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[AI4LU]

Looking for a basic 2m handheld (multi-band optional) to keep in car for emergencies.

Requirements:

• Reliable and simple to use
• Rugged as far as heat/cold in an auto
• Must be able to program on-the-fly without software and without consulting a manual. In other words, be able to enter repeater freqs, offsets, and tones easily, possibly at night and in less than ideal conditions.
• Minimum 5 watts output
• Accept external antenna
• Accept external power if battery dies (12V auto, etc.)

Nice to have:

• Multiband
• USB battery charger input
• Battery that holds a charge over time

So far I've looked at the Alinco DJ-VX50, Yaesu FT-4XR and Yaesu FT-65R. Any other suggestions or recommendations please?

[W0CKI]

Any of those three are entry level HT's and good to keep in your car. Their also cheap to replace in case of theft. The displays on each are small and depending your definition of "programming on the fly" they may or may not meet your needs. Are you also saying that you're going to have to look up the machine in a book or on a cell phone/computer? Planning ahead and having the HT set up is the way to go. And pulling off the road to program is a whole lot safer than trying to punch in numbers while in motion. You can't talk to it like a cell phone.
Kenwood make a couple like the Yaesus. Check them out.
GL, Gary W0CKI

[AI4LU]

By programming on the fly I meant that depending in location I might not have freqs programmed in, so would have to do it (with a repeater book handy) via the handheld alone (no software, laptop, etc.) and maybe in an emergency situation so would have to be a relatively simple process. Not while I'm driving for sure.

Thanks for the Kenwood tip, I'll take a look and see what they have.

[W0CKI]

Either of the Yaesu rigs are easy to program from the keyboard. Stay away from Baojunk.

[VK3LZ]

Looking for a basic 2m handheld (multi-band optional) to keep in car for emergencies.

<SNIP>

So far I've looked at the Alinco DJ-VX50, Yaesu FT-4XR and Yaesu FT-65R. Any other suggestions or recommendations please?

I own a Yaesu FT-4XR as a second hand held and it's a good little radio, the receiver is sensitive and seems about as resistant to interference as my more expensive FT-70DR.  It is also easy to program from the front panel.  The front panel display is quite small and blocky and if I was buying again I'd choose the FT-65R just for the somewhat better display.

[N1IG]

an inexpensive one!

like:  https://www.eham.net/classifieds/589054


In reality, you'd be better off with an inexpensive mobile radio instead.  5 watts doesn't always cut it.

[K1FBI]

Either of the Yaesu rigs are easy to program from the keyboard. Stay away from Baojunk.

A C0CKI answer from W0CKI.
The B brand radios are not hard to program for those with at least half a brain. I have never found it necessary to use programming software on any HT.

[K1FBI]

an inexpensive one!

like:  https://www.eham.net/classifieds/589054


In reality, you'd be better off with an inexpensive mobile radio instead.  5 watts doesn't always cut it.

Best answer!