^^^^
It’s amazing how far battery (and charging) technology has come since the radio was introduced.

It is a very tough radio and has a feeling of quality in the hand reminiscent of the Motorola HT 220 I carried at work many years ago.

quote:

Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
The Yaesu FT-60r is a very solid dual-band radio which is a bargain. It provides reliable communications on simplex and repeaters alike.

This! I recently sold mine because I have a FT2DR and FT3DR but the FT-60R is top notch radio if you don’t want to do digital. That said, like the others, If you’re wanting to talk to family in emergencies, the easiest way to legally do that is get a GMRS license which is stupid cheap now and covers all your family. $35 for 10 years I believe is what I paid. Easier to use as well for those radio illiterate types. There are only so many channels. This is what I’ve done for my wife as she had no interest in ham radio.

I need a twelve step program.

Can the Wouxun KG-UV9PX sent text messages? I've seen a cable for the BaoFeng on Amazon that connects to your phone and wonder if there is something like that for the Wouxun. I'm watching what is going on in Florida thinking that could be a very nice feature to have.

Handhelds are good to 5-7 watts output in to a less than optimal antenna. You need to get a quality aftermarket antenna for the correct band (frequency range).

You're better off with a mobile/base station that lets you go to 75 watts - 50 to 65 average, depending upon make/model.

If you just want hand held for family members within close range, a mile or 2, GMRS is fine. They do have mobile units too that pump out 50 watts.

If you have family members spread out over a metro area for example, then you need more wattage. Could could get small yagi's (directional antenna) hooked to the hand held and get 15-20 watts ERP (effective radiated power) out.

If Amateur or GRMS they both support repeater operations within their band allocations. So these will extend taking range, if the repeater is open system, not private.

As far as using GRMS & Amateur (or any frequency such as public safety) in an emergency unlicensed for the frequency allocation. It MUST be an IMMEDIATE life or death emergency and NO OTHER means of communication are available at the moment. You could inadvertently interfere with emergency communication on those frequencies you are not aware of. It will be punished, harshly - open wallet at the least.

So, hand held are ok for close in - I've hit repeaters 30 miles line of sight fine with 5 watts.

So, determine the situation and plan accordingly. Close mobile comms, hand held ok. Long distance, handheld usually ok with repeater access, but mobile base station and good antenna better, and even better with repeaters.

HF is best, in some ways - you can use NVIS for close in comms especially in hilly areas. HF capable radios just cost more, but a used ICOM 706, Yaesu 857, Kenwood 480 give you both, VHF/UHF/HF - plenty of frequency agility.