HT with GPS suggestions?

[anono]

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.

 

[hmcret]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[varminter22]

I'm no expert, but I recommend you consider the Yaesu HTs.

Mine is an FT1 XDR (since replaced by newer model). It is dual band (VHF/UHF), Fusion (digital) capable, and has GPS.

 

[Golgo13]

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.