I absolutely love my Yaesu radios (FT-60R) and (VX-6R). That said, when I talk to non-hams about EMCOMM and emergency preparedness, I still keep a Baofeng UV-5R within arm’s reach to show them how inexpensive it is to get into the hobby, or at least be able to monitor frequencies that will carry need to know information. Thanks for the video recommendations, and 73 from Southwest Oklahoma! Bryan K5WIX
Been a SW geek for 20 years.... watched a video of yours from 2yrs. Ago and immediately ordered a uv-5R baofeng to dip my toes in. Your videos are great, thanks!
Thank you for doing all of this testing! I started with a baofeng, and after just adding a decent antenna on a second floor, and i did an equipment test on a repeater over 20 miles away, and my buddy heard me on his car rig crystal clear 60 miles away... all i did was switch to a magnetic based car antenna, put it on the roof and now.its as though ive got a moderately professional rig (in terms of distance) made oit of a handheld... id llve to try out the wouxun, but i want to find the limits of this little guy first... For all of us who don't have Spectrum analyzers, or any other tools to analyze our signal, your information is invaluable to us. Thanl you!
Josh, Your videos are absolutely top notch! Thank you for taking the time to review these HT's both individually in other videos and collectively in this one. So very entertaining and informative! 73.
The Kenwood TH-D74/D75 (@ $750) is the swiss army knife / perfect SHTF radio. Digital modes, tri-band, AM, FM (narrow and wide), USB, LSB, CW, APRS, Digipeater (75 only), bluetooth accessible TNC, GPS located D-STAR repeaters, cross tone support for complex cross band repeater configurations... pretty much anything you'd need for configuring different radio solutions for about any emergency scenario.
The Yaesu FT-4XR was my first radio and I can't say enough good things about it. You're spot on about the size and EDC-ability for that radio. Definitely a great first radio for any new ham.
You are doing the right thing PERIOD, please never fall like many other RUclipsrs which these days their only videos are about selling product. Not fun anymore.
watched your uploads recently was never into Ham hobby but by watching your uploads just got me a BF-F8HP and ordered a 18.5 ABBREE/tactical and holy moly !!! i was listening to another guy with his Baofeng UV-25 about 287 miles from my location ! thnx man , i learned a lot by watching ur uploads keep it up
I still love and carry my FT-65 with me every day, along with my FT-5DR. I think that it's one of the best beginner radios out there.I learned a lot on that thing. 73's KG7COA
I've had my new Kenwood TH-D75 and it's the best handheld I've ever had now. At a hamfest I still use my old HTS-202 because it rejects all the intermod and doesn't overload easily. It may be just 2 meters and not have very many memories, plus being a brick, but it's better in some ways than newer generation radios with broad front ends. I also have the VX-6R, harder to program frequencies into it on the fly than my new Kenwood though. So I think traveling around my new Kenwood will go with me on the road since I can load up repeaters in new places easily. I do think the VX-6R is the best radio for the money you can get of the traditional Japanese radios. Chinese radios still have a long way to go in my opinion. My ex-wife got me two identical UV-5R8Ws (8 watt version) and they are subject to interference from Bluetooth, LED lights, Wifi that a more expensive radio can deal with. And on transmit they are dirty, so I won't get on the air with them, only listen.
Best radio for me? It’s the Yaesu ft-270 I scored. Yes it is a million years old and built like a small tank. Doing SOTA it’s ideal, tough, waterproof and fairly simple to use. It’s also the best I could afford (justify to a higher authority 😂). Great channel, I’ve learned a lot from you, thank you.
It's interesting that we the HAM community are doing what these manufacturers should have done before they sent their product out in the field. What ever happened to testing products before shipping. Thanks Josh for a good report. Take care and 73. Vic de KE8JWE.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse If the $20 baofeng can get harmonic suppression right, everyone can, and anyone who refuses to should be shamed. If you really want to twist the knife, make a series of RUclips shorts comparing the harmonic results of each handheld to the baofeng.
This is the RIGHT way to learn (new) amateurs about stuff. Not doing like half callsigns is normal, not doing like overpowering is normal, not doing small sourious emissions don't matter. Thanks for showing your responsibility.
Josh, Appriciate these videos. I just picked up the smaller tinysa and a safecom 102 and was testing some radios. Holy crap, my talkpod a36 really lights up the tinysa.
you'd love it way more with cross band full duplex present in ft 530 for example. that one feature opens a whole new realm of possibilities and operating convenience. ;)
I sold my FT70 to get an FT3D. In some ways the FT70 felt *more* rugged and nice to use than the FT3D, despite being ~half its price. Yaesu is a very confusing company.
You are completely right. We must not accept radios that don't meet standards. If we don't police ourselves then eventually the government will. Which would you rather?
Thank you for mentioning the harmonics legality, I’m looking for an HT at the moment and keep getting the same recommendations from channels that don’t mention that they are illegal to use.
Love the Alinco DJ-VX50 myself. Comparable to the Ft-65 in price and quality in my opinion. Each has its own specific set of features that set them apart. 100 dollar quality radio category.
Pues me acabas de dar una muy buena noticia!. Estaba pensando en comprar el ft60 " porque el Ft70 no me convence por sus carencias ". Buscaba un walkie de calidad y con banda aérea. He descubierto que el Alinco es un gran walkie!. Pero este hombre no lo mienta 🤔. Veré vídeos sobre él, a ver cómo es y cómo se comporta. Por ahora, es mi elegido!. Muchas gracias!. Si puedes contarme experiencias con él, lo agradecería
My all time favorite is the TIDRADIO H8 Crystal clear model and my second choice is the TALKPOD A36+ crystal clear model but I only use it to receive airband
Thanks, great stuff. I am a new guy . I believe the best choice for me would be the VX-6R. I have heard good reports from everyone that owns one here in Alaska. I am not running out to buy just yet though. Their is still so much to do and test for. There may be something learned that will change trajectory.
Wow I have just realised although I am subbed, I haven't actually watched one of you videos in months, I am so sorry 😢 i always enjoy you informational videos.
Nice Vid, just wish you'd made it a couple of weeks ago :-) I'm obviously new to Ham, and after watching numerous Videos on RUclips, I decided to go with the Quansheng UV5 Plus. Once I have my Licence, I will probably go for a Yaesu Radio, but in the meantime, even though I'm not allowed to Transmit, It's already been a good teaching aid, learning what all the Menu items are and how the work, and how to program the radio has already been a great help :-)
My first radio was a Realistic HTX-202. Radio Shack Baby! but I go back aways (1997) . The Clerk would not sell me a radio until i produced a Licence. He gave me the name and number of the local club. I had my licence three weeks later.- kc2bkm
SAME! That was an awesome radio! My clerk also held me hostage for a while but eventually took my money as soon as I disavowed 11 meter verbiage and the use of a Roger beep.
I started with a Baofeng 2 months ago, I now have 8 hand held radios but I can already see that I am going to end up with once of these Kenwood's at about $800. This is all your fault Josh. Thanks
That baofeng has an SOC radio that meets emission standards means others can too. They sell the nano VNA next door to these companies that make the radio, it takes hardly any effort to test them on the supplier end, and it's often a matter of a few cents for the surface mount components to fix them. The first one that is pushed hard by influencers and can still be unlocked like the UVK6 will corner the market
Another +1 for the favourite which is the XTS5000. Absolute brick but it just works so well, as it should. Otherwise the ID-51A is my go to for true dual band. Great video as always Josh and thanks for your stand on the emissions issue. No way should anyone recommend a radio that has serious interference potential.
Well done Josh, a wide range of handhelds covered. I’m with you on the ID-50A, it makes more sense than I originally thought, especially considering the smaller size. I sure hope you’re correct on the D75A pricing but I’m skeptical it will sell for under $700.
Hands down for a good, reliable, affordable dualbander that is spectrum compliant AND covers airband I think the Yaesu FT-60R is best. The hacker in me likes the Quasheng ht for all of the firmware updates it has. It can be made to transmit in SSB! That’s cool! I’ll build the LPF though to remain spectrum compliant.
First video I have seen that explains the consequences of having an out of spec radio or transmitting in a way you shouldn’t. As opposed to “don’t break the rules” just because. I understand that the rules, especially originally, had purposes. It doesn’t seem that way anymore, at least from a beginners perspective
Great show. IF ONLY, we were told the actual stats on each radio as you held them up. WE actually know what we WANT our radio to do, where it'll be used, how many family members can be added , license required?, range & such. Any private channels with abilities to monitor emergency? What will go 40 miles, city wide or farm to farm? Need to hear family in emergency. Maybe a category chart? Grid down scenario ? Thanks
Nothing beats a XTS5000. I love mine, just wish is was dual band. And for the mid-price, my vote is for the Wouxun UV9PX. And I cant wait for your Motorola review.
Dude, I love your vids on HAM radio and portables. I'm just looking into getting a handheld of my own in deep south Texas. You've fueled a fire in me who's spark started with a shortwave radio during Hurricane Hanna. Would a handheld be able to receive from around the world like a shortwave would? (I apologize for my ignorance, I'm still very new to radios, but I'm really looking to learn) And would I be better off with a scanner/receiver or a radio like a Baofeng in order to just listen in on around-the-world broadcast?
I am considering obtaining a license, and I have been contemplating acquiring a ham radio for the past two years. As someone with limited knowledge about radiocommunication, could you recommend a suitable ham radio for beginners? I have been exploring options like the Baofeng UV-5R and Baofeng UV-80, but I've noticed some negative feedback regarding the brand. Additionally, I am not overly concerned about spending a significant amount of money; I simply want a reliable and effective ham radio for a beginner. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
I'm very close to grabbing an FT-70D and FT4x. To augment an old/ aged set of VX-150's which are 12 years old + . The submersable VX is calling me though. Not interested in digital, but the cost ... yes.
Why does that surprise you? I didn’t feature either of those radios in any of my videos this year in any capacity. If people are telling you a radio is the best of the year and it got no airtime until it was recommended as a “best of the year” you should question that.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse You asked for comments about what was left out. To be fair, I haven't watched all of your videos to get that much context of your content. It makes sense when you say it. I thought they were at least pretty good, and seeing that you know a lot more about the topic it would be cool to see you talk about them.🤷♂
Loved the video! I am surprised to not see at least a nod to the Wouxun KG-UV9PX in the video though. While it came out before 2023, it's still selling like hotcakes and sometimes last year's model is still the best new model (and much cheaper also). ;) It has a USB-C battery option (so you can use the radio while charging a spare battery, unlike the Q10H), and it does 2m & 70cm very well (like a UV9D Plus or UV9P on steroids). I'd love to have you run it through the spurious shakedown also - have never heard any bad reports about it after thousands and thousands being used in the field. :)
Hey there! I am actually a fan of Wouxun. Last year the KG-UV9D Mate made my best of list. I'm always down to test and share about good radios with the community! Let me know what we can do.
In regards to the Talkpod: The german HAM Channel funfieber reported the same but later he got a new Radio from talkpod that also has a new pcb, you can see that in his vdeo, that doesnt have emissions on the harmonics anymore. The main problem is, that talkpod doesnt really mark their versions 1 and 2
Nothing beats the Kenwood TH-D74 so I have 2 because it does more than anything else for me. I do need to get the Wouxun KG-Q10H it is just so useful and with crossband wow. Thank you for showing it.
I need help I can't decide between the ICOM ID-52A and Yaesu FT5DR. I have a technicians license that I just renewed haven't been in the game for a bit. My confliction is, I would like to try out APRS, but the ICOM ID-52A interface just looks better and the DStar capabilities seem unmatched for talking over digital? What are some of the Pro's and Con's that have lead to others purchases?
You really missed the ICOM T-10. Great rugged dual band handheld. Submersible and with an unbeaten battery life. 80hrs+ in my tests. Other than that it’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do. Great and loud speaker, great battery life, and a very good receiver.
If you are looking for a radio for communication between several like minded individuals that is able to integrate into a headset for hands free listening and can accept a PTT but also want to be able to communicate outside your immediate area if needed, what would you recommend?
Would you consider making a video on the Baofeng UV M-13 Pro V2 10 Watt? I have one and it can transmit on three different bands, i think 2 meters, 1.75 meters, and 70 centimetres. It can listen on three frequencies at one time and can listen to 80-108 mhz fm, 108-136 mhz AM, 136-174 mhz fm, and 400-450 mhz fm. The radio I have saids it is FCC and CE approved but I don't so, but I still think it is a good for the price radio because it costs around 29 dollars.
Thanks for your integrity, Josh. A lot of people listen to you and you're right...they should do it right, and we shouldn't accept anything else. 73
Agreed. I'm but a casual viewer (the science of it interests me). Your message always comes across as honest and sincere.
Well said , I like the choice of words .
I absolutely love my Yaesu radios (FT-60R) and (VX-6R). That said, when I talk to non-hams about EMCOMM and emergency preparedness, I still keep a Baofeng UV-5R within arm’s reach to show them how inexpensive it is to get into the hobby, or at least be able to monitor frequencies that will carry need to know information.
Thanks for the video recommendations, and 73 from Southwest Oklahoma!
Bryan K5WIX
I have a FT-60R as well, my first radio.
Josh as always a great video! What makes it great is that you stand your ground and lead from the front. Your advice is priceless!! TY
Thank you Frank!
Been a SW geek for 20 years.... watched a video of yours from 2yrs. Ago and immediately ordered a uv-5R baofeng to dip my toes in. Your videos are great, thanks!
Great to hear!
I stand by my Yaesu VX-6R. Had it since 2012ish. It was my first radio and has still been a favorite
Thank you for doing all of this testing! I started with a baofeng, and after just adding a decent antenna on a second floor, and i did an equipment test on a repeater over 20 miles away, and my buddy heard me on his car rig crystal clear 60 miles away... all i did was switch to a magnetic based car antenna, put it on the roof and now.its as though ive got a moderately professional rig (in terms of distance) made oit of a handheld... id llve to try out the wouxun, but i want to find the limits of this little guy first...
For all of us who don't have Spectrum analyzers, or any other tools to analyze our signal, your information is invaluable to us. Thanl you!
Josh, Your videos are absolutely top notch! Thank you for taking the time to review these HT's both individually in other videos and collectively in this one. So very entertaining and informative! 73.
The Kenwood TH-D74/D75 (@ $750) is the swiss army knife / perfect SHTF radio. Digital modes, tri-band, AM, FM (narrow and wide), USB, LSB, CW, APRS, Digipeater (75 only), bluetooth accessible TNC, GPS located D-STAR repeaters, cross tone support for complex cross band repeater configurations... pretty much anything you'd need for configuring different radio solutions for about any emergency scenario.
I'd pay 1k+ for a quad band 6m version.
The Yaesu FT-4XR was my first radio and I can't say enough good things about it. You're spot on about the size and EDC-ability for that radio. Definitely a great first radio for any new ham.
Which programming cable do you use?
@@jessiebeveridge742 I use the Yaesu programing cable for the 4XR. I believe it also works for the FT-65R too.
I recently bought an ID-50 and it’s my new favorite.
Great video Josh! Keep waving the flag of standards!!
Great video, Josh. My icom id-52 is my favorite this year.
You are doing the right thing PERIOD, please never fall like many other RUclipsrs which these days their only videos are about selling product. Not fun anymore.
Great video Josh. I love my AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus.
watched your uploads recently
was never into Ham hobby
but by watching your uploads
just got me a BF-F8HP and ordered a 18.5 ABBREE/tactical
and holy moly !!! i was listening
to another guy with his Baofeng UV-25 about 287 miles from my location !
thnx man , i learned a lot by watching ur uploads
keep it up
Thats awesome! Thank you for watching!
I still love and carry my FT-65 with me every day, along with my FT-5DR. I think that it's one of the best beginner radios out there.I learned a lot on that thing. 73's KG7COA
Great stuff, Ty ! Ive had an Icom IC- V86 for several years. Its been a good radio...
I've had my new Kenwood TH-D75 and it's the best handheld I've ever had now. At a hamfest I still use my old HTS-202 because it rejects all the intermod and doesn't overload easily. It may be just 2 meters and not have very many memories, plus being a brick, but it's better in some ways than newer generation radios with broad front ends. I also have the VX-6R, harder to program frequencies into it on the fly than my new Kenwood though. So I think traveling around my new Kenwood will go with me on the road since I can load up repeaters in new places easily. I do think the VX-6R is the best radio for the money you can get of the traditional Japanese radios. Chinese radios still have a long way to go in my opinion. My ex-wife got me two identical UV-5R8Ws (8 watt version) and they are subject to interference from Bluetooth, LED lights, Wifi that a more expensive radio can deal with. And on transmit they are dirty, so I won't get on the air with them, only listen.
Best radio for me? It’s the Yaesu ft-270 I scored. Yes it is a million years old and built like a small tank. Doing SOTA it’s ideal, tough, waterproof and fairly simple to use. It’s also the best I could afford (justify to a higher authority 😂).
Great channel, I’ve learned a lot from you, thank you.
ID52 and FT5DR, have both lots of fun. Thanks Josh. Have kept my first HH an Icom T90A also go fun very simple.
It's interesting that we the HAM community are doing what these manufacturers should have done before they sent their product out in the field. What ever happened to testing products before shipping. Thanks Josh for a good report. Take care and 73. Vic de KE8JWE.
Prove it’s not intentional 🤷🏼♀️
@@HamRadioCrashCourse If the $20 baofeng can get harmonic suppression right, everyone can, and anyone who refuses to should be shamed. If you really want to twist the knife, make a series of RUclips shorts comparing the harmonic results of each handheld to the baofeng.
This is the RIGHT way to learn (new) amateurs about stuff. Not doing like half callsigns is normal, not doing like overpowering is normal, not doing small sourious emissions don't matter.
Thanks for showing your responsibility.
Carried that Moto for most of my time in the Air Force. It's a tank.
Merry Christmas, Josh. Thanks to you and your wife for all great content.
Just ordered a FT-60R, thank you Josh for all the info. Will definitely be taking my tests soon.
Thanks for your integrity Josh! Well done brother. God bless.
Any time
Love it. Being a fudd.. omg we ised to say that in scotland in 1980 when I started my radio journey. Then i had to go rx only due to my military job.
Josh, Appriciate these videos. I just picked up the smaller tinysa and a safecom 102 and was testing some radios. Holy crap, my talkpod a36 really lights up the tinysa.
TalkPod is a great demonstrator of Harmonics!
I love my FT-60R.
you'd love it way more with cross band full duplex present in ft 530 for example. that one feature opens a whole new realm of possibilities and operating convenience. ;)
Love this Channel 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. Thanks for teaching and testing
I like the Yaesu FT70DR
Why don’t these companies just fix the issues and just deliver a great radio. What’s so hard about this? Thank you as always for your great videos.
They’d have to add an additional $0.25 in parts.
Fantastic presentation Josh. Thank you. I still use my Yaesu FT3D.
Thank you very much!
Great info, thanks as always for your excellent content! Greetings from southamerica
I dont think the FT-65R gets enough love in the $100 catagory. Great video and well presented as usual. 👍
If it had airband I would pick it over the FT-60R.
Thanks for the links too, hope to see an antenna review for early 2024. Your real world testing is awesome. 😊
Definitely antennas, but also any other good accessories.
Great video. Agree with all your choices. Love my FT60 and VX6.
The Best HT (dual band or better) necessarily without exception has >> Cross Band Full Duplex
I still LOVE my FT70DR, so glad I got it when I did.
I sold my FT70 to get an FT3D. In some ways the FT70 felt *more* rugged and nice to use than the FT3D, despite being ~half its price. Yaesu is a very confusing company.
Great video. Bought a FT-60 this year and love it.
I still Love my ole IC-T81A quad band !
Such a tease with the XTS5000, can’t wait for that video lol
You are completely right. We must not accept radios that don't meet standards. If we don't police ourselves then eventually the government will. Which would you rather?
Thank you for mentioning the harmonics legality, I’m looking for an HT at the moment and keep getting the same recommendations from channels that don’t mention that they are illegal to use.
UV-5R FOREVER!!! :)
I have only owned and used a Kenwood THF-6A. Its old but still works fine
Love the Alinco DJ-VX50 myself. Comparable to the Ft-65 in price and quality in my opinion. Each has its own specific set of features that set them apart. 100 dollar quality radio category.
And it has air band RX which the FT65 doesn’t.
Pues me acabas de dar una muy buena noticia!. Estaba pensando en comprar el ft60 " porque el Ft70 no me convence por sus carencias ". Buscaba un walkie de calidad y con banda aérea. He descubierto que el Alinco es un gran walkie!. Pero este hombre no lo mienta 🤔. Veré vídeos sobre él, a ver cómo es y cómo se comporta. Por ahora, es mi elegido!. Muchas gracias!. Si puedes contarme experiencias con él, lo agradecería
The alinco DJ-MD5 models are pretty good too for the money.
My all time favorite is the TIDRADIO H8 Crystal clear model and my second choice is the TALKPOD A36+ crystal clear model but I only use it to receive airband
thank you.
Yep next radio will be one of the Yaesu radios
Yaesu FT-60 is a HT radio that everyone should own. Fantastic simple radio!
Awesome. Thank you!!!!!
Thanks, great stuff. I am a new guy . I believe the best choice for me would be the VX-6R. I have heard good reports from everyone that owns one here in Alaska. I am not running out to buy just yet though. Their is still so much to do and test for. There may be something learned that will change trajectory.
Got the VX-6R this year. Will go SOTA for first time with it!
Kenwood TH-D74, Yaesu FT5DR and Icom ID-52A are my favorites.
Wow I have just realised although I am subbed, I haven't actually watched one of you videos in months, I am so sorry 😢 i always enjoy you informational videos.
Thanks!
Nice Vid, just wish you'd made it a couple of weeks ago :-)
I'm obviously new to Ham, and after watching numerous Videos on RUclips, I decided to go with the Quansheng UV5 Plus.
Once I have my Licence, I will probably go for a Yaesu Radio, but in the meantime, even though I'm not allowed to Transmit, It's already been a good teaching aid, learning what all the Menu items are and how the work, and how to program the radio has already been a great help :-)
I like being able to transmit out of band. I do a lot of remote hiking. If something happens I want everyone to hear me
I still can't believe this is the same channel I started watching years ago when I first got my license. Wow at the content quantity and quality!
My first radio was a Realistic HTX-202. Radio Shack Baby! but I go back aways (1997) . The Clerk would not sell me a radio until i produced a Licence. He gave me the name and number of the local club. I had my licence three weeks later.- kc2bkm
SAME! That was an awesome radio! My clerk also held me hostage for a while but eventually took my money as soon as I disavowed 11 meter verbiage and the use of a Roger beep.
I started with a Baofeng 2 months ago, I now have 8 hand held radios but I can already see that I am going to end up with once of these Kenwood's at about $800. This is all your fault Josh. Thanks
Dang straight
Ft5 my favorite
Thanks For The Video Josh I Have The Yaesu ft-4xr and I’m fiddling around with a quansheng uv-5r plus with the mods
That baofeng has an SOC radio that meets emission standards means others can too. They sell the nano VNA next door to these companies that make the radio, it takes hardly any effort to test them on the supplier end, and it's often a matter of a few cents for the surface mount components to fix them. The first one that is pushed hard by influencers and can still be unlocked like the UVK6 will corner the market
Best ham radio guy
Josh, love both my FT5DE FT65e M7CVK, Tony
I like Yaesu but I'm quickly becoming an ICOM fan. The GPS repeater list feature is super nice. I don't understand why Yaesu doesn't have that.
I'm sad that you're not a fan of DMR. Although, I really like your channel and learn a lot from you. You're still awesome, Josh!
Another +1 for the favourite which is the XTS5000.
Absolute brick but it just works so well, as it should.
Otherwise the ID-51A is my go to for true dual band.
Great video as always Josh and thanks for your stand on the emissions issue.
No way should anyone recommend a radio that has serious interference potential.
I used that Motorola when I was active duty, that thing never broke and I never had to worry about the battery
Well done Josh, a wide range of handhelds covered. I’m with you on the ID-50A, it makes more sense than I originally thought, especially considering the smaller size. I sure hope you’re correct on the D75A pricing but I’m skeptical it will sell for under $700.
Thank you for the kind words. I have also heard credible rumors of a $700 price point. Somewhere between $600-$700 is likely.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse @N4DJC was right, $750
Hands down for a good, reliable, affordable dualbander that is spectrum compliant AND covers airband I think the Yaesu FT-60R is best. The hacker in me likes the Quasheng ht for all of the firmware updates it has. It can be made to transmit in SSB! That’s cool! I’ll build the LPF though to remain spectrum compliant.
Retevis RA 89 just bought. Has good reviews.
First video I have seen that explains the consequences of having an out of spec radio or transmitting in a way you shouldn’t.
As opposed to “don’t break the rules” just because. I understand that the rules, especially originally, had purposes. It doesn’t seem that way anymore, at least from a beginners perspective
Yeah, I grew up with the DARE program. I learned you need to explain why, not just DON’T
Great show. IF ONLY, we were told the actual stats on each radio as you held them up. WE actually know what we WANT our radio to do, where it'll be used, how many family members can be added , license required?, range & such. Any private channels with abilities to monitor emergency? What will go 40 miles, city wide or farm to farm? Need to hear family in emergency.
Maybe a category chart? Grid down scenario ? Thanks
Nothing beats a XTS5000. I love mine, just wish is was dual band. And for the mid-price, my vote is for the Wouxun UV9PX. And I cant wait for your Motorola review.
Dude, I love your vids on HAM radio and portables. I'm just looking into getting a handheld of my own in deep south Texas. You've fueled a fire in me who's spark started with a shortwave radio during Hurricane Hanna. Would a handheld be able to receive from around the world like a shortwave would? (I apologize for my ignorance, I'm still very new to radios, but I'm really looking to learn) And would I be better off with a scanner/receiver or a radio like a Baofeng in order to just listen in on around-the-world broadcast?
Sure you can always start by listening. I like many of the SDR receivers on the market for that sort of thing, like the SDRPlay, RSP1A.
Yes it's another baofang but the UV17pro gps is nuts. USB charging, gps, airmode, bottom flashlight. For $30 it will likely be the uv5r killer.
Just got the RFinder and seems to do a TON. Similar $ to both ICOM and Yaesu top HTs. Not sure if it a cell phone with radio or a radio with cellular.
I am considering obtaining a license, and I have been contemplating acquiring a ham radio for the past two years. As someone with limited knowledge about radiocommunication, could you recommend a suitable ham radio for beginners? I have been exploring options like the Baofeng UV-5R and Baofeng UV-80, but I've noticed some negative feedback regarding the brand. Additionally, I am not overly concerned about spending a significant amount of money; I simply want a reliable and effective ham radio for a beginner. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
I'm very close to grabbing an FT-70D and FT4x. To augment an old/ aged set of VX-150's which are 12 years old + . The submersable VX is calling me though. Not interested in digital, but the cost ... yes.
Best "Hamhelds" 🥁🥁🐍
Surprised that there's no mention of the Anytone UV88II Plus, and TYT MD-UV390.
Why does that surprise you? I didn’t feature either of those radios in any of my videos this year in any capacity. If people are telling you a radio is the best of the year and it got no airtime until it was recommended as a “best of the year” you should question that.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse You asked for comments about what was left out. To be fair, I haven't watched all of your videos to get that much context of your content. It makes sense when you say it. I thought they were at least pretty good, and seeing that you know a lot more about the topic it would be cool to see you talk about them.🤷♂
Can you recommend GMRS handhelds?
What gets better range when it comes to handhelds? Ham or GMRS?
I just use the uv-k5 for listening. I have other radios which I'll transmit on when I get my license.
I've been really liking my Retevis RA-89 for the sub-$100 category.
Loved the video! I am surprised to not see at least a nod to the Wouxun KG-UV9PX in the video though. While it came out before 2023, it's still selling like hotcakes and sometimes last year's model is still the best new model (and much cheaper also). ;) It has a USB-C battery option (so you can use the radio while charging a spare battery, unlike the Q10H), and it does 2m & 70cm very well (like a UV9D Plus or UV9P on steroids). I'd love to have you run it through the spurious shakedown also - have never heard any bad reports about it after thousands and thousands being used in the field. :)
Hey there! I am actually a fan of Wouxun. Last year the KG-UV9D Mate made my best of list. I'm always down to test and share about good radios with the community! Let me know what we can do.
In regards to the Talkpod: The german HAM Channel funfieber reported the same but later he got a new Radio from talkpod that also has a new pcb, you can see that in his vdeo, that doesnt have emissions on the harmonics anymore. The main problem is, that talkpod doesnt really mark their versions 1 and 2
Hows the speaker and sound of the id50?
Nothing beats the Kenwood TH-D74 so I have 2 because it does more than anything else for me. I do need to get the Wouxun KG-Q10H it is just so useful and with crossband wow. Thank you for showing it.
Can you make a similar list to this but radios that provide encryption?
Hello! Been watching on RUclips! Question: where do you buy a baofeng that’s not a clone?
I need help I can't decide between the ICOM ID-52A and Yaesu FT5DR. I have a technicians license that I just renewed haven't been in the game for a bit. My confliction is, I would like to try out APRS, but the ICOM ID-52A interface just looks better and the DStar capabilities seem unmatched for talking over digital? What are some of the Pro's and Con's that have lead to others purchases?
Boofwang! Actually I love my Wouxun.
You really missed the ICOM T-10. Great rugged dual band handheld. Submersible and with an unbeaten battery life. 80hrs+ in my tests. Other than that it’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do. Great and loud speaker, great battery life, and a very good receiver.
If you are looking for a radio for communication between several like minded individuals that is able to integrate into a headset for hands free listening and can accept a PTT but also want to be able to communicate outside your immediate area if needed, what would you recommend?
Would you consider making a video on the Baofeng UV M-13 Pro V2 10 Watt? I have one and it can transmit on three different bands, i think 2 meters, 1.75 meters, and 70 centimetres. It can listen on three frequencies at one time and can listen to 80-108 mhz fm, 108-136 mhz AM, 136-174 mhz fm, and 400-450 mhz fm. The radio I have saids it is FCC and CE approved but I don't so, but I still think it is a good for the price radio because it costs around 29 dollars.