quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

quote:

Originally posted by Perception:


What do you think of the FT5DR? I've got one too, and it's my favorite radio (of what I've got) by a long shot, but the battery life is terrible and that really kills it for me.

TBH, I haven’t used it all that much. I wanted a “do it all” high-end HT and bought it shortly after getting my ticket. Then life changed and I didn’t have the time to devote to the hobby I would like too.

As such haven’t really “learned” it yet, so it sits and I grab a cheapo most of the time. I really am an infrequent HAM user at this point, but with retirement a couple months away I am hoping to change that.


I did notice battery seems to drain even when NOT being jaded, so I make a point of taking battery off when not in use (seems to be the case on all my Yaesu HT’s). I have bought some third party spare batteries for my Yaesu HT’s. Can get two or three for what Yaesu charges for one.

I think turning off GPS and APRS will help battery life if those options are on.

My FT5DR battery life is acceptable. Mine dropped from 8 to 7.2 vDC in the last three weeks just sitting on the desk.

APRS and GPS can easily be turned off in the menu settings.

I wish I hadn't sold the two ICOM V86 radios I bought here. Although you couldn't read the tiny little screen, the quality vs. dollar was super high.

Comically inexpensive basic GMRS radios. Adding in a pair of Nagoya 771g antennas (which do seem to boost the performance of this radio with all of its 1.1 watts output power) doesn't even get you (at current pricing) to Amazon's 35.00 free shipping.

Add in the price of a GMRS license (35 bucks IIRC, and no test exam) which covers your entire family, and you're all set for 70 bucks.

Kinda hard to go wrong at these prices. This radio is so basic, everyone can use it. Turn it on, select the channel, adjust the volume, push the button to talk. USB-C rechargeable

I ordered a pair, plus the antennas. I bought a roll of dental floss to meet the free shipping. I want to see these radios in person, I can always return them. Probably keep the floss, though.

GTG basic radio for short distance and you can’t beat the price.

I picked a pair up for $21.98 last November to replace a pair of FRS radios I donated to our drivers on my mission trip to Guatemala.


Always looking for a “reason” to buy or try new HT’s

I was sent a BAOFENG GT-5R PRO Ham Radio to review. I am clueless on how these things operate.
The manual leaves much to be desired. There are some You Tube video's on this model but mostly reviews that don't cover much in the way of operation. If someone can point me to a good tutorial on the basics of these things it would be appreciated.

It's this one.

First, this has been a phenomenally interesting and useful thread, along with the couple of related threads I have found. Too much information to glean once through, but a trove of info and references. I keep this thread open in its own tab to refer to from time to time.

Second, I now own 3 FRS/GMRS blister pack radios bought by my wife on sale at Sam's Club a number of years ago, 2 UV-5R EX radios recommended to me by a friend that was a comms guy in the military, and now 2 TD-H8 radios, thanks to 911Boss.

Third, unfortunately, I am still a bit over-whelmed by all of this. I did get my GMRS license, and will most likely get at least a technician's license, maybe the general if it isn't too much more involved. I looked around and found a local amateur radio club that meets just a few miles from my house. I think I will head over there and see if they can get me on the right track, plus they offer the written license exams. Since they are local, they should know what bands are useful, what repeaters to use, etc.

Finally, I was surprised, but my son seems intrigued by amatuer radio, so maybe he and I have found a new common interest.

My meager contribution to the thread: for Florida folks, the Florida Department of Emergency Management and Florida Dept. of Transportation operate a state-wide amateur radio network called SARnet (no, not SKYnet ) for emergency communications based on ham. Fairly robust with equipment on FDOT towers, backup power generators, microwave point-point communications between repeaters so a ham can talk from Key West to Tallahassee. Here is the website: SARnet. Here is a YT video describing it: SARnet video