Originally Posted by
ViniVidivici
Yes, you'd need a ham license (basic Technician level) to transmit, legally, in those frequency ranges. And while nothing stops you from buying a radio and pressing the PTT, you learn alot by studying for the license, and then so much more, by talking on the air with other hams (most of whom won't give you the time of day without a valid callsign, so well worth it.)
Thing is, I don't see what this 700 dollar radio does that other 100-200 dollar radios out there do. Might be kinda hard finding accessories for them too.
TYT and Anytone, for example, offer radios that do all that. Anytone 878 (and a few others) provide 256-bit encryption (yes, someone will be along to remind us all how illeeeeegal encryption is on ham bands without a business itinerant license).
Digital radios are great, as even with no encryption, half the folks out there (who're running analog only) won't hear you.
And having DMR capability is pretty cool: talking into a DMR repeater, or a hotspot, gives you nation-wide and global communications capability with a system that's linked through internet, fiber optics, and microwave links.
As always, mission drives the gear train. Who you're trying to talk to, when, and why, will guide your decision.
Certain models of Baofeng work well, but there are more rugged, more versatile options out there.
Me, I like the TYT MD-UV390. It's a DMR radio, cost effective, IP67 water/dust proof, standard Kenwood 2-pin mic connection, accessories are cheap and readily available, etc.
It's perfectly at home in a pouch on my PC, plugged into a hand mic and my ear pro, or riding in the car hooked up to a mobile antenna, or in a backpack for a day at the park.
Truth be told, step one is start learning about radio in general, and get licensed, get on the air....best way to find out what works and what doesn't, all the different antenna types, connectors, etc.
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