[Mobile-Portable] Re: [Rover] All-in-one radio versus seperate rdaios?

[Rodney J Johnson]

Jacob,
   I've never had a significant  radio failure while on a Rover
operation, but I've had failures that kept a radio from working. Low
batteries, blown fuses, poor cabling etc. cause most of the problems.  I
suspect that most radio failures are operator and/or installation
generated.  They were in my case.
   That being said, it really doesn't matter which causes the problem if
a radio quits-you are still out of business on one or more bands.
   I would buy a used FT-100 or Icom 706 MkIIG, and get on those three
bands.  That is the easiest way to get started, and you will have a rig
which can do HF as well. 
   Then consider getting another similar radio as time/finances allow. 
That will provide both a backup, or a home rig or both as you see fit.
     Then use the one rig for one band and the second for the other two. 
I have used two rigs for some time, having a separate radio for 2M and
one for 6M and 432MHz.  Mine were not matched radios,  I used a Yaesu
FT-726 and an Icom 290H.   I now have a Yaesu FT-100, and find it both
convenient to use and easy to operate, since I don't need to mess with
then menus much while roveing.  Sometimes I just go with the Yaesu FT-100
and a set of portable loops.  Other times I use the dual radio setup,
with multiple  yagiis and loops;  it just depends upon the particular
event, time I have to prepare and the route I plan to take. But the more
microphones you have, the more times you call on the wrong radio!  It is
very easy to call another station several times, when you KNOW he should
be able to hear you, to then find out you are on the wrong microphoneand
therefore likely on the wrong band.
    There are some advantages to multiple radios, such as preamp and
amplifier switching and lack of need for antenna duplexers, but until you
have a vehicle, antennas and experience on the three lower bands, I would
not suggest getting too tied up in trying to decide what is the  "best"
setup.   There are just too many variables, and each operator is a very
large variable in every case.  I don't know of a single rover who doesn't
have some  ideas on how to change his station layout or equipment. 
    With single loops for 6M, 2m, and 432MHz and a single radio, much
experience respectable scores can be accumulated.   Then I would suggest
looking at modifying the station layout to include additional bands.  If
you decide that individual radios for the bands are an asset, you can
often sell the multi-band radio for a bit less than you paid for it used,
and you really are not out much; or you can keep it for a backup.
   You will also likely pay more for three separate used radios for the
three bands, than for a single used multiband radio.
   Best of luck to you, and whatever you decide, let us know what is
happening and where you will be for the upcoming events.
  Rod J
  WE7X  


 
On Mon, 17 Mar 2003 20:04:48 -0500 "Jacob Tennant" <k8jwt@ntelos.net>
writes:
>This might have been hashed out in the past but I missed it so humor 
>me,
>
>I am looking at getting my but in gear and finally getting my rover 
>project
>moving forward but was deliberating over the radios to be used. Mainly
>should I go with something like the FT-100D for 3 bands in one radio 
>or
>since the rigors of a rover/mobile setup can be harsh would it also 
>make
>sense to go with a little older radios one per band and save the 
>FT-100D for
>the safety of the house?
>
>I understand the FT-100D is a rugged radio, but one of my concerns is 
>that
>if one of the three VHF bands die, I will have to send the whole radio 
>in
>for repairs whereas a seperate radio per band would I only lose that 
>band
>while reparing or replacement if needed.
>
>Also would be a little easier on my wallet to buy a piece at a time 
>for
>around $200.00 per band than a $800.00 shot all at once.
>
>As usual, I know you folks won't steer me wrong...
>
>Jacob Tennant  K8JWT
>
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>Rover mailing list
>Rover@mailman.qth.net
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