What to look for in a ham radio handheld in 2019

[@WadeAbout]

Something you didn’t mention and is a HUGE help is USB charging. I run a RD-5R and a hotspot. I now can charge the radio by USB using a specialized cable and run the hotspot. VK1MIC

[@richardtwyning]

A very interesting and informative guide to handhelds. I've actually just passed my foundation license in the UK and I'm planning on getting the Kenwood TH-D74 as my first radio

[@AdamSWL]

Great to see you return to KZbin Jarrad! Nice comparison of handhelds, thankyou. Of the late model Icom's, the ID-51 series are very good indeed. Even as just an analogue radio they really perform well. Good size, excellent dual band receive with plenty of out of band performance too. The VHF airband is important to me and is very nice on the ID-51A. Also agree on the Ailunce HD-1, very good radio for the price!

[@rodrigoroaduterte9415]

Well, all people start differently. I have no license yet, but my first transceiver is Kenwood TS-590SG unlocked... Yeah, I know. Now I just learn to receive SSB in poor quality environment (an average RF polluted town district). And before buying something I spend days and days studying all kinds of reviews on an item that has pulled my attention. This is why I am watching this video. Thank you so much! Wait... No Kenwood TH-74 in the video? Let me ask a question: if you do not buy a number of those handhelds, but purchase a one top of the class transceiver, will that count? :)

[@rhc287]

Fascinating. I wish I could pay for a training session from you.

[@Thetechologynut]

Alway a pleasure seeing your videos , great info with solid advice.

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks for the kind words Tony! I do hope this video helps out the newcomers to our wonderful hobby, whilst still being interesting to those looking for a new handheld. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@VK9TOM]

Really good video vk3ftom Tom

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks for the comment Tom! I’m glad you found it useful :) 73 and enjoy our great hobby, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@freidelkyle]

Excellent video, very helpful!

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hey Jarrad! I just got an Ailunce. It's a good one for DMR. Analog VHF I have reception issues. It seems to be less than ideal at times. I wonder if others watching your video will comment on this???

[@HunyKyr]

Hi Jarrad, what you said about putting the Alinco DJ G5 in a bag and raised as a repeater, would connecting a extension cable to an antenna and raising the antenna on the pole achieve the same effect?

[@timk7749]

Glad to see you back. Have you played on JS8 yet?

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks Tim :). Sure have, completed my 80M and 30M DXCCs with FT8 just recently :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@timk7749]

@@RateMyRadio congrats! JS8 seems to be gaining in popularity and features. I haven't tried FT8 yet but JS8 is based on FT8 but allows for free text typing. Hope to see you on sometime. 73 de KF7VUT

[@boxingday11]

Hi mate , glad all is ok, just wondering what's happening with the amp rebuild? Best regards,Carl,G0lka.

[@RateMyRadio]

Believe it or not MFJ has failed to fulfil my local dealers' order for a replacement band switch twice now! They are ordering again soon so we will ensure the request is highlighted. If it still fails I'll have to order directly from them and cop the postage fees but what can you do - I just want to get it running! 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@boxingday11]

Rate My Radio that's a shame, MFJ have some good ideas but their build quality and service is renowned for being incredibly poor, what's the old saying, (mother f......g junk). Thanks for the reply, regards carl.

[@RateMyRadio]

@@boxingday11 Heh, I've never heard it expressed quite like that, so I can only assume you've had some bad past experiences Carl LOL. We've just found their order fulfilment to be a little all over the place - they tend to ship what they have, forget the rest, not tell anyone and who knows if a backorder was ever created! Definitely a hold up, but with my son's autism causing difficulties in his first year of school I haven't had a chance to hold MFJ accountable lol. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@maxs489]

For anyone watching this in late 2019 or beyond, Australia has finally just allowed access to digital modes (and building one's own equipment) to foundation-class hams! :)

[@Louisiana1975]

Is it true, that with the correct handheld, I could replace my smartphone with the tone features?

[@uMalice]

what antenna are you running on the Baofeng uv-82?

[@neilspector9221]

What do you think about the Kenwood 74a?

[@michaelbradley8508]

Very informative. Where does ICOM fit in ? Michael VA6XMB

[@RateMyRadio]

Icom have some fantastic '2&70' handhelds available however their digital mode - DSTAR - is currently waning in popularity. My elmer owns a few, and the quality is right up there - probably the best out of the big 3 but you certainly pay for it. My recommendation is basically to only consider Kenwood or Icom if you are just after a traditional FM radio; Yaesu's C4FM 'System Fusion' + 'Wires-X' is where it is at for simplicity, and the Chinese DMR handhelds are really making inroads quality wise if you're into the extra complexity of that mode. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@meggalavk3ktt]

good video thanks i learnt something :D

[@RateMyRadio]

Good to hear Steve may I ask what? 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@meggalavk3ktt]

@@RateMyRadio the fact in the older h/t you can use other batteries . the fact some have 6m and cross banding etc. and that all china stuff isnt junk :D

[@southjersey10]

Whoa, what was that shadow ayatollah 9:27? Spooky 👻

[@mryamaha2986]

Hi i need help is the Tritan connect vhf 5 watt walkie talkie two way radios are thay license free i got no license uk i in

[@harleygriffiths2689]

What was that Blue hand held radio called?

[@Rimorox]

Harley The Photographer baofeng Uv-5r

[@JamesDC42]

I'm here because I don't want a Baofeng. I don't want spurious harmonics. I want to be a good, new HAM.

[@neilspector9221]

Totally ignored the ft 2dr why even have it up there? You are really bitter about spending too much on it. That being said it is the best HT up there. And nothing from the Icom line?

[@RateMyRadio]

Yeah I wasn’t a fan, but will be trying out the FT-3DR shortly; it looks like they have addressed most of my gripes. 73, Jarrad VK3BL