Message-Id: <20030122153344.RVO25548.imf00bis.bellsouth.net@[209.214.148.122]>

On 2003-01-22 [log in to unmask] said:
   >I wish someone would make a multiband HT with the features one
   >really needs (PL-tones and the like) but without such complicated
   >menus that it takes a Ph.D. to figure them out.  And unlike most on
   >this list, I suppose, I don't give a hoot what's happening outside
   >the ham bands except possibly for EMS and WX frequencies.
YOu and me both MIke!  I also feel that if the only way I can program
it reliably is with a windows box then it's not usable.  I want to
deal with computers and cables to program my radio I'll go ahead and
buy commercial equipment from Motorolla or somebody which is rugged
such as that used by police and firefighters.  My Kenwood thg-71a
gives me the features I want and is easy to use, but not quite as
rugged as I'd like.

I did get to see one of the Icom units at a hamfest last weekend, and
like the cw output of frequency display idea.  That one's kinda cool.
WOuld like to have 6 meters and or 220 mhz in the same ht, but for the
most part use 2 and 70cm the most around here.

WOuld i buy another 71a?  OF what's out there right now probably yes.
THough it's not as rugged as I'd like it's quite field programmable
and that's an important part of owning any radio for me.  Get much
more complex and I'd have to use a computer interface, and if I have
to go to that much trouble I'd go with the commercial vendors that
make ruggedized equipment which can stand a little more hard use.

AS they say:  "HOrses for courses."






Richard Webb

Electric Spider Productions

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

--- Benjamin Franklin November 1755