Hi Ron.
I'm sure the FT-8900R is a great radio (I certainly enjoy my FT-857d), but for 2m/70cm FM, I can't say enough good things about my Kenwood TM-V71A.
It's done a very good job for me for FM on both bands, as well as for 1200 & 9600 baud data modes - both transmit & receive. Also, the last two times that I've wanted to add a series of doppler-compensating memory channel pairs (odd-offset), I've programmed it manually instead of breaking out the PC program cable. Very easy to do.
I see that the FT-8900R adds 10m & 6m FM capability, but I'd hate to be missing the USB mode on those bands, license permitting.
Just wanted to put in a good word for the TM-V71A.
-Scott, K4KDR
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On Sat, Feb 2, 2019 at 9:39 AM Ron VE8RT ve8rt@yknwt.ca wrote:
GM,
I have a friend in an isolated community working on passing their Canadian Basic Amateur Radio Licence. If they pass with honours they'll have access to the HF bands, otherwise they're restricted to VHF and up. To start them off I was going to suggest getting on the FM satellites. I would also like to upgrade my satellite gear to include digital capability and thought I'd look into getting a second of the same radio, easier to mentor them at a distance if we're using the same gear.
The model of interest is the FT-8900R and I'm open to suggestions.
And I was thinking of ordering a printed copy of Getting Started on Amateur Satellites 2018 to be sent to them.
For myself, I'd like to explore digital satellites, APRS and store and forward, are there current (quite a few out of date ones have turned up) website for beginners?
Thanks,
Ron VE8RT DP22-- Ron VE8RT ve8rt@yknwt.ca