Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Alinco DJ-195T

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Hand-held

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Alinco DJ-195T
Reviews: 29MSRP: 179
Description:
2M only HT
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.alinco.com/Products/DJ-195
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00294.4
ADAM2 Rating: 2011-02-03
Decent 2 meter Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this several years ago, before I had a license. I received my license about a week ago, so finally I got a chance to try it out.

In order to adjust the squelch and the volume, you must press (1) function, (2) squelch or volume, and then (3) turn the top knob, and then (4) press any other key to set the adjustment.

Later this week, I had the pleasure of picking up a used Yaesu FT-60R. It's such a joy, with separate knobs for squelch and volume, that I began to regret buying the DJ-195T. This is especially true when the two cost about the same amount (used FT-60R vs. new DJ-195T), and the FT-60R gives you 70cm/440Mhz.

Still, it's a good unit.
W0CBF Rating: 2007-08-21
Good value for the $$$ Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I can't find any major flaws with this rig. Purchased mine used from eBay for $65. I agree with the other OM's that the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it should or has in my other HT's.

One thing that I don't like is the way Alinco does their volume control and that is to press the "VOL" button on the keypad and then turn the freq knob to set the level( between 0 and 20). This a pain when all you want to do is turn the volume up or down.

All in all, worth the money!
KC9DHE Rating: 2003-06-27
Great HT! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought this radio at a hamfest. I am knew to ham radio and this little radio was a good starting experience for me. Easy to operate and with external antennas for home and mobile operation, there wasn't a repeater that I couldn't hit with it. Even at the low power setting, i had good signal reports. The only thing that I don't like, is the fact that it requires a keypad button to be pushed to change the volume and squelch levels. I don't think it would have taken all that nuch to put two extra knobs on the radio. I would highly recommend this radio under $80 with a good battery. Always ask about the battery.
W3ZV Rating: 2002-12-30
Sort of okay, not great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought this as a backup radio. Works fairly well for what it is, but I have a problem with the battery being dead every time I need it as a backup. Battery lasts about ten days from full charge to dead with NO USE. My otherl HTs are still useable after a month or more.
KB3GIO Rating: 2002-12-30
Excellent for New Hams Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This was my first HT. I went with this over the Radio Shack HTX-200, which was going to be my initial choice.

Pros: 2m @ 5 Watts, packed with features, easy to use, easy to program, can take a few good falls.

Cons: lacking some realtively important features (I know that sounds like it contradicts my "pros" statement, but if you own the radio you probably know what I mean {e.g., reverse check button, etc.}), short battery life.


I still have mine, but it needs a new BNC connector. This is my own error as I continously replaced antennas and wore down the connector significantly.
LA4YKA Rating: 2002-11-19
good enough Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Working very well for my use, got all i need for less money. No problem at all.
AA2T Rating: 2002-11-15
Good Value Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Used it @5W level in the car for extended periods and holds up well. Using Maha 1700mah AAs in it. Only issue is the spring clips in the alkaline case are to stiff and sometimes there's an intermittent.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by AA2T on 2001-02-20

Picked up one via radioshack on line for $100 plus shipping. Good audio, average sensitivity, and rugged case. Runs with AA nicads and the low power setting is good enough for me in most cases, but the high power is nice to have for backup. I like the electronic sq and vol settings. The REAL BNC is a plus for me. I have a 17" - 1/16" thick ant on it for 2-3 more S units over the supplied ant. Can't beat it for the price and multiple comments on good xmit audio.
N6STA Rating: 2002-08-11
Good Basic 2M HT Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use this HT as a low-power mobile to a mag-mount 1/4 wave. Basically I can work whatever I can hear, and it hears pretty well. 5W with the included NiCds generally does the job.

A small downside is the lack of a separate volume knob - you have to press a button to change to volume mode, a slight annoyance when mobile.
K6SDW Rating: 2002-06-27
Good Basic 2m HT Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Damn good HT.....very durable and reliable. My only complaint, however (considering it cost me only $99 brand new!!) I have to find the manual to make any programming changes. Also antenna supplied doesn't seem as efficient as it could be and I bought another, longer antenna which works much better!

73
K9VKG Rating: 2002-06-27
Great Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've never had a problem with this radio. It's very easy to use and is very durable.