[CTSARA] mobile transmitter

[Jon Perelstein]

I hope I'm not starting a whole debate on this, but in the case of radios
for the field I think there is an argument to be made for someone sticking
with one brand -- and that's consistency in programming.  I've found that
the Yaesu approach (menu structure, names, values, sequence) is very
different from the Icom approach which is very different from the Kenwood
approach which is very different from ...  The approach within the each
vendor tends to be somewhat consistent, which is a real advantage when
operating in the field or operating while driving. 

As just one simple example, the tuning and volume on the Yaesu HTs is
exactly the reverse of the tuning and volume on the Icom HTs.  I
consistently make errors because of it (I have a Yaesu VX-6 and an Icom
IC-91AD).  I'm not saying that one is better than the other, but I sure
would make fewer errors if I had two radios that are consistent.

It may not be enough to justify going with the same brand for a big,
high-end contest radio vs a mobile or HT, but for the day-to-day
in-the-field stuff, I very much appreciate the consistency across my Yaesu
rigs (VX-6, FT-897, FT-7800).

And note -- I'm not suggesting that everyone have the same radio, I'm just
saying that it might be useful for an individual to have some consistency in
his/her radios.

Jon
KB1QBZ