Shopping for a new dual-band mobile ham radio can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a newcomer to amateur radio, finding the right VHF/UHF dual-band transceiver is essential not only for reliable performance, but for your own personal satisfaction as well. We all want to be happy with our purchase decisions, but with so many competent rigs on the market, actually making a decision is almost impossible. I suffered with a Baofeng UV-5R for months as a new ham, completely paralyzed with indecision while shopping for a dual-band mobile for use as an affordable base station.
Understanding what to look for can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 6 important features to look for in a dual-band mobile, I’ll recommend a couple of popular models along the way, and hopefully I’ll make it a little easier for you choose the perfect mobile ham radio to suit your needs and budget.
Who Knew Choosing a Radio Would Be This Hard?
When I entered this hobby, I thought it would be a quick decision to pick out a radio and get going. Sure, core functionality is almost the same between the brands, but it’s the unique options and patented features that set them apart. For example, Yeasu and Kenwood have embraced the APRS packet reporting protocol but Icom uses their own variant running on the D-Star digital packet system, which is incompatible with APRS at the RF packet level. Icom does have a way to connect with APRS for further sharing of information but it complicates things and adds potential points of failure to the connection, making reliability in a crisis situation something I question.
The Icom IC-2730 and Yaesu FTM-500 are both leading sellers from their respective brands. Affiliate links above.
Frequency range and power output are important things to check out as well, especially when buying secondhand, whether from eBay or elsewhere. If the the seller is overseas and does not specify that the radio is for US market, ask them specifically. Look carefully at the model number being offered by secondhand sellers to ensure the variant being sold will work in your region, as the bands do vary outside of ITU Region 2. See ITU Region 2 Countries.
In the table below I break down six things that I think are important selection criteria when choosing a new dual-band mobile rig, but these can be applied to HTs as well.
Considerations when Comparing Dual-Band Mobile Radios
#1 Frequency Coverage and Tuner Features
- Ensure the radio covers the entire extend of both the 2-meter (144-148 MHz) and 70-centimeter (430-450 MHz) bands.
- If purchasing secondhand, be wary of overseas radios that could be locked to different frequencies. Ask the seller if you’re unsure.
- Look for a wide-band receiver option for reception of weather, air, marine, public service, and commercial broadcast radio.
- If you monitor a lot of repeaters or direct frequencies you may want to consider the scanning speed of the tuner. Some are much faster than others.
- Look for a dual-tuner or dual-VFO option.
- A cross-band repeat function allows the radio to receive band A on one tuner and transmit band B on the other tuner, acting as a functional repeater.
- Features like “dual watch”, “quad watch” or “multi-receive” work more like a scanner by periodically monitoring each channel but do not have dual tuners or receivers. If you need dual tuners don’t be fooled by the “dual watch” feature.
#2 Output Power and Power Consumption
- Look for a radio with adjustable power levels. Most radios have three output stages at 5, 25, and 50 watts.
- Dual-band mobile radios typically put out up to 50 watts, but not all of them do. Look carefully at specifications.
- Very that power level control is easily accessed and not buried deep in a menu somewhere.
- If you expect to use your rig off-grid, something with low idle power draw will matter. Some manufacturers show this detail in their specifications, while others do not. The Icom IC-2730 is known for its low idle power draw making it a good choice for battery-powered operation.
#3 Digital Modes and Repeater Access
- Support for duplex operation to work the repeaters. Most radios will have an “automatic offset” option that is quite handy when adding a new repeater.
- CTCSS/DCS: Look for these two tone encoding/decoding options for accessing repeaters or “private” channel filters.
- Look for proprietary digital protocols like D-Star, Yaesu System Fusion, and DMR. They’re brand-specific so if one of these modulation schemes matters to you, you just narrowed your search by quite a bit.
- GPS, APRS, DPRS location services are nice if you are the outdoors type and plan to travel off-grid. APRS can even accept text messages from your radio and pass them to a gateway, which can then pass it to the public telephone network.
#4 Build Quality and Durability
- A rugged design with water resistance (IP rating) is essential for outdoor or mobile use.
- Compact and lightweight designs enhance portability.
- If space is a concern, look for one of the remote head split-unit designs from Icom or Yaesu. The Yaesu FTM-500 is on my shortlist right now. It’s loaded with features and fits in with Yaesu’s new UI system.
#5 User Interface and Programming
- A bright, clear display, intuitive menus, and ergonomic controls make operation easier.
- Radios that allow computer programming via software and a USB cable save time, especially when setting up lots of repeater channels. Some vendors use proprietary connection schemes and require use of their optional (not free) software for programming.
- Consider models compatible with third-party programming software like CHIRP for convenience.
#6 Accessories and Expandability
- Verify antenna connector type before purchasing antennas or pre-terminated coax assemblies. Dual-band mobile rigs are almost always SO-239 and cannot accept a Type N coax connector.
- Look for dual audio outputs on dual tuner radios.
- Look for options like support for external microphone and headsets.
- If you expect to do packet radio, look for a data port.
3 Key Factors for Selecting a Dual-Band Mobile
Performance
Make sure it has the output power and features that you want.
Usability
Are the controls and user interface easy to navigate? Is it the right size physically?
Value
Finding the right mix of features and price is the key to finding good value.
When choosing your dual-band mobile VHF/UHF radio, prioritize the features based on your specific needs and operating style. Consider the three key selection criteria: Performance, Usability, and Value. It’s up to you how you weigh each of these different areas.
By matching the radio’s specifications to your primary activities, whether casual communication or emergency preparedness, you can make an informed decision that meets your operational goals. I hope this selection framework helps you come to a decision. I know how agonizing it select new ham gear. Good luck and 73.