• This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn more.

HT with GPS suggestions?




anono

Active member (5.56mm)
Forum Supporter
2023 Supporter
#1
Wondering if anyone has suggestions for something under $300?

I saw this on ebay, but it looks pretty, pretty sketchy. Ebay no name Chinese

Everything else I've seen is in the $450+ range, which is out of my price point for now.

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:

hmcret

Lurker (.22LR)
Forum Supporter
2023 Supporter
#2
B-Tech(Baofeng) 6x2 is around 225 and has a fair reputation; it is a clone of another chinese radio, the Anytone 878 which is around 300. The Anytone has a good reputation, I have the 868 predecessor which really feels solid in my hands and performs very well. They are DMR/Analog rigs, if you are looking to get into DMR as well.
 

cmcveay

Member (9mm)
Forum Supporter
2022 Supporter
2023 Supporter
#3
B-Tech(Baofeng) 6x2 is around 225 and has a fair reputation; it is a clone of another chinese radio, the Anytone 878 which is around 300. The Anytone has a good reputation, I have the 868 predecessor which really feels solid in my hands and performs very well. They are DMR/Analog rigs, if you are looking to get into DMR as well.
I'll second the 878's reputation, it's a solid radio. Friends and I have had several B-Tech radios and they have been sturdy and reliable as well. There are a few options that are out of production that would fall into the price range. The Yaesu VX-8 is a rock solid radio and the Kenwood TH-D72 can still be found on Ebay and other places.
 

anono

Active member (5.56mm)
Forum Supporter
2023 Supporter
#4
Thanks both. The 878 looks exactly like what I'm looking for. I tried to find the VX-8, but apparently those have a cult following- they're still going for $400+ on ebay.
 

cmcveay

Member (9mm)
Forum Supporter
2022 Supporter
2023 Supporter
#5
Thanks both. The 878 looks exactly like what I'm looking for. I tried to find the VX-8, but apparently those have a cult following- they're still going for $400+ on ebay.
No kidding? I have Kenwood TH-D74 as well and when Kenwood discontinued it, the price jumped. Maybe I should sell those two radions and buy more guns and ammo! :)
 

anono

Active member (5.56mm)
Forum Supporter
2023 Supporter
#6
JFYI- GigaParts has the 878 for $219, or the plus (has Bluetooth, which i don't particularly care about or even want) for $299 and they have a $10 off coupon.

Thank you for the suggestions.
 

hmcret

Lurker (.22LR)
Forum Supporter
2023 Supporter
#7
I think you will really like the 878. One thing to remember about DMR capable rigs is the firmware version and programming software version must match or you will have issues programming. For example 2.39 FW and 1.39 CPS. On a new rig the CPS provided will match, if you upgrade the FW, make sure you upgrade the CPS also.

73
 

Golgo13

Member (9mm)
Forum Supporter
#9
The 878 is not a true APRS/GPS radio. It's DMR APRS function is better than analog, but the versatility of real-time gps navigation, APRS messaging just is not there. It is a great DMR radio, it is a horrible APRS/GPS radio.

The Ft2/3/5d are great radios that really allow full use of the APRS/GPS functionality like messaging, navigation, native tracking etc etc... in a pretty rugged package. You can get these used for your price range, especially since the ft5d came out.

Kenwood D74 is great, but expensive, and not rugged. Also hard to find.

A baofeng with an APRS cable + android phone is another option that offers versatility for cheap. You can use the cable to send SSTV for example. 20220412_224615.jpg