifically affecting the audio amp), and RF board (causing PLL unlock errors).  The even leak in the control head causing the VFD display to go dim.

If you see crusty discolorations or smell rotten fish, it's capacitor juice.
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N3DT

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #9 on: May 14, 2021, 03:14:48 PM »

Turned out 2 of the old Spectra's I have still work. Must have been static between the earphones. So for now I'm fine, and I did replace all the caps years ago. But there's still something wrong with them, when they unsquelch, they click. If they work right they don't do that. It was my experience that replacing the 'warp board', the PLL circuit, fixed the problem, but of course that stuff is now unobtanium. I'll use them until they die, or I do, hard to say which will come first at this point.

Thanks for the hints.
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VE7REN

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2021, 01:17:16 PM »

i recomend the icom 2300h. been around a while with a true proven track record of reliablity like its pre decessors the 2000,2100,2200
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K1KIM

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #11 on: October 31, 2021, 03:09:41 PM »

I've got 2 Kenwood 7400's with tone boards. 5W, 25W.  They are beasts you can't kill.

Most modern radios blow then away in features, but for a KISS 2M radio they are workhorses.

Not selling. Just commenting.
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So Many Toys.......So Little Time!

K0UA

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #12 on: November 01, 2021, 08:49:50 AM »

i recomend the icom 2300h. been around a while with a true proven track record of reliablity like its pre decessors the 2000,2100,2200

Come to think of it, I have one of those too. It is in a kitchen cabinet, with a 10 amp power supply and a home made J pole up in the attic above it. It is the two meter rig to listen on when the lightning is crashing around during a storm. :)
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73  James K0UA

KJ7DDW

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #13 on: December 11, 2021, 04:53:24 PM »

I also second the 2300.
Have two of them.
One in the Jeep and the other set up as a base station in the garage.
Not cheap but very good and reliable.
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W6BP

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Re: Need basic 2M
« Reply #14 on: December 11, 2021, 06:34:49 PM »

Another vote for the IC-2300H. No fan, huge heat sink. Just took a look around and found a deal for $139 after rebate.
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