I noticed the Yaesu FTM-10R when it came out and though it has some cool and interesting features, I decided against it since for only $50 more you can get the Yaesu FT-8800R, which is probably more useful for rally communications since the FT-8800R has simultaneous dual-band VHF/VHF, UHF/VHF, UHF/UHF receive and also cross-band repeat capability. Simultaneous dual receive means you can simultaneously listen to e.g. both stage freq and net control freq, or both timing freq and scoring freq etc.
Also, while I was initially more interested in the FT-8900R which I understand is a great radio too, I actually bought the FT-8800R instead, since the FT-8800R:
- had slightly better reviews on eham.net
- was cheaper (by $50)
- still has both the 2m and 440MHz bands used for rally
- the additional 6m and 10m bands on the FT-8900R arguably have limited usefulness since they are only narrow band FM
- has the same amount of buttons, but less bands, so it may be very slightly simpler to operate
For those interested, the ham radios I bought, in order, and the reasons why, are:
1. Yaesu FT-8800R - full-functioned, full power, mobile, simultaneous dual-band receive, cross-band repeat capability
2. Yaeus VX-7R - handheld, rugged, waterproof, simultaneous multi-band receive so I can also use on both UHF/VHF, or with the FT-8800R for cross-band repeat. Also since I fairly often co-drive for different people it's easy to just throw the handheld in my co-driver's bag.
3. Yaesu VX-170 - handheld, single band 2m only, simple, rugged, waterproof, hi-cap NiMH battery, they were having a special for just over $100, cheap enough for a loaner radio, or for using as a APRS transmit radio, or as a receiver connected to a laptop for APRS plotting etc.
4. Alinco DR-135T MkIII, mobile, single band 2m only, so-so reviews on eham.net but I think most of the less-than-average reviews pertain to the earlier MkI and MkII revisions, bought anyway primarily for APRS since Argent Data Systems makes a APRS/KISS TNC board (T2-135:
http://www.argentdata.com/products/tracker2.html) which you can install internally instead of the Alinco TNC, so should make for a simple APRS TX/repeater setup (just add GPS, and power and VHF antenna too of course), since the TNC is installed internally. At around $255 for the DR-135T and T2-135, it's a much cheaper solution for APRS than the Kenwood TM-D710A, though of course not as fully featured. Note: I only got the DR-135T a few months ago, and haven't bought the T2-135 or a GPS puck yet to test it out, but plan to sometime soon.
Yeah, I must admit I went a little overboard on buying radios, but I'm a bit of a techie geek and they're fun to play around with.
Anyway, I'll probably leave/put/use:
- the FT-8800R in my service vehicle for both servicing at and working rallies
- the Alinco DR-135T in my rally car
- the Yaesu VX-7R in my co-driver's bag/or for cross-band repeat when working rallies
- the Yaesu VX-170 as a rally car backup/spare/loaner etc.
For those that are new to ham radio and just want to get started, help work a rally, put one in your rally car for safety and/or to monitor what's going on etc. don't be intimidated by the cost - you really only need a simple 2m mobile (e.g. Yaesu FT-1802M) and a 2m antenna (e.g. Larsen 2/70B). You can have a simple funtional 2m mobile setup that will let you do and enjoy most of the functionality needed for less than $200 out of the door.
