Clint Miller KCØJUO and Paul Cowley KB7VML Story County ARES January 16 th, 2016

 Consider who you want to talk to  Geographical considerations  Location and terrain  Consider license privileges and what bands you might need to use  Consider how the radio might be used or deployed  EmComm or public service events  Basic home HF station  Casual local/regional operating  What modes do you want/plan to use?

 Base or fixed stations are more powerful but less portable  Mobile equipment can still pack a punch  Will you be deploying equipment temporarily?  Do you need to carry everything with you?

 How will you power your new equipment?  What special considerations do you need to account for?  Will you be deploying equipment temporarily?  Do you need to carry everything with you?

 PL/CTCSS, DCS, etc?  Number of memories  Available scanning and programming options  Analog or Digital voice?  Digital modes/data/packet?  DSP?  Mounting or carrying features  Available accessories

 Find someone locally who has the same or similar equipment  Many hams will let you borrow something if you’re serious about buying  Visit Hamfests and ask to handle the equipment  Figure out what YOU like and what is most intuitive to operate

Handheld VHF/UHF Radios Comparison Sheet Radio #1Radio #2Radio #3Radio #4Radio #5Radio #6 Manufacturer Model TRANSMIT/RECEIVE COVERAGE Transmit RangeMHz Receive RangeMHz Wideband receiveY/N Airband ReceiveY/N Single/Multi Receive (*)Y/N Power OutputWatts CONFIGURATION FEATURES MemoriesNumber CTCSS TonesYes/No DTMF TonesYes/No Tone SquelchYes/No DCS SquelchYes/No ScanningYes/No DISPLAY & PROGRAMMING Alphanumeric DisplayYes/No PC ProgrammableYes/No Radio-to-Radio CloningYes/No POWER Battery Pack TypeNiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion Battery Pack CapacityAmpere-Hours AA Battery PackYes/No Ext. DC Supply VoltageVolts Desktop Quick ChargerYes/No Antenna ConnectorBNC, SMA, etc SIZE Height (in.) Width (in.) Depth (in.) Weight (oz.) Price * = for Multiband handhelds only

 Only YOU know what you can allocate  Don’t “discount” used equipment, but be cautious  Visit local Hamfests and take a friend along with you  Watch estate sales and auctions  Online resources can help you determine a “good” or fair price

Clint Miller KCØJUO and Paul Cowley KB7VML Story County ARES January 16 th, 2016