Message-Id: <20030122221602.VWQR7471.imf21bis.bellsouth.net@[209.214.147.144]>

On 2003-01-22 [log in to unmask] said:

   >Boy, are you right about the nuisance of having to program a radio
   >via computer.  I don't make a habit of carrying a laptop everywhere.
   >And I agree with you that I'd opt for ruggedness over bells and
   >whistles.  In fact, I'd just as soon have *no* memories:  if I
   >can't remember frequencies, then I'd better pack it in and find
   >another hobby.  And I figure that if it takes me more than two or
   >three keystrokes from *anywhere* in a radio's operations beyond
   >those needed to enter frequencies, the radio is too complex.  If I
   >want to listen to something while I'm out, I'll bring a book or CD.

THere's where I am exactly.  I know if I end up going with commercial
handheld radios I'd be going with mono banders, but I'd trade a little
convenience for a good bit more rugged construction.

I do a lot of things which are quite active.  Back in Iowa I delivered
about 500 newspapers every morning.  That's quite a pounding for an
ht.  I also like to fish camp etc.  tHis Kenwood is my fourth ht in
less than ten years, 5th if you count the two rat shacks, the 202 and
404 I had for coverage of both bands.  I traded the 404 for a Yaesu
ft27r dual band ht, which still transmits and receives but is no
longer frequency agile.  IN fact I gave it to a friend back in Iowa to
be her parked on the local 440 machine rig at home.

WE still have my xyl's Icom 02-at that we bought from a friend, and
it's had a new final transmit amplifier transistor replaced and is on
its 3rd duckie. That radio's built tough.

   >And my "ruggedness test" would be to drop the radio from ten feet
   >onto concrete and expect not a scratch, loose knob, intermitent in
   >the circuitry or anything.  and my remote microphone test would be
   >to swing it around my head fifty times and expect it to work.
   >Seems to me that this would be engineering time better spent than
   >on frills.  But this would mean real engineering time as opposed to
   >jus redesigning software so guess the companies won't pay for it.
   >Oh well!

SOunds like where I'd go too.  I'd definitely buy a radio with less
bells and whistles but better construction to take life's pounding.
73 de nf5b



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