I had been wanting to get a nice hand held HAM radio for some time until today. I came across the Yaesu radio I’ve wanted used. They quit making it and apparently it’s a fairly in demand radio cause every where I looked it was still $350+. It’s a VX-8DR. My cousin is a “technician” and has been helping a lot. I’m reading a couple of books to get ready for the test, soon hopefully. So, I know there are a good number of y’all here... point me towards some good websites. I’m more interested in this for emergency communication, etc. Thanks!

I read a lot on eham for reviews of products and to get additional info websites. Good luck!
Jon KD8ARK

get the West study book - its loaded with useful links

www.hamtestonline.com . Select the test you are studying for and memorize the answers.

+1 on the Gordon West books. The current General is about to change to a new question pool which will affect study guides in print or online so if you plan to test before June 30th you’re good. After June 30th it will probably change some. Try for your General while you’re taking the Tech. The info will be fresh and it about the same amount of questions, some repetitive from Tech or at least same ballpark. Best of luck to you. Going to finally get off my butt and at least attempt the General before my Gordon West book needs replacing. Also, Eham is a good source. Bought a Yaesu VX-3 and 7 there. Would love to have the 8. Good choice. N4IOI

Thank you guys for the suggestions!

My favorite HT is my Icom ID-51A. One cool feature is that you can tether a tablet to it and select repeaters on a map.

Agree the Gordon West books and go for the General at the same time as the Technician. Go early for the test as the guys are only there for a limited time and won’t let you take the second test if you are running up against their beer time. In our case the second test was free thus saving $15.00 and it is good experience. Good luck, KC3FMT...

QTH.com for classifieds. QRZ has classifieds and forums as well but they also allow you to build a page with photos so when people look up your call they can see what you want to show them, rigs, shack etc. It also has a nice logbook function.

QRZ.com or Hamtestonline. Study the Tech practice questions. Element 2 (tech) has 35 questions with 29 correct to pass exam. Exam is usually $15, payable to AARL and given by fellow Hams once a month. Check with local Ham radio club for date and time.

Stick with Tech license for now as your Yaesu VX8 is UHF/VHF 5 watt. Get a list of repeaters in your area from Ham club. Repeater hook ups are free. Win system is one, Echolink ($$) with computer is another.

W&W battery in New York has great prices on aftermarket batteries for the Yaesu. Half the price of the OEM battery.

Good luck,

KJ7FTH.

Our local VEC doesn't even charge for the test. I'd recommend taking a swat at the General test at the same time... it won't take long and you never know. You don't have to get into HF until you're ready, but if you already have the ticket, so much the better.

I’ve had 6 or so HTs. I skinnied down to a FT-60R. IMO it is the best value for a HT.
KG4SZS

quote:

Originally posted by p113565:
I’ve had 6 or so HTs. I skinnied down to a FT-60R. IMO it is the best value for a HT.
KG4SZS

That’s my trusty HT as well.