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