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Mobile HAM radio suggestions

Jacob McCandles

Jacob McCandles

Rank III
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

I know everyone has their favorite. I'm new to overlanding and HAM. I've narrowed my choice for a mobile / base radio to two. I really like the ICOM ID-5100 A Deluxe and the Yaesu FTM-400. Any pros or cons on either of these radios? They are both somewhat at the top end of my budget.

Thanks!
 
M Rose

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

Jacob McCandles said:
I know everyone has their favorite. I'm new to overlanding and HAM. I've narrowed my choice for a mobile / base radio to two. I really like the ICOM ID-5100 A Deluxe and the Yaesu FTM-400. Any pros or cons on either of these radios? They are both somewhat at the top end of my budget.

Thanks!
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Both are excellent radios. I guess it comes down to if your area is using Wires X or using DSTAR repeaters.
 
Eddy G

Eddy G

Rank III
Launch Member

Member III

I have 2 Icom ID-5100 . Love them both. I mainly went with the Icom becuse of the D-star capability. It has been a rock solid radio.
 
Prerunner1982

Prerunner1982

Local Expert, Oklahoma USA
Launch Member
Member

Member III

Doug, is APRS of any interest to you? If so the FTM-400 would be the go to of the two you listed otherwise as noted it may depend on the digital voice protocol of choice. If aren't interested in either of those (APRS or Digital Voice) then you can't really go wrong with either. You might consider making a run up to Ham Radio Outlet in Plano to get some hands on with them and see what UI is more intuitive. Call them first to see if their showroom is open and if they have both of those radios on working display.
 
M Rose

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

Prerunner1982 said:
Doug, is APRS of any interest to you? If so the FTM-400 would be the go to of the two you listed otherwise as noted it may depend on the digital voice protocol of choice. If aren't interested in either of those (APRS or Digital Voice) then you can't really go wrong with either. You might consider making a run up to Ham Radio Outlet in Plano to get some hands on with them and see what UI is more intuitive. Call them first to see if their showroom is open and if they have both of those radios on working display.
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HRO in Plano’s show room is open as of Saturday September 5th. And I highly recommend going in and seeing the radios in person.
 
Overlanding Lawyer

Overlanding Lawyer

Rank IV
Member

Steward I

M Rose said:
HRO in Plano’s show room is open as of Saturday September 5th. And I highly recommend going in and seeing the radios in person.
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I agree, go play with them, try them out, both are fine radios. Good luck K1EOD Also, food for thought, get the MARS/CAP mod, this will open your radio, not “legal” for GRMS or FRS, in an emergency, you can use …
 
Jacob McCandles

Jacob McCandles

Rank III
Member

Off-Road Ranger I

WTSMatt said:
Jacob McCandles said:
Ordered the Icom ID-5100A with the MARS mod and Bluetooth chip. Should be here 09/10. Also the Comet GP3 antenna and power supply for home.

Anxious to try it out!
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Where did you order from? Were the mod/bluetooth options to include?
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Ordered online from mtcradios of Plano, TX. I added the mod and Bluetooth chip. I've had everything setup for several days now and am very happy with it!
 
M Rose

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

Jacob McCandles said:
Ordered online from mtcradios of Plano, TX. I added the mod and Bluetooth chip. I've had everything setup for several days now and am very happy with it!
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I love MTC Radio, I bought my first rig from them, and continue to watch their weekly sales flyers… MTC just recently started carrying “Overlanding “ gear as well.
 
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