The Anytone 878 is one of the best DMR radios you can get for ham radio use. If you don't need DMR or APRS, then you could save some money and get a Yaesu FT-60.
this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2024
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The FT-60 is a tank of a radio. Oldie but goodie
@AG7LR ok thank you!! I am planning on testing for my general within the next month or so. Does that change the recommendation at all?
You will want an HF radio to make use of your general class privileges. The Yaesu FT-710 and Icom IC-7300 are good HF base station radios, but will cost around $1000 not including a power supply, antennas, and coax. If you want something cheaper, you can look at the Xiegu G90. It doesn't have as good of a receiver and it's lower powered, but it's half the price and more portable. None of these will do 2M or 70CM, so you will need another radio if you want to work local repeaters.
I wouldn't recommend the AT-878uvII+ (or the 878uv) as a first rig. It is a good radio (I have one) but it is DMR and uses a Windows-only CPS that isn't user friendly to program the rig. Similarly, it is a bear to program on the rig. Unless you really want to get into DMR (is there activity in your area?), I would suggest the king of all HTs - the Radio Shack HTX-202 (I have one as well). They're easy to program on the rig, true FM, have a superhetrodyne receiver, are a classic, and can be found at reasonable price on eBay. Drawbacks - only 2m, big, squelch seems sensitive to some of my computer monitors, and you'll probably need to buy a wall charger and new battery.
Isn't that a DMR radio? If so, it is a good radio, but maybe a little bit complicated for a first timer. I'm going to be the bad guy here and suggest a baofeng uv5r
Congratulations and welcome to the world of collecting radio equipment that you swear you'll use someday!
That's a fairly full-spec DMR HT. Others to consider around that price point and lower are Yaesu VX-6R, FT70DR, and FT-60R as well as Icom's IC-T10. They all have their quirks, but they're quality radios and can be field programmed easily.
One thing to consider is how much budget you can afford for accessories. Things like:
- Antennas
- Extra batteries
- Charging stand
- Hand mic
- Band pass filters
I recommend at least getting a roll-up J-pole antenna, like the Ed Fong DBJ-2. Stock HT antennas will work, and they do their job well, but they're just not the same as a full-sized, resonant antenna. A roll-up J-pole is a full sized antenna that you put up 10 feet into the air, yet it can be packed into a small pouch. You'll reach out to much further away repeaters or be able to make simplex contacts further than three or four miles out.
If you have a specific area of interest in the hobby, then drop a reply with some details. I, and others here, can help narrow you in on the right kit without spending big bucks.