My 18 year old Icom 2340H dual bander is in need of replacement. I have zero interest in APRS, GPS, Echolink, etc. I do need a radio that works very well on cross band repeat. I live and work mainly in rural areas so I don't think problems with lots of strong local radio signals will be an issue.
It looks like my options are the Yaesu FT-8800, the Kenwood TM-71A, and the Alinco DR-635. I've had only bad luck with Kenwood and that radio will only transmit in cross band repeat mode for 3 minutes before it times out. The Yaesu has small, unlit buttons and flimsy sensitive volume knobs from what I'm reading. I have big fingers and will use it mobile, sometimes off road so I'm leaning to the Alinco.
I've been a ham for almost 20 years and never owned an Alinco but I've always been lead to believe they're a step below Kenwood, Icom, and Yaesu in quality.
I'd like to hear experience from people who have owned Alinco radios, especially the model in question.
Thanks,
Matthew
It looks like my options are the Yaesu FT-8800, the Kenwood TM-71A, and the Alinco DR-635. I've had only bad luck with Kenwood and that radio will only transmit in cross band repeat mode for 3 minutes before it times out. The Yaesu has small, unlit buttons and flimsy sensitive volume knobs from what I'm reading. I have big fingers and will use it mobile, sometimes off road so I'm leaning to the Alinco.
I've been a ham for almost 20 years and never owned an Alinco but I've always been lead to believe they're a step below Kenwood, Icom, and Yaesu in quality.
I'd like to hear experience from people who have owned Alinco radios, especially the model in question.
Thanks,
Matthew