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Maybolelistner
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Post by Maybolelistner »

Good afternoon,

Recently found my licence and thought i may get back into the hobby. Was just looking for any advice on a cheap handheld for 2m and 70cm use. only got a foundation licence.

Cheers
Mattylad
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Post by Mattylad »

Cheap? Baofeng UV-5R - not sure you can get any cheaper.

Get a better aerial for it though.
Maybolelistner
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Post by Maybolelistner »

Well i have a uv-b6 at the moment is this any use the aeriel thats with it is pretty guff tho
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Admiral
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Post by Admiral »

Don't forget to log on to Ofcom and validate your licence if you haven't already.

The major sites are awash with Chinese 2/70 sets now, about £20 for a handheld and £70 for a mobile set. Top tip, buy from someone registered in the UK as returns kill off the savings buying from China and HK and you usually end up out of pocket if it goes wrong.
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Maybolelistner
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Post by Maybolelistner »

Cheers Admiral relvalidated yesterday :-) had a tiny wee yaesu radio when i first started cant remember what it was though but it worked pretty well. would you recommend any websites?
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Admiral
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Post by Admiral »

The problem with some of the older kit is they just have a 1750hz tone and no CTCSS, and often are limited to 25kc channel spacing.

I can't recommend any sites, I was referring to Amazon and eBay where sellers are cutting each others throat to flog these things.

You should be good for a few repeaters around Glasgow with a cheap twenty quid handie.
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MrWeetabix
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Post by MrWeetabix »

Welcome back to the hobby. Hope you get sorted soon :-)
26TM175. OP: Craig. QTH: Gateshead IO94EW. Also 163TM175 when mobile in Wales 8)

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Dava
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Post by Dava »

There,s loads of cheapish radios about and the prices seem to be falling still (not fast enough) have fun
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