[Rover] Re: All-in-one radio versus separate radios?

[Bob Burns K4RXR]

At 08:04 PM 3/17/2003, Jacob Tennant wrote:
>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.

I've struggled with this question, too, Jacob.

If service turnaround is your concern, ask how much you plan to work 
VHF/UHF with the radio. If it's primarily the contests, there will likely 
be enough time between contest weekends to get the rig serviced and returned.

Of bigger concern is the fact that if the radio fails during a contest 
weekend, you may be completely dead in the water on all bands for the rest 
of the weekend. Now, the other side of the coin is that I think a number of 
less-than-big-gun rovers run just one multi-band rig. It's a heck of a lot 
easier to buy a single multi-band radio, assemble your antenna array, and 
get started in rovering as opposed to building a collection of single-band 
radios. At least, that's the approach I plan to take. <grin>

Something else to think about...If finances will permit, buy a spare 
FT-100D or maybe a non-D model to go with your new FT-100D. Earlier FT-100s 
show up on Ebay frequently. Buyer beware, though. Use the spare as a 
back-up radio. Keep one in the house and one in your vehicle. By 
standardizing on a radio, you will increase your time and familiarity with 
the radio so you don't get frazzled when the heat is on.

Bob...