Seeking Radio Advice

[Dan06]

Looking to buy a mobile radio. I'm open to recommendations. Features I want:

*Want preferably Icom unless someone else has another suggestion
*Removable face
*Mic location not on the face

I need to know where y'all have bought your radios and accessories from? Most places I've emailed have not replied... soooo where'd you get yours?

I've been pretty convinced the Icom ID-880H was the correct match for my wants, but this things does a million other things as well. Therefore, I'm not sure those extra features are necessary.

 

[Icecobra]

Here is a good start

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/what-two-way-radio-do-i-get-why-27375/

or try

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/vhf-radio-install-pics-22108/

 

[Dan06]

Here is a good start

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/what-two-way-radio-do-i-get-why-27375/

or try

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/vhf-radio-install-pics-22108/

Read though them again and have read others as well. Saw Phyguy's sweet setup and liked it from the first glance. Just feel the Icom ID 880-H may be overkill. Really need a place that sells multiple radios to talk to, but the businesses I've emailed have still not replied.

 

[pat'sRAPTOR]

You could talk to Kirk at raptor addict he can literally get you anything you are looking for and can help you make a decision!

 

[Dan06]

Yeah called him and he was awesome, but said PCI needs to carry or be able get whatever I want. That's who he goes through. So, I called them and asked questions (email too). Several days later no reply...

 

[pat'sRAPTOR]

Ahh ok! I know a lot of the PCI guys are down in Baja right now pre running and setting up for the Baja 1000 with most of the big race teams down there they're supporting those teams and all might be why they haven't replied yet but i don't know

 

[Dan06]

^ Oh gotcha. Oughta have that posted on their site or something lol.

---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------

Decide to give em another call and got ahold of a super helpful guy. Guess "if first you don't succeed try try again".

 

[All The Way]

You could try the guys at R&L R&L Electronics

Don't tell them you are using it on business frequencies and if they ask about your license tell them you are studying for the technician exam......

 

[Dan06]

Okay so, after taking and debating my options with PCI. I was pretty quickly talked out of 90% of my initial wants (well except an Icom product). Basically they had negative things to say about modifying a radio for frequencies other than what it's designed for. The majority of radios with removable faces are designed for other frequencies or super pricey according to who I talked to. Therefore, I guess I'll go with the Icom F5021. While discussing their products, fellow pointed out PCI's California Ultimate 2 package, which comes with an Intercom. They can be upgraded with Bluetooth or DSP technology. Would you upgrade to either, both, or none, and why?

---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ----------

You could try the guys at R&L R&L Electronics

Don't tell them you are using it on business frequencies and if they ask about your license tell them you are studying for the technician exam......

Thanks I'll give them a shout too. Trying to weigh all options for something I know little about, lol.

 

[All The Way]

All 3 ham radios I have are moded to tx out of ham bands and have no problems doing it. Yaesu FT-8800, FT-2800, and FT-857D.