I can't decide on what to get for a new dual band mobile.

Captain Kilowatt · Jul 17, 2012

I am considering on buying a new dual band mobile radio. i don't need or care about D-Star or APRS or even Echo Link capability but just want a decent dual band rig. Cross band repeat would be nice but definitely not a requirement.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to two models. I have been looking at the Kenwood TM-V71A http://www.radioworld.ca/product_brochures/amateur/kenwood_brochures/tm-v71a.pdf

as well as the Yaesu FT-8800 http://www.radioworld.ca/product_brochures/amateur/yaesu_brochures/FT-8800R_Brochure.pdf

The price difference is only $25 but the Yaesu comes with a free separation kit. The Kenwood has it as a $110 option. I don't need the separation kit right away but will want it eventually. I am more concerned about the quality of the receiver in each radio as far as intermod etc is concerned as well as ruggedness to stand up in a mobile environment that may be off road at times. Any comments would be appreciated.

bob85 · Jul 17, 2012

don't know anything about the kenwood but my 8800 is ok with the local transmitters than cause me issues on some sets $ flatten most handhelds on the same antenna.

FatHam · Jul 18, 2012

I have both...

Just got the V71 a couple of weeks ago, mainly for use as a crossband/remote base. I'll tell you one thing, it's a LOT louder than the 8800, which is louder than my IC-2820H. The Kenwood crushes the Icom as far as audio goes. The stock V71 mic is "hot" but has three levels of adjustment.

The V71 has no detectable squelch tail while cross banding, while the 8800 has a small "double" tail. The 2820H has a ridiculously long "crunch, crunch" tail when cross banding.

I'm still sorting out the menu system on the V71, but so far I'm finding it easier to program through the face than the 8800. I've been able to quickly program everything I've wanted to through the V71's face, where I ended up buying RT Systems software for the 8800.

Mars mod on the 8800 is easy (for Mole lol), V71, not so easy.

If you're going to detach the face, the Yaesu is less "messy" because the mic plugs in to the face. The Kenwood mic plugs in to the radio body, so it takes two cables to install it remote versus the Yaesu's single cable remote mount.

I do prefer the mic controls on the 8800 for a mobile application as it has more programing 'hot button" options than the Kenwood. The flip side of that is that the controls on the Kenwood's face are the controls I'd want on the face, VS having to go in to the 8800's menu system for tones, encoding, etc...

So far I'm really liking the Kenwood. I bought mine at the local HRO, but I think Universal had the best price at $379.

Also, I just saw new separation cables for the Kenwood for $20 on ebay yesterday...

Captain Kilowatt · Jul 21, 2012

Hmmmm....I thought I may get more responses than just two so far. Bob, it's good to hear how the Yaesu stands up to frontend overload as that has always been a priority for me and I know you guys over there have it worse than we do generally.

So far it looks like the points go to Yaesu for that as well as easier programming and separation based on just the two responses. Hmmmmm.....decisions, decisions.

Se7en · Jul 22, 2012

Captain Kilowatt said:
Hmmmm....I thought I may get more responses than just two so far. Bob, it's good to hear how the Yaesu stands up to frontend overload as that has always been a priority for me and I know you guys over there have it worse than we do generally.

So far it looks like the points go to Yaesu for that as well as easier programming and separation based on just the two responses. Hmmmmm.....decisions, decisions.

you ever thought about a FTM-350aR? slightly off topic but i have no experience with the yaesu8800 but iv played with the Kenwood V71 and its a fun radio but can be kind of a pain sometimes programming.

Good luck

Captain Kilowatt · Jul 22, 2012

The FTM-350Ar has everything I don't need or want at a much higher price. I want a good radio to talk on. No Aprs. No GPS needed. No echolink connectivity. Just a good receiver and a good FM transmitter.

mackmobile43 · Jul 22, 2012

Captain Kilowatt said:
The FTM-350Ar has everything I don't need or want at a much higher price. I want a good radio to talk on. No Aprs. No GPS needed. No echolink connectivity. Just a good receiver and a good FM transmitter.

The radio manufacturers are catering to the "new hams" and not the old curmudgeons like us so it may do with thought of an older rig.

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I can't decide on what to get for a new dual band mobile.

Captain Kilowatt

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bob85

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FatHam

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Captain Kilowatt

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Se7en

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Captain Kilowatt

Professional Amateur

mackmobile43

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