Is this good Ham radio for general class ham to have simple portable fun with?
201885
The only thing I can tell you about this is that it is a very difficult radio to work with. It isn't an easy one to use. I have had to ask several people how to work with it and they all agree that it isn't one to get for a beginner or your first time use. I also recommend to get the software and cord that comes with the software for this radio. that helps with some of the problems I was having. I hope you understand what I am trying to tell you. Jim F.
201886
As a technician class Ham operator, I enjoy using this radio quite a bit ;-) as far as a general class, I would assume that it will work out very well for you. Providing you're not looking for anything below 6 meter to play on, as that's about as far as it will transmit ( HF wize anyway)
201887
Not sure what you are asking. This radio does not do SSB, so you will not be able to use all General Class privileges. This radio has allot of functionality, so it is not simple. For a simple radio, get a woxun, or baofeng.
76365
This is a low power, high quality VHF. Because of the low power, don't expect performance comparable to standard VHF. I have never done a "test" but I can communicate with Marina's or the dinghy from 1/2 to 1 mile without a problem.
1010585
Honestly, I've never had a Ham radio before, but I can refer you to my colleague who turned me on to this radio which he uses for Ham and we both use for 2-way for work. His e-mail is N9HEP@sbcglobal.net Good luck and please let Bill know that Dusty referred you to him. Cheers!
952629
i actually had to check the manual because ive never used it. just know that this is one of the finest sounding small radios i have ever owned. good luck
223015
This is a fantastic radio for travel. Like others have indicated, the sound quality is not that great, so for an AM radio for home use, I'd get something else.
176852
I actually have this radio, and I love it! You only need a technicians license. This is a great entry radio for ham radio. My call sign is ws6gto. 73's.
2095029
Hi GTK, Oh yeah, the whole radio is pretty easy to program if your familiar with how to use this type of receiver. If not, a full manual comes with, but it's not hard at all. Dave
509003
This radio is one of the best SW portable radios. So if there still is a BBC SW world service directed towards the Mediterranean, you will be able to receive it. Best if you go on-line, and check if the BBC has not cut yet that service. It used to be in the 49m band.Three addtl. comments: 1) This is not the best FM radio, very dificult to tune in to a known frequency. I say that because if you go to Greece, expect "touristy" FM broadcasts in the morning in English. 2) There are much cheaper and better radios for local FM. The TECSUN PL-310et comes to mind. 3) This is a really good radio for AM! I expect that in Greece at night you should be able to listen to a few AM radio stations in English. This radio is one of the best SW portable radios. So if there still is a BBC SW world service directed towards the Mediterranean, you will be able to receive it. Best if you go on-line, and check if the BBC has not cut yet that service. It used to be in the 49m band.Three addtl. comments: 1) This is not the best FM radio, very dificult to tune in to a known frequency. I say that because if you go to Greece, expect "touristy" FM broadcasts in the morning in English. 2) There are much cheaper and better radios for local FM. The TECSUN PL-310et comes to mind.... » Read More This radio is one of the best SW portable radios. So if there still is a BBC SW world service directed towards the Mediterranean, you will be able to receive it. Best if you go on-line, and check if the BBC has not cut yet that service. It used to be in the 49m band.Three addtl. comments: 1) This is not the best FM radio, very dificult to tune in to a known frequency. I say that because if you go to Greece, expect "touristy" FM broadcasts in the morning in English. 2) There are much cheaper and better radios for local FM. The TECSUN PL-310et comes to mind. 3) This is a really good radio for AM! I expect that in Greece at night you should be able to listen to a few AM radio stations in English. « Show Less
660044
I'd say mid level: don't have tested with professional tools, based on my experience with radio transmissions ( I'm a HAM radio passionate with 15 years of experience) the quality is adequate at hobby level and corresponds to the price you pay for the transmitter.
954442
Yes, in fact that's mostly what I use on it, the radio seems pretty good too but it's a little fuzzy, that could have to do with my antenna though. Great radio for the price.
310672
FM reception is fine. We live in an area with a lot of radio stations and sometimes you run into one station stepping on another's signal, but that's not a function of the radio. The stations we have programmed in come in perfectly clear. In my opinion you can't beat the sound or quality of this radio for the money.
712328
Yep, as the others have said, that's what I use mine for too. Works very well. Only drawback is it's hard to get any reception for the radio feature.
531478
as a 40 year shortwave listener to world band radio. having a table top that cost over $1,000 and several portable shortwave radios, you truly get what you pay for. the sony is rated top in it's class, and i agree with this. sounds good, work great if you want to put head phones and tune in fm. i have grundigs, but they were made in germanyand cost $500. get on the net and type in "best shortwave radio" and you will find the sony icf-sw7600gr at the top of most list. doc russ
2241799
NO, keep in mind this radio operates on amateur bands that require a ham radio license, so typically commercial use is frowned upon. If you use them on FRS frequencies you'd be ok, but you can get a set of walkie talkies from Home Depot that work on FRS and do the same job.
601424
Yes, I think so--was thinking of getting that one--but the weather radio feature is good to have. Great little radio!
1010588
This radio (UV-5R+, avoid the other versions) is the biggest bargain in ham radio handhelds today. I have one and it is the best money I ever spent.
1955947
It depends on what you like. I was very captivated by the idea of ham radio as a child in the 1950's and when I was most active in the hobby it was because I liked working ships at sea, people on other continents, the Amazon, Antarctica etc. Cellular phones and the internet have taken away a lot of the thrill for me for that sort of thing now. For you, it may depend on what you like to do i.e. do you like to chat with people in public conversations that anyone can listen in on. Unfortunately for me personally, it's not my thing. I bought the Baofeng Radio mainly for emergency use and, sadly perhaps, have talked on it very little. You might want to seek out a local ham radio club and see if they are the kind of folks that you would enjoy chatting with. If so you might enjoy the VHF/UHF thing like the Baofeng. If you are interested in DX (HF) that's another story. I hope this is helpful to you. I would be happy to try to answer any other questions you may have.