Did you have to use an extension for the mic . ? or is that the standard cord ?

They each look OK. All good brands. The last one looks the most modern. I think you would be fine with any of them.

You can buy the Yaesu 7800R New from universal for $250 so the Buy It Now price of $228 isnt a good deal.

I like the reversible display of the Kenwood TM-V7A.

Best Regards,

Kirk

I dont have an extension on the mic cord. when you buy the kit to make the face plate mountable it come with just the extension cord for the face to reach the head. they have IIRK 3', 7' and 15' extension kits

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2016 JKU RUBICON

other mods coming soon...

oops I lied, the kit does come with a small extension for the mic, I had to go outside and look real qwik.

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2016 JKU RUBICON

other mods coming soon...

I agree with Mozul - they are all capable radios. My personal preference would be for the Yaesu over the Kenwoods, but thats just because I feel that Kenwoods tend to be a little too pricey (not that the ones you posted are, just new Kenwoods). Just like everything else in life, the best one is the one you think you'll get the most use out of; bells and whistles are cool (hey, we're guys after all), but if you don't think you'll use them then they aren't worth paying extra. I do like remote-head radios, since they aren't as conspicuous. Plus if you're budget allows you might think ahead and get a radio that will get you on HF when you upgrade your license. You are going to upgrade your license, right?

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Kevin
AD5VG
Just another red Jeep in the world...
L.O.S.T. #KB051963

Jeff: I have a Yeasu FT2800M - 2m only. Puts out up to 65 watts and is very rugged (that's what the M stands for: Military), meant for bouncing around. I also have the predecessor to that model, the FT2600M and it's been great. I mounted it on the console passenger side.

I'm not sure what the attraction is for the 440 band - it seems easier to me to monitor just one band, plus the greater availabilty of repeaters. Anyway, the price is only about $160, but I know price isn't a factor for you.

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Ted Kalil
2005 KJ Renegade & 1987 Wrangler.
2010 Yamaha 700 Grizzly - got very sick. So.. 2012 Polaris RZR 800

So..

I just found out that most of the Comm. that goes on in KJWEST is on 2mtr.
Sounds like I could save some cash buying a single band radio.

What would I be missing buy not getting the dual band model ?

Is 440 better for distance ? (most radios dont tx with as much power on sideband so I'm guessing not).

Probably not a whole lot. I'm sure there are plenty of 70cm repeaters out in SoCal, but 2 meter would do ya just fine. As far as distance, 2 meter is also a bit better since the higher you go in frequency the more the signals are confined to line-of-sight. I'd say get a decent 2 meter rig now, and if you decide to upgrade you can always put it in another vehicle or move it into your home.

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Kevin
AD5VG
Just another red Jeep in the world...
L.O.S.T. #KB051963

One more thought just to confuse things further: You could get a good HT (handy talkie) either in 2m or even tri-band. I have a Yeasu VX5R tri band (2m, 220, 440), which has now been updated by the VX7R, both of which put out 5W max. Kenwood and ICOM make similar units, among others.

With a car plug power adaptor and an external antenna you can good performance. And if you want more power you can get an amplifier, some of which can raise the output to 35 watts or so. This rig gives you the flexibility to be able to use the HT outside of the vehicle. I've done this in other vehicles, but haven't added the amplifier - yet. One good thing about this method, if you're stuck and can't get reception where you are, say in a canyon, you can climb a hill with the HT and maybe raise someone.

More than you needed or wanted to know?

_________________
Ted Kalil
2005 KJ Renegade & 1987 Wrangler.
2010 Yamaha 700 Grizzly - got very sick. So.. 2012 Polaris RZR 800