2900
I had a Yaesu FT-2800 that was my first 2 meter rig and was great in both the car and base. The power out was roughly 65 watts (the updated model you are getting will push 75!). With a decent mobile antenna you should have no problem talking simplex to other stations....how far is not an easy question to answer though as this depends on many factors.
1. The antenna first and foremost is the deciding factor of your signal. While on base, a high mounted vertical or J-pole will get you out omnidirectional. That being said a Yagi or Log periodic will get you more gain however is unidirectional and needs to be turned towards the station you are communicating with. While out mobile a vertical is all that is really practical and results will vary. I do just fine with a 19 1/2 inch radiator. Your results will vary.
2. Power output. Again, with a decent antenna the more power to a properly tuned antenna the better....on the transmit side though and means nothing when hearing the other station. 75 watts is a nice option to have and the FT-2900 advertises this. Let me know how it works.
3. Elevation, as mentioned above, the higher the better. I personally use an arrow J-pole at home mounted appx. 40 feet in the air on a piece of metal EMT 1 inch conduit. This gets me into machines 70 miles away to the north of me which in my opinion is pretty good for the terrain around my area. Again your results will vary.
4. Feed line. Many options here, if you skimp on the feedline not only will you not hear as well but all that power will be lost in the coax. I personally do not have the most expensive stuff on the block. I have a roll of RG-8X that I feed my HF antennas and my arrow j-pole....works good enough for me. You can get better though. LMR-400 is popular and any VHF and up operator will tell you it's the very least you should use. I don't personally have a large run, about 55 feet to the antenna down to the shack. If I wanted to go all out I would buy some Andrews Heliax low loss hardline. This of course is more expensive and a little harder to work with (in respect to bending and making turns etc.)
I have only scratched the surface as much more knowledge can be found on the internet and elsewhere. I do hope this info helps and others will probably chime in with more information. Good luck with the new rig.
Mike
KC2PLJ
. so i returned it and decided to upgread to this rig.