Andy@AAV
Old Marine
I'm getting ready to take the plunge into HAM (hopefully make it to the exam thursday) and have been looking for a radio. I primarily want the extra range of the 2M (over my CB) especially with the ability to use repeaters. I have been over this section of the forum for a while now and still have one question:
Why would I want or need 70cm (or other band) along with 2M?
So far, almost every time I see a reference to a HAM freq it is always in the 2M band. Rarely in the 70cm and never above that unless I am on a HAM specific forum. I have no need or want to get into skipping HF across the ocean or trying to find out what the ISS crew is having for breakfast Is there a reason to go from a Yaesu FT-1900R (2M only)to a FT-7900R (2M and 70cm) , for $200 more, if all I want is to be able to talk to other 4 wheelers on the trail or use a repeater to call for assistance? I am in Southern California so the repeater network is pretty substantial. I also travel to Arizona frequently, but again it has good coverage.
Why would I want or need 70cm (or other band) along with 2M?
So far, almost every time I see a reference to a HAM freq it is always in the 2M band. Rarely in the 70cm and never above that unless I am on a HAM specific forum. I have no need or want to get into skipping HF across the ocean or trying to find out what the ISS crew is having for breakfast Is there a reason to go from a Yaesu FT-1900R (2M only)to a FT-7900R (2M and 70cm) , for $200 more, if all I want is to be able to talk to other 4 wheelers on the trail or use a repeater to call for assistance? I am in Southern California so the repeater network is pretty substantial. I also travel to Arizona frequently, but again it has good coverage.