InterceptRadio.com Forums

I have a friend that's looking for a handheld. I've given him a few ideas, but I'm looking for suggestions.

I was thinking something like a VX-3R would suffice since it's easily programmable and is a dual bander. Or any generic VHF handheld off eBay would work if the seller provided programming.

• Most important is price.
• Transmitting not necessary, but a scanner is not wanted: scanner wideband receivers have poor selectivity.
• The radio will be used to monitor the 160 MHz railroad frequencies. 450 would be nice, but not required.
• Some sort of channel readout. Channel number (01, 15, 77, etc) or alpha tagging is fine.
• At least 10 channels but 99 would be nice. If not 99 channels, programming software/cable (USB or one that works with a serial/USB converter) must be cheap and readily available--no Moto RSS crap.
• For a pre-programmed radio, at least one scan list, two or more is preferable.
• Ruggedness is moderate importance. Currently he has a rat shack scanner which isn't very durable.

Taco, I would go with this one: http://universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/5270.html

Great audio output and tough as nails. Receives VHF very well and is quite sensitive. I never tried the programming software/cable. It was easy enough to do from the keypad.

If you get it from HRO in Portland, you can have it delivered overnight for $125 ... the USB cable/software is an additional $50.

This will make your buddy happy: (2 parts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAzygWg1SXw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3oFT6kQYaw

(The VX-170 is on the left. It's the same as the FT-270. The FT-270R is replacing the VX-170.)

Here's another generic review of the VX-170: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSy8tiScroY

I've always had good luck with Moto GP-68s...20 channels, VHF runs 137-174, FPP. eBay seems to be selling a bunch of them right around $75.

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President-in-Exile, Seattle Area Radio Communications And Scanner Traffic Intercept Crew (SARCASTIC)
Don't feel bad if you can't use your STD100/200; there are still people using Digital Frequency Search!
Bunnery definition for the under-fives

why not a icom R5 R10 R20 cant remember all the versions, or a AOR

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If I had an antenna, I would; but I can only transmit on 160 meters.
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DE K7MHI

ICOM V-8

Tight front end, solid radio, mine clocks in at a cool .15uV sensitivity
I've seen them as low as $99

I was wonder how the V82 Clocked on the Senstivity. The out of band mod is easy and I found on another radio site.

Scannerguy12

He said price was a concern.

haha yes that would be an issue there. what about that new hip icom its only 200 bucks the X7

otherwise the yeasu for durability or the alenco's

I just dont like to recommend transceivers for people with out a license.

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If I had an antenna, I would; but I can only transmit on 160 meters.
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DE K7MHI

He could get the Tech license pretty easy, and even if he didn't he wouldn't have any ham stuff programmed in and would have no need to VFO.

oh sure, not debating the savvyness, but just saying that if your not a ham or commercial license.

just saying... I don't recommend a transceiver to non licensed people. I understand the use of the equipment and the reasoning. but still recommend a receiver only equipment to those people.
still wont stop the accidental press of the PTT for 30 min. but sure if it is a stepping stone into the ham radio hobby all the better. I just dont know the personal side, just the technical facts, hence my statements.

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If I had an antenna, I would; but I can only transmit on 160 meters.
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DE K7MHI

Nah, I wouldn't worry about it. Tim can program it up for his buddy and if he's monitoring railroad or other commerical freqs, then it won't key-up anyway even if he does press the PTT. Also, you can lock the PTT in most cases as well.

I agree
:) im not saying your recommendation of the 270 was bad, just that I personally, don't recommend transceivers to unlicensed users, seen too much of the accidents.

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If I had an antenna, I would; but I can only transmit on 160 meters.
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DE K7MHI

your buddy ever get a rig?

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If I had an antenna, I would; but I can only transmit on 160 meters.
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DE K7MHI

I'll ask him tomorrow.