Jason, if I pass my test tomorrow, I’ll be ordering a Kenwood TH-D74A with a Diamond SRH32A Triband antennae. At age 86 I don’t have time to experiment with several radios. I’ll build on accessories from there. You’ve been a great help. Thanks, Gerhardt Krug. Semper Fi. 73
@@minnesotaarthandtdanceband944 Great job. I'm terrible at tests. I don't have my license , but will probably start studying for it in the next couple of months.
FYI, the YAESU VX-5 is just an AMAZING 90's era HT. It's super small, but receives ANY FREQUENCY except cellular- including air, military air, and true 222.000-225.000, and literally EVERYTHING from 47.000 to 917.000. It's wide open. With a couple 30 second solder mods it can tx on them, too (but we wouldn't do that!). The receiving and overall build quality is insanely good... especially when its connected to a good discone antenna in the attic. I love 90's HT radios! I bought mine in great condition from a widow for $100 on Facebook, but then saw them going for about $400 on ebay for nice ones- IF you can find one. And I see why!
I love my Yaesu VX-6R, we happen to have a few 220 repeaters around the Portland/Vancouver area. Just an FYI to everyone, HRO has the Kenwood TH-D74a on sale for $499.00 until October 31st, 2020 if you are looking at this handheld.
Have never owned one of the Chinese handhelds. Own both the Yaesu VX-6R and the Kenwood DH-D74A. I would definitely go for the VX-6R if your budget doesn't stretch to the DH-D74A. The VX-6R is very solidly constructed and has great wide band recieve with the quality you expect from Yaesu.
I like the video review. I am using the Yaesu VX-6R and even though the max transmit on 220 MHz is 1.5 watts, it reaches the 220 repeater surprisingly well. I transmitted as low as 0.5 watts and was heard clearly with no problem using a Jetstream JTH2 Tri-band antenna. The wide band coverage is the best of any of my other radios. The strange thing about the radio is that 2 years ago when I received it new, the old version of WIRES is built in that network technology was deactivated years ago. It also cannot be upgraded to WIRES-X. I don't know if the radio is still sold with WIRES.
I have both the BTech UV-5X3 and the Yaesu VX-6R. The BTech has never given me a bit of trouble, I replaced the antenna with a Airiton NA-320A tri-band (Rebranded Nagoya, same model number & everything), and it is my daily workhorse radio. On my VX-6R I replaced the stock with a Diamond SRH-320A tri-band antenna and so far, so good. These are great little HTs. I love digital but as an Apple contractor I work with it everyday and when I'm off I like to have fun with my analog toys. N4CBT
The Yaesu VX-6R is a tank! The only downside is the 222-225 MHz outputs only 1.5 watts. I wish Yaesu would make a GMRS radio. The MARS mod will give you a 4th band. It will give you the 6M band and you can listen to all the GMRS freqs. With the mod you can also transmit on the GMRS freq in case of an emergency.
I love my D74, especially with what I'm pretty sure is the same Diamond triband antenna from Amazon. The only big problem with the D74 is, that thing drinks some juice! Especially if I'm messing with APRS/GPS.
The only issue I have with the review is that when comparing radios, you should also be looking at spectral purity to verify that they meet emission limits and are even legal to operate. I tested 14 Baofeng radios and not one of them should have been operating without modification to fix the harmonics. I'm not saying that they are all that way and I have been told that the BTech radios are checked before sale but it should be included as part of any serious radio review. Too many amateurs just buy a radio and say "it works fine, there's nothing wrong." Especially when they see all of these reviews that don't cover that aspect of it's functionality. Amateurs are supposed to be knowledgeable enough to know to check, especially when there are known issues.
Well I mentioned that about the BTECH Radio in this video, and I mentioned it in some of my other reviews. This specific video wasn't really a review, though. It was a comparison. It is always up to the individual person to check that their radio is up to specs.
Cool video. By the way, the enhanced encryption on the DMR Retevis RT3S actually works. Just ensure to follow the law in each and every country. I just had to try it in very low power simplex mode and it worked.
The F6 been out of production for years .. I use it mostly for monitoring.. Besides triband it is also multiband receive including the AM and FM broadcast bands.. 👍 73's de Wayne KF1B
I am looking at purchasing the TH-D74, but something is holding me back. Why has Kenwood stopped making their top of the line HT full duplex (so you can listen to your downlink audio through a satellite). I bought a new TH-D78A back in 1994, 26 years ago !!!! and it has full duplex. I also bought a new TH-D7A in 2004 which has full duplex. I understand the TH-D72 has full duplex....but then they decided to stop full duplex in the TH-D74 ??? Thanks for your videos.
You missed two other Tri Bands. The Anytone AT-3318UV-E and the Wouxun KG-UV8E. I don't think you can recommend the Wouxun because the importer has been having problems getting support from the manufacturer. One question about the BTECHs. Are they fixing the spurious emissions and out of spec harmonics issues common to Baofungs?
Nope, didn't miss those. In fact I spoke about the UV8E at the end of the video. It has the worst spurious emissions of any of the radios I reviewed. As far as I can tell, they do not make the AT-3318UV-E any longer. At least no one has it in stock, not even Amazon. This video was about current, in-production models. Yes, BTECH does a good job fixing the spurious emissions of the lower-end Baofeng radios.
Kenwood D-74 is king of the hill. It's very pricy though. The Yaesu VX-6r is good but only 1.5 watt on 220. Both require antenna upgrade to Comet HT-224. I wouldn't mess with the Chinese stuff unless you are VERY close to the repeater as the receivers are sub par.
I had good luck with the stock Kenwood antenna for the D74. I only replaced it because I lost it, but I used the Diamond version. I can hit multiple 220 repeaters in DFW with any of these Chinese radios while standing in my back yard, due to the low noise floor.
@@HamRadio2 the stock Kenwood antenna has infinite SWR on a couple of the band's. Even the Kenwood rep says throw it away and get a Comet. "Hitting" a repeater and "hearing" a repeater not the same thing !
@@jimerickson1809 Like I said, I never had issues with my stock Kenwood antenna. It would be interesting to test on an SWR meter, if I still had it. Sad that a $550 radio comes with a crap antenna, though. If I key up a repeater and hear it come back to me, I know that I have hit it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any way to know if I "hit" it, would I? Regardless, I can hold QSOs with a 5-watt HT from my backyard on multiple repeaters in this area, with many radios, Chinese included.
If it has not been mentioned, the UV-5RX3 does not meet FCC part 95 specs. I tested a few and they are, on the 2 meter band, about 10-15dBc down where the spec is minimum 40dBc. However they do test/meet the spec on 220/440Mhz.
Thanks for another great video Jason! I have the vx6r and love it. Question is there a triband vehicle antenna you’d recommend I’ve read none of the do really well on 220 and that’s what I’m most looking for (haven’t found a great mobile 220 only antenna either...). 73s KO4KMA
Nothing can beat the Kenwood TH-F6a, only if it were still in production. Affordability, ease of use, and features. King the Hill, but I understand, we've got to talk about what's in production.
BTW, @HamRadio2.0 in regards to the D74 possibly being "too expensive" for most as a first radio. The TH-F6a was my first radio and I ordered the Diamond tri-band antenna along with it. I knocked out $400 for it way back in the day. #WorthIT
I sold my Kenwood TH-F6A and kept the Yaesu VX-6R. The Kenwood was great although I was using the Yaesu more. Both are small compact radios. I thought that I would miss the Kenwood 5 watts on 220 vs. the Yaesu 1.5 watts on 220; however, there was not a noticeable difference. The VX-6R is built like a tank and water submersible too. One of them had to go even though both are nice radios.
I have the Baofeng BF-A58S and it is very nice. Tri band and better case than the ones reviewed IMO. Just wish I could find a decent tri band ht antenna. Most I have read reviews on have SWR issues on either 2 meters or 220 even though they are advertised for that band.
Jeff Becker 1 second ago Does the Yaesu come with a tri-band antenna or does it use the duals? The reason I am asking is that I was originally looking at the FT-60R, but apparently the Diamond SRH77CA is an upgrade antenna for it. So maybe Yeasus don't come stock with very good antennas? I test for my Tech in three weeks and your videos are an inspiration! Thank you.
My husband is wanting a 3 meter handheld radio. I don't have a lot to spend so I thought I'd buy a used one but I don't know what to look for. Can you recommend one?
I picked up a UV-82x3 from the same seller on eBay you did a couple weeks back - and the power output results on my UV-82x3 were a little different than in your video - on 2m around 5.5 watts, on 220 about 3.5 watts and on 440 right at 4 watts. So mine fared a little better than yours did and also shows that at least this particular batch has a bit of a QC issue. The output 220 is a little on the low side, but not to the point it is unusable. Why did I go with this one you might ask? Easy - I have a ton of batteries for the UV-82 trim. It was worth the risk.
@@HamRadio2 Thanks for the response, finally had a bit of money this summer and wanted to get into HAM, I guess I’ll get a BaoFeng and SDR on my laptop to get by…
It's a shame BTECH seems to be considered by many just another Baofeng clone. Their quality and features are consistently well above the generic 'fengs you encounter elsewhere. And being in the US, you can get much better and faster support from them. I accidentally burnt out my 5X3 ( my own fault ) and they sent me a replacement for free.
I'm looking for a really good handheld and I was going to get the kenwood d74a but its discontinued. Did they replace it with something new or what? If not what else is comparable
People keep asking that. Again, this is a video about TRIBAND radios. The FT3DR is not TRIBAND. I did mention the FT3DR in my "Best HT of 2020" video a couple of months back
@@NeatFreq The Kenwood has 220, not 6M. In some ways the FT3DR is better because of battery life, touchscreen, etc. But it does Fusion and the Kenwood does DSTAR, so it depends on what you are wanting to talk on. Regardless, I spoke about both models in my other video, but only the Kenwood in this video because it is actually a triband.
@@HamRadio2 ah my mistake. I will say the Kenwood was on my list, but the price point is just too much IMHO. You could almost buy a hotspot and a cheaper radio and have the ability to expand your digital almost anyway you want. But again, just my opinion. I do enjoy your channel and info. And honestly I do apologize as I totally missed the tri-band part of the video; and that's on me.
@@NeatFreq No worries. I do appreciate you being here and commenting. Yes, the Kenwood is too high for some folks - and yes I also own an FT3DR, it is a great HT also.
I'm seeing RUclips reviews for this radio, the Btech UV-5X3, as well as a Baofeng UV-5RX3. Are these the same radio or two different iterations of the basic UV-5R in a tri-band format?
A lot of confusion about "Baofeng" radios is due to China's lax copyright / IP / trademark enforcement. There are genuine Baofengs, legally licensed variants ( Baofengtech / BTECH ), and a whole lot of knock-offs. And it's pretty easy to not know which is which. You likely have a UV-5RX3, which is a genuine ( I think ) Baofeng that's essentially a regular 5R with 220 MHz added on. The UV-5X3 is a BTECH radio model based on the 5R design. BTECH typically licenses other radio designs and then puts their own changes on them. The 5X3 has features like display sync, memory slots that are editable from the front panel ( instead of needing to be deleted and recreated ), and editable scan lists that most other 5R variants and clones don't have. Similarly their DMR-6X2 is based on the Anytone 878, but has better scanning features and some simplex repeater functionality.
No, not really. In order to be GMRS compliant, the radio should be FCC Part 95 Type Accepted. The UV5R is not. But there are some other Baofeng models that are.
A big part of non-Part 97 type licensing ( Part 90 and 95, like LMRS, MURS, GMRS, etc ) is the radio has to be locked to only the allowed freqs/channels. Generally that means no front-panel programming. Most of the 90 and 95 certified Baofengs and clones are just regular UV-5R variants that have been software locked. You can use CHIRP to open them up and use them legally on the ham bands, but that also violates the 90 or 95 cert as well. So even though the radio meets the electronic/technical requirements such as xmit power, bandwidth, antenna limits, signal cleanliness, etc, can you legally use it on GMRS? No. Do I think that makes sense? No. Do I think there needs to be special exception for people who are both amateur and GMRS licensed? Yes. Will you get caught doing it? If you're operating it in line with good GMRS rules and practices, probably not.
@@HamRadio2 thank for replying. The only place I can locate the UV-5x3 is on BAOFENGTECH.COM. Have you ever ordered from them? The 5x3 isn’t available on eBay nor Amazon.
@@ՏմցհօղվíԵ That is the official site for the 5X3 manufacturer. They have excellent service. You should also be able to find it on Amazon. Just be sure it's fulfilled through the BTECH store.
Sorry Jason but I've had so MANY bad experiences with Baofeng I don't trust it or ANY of its derivatives (In fact, I'm SHOCKED the DM5R (Which won't even work with my Openspot 2 LET ALONE a DMR repeater) hasn't started screaming the dreaded "Low Voltage" warning
Lots of people like the Baofeng radios, and I will continue doing videos about them - but as I also said in this video, they are the bottom of the line. You certainly have more choices available.
Yes, the kenwood screen is always on. The brighter it is outside the easier it is to see with out the backlight being on. The backlight can be turned off and on by a button below the PTT button or it can be set to auto and turned off based on how ever many sec/mins you set. That is the best radio out of the bunch as it has many other features not found on the other ones. I love it. Battery life sux when you have all the bells and whistles on - get extra batteries.
Baofengs cheapest best in world..btech with USA warrenty uv5rX3 5watts 40usd or baofeng "uv5r III"5watts "20usd same thing revamped an USA owned not China... AliExpress look hard there's Manny tricks..or baofeng BF-F8 HP 8 Watts(truly 8watts) snap that up quick may not be in futcher you know big ban in a few years...I got get one ..already got uv5rIII...an can build satcoms..easy..
There are many things to like about the TYT TH-350 radio, but a few things drive me crazy: First, maybe you can get by with only 128 memories in your area with a dual-band handheld radio, but this is a true tri-band radio, so would it kill TYT to add more memories? C'mon, what's a bump to 512 memories going to add to the OEM cost of the radio, $1 perhaps? Second, the alpha-numeric display only lets me store 5 character names for the memory name, yet shows 8 numeric characters on the display, so many repeaters with 6 character names won't show up properly on the display. Seriously TYT? Third, the tiny 1600mAh standard battery really needs a big brother, but nothing so far seems available. Fourth, would it kill TYT to offer one tri-band antenna for this radio instead of one 144/440 and one 144/222 antenna? The first 50 or 60 times replacing one antenna for another antenna may not be an issue, but trust me it gets old quick.
I’m not super convinced yaesu really receives a ton better than a baofeng. I have a uv-s9+ and a fr-4xr. There’s been time’s on the same channel the baofeng had a stronger clearer signal. Actually offended my for a min how much better it was receiving. Definitely not the same quality as the yaesu. But I’m not convinced the function is that far apart
And the antenna that comes with the F6 from Kenwood is small not really any gain .. I've changed out to a triband antenna that Jetstream makes. Good gain antenna for being a triband.. 👍de Wayne KF1B
Find" ham radio 2.0" triband. UV 9S perhaps..there is one.think water resistant 1meter..but the speaker goes less till dry .it's available in AliExpress..they have heaps..I looked for a week an chose. UV5R III..haven't used outdoors bush to be bothered by the HT jack's. Thought up velcro in jack door an jack might hold it in a small tumble. If you can't find tell me an I will for you in few days..out.
Why UV5R III, over the others with better audio connecters... accessories...battery cases for AA or AAA long or thick cases$5.battery car extender straight from car to battery less case.$10. rubber covers to protect from sun an rain? $1-3. Hand mic $5-10. Kenwood waterproof mic $30 an fits baofengs jack's audio...two baofengs makes a 5watt repeater easy as a cable.............there is a--- audio double jack (3.5 2.5?) TO pin plug cable adapter.but not as good as what ya want..good luck.
@@TheChivasRegal They were between $600 and $700 from what I have seen. I agree with you, I would really like one of these radios, but Kenwood told me they have no plans to replace this model.
"Yes, Bow-Fang." Yes. But "YAY-zoo" just hurts my ears. :-) It's more like "Yaysue": Japanese is unaccented; "s" is sibilant; and "u" is de-emphasized. That quibble aside, thank you for the terrific videos. Decades ago, as a college radio engineer and occasional announcer, I held the now-defunct Commercial Broadcaster license. I'll be taking the entire TGE exams series at the end of this month. Repeaters are plentiful here (San Francisco Bay area) but no 220MHz, so I'll probably stick to dual band for the first radio.
I love the channel and all your shows and have watched too many of them to count. But I can only mention the commercials RUclips sticks in your shows. They advertise pure scams already well documented and known as scams and ripoffs. I hope your viewer base separates your show from the obnoxious scams and ripoffs advertising on your channel. Many of them are already under investigation and more. Maybe you should watch some of them.
Install a good ad blocker in your browser. I run uBlock Origin for Chrome based browsers. It blocks ALL ads (except those the presenter embeds in the video) and certain malware and scripting. So, while folks complain, I just don't see the ads.
Hey all, obviously I am in the market for a handheld radio. I’m looking for American built. If we end up going to war with China, Chinese made radios may have a jammer in them or designed to malfunction intentionally. Am I the only one who thinks like this?
Nope, you are not the only one who thinks like this. Unfortunately, none of the manufacturers think this way because, at this point in time, NO handheld or mobile radios are made in the USA. There are basically 3 companies making HF radios in the USA, and none of them do anything but HF Base Station and QRP Portable models.
@@HamRadio2 DANGIT this sucks... so we need a US license to operate Chinese equipment... makes perfect sense. Glad I'm American. Thank you for taking the time to answer this.
@@TheGeneralSoundwave The manufacturer of the equipment is irrelevant. You need a State-issued driver's license to drive a car made in the USA, Japan, Korea, Britain, Italy, etc. What requires the license is the frequencies that the radio works on and uses in the USA (and other countries also)
@@HamRadio2 Haha thats funny... and a great point. thanks for setting me straight and thank you for the conversation. I know you dont have to answer your responses. Thank you.
@@duebeeproduction9375 Just because it is popular doesn't make it Number One. It is popular due to its low price, but it is generally considered the bottom-of-the-barrel as far as quality of radios go.
Jason, if I pass my test tomorrow, I’ll be ordering a Kenwood TH-D74A with a Diamond SRH32A Triband antennae. At age 86 I don’t have time to experiment with several radios. I’ll build on accessories from there. You’ve been a great help. Thanks, Gerhardt Krug. Semper Fi. 73
Good luck!
I passed today with 2 questions missed. Who sells d
Jason, have you heard of any problems at the Kenwood factory??? Gerry
@@minnesotaarthandtdanceband944 Great job. I'm terrible at tests. I don't have my license , but will probably start studying for it in the next couple of months.
86? God bless you, sir!
FYI, the YAESU VX-5 is just an AMAZING 90's era HT. It's super small, but receives ANY FREQUENCY except cellular- including air, military air, and true 222.000-225.000, and literally EVERYTHING from 47.000 to 917.000. It's wide open. With a couple 30 second solder mods it can tx on them, too (but we wouldn't do that!). The receiving and overall build quality is insanely good... especially when its connected to a good discone antenna in the attic. I love 90's HT radios! I bought mine in great condition from a widow for $100 on Facebook, but then saw them going for about $400 on ebay for nice ones- IF you can find one. And I see why!
I love my Yaesu VX-6R, we happen to have a few 220 repeaters around the Portland/Vancouver area. Just an FYI to everyone, HRO has the Kenwood TH-D74a on sale for $499.00 until October 31st, 2020 if you are looking at this handheld.
That is a good price for that radio.
They were $449 at HRO last Christmas
@@HamRadio2 which one is better - BTech UV5x3 or TYT TH-350?
Have never owned one of the Chinese handhelds.
Own both the Yaesu VX-6R and the Kenwood DH-D74A.
I would definitely go for the VX-6R if your budget doesn't stretch to the DH-D74A.
The VX-6R is very solidly constructed and has great wide band recieve with the quality you expect from Yaesu.
The Yaesu VX-6 been out a while. I had one worked good with the diamond tri band antenna. It's also water proof.
jamie B whats the exactely Name of the antenna?
@@tecuilatl SRH320
Yes, I also had a vx6 but the battery just didn't last long enough. Maybe 6 hours at most
Started with a FT-60 and have been very happy
I talk about that one in my other video, but this video was for Triband HTs
@@HamRadio2 sorry, work caused me to listen later than I wanted
@@williamgreenleaf9302 No worries, glad you are here.
I’m commenting before his netcast. It’s the only way I can ever be first at something, sniff sniff.
LOL
Bhahahahahaahahahahahahahaha
I like the video review. I am using the Yaesu VX-6R and even though the max transmit on 220 MHz is 1.5 watts, it reaches the 220 repeater surprisingly well. I transmitted as low as 0.5 watts and was heard clearly with no problem using a Jetstream JTH2 Tri-band antenna. The wide band coverage is the best of any of my other radios. The strange thing about the radio is that 2 years ago when I received it new, the old version of WIRES is built in that network technology was deactivated years ago. It also cannot be upgraded to WIRES-X. I don't know if the radio is still sold with WIRES.
I have both the BTech UV-5X3 and the Yaesu VX-6R. The BTech has never given me a bit of trouble, I replaced the antenna with a Airiton NA-320A tri-band (Rebranded Nagoya, same model number & everything), and it is my daily workhorse radio. On my VX-6R I replaced the stock with a Diamond SRH-320A tri-band antenna and so far, so good. These are great little HTs. I love digital but as an Apple contractor I work with it everyday and when I'm off I like to have fun with my analog toys.
N4CBT
The Yaesu VX-6R is a tank! The only downside is the 222-225 MHz outputs only 1.5 watts. I wish Yaesu would make a GMRS radio. The MARS mod will give you a 4th band. It will give you the 6M band and you can listen to all the GMRS freqs. With the mod you can also transmit on the GMRS freq in case of an emergency.
I love my D74, especially with what I'm pretty sure is the same Diamond triband antenna from Amazon. The only big problem with the D74 is, that thing drinks some juice! Especially if I'm messing with APRS/GPS.
Yeah the battery life could be better.
The only issue I have with the review is that when comparing radios, you should also be looking at spectral purity to verify that they meet emission limits and are even legal to operate. I tested 14 Baofeng radios and not one of them should have been operating without modification to fix the harmonics. I'm not saying that they are all that way and I have been told that the BTech radios are checked before sale but it should be included as part of any serious radio review. Too many amateurs just buy a radio and say "it works fine, there's nothing wrong." Especially when they see all of these reviews that don't cover that aspect of it's functionality. Amateurs are supposed to be knowledgeable enough to know to check, especially when there are known issues.
Well I mentioned that about the BTECH Radio in this video, and I mentioned it in some of my other reviews. This specific video wasn't really a review, though. It was a comparison. It is always up to the individual person to check that their radio is up to specs.
I have both the Vx6 and the D-74. Both are wonderful radios. I lean more to the D74. ICOM is staying away from 220 for some reason.
Icom doesn't seem to put much effort into their HTs, these days
i simplex uhf and vhf here in NYC. might try 220mhz next. i like TYT.8000E.
Cool video. By the way, the enhanced encryption on the DMR Retevis RT3S actually works. Just ensure to follow the law in each and every country. I just had to try it in very low power simplex mode and it worked.
The F6 been out of production for years ..
I use it mostly for monitoring..
Besides triband it is also multiband receive including the AM and FM broadcast bands..
👍 73's de Wayne KF1B
I really like my tri-band Alinco DJ-G7, but it doesn't have 220, it's 2M/70cm/23cm.
Thanks, Jason. For us newbies this is very helpful. KO4HPC
Glad it was helpful!
Since this was made it looks like the Kenwood TH-D74A is now discontinued. The new Icom better have APRS, but it's look like it won't.
I am looking at purchasing the TH-D74, but something is holding me back. Why has Kenwood stopped making their top of the line HT full duplex (so you can listen to your downlink audio through a satellite). I bought a new TH-D78A back in 1994, 26 years ago !!!! and it has full duplex. I also bought a new TH-D7A in 2004 which has full duplex. I understand the TH-D72 has full duplex....but then they decided to stop full duplex in the TH-D74 ??? Thanks for your videos.
The Yaesu VX-6R is a beast. It's my #1 harsh environment radio.
I've had a VX-7r for 9 years this Dec.
You missed two other Tri Bands. The Anytone AT-3318UV-E and the Wouxun KG-UV8E. I don't think you can recommend the Wouxun because the importer has been having problems getting support from the manufacturer. One question about the BTECHs. Are they fixing the spurious emissions and out of spec harmonics issues common to Baofungs?
Nope, didn't miss those. In fact I spoke about the UV8E at the end of the video. It has the worst spurious emissions of any of the radios I reviewed.
As far as I can tell, they do not make the AT-3318UV-E any longer. At least no one has it in stock, not even Amazon. This video was about current, in-production models.
Yes, BTECH does a good job fixing the spurious emissions of the lower-end Baofeng radios.
@@HamRadio2 I misheard it when you mentioned the UV8E.
Kenwood D-74 is king of the hill. It's very pricy though. The Yaesu VX-6r is good but only 1.5 watt on 220. Both require antenna upgrade to Comet HT-224. I wouldn't mess with the Chinese stuff unless you are VERY close to the repeater as the receivers are sub par.
I had good luck with the stock Kenwood antenna for the D74. I only replaced it because I lost it, but I used the Diamond version.
I can hit multiple 220 repeaters in DFW with any of these Chinese radios while standing in my back yard, due to the low noise floor.
@@HamRadio2 the stock Kenwood antenna has infinite SWR on a couple of the band's. Even the Kenwood rep says throw it away and get a Comet. "Hitting" a repeater and "hearing" a repeater not the same thing !
@@jimerickson1809 Like I said, I never had issues with my stock Kenwood antenna. It would be interesting to test on an SWR meter, if I still had it. Sad that a $550 radio comes with a crap antenna, though.
If I key up a repeater and hear it come back to me, I know that I have hit it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any way to know if I "hit" it, would I? Regardless, I can hold QSOs with a 5-watt HT from my backyard on multiple repeaters in this area, with many radios, Chinese included.
@@HamRadio2 IKR ?
If it has not been mentioned, the UV-5RX3 does not meet FCC part 95 specs. I tested a few and they are, on the 2 meter band, about 10-15dBc down where the spec is minimum 40dBc. However they do test/meet the spec on 220/440Mhz.
The 5RX3 isn't a GMRS radio so I wouldn't expect it to meet Part 95 specs
@@HamRadio2 You are correct, I should have stated Part 97.
Thanks for another great video Jason! I have the vx6r and love it. Question is there a triband vehicle antenna you’d recommend I’ve read none of the do really well on 220 and that’s what I’m most looking for (haven’t found a great mobile 220 only antenna either...). 73s KO4KMA
I had good luck with the Comet SBB-224 antenna
@@HamRadio2 awesome! I’ll try it out. Thanks again.
Nothing can beat the Kenwood TH-F6a, only if it were still in production. Affordability, ease of use, and features. King the Hill, but I understand, we've got to talk about what's in production.
BTW, @HamRadio2.0 in regards to the D74 possibly being "too expensive" for most as a first radio. The TH-F6a was my first radio and I ordered the Diamond tri-band antenna along with it. I knocked out $400 for it way back in the day. #WorthIT
I sold my Kenwood TH-F6A and kept the Yaesu VX-6R. The Kenwood was great although I was using the Yaesu more. Both are small compact radios. I thought that I would miss the Kenwood 5 watts on 220 vs. the Yaesu 1.5 watts on 220; however, there was not a noticeable difference. The VX-6R is built like a tank and water submersible too. One of them had to go even though both are nice radios.
I did like the TH-F6A also.
I have the Baofeng BF-A58S and it is very nice. Tri band and better case than the ones reviewed IMO. Just wish I could find a decent tri band ht antenna. Most I have read reviews on have SWR issues on either 2 meters or 220 even though they are advertised for that band.
Jeff Becker
1 second ago
Does the Yaesu come with a tri-band antenna or does it use the duals? The reason I am asking is that I was originally looking at the FT-60R, but apparently the Diamond SRH77CA is an upgrade antenna for it. So maybe Yeasus don't come stock with very good antennas? I test for my Tech in three weeks and your videos are an inspiration! Thank you.
My husband is wanting a 3 meter handheld radio. I don't have a lot to spend so I thought I'd buy a used one but I don't know what to look for. Can you recommend one?
I picked up a UV-82x3 from the same seller on eBay you did a couple weeks back - and the power output results on my UV-82x3 were a little different than in your video - on 2m around 5.5 watts, on 220 about 3.5 watts and on 440 right at 4 watts. So mine fared a little better than yours did and also shows that at least this particular batch has a bit of a QC issue. The output 220 is a little on the low side, but not to the point it is unusable. Why did I go with this one you might ask? Easy - I have a ton of batteries for the UV-82 trim. It was worth the risk.
So the Kenwood TH-D74A is discontinued, anything to replace it with similar quality? Really looks like the best combination of features on an HT…
No - not yet, anyway. Everything else is just dual band
@@HamRadio2 Thanks for the response, finally had a bit of money this summer and wanted to get into HAM, I guess I’ll get a BaoFeng and SDR on my laptop to get by…
It’s a shame they no longer make that Kenwood. That’s the one I want.
Agreed!
Anytone made the 3318E Tribander. I bought one of the last ones from Ed at Wouxun.us last year. Unfortunately no longer made.
Yes that has been out of production for a while
any new developments in 2021 for tri banders ?
Not that I have yet seen
I cannot see the displays. Which of the radios have voice output? Which can you program *easily* without computer software? - WB3CAI
It's a shame BTECH seems to be considered by many just another Baofeng clone. Their quality and features are consistently well above the generic 'fengs you encounter elsewhere. And being in the US, you can get much better and faster support from them. I accidentally burnt out my 5X3 ( my own fault ) and they sent me a replacement for free.
Is there a way to communicate with my family that is 55 Miles away . Without a license?
Not really. I mean, you can, in theory, but hard to explain. Getting a license opens up more possibility to frequencies, equipment and modes.
You may want to check out the Motorola UV650 Tri-Band with GPS Made in Malaysia. At 65 Dollars .. Blows all that out of the water ..
Never heard of this model, but I'll look it up. But a Motorola for $65? It's probably a fake copy.
@ Nifty Fifty Camping Adventures. Is that the GP-UV650, I could only find it on eBay for $150.00. Do you have a link?
@@HamRadio2 It is actually made in Malaysia..
@@niftyfiftycampingadventure795 Lots of Motorola radios are made in Malaysia, but I have never seen one sell for $65, new.
I'm looking for a really good handheld and I was going to get the kenwood d74a but its discontinued. Did they replace it with something new or what? If not what else is comparable
No replacement yet that I am aware of. The Yaesu FT3D is just as good, but not triband.
I want to get into D-Star and am very disappointed the D74A is off the table. Can you recommend the next best thing with D-Star? Maybe an Icom model?
What's a good tri-band with digital for $250 or less?
Not aware of any
@@HamRadio2 Hmm. Sounds like I should either carry two radios or get the Kenwood.
I didn't hear you mention it but doesn't the Kenwood also do Digital as none of the others and it is also Dstar?
Yes the Kenwood also does DSTAR
Why do most of these radios have less power on 220 band?
why wouldn't/didn't you mention the FT3DR ? APRS, GPS, bluetooth, WiresX, true dual mode, amazing battery power, and it's on sale at HRO for $380ish
People keep asking that. Again, this is a video about TRIBAND radios. The FT3DR is not TRIBAND. I did mention the FT3DR in my "Best HT of 2020" video a couple of months back
@@HamRadio2 fair enough, although I think for half the price it's a strong contender against the Kenwood even without 6m
@@NeatFreq The Kenwood has 220, not 6M. In some ways the FT3DR is better because of battery life, touchscreen, etc. But it does Fusion and the Kenwood does DSTAR, so it depends on what you are wanting to talk on. Regardless, I spoke about both models in my other video, but only the Kenwood in this video because it is actually a triband.
@@HamRadio2 ah my mistake. I will say the Kenwood was on my list, but the price point is just too much IMHO. You could almost buy a hotspot and a cheaper radio and have the ability to expand your digital almost anyway you want. But again, just my opinion. I do enjoy your channel and info. And honestly I do apologize as I totally missed the tri-band part of the video; and that's on me.
@@NeatFreq No worries. I do appreciate you being here and commenting. Yes, the Kenwood is too high for some folks - and yes I also own an FT3DR, it is a great HT also.
Hmmmm I have a boefang uv5x3 thought only btech makes that model?
The UV-5X3 is a BTECH, yes. Baofeng has some models that are similar but not as good
I'm seeing RUclips reviews for this radio, the Btech UV-5X3, as well as a Baofeng UV-5RX3. Are these the same radio or two different iterations of the basic UV-5R in a tri-band format?
A lot of confusion about "Baofeng" radios is due to China's lax copyright / IP / trademark enforcement. There are genuine Baofengs, legally licensed variants ( Baofengtech / BTECH ), and a whole lot of knock-offs. And it's pretty easy to not know which is which.
You likely have a UV-5RX3, which is a genuine ( I think ) Baofeng that's essentially a regular 5R with 220 MHz added on.
The UV-5X3 is a BTECH radio model based on the 5R design. BTECH typically licenses other radio designs and then puts their own changes on them. The 5X3 has features like display sync, memory slots that are editable from the front panel ( instead of needing to be deleted and recreated ), and editable scan lists that most other 5R variants and clones don't have. Similarly their DMR-6X2 is based on the Anytone 878, but has better scanning features and some simplex repeater functionality.
I suggest you to try Baofeng A58s, that is also three bands, but I don't know wheter that's available in your country
Is there a reason I dont see Motorola represented in your best of vids?
There are so many conflicting views. I have a GMRS license. Can I use my Baofeng UV5R legally?
Thanks in advance.
No, not really. In order to be GMRS compliant, the radio should be FCC Part 95 Type Accepted. The UV5R is not. But there are some other Baofeng models that are.
@@HamRadio2 thank you 😊
If we fall on apocalyptic times, will anyone care if we’re licensed?
A big part of non-Part 97 type licensing ( Part 90 and 95, like LMRS, MURS, GMRS, etc ) is the radio has to be locked to only the allowed freqs/channels. Generally that means no front-panel programming. Most of the 90 and 95 certified Baofengs and clones are just regular UV-5R variants that have been software locked. You can use CHIRP to open them up and use them legally on the ham bands, but that also violates the 90 or 95 cert as well.
So even though the radio meets the electronic/technical requirements such as xmit power, bandwidth, antenna limits, signal cleanliness, etc, can you legally use it on GMRS? No. Do I think that makes sense? No. Do I think there needs to be special exception for people who are both amateur and GMRS licensed? Yes. Will you get caught doing it? If you're operating it in line with good GMRS rules and practices, probably not.
How about an update for 2022.
Funny you should ask, I am working on that now!
Jason, I have a question: is the BTech UV- 5x3 the same as BAOFENG UV-5R III? Thanks
No. They look similar but they are not the same radio.
@@HamRadio2 thank for replying. The only place I can locate the UV-5x3 is on BAOFENGTECH.COM. Have you ever ordered from them? The 5x3 isn’t available on eBay nor Amazon.
@@ՏմցհօղվíԵ That is the official site for the 5X3 manufacturer. They have excellent service. You should also be able to find it on Amazon. Just be sure it's fulfilled through the BTECH store.
are there recommendations for a weatherproof model
The Yaesu model is submersible in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It is pretty much water proof. I hope that answers your question.
@@MnS101 danka
Jason, I still have my Kenwood TriBander TH-F6 .. Radio still doing good.. thou my Kenwood commercial HT's better quality audo .. Wayne KF1B
you sold me on the bf-r3 but I can't find software any place any ideas?
Check my kit.co link in the description, all radios are in that list.
I am the Key West a blind hem.. I can't find out how to return the qYT KT-8900D. She I am a subscriber and wil watch for your responses. Woody. N5XCX
I noticed an IC-7000 on the shelf above your head-would you consider selling it?
Apparently no
Thanks Jason and I love my Kenwood also, I was trying to catch what Diamond antenna you were using, please give the type/model#.... Thank you.
Diamond SRH320A 144/220/440 MHz Tri-Band Handheld SMA Antenna
Rick Calvert ok thanks, that’s what is on the D74?
@@vincentcimino1963 No, its the recommended aftermarket antenna everyone uses on Kenwood Tri-band HTs.
Rick Calvert ok, very good, thanks again
Sorry Jason but I've had so MANY bad experiences with Baofeng I don't trust it or ANY of its derivatives (In fact, I'm SHOCKED the DM5R (Which won't even work with my Openspot 2 LET ALONE a DMR repeater) hasn't started screaming the dreaded "Low Voltage" warning
Lots of people like the Baofeng radios, and I will continue doing videos about them - but as I also said in this video, they are the bottom of the line. You certainly have more choices available.
The TYT ... VFO included or just the same way as the TYT DMR?
Normal VFO in the analog radios
@@HamRadio2
Apologize, I'm referring if the TYT MD-UV380 has VFO capability.
@@MrGoodSkills That radio wasn't discussed in this video. The UV380 has a limited VFO, not a traditional one.
With all the respect and appreciation, from Samer de wouxun kg-uv9k-7band is there a way to receive and transmit for all frequencies?
No you can only Transmit on 2m and 70cm
Martin Hansen
There is no way to send and receive other frequencies in any way?
No the transiver will burn if you try to software hack it
Martin Hansen
Thank you very much for the accurate answers, my question if you please, what is the handheld that receives and sends on all frequencies
Is there a handhild sending and receiving hf frequencies؟
Im planning to buy the Kenwood, but i want to know if is possible to read the display without backlight.
Yes, the kenwood screen is always on. The brighter it is outside the easier it is to see with out the backlight being on. The backlight can be turned off and on by a button below the PTT button or it can be set to auto and turned off based on how ever many sec/mins you set. That is the best radio out of the bunch as it has many other features not found on the other ones. I love it. Battery life sux when you have all the bells and whistles on - get extra batteries.
what is the best radio for SATCOM?
Baofengs cheapest best in world..btech with USA warrenty uv5rX3 5watts 40usd or baofeng "uv5r III"5watts "20usd same thing revamped an USA owned not China... AliExpress look hard there's Manny tricks..or baofeng BF-F8 HP 8 Watts(truly 8watts) snap that up quick may not be in futcher you know big ban in a few years...I got get one ..already got uv5rIII...an can build satcoms..easy..
Or yeasu ft-60 best ol yeasu..but crappy single display...
What model android was that
There are many things to like about the TYT TH-350 radio, but a few things drive me crazy:
First, maybe you can get by with only 128 memories in your area with a dual-band handheld radio, but this is a true tri-band radio, so would it kill TYT to add more memories? C'mon, what's a bump to 512 memories going to add to the OEM cost of the radio, $1 perhaps?
Second, the alpha-numeric display only lets me store 5 character names for the memory name, yet shows 8 numeric characters on the display, so many repeaters with 6 character names won't show up properly on the display. Seriously TYT?
Third, the tiny 1600mAh standard battery really needs a big brother, but nothing so far seems available.
Fourth, would it kill TYT to offer one tri-band antenna for this radio instead of one 144/440 and one 144/222 antenna? The first 50 or 60 times replacing one antenna for another antenna may not be an issue, but trust me it gets old quick.
I’m not super convinced yaesu really receives a ton better than a baofeng. I have a uv-s9+ and a fr-4xr. There’s been time’s on the same channel the baofeng had a stronger clearer signal. Actually offended my for a min how much better it was receiving. Definitely not the same quality as the yaesu. But I’m not convinced the function is that far apart
And the antenna that comes with the F6 from Kenwood is small not really any gain ..
I've changed out to a triband antenna that Jetstream makes. Good gain antenna for being a triband.. 👍de Wayne KF1B
nice........................................
Do you know of a triband radio with multipin connector?
Uv9r plus .can use mil head sets...water resistant..
@@davidsmith6080 Yes, thanks, unfortunately, it's only a dual band
Find" ham radio 2.0" triband. UV 9S perhaps..there is one.think water resistant 1meter..but the speaker goes less till dry .it's available in AliExpress..they have heaps..I looked for a week an chose. UV5R III..haven't used outdoors bush to be bothered by the HT jack's. Thought up velcro in jack door an jack might hold it in a small tumble. If you can't find tell me an I will for you in few days..out.
Why UV5R III, over the others with better audio connecters... accessories...battery cases for AA or AAA long or thick cases$5.battery car extender straight from car to battery less case.$10. rubber covers to protect from sun an rain? $1-3. Hand mic $5-10. Kenwood waterproof mic $30 an fits baofengs jack's audio...two baofengs makes a 5watt repeater easy as a cable.............there is a--- audio double jack (3.5 2.5?) TO pin plug cable adapter.but not as good as what ya want..good luck.
9@@davidsmith6080
The Kenwood is no longer available and the the price has jumped by $1,000 on eBay and other dealers. I was going to get one of these, but not now.
how much where they originally? I've only just learned about it and it seems like a really good radio to own.
@@TheChivasRegal They were between $600 and $700 from what I have seen. I agree with you, I would really like one of these radios, but Kenwood told me they have no plans to replace this model.
Ahh damn. Good to know I suppose. Maybe they will release a newer model. Thanks for the reply.
Only 4000 uv5rIII left in China...hehe..old best cheapest.. Triband an hey I'll watch again next year an comment too lol..out
thoughts on the BAOFENG BF X3-Plus , 18 watt version
I haven't tried that one yet
@@HamRadio2 On the 18W HT's, does it sacrifice functionality in other workings of radio to give the 18W in a certain band?
@@jeffstone2811 not that I have noticed.
The 18w model is fake. It isn't listed on the official website. And there's a youtube test that shows it's power less than 5w
I'd rather have 10 meters is third band
I'd like to see an HT with that option, but haven't yet. Not in a Triband, anyway
Pawfang 4 lyfe
i am a newbie want my ham radio license now.
"Yes, Bow-Fang." Yes. But "YAY-zoo" just hurts my ears. :-) It's more like "Yaysue": Japanese is unaccented; "s" is sibilant; and "u" is de-emphasized.
That quibble aside, thank you for the terrific videos. Decades ago, as a college radio engineer and occasional announcer, I held the now-defunct Commercial Broadcaster license. I'll be taking the entire TGE exams series at the end of this month. Repeaters are plentiful here (San Francisco Bay area) but no 220MHz, so I'll probably stick to dual band for the first radio.
My recommendation is get the $35 radio, learn how to use that, then get the goodie.
Baofeng should do a 10meter 6meter 2meter .7meter annn 220meter.nah 220x..a army radio..
LOL
I love the channel and all your shows and have watched too many of them to count.
But I can only mention the commercials RUclips sticks in your shows. They advertise pure scams already well documented and known as scams and ripoffs.
I hope your viewer base separates your show from the obnoxious scams and ripoffs advertising on your channel. Many of them are already under investigation and more. Maybe you should watch some of them.
Install a good ad blocker in your browser. I run uBlock Origin for Chrome based browsers. It blocks ALL ads (except those the presenter embeds in the video) and certain malware and scripting. So, while folks complain, I just don't see the ads.
Hey all, obviously I am in the market for a handheld radio. I’m looking for American built. If we end up going to war with China, Chinese made radios may have a jammer in them or designed to malfunction intentionally. Am I the only one who thinks like this?
Nope, you are not the only one who thinks like this. Unfortunately, none of the manufacturers think this way because, at this point in time, NO handheld or mobile radios are made in the USA. There are basically 3 companies making HF radios in the USA, and none of them do anything but HF Base Station and QRP Portable models.
@@HamRadio2 DANGIT this sucks... so we need a US license to operate Chinese equipment... makes perfect sense. Glad I'm American. Thank you for taking the time to answer this.
@@TheGeneralSoundwave The manufacturer of the equipment is irrelevant. You need a State-issued driver's license to drive a car made in the USA, Japan, Korea, Britain, Italy, etc. What requires the license is the frequencies that the radio works on and uses in the USA (and other countries also)
@@HamRadio2 Haha thats funny... and a great point. thanks for setting me straight and thank you for the conversation. I know you dont have to answer your responses. Thank you.
@@TheGeneralSoundwave hey thanks for commenting, great to have you here. 73!
Some of these are already discontinued.
tyt 350 came with 2 antena, no programming cable fyi
They've been known to change options and offer different packages. Depending on where you but it, that may or may not be accurate
Why why why is baofeng the number one on the market????😠
Number one where? What market?
@@HamRadio2 I see it everywhere I look. Evertime I look up hams for outdoorsmen im shown the damn baofeng
@@duebeeproduction9375 Just because it is popular doesn't make it Number One. It is popular due to its low price, but it is generally considered the bottom-of-the-barrel as far as quality of radios go.
Last time I was this early.... she kicked me out of bed and made me make her a sammich
May Trix you may want to restate this since you are still LAST after FIVE DAYS! (PS-I was FIRST!!!)
@@ChatGPT1111 ok...you make the sammich
You sure thats not a comet?
You shouldn't be reviewing radios with no real statistical data to back claims. And especially ones that are as spurious as some you mentioned.
This wasn't a review, so all good.
:)