[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

So, everything is ordered. Hope to see it early next week. I did have UR program in those 15 channels, so I should be able to get started quickly. At this point I'm not seeing any real GMRS traffic in my area and the closest repeater is just out of range. Unfortunately I have an HOA, so no repeater tower for me although I do have space in my 1/2 rack my computer lab is in. . .

 

JG

[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

Thanks! Neither of those address the low power output, but I found elsewhere on this site that channels 9-15 (I think) are not useable for this device since it can't go that low on power. So channels 1-8 and the repeater channels. That should be just fine.

 

I also found a TK-880H on Used-Radios.com with Mic, Mount and Power cable for $110 - better than ebay. This Thursday it is mine. . . I'm still ordering the recommended cable from ebay.

 

JG

[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

Hey folks, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I think I've got the pieces I need together on ebay now. Going to be around $150 for radio, keypad mic, mount kit, programming cable, software and power cable. I already have a mag-mount antenna and cable. I'll look around here for a programming guide. My understanding is that I can't Tx on the low-power channels with this unit. Is that correct? I have found the Service Manual and Instruction Manual, but no Tech Specs.

 

JG

[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

I'm also a tight wad. . . Currently, on ebay, I can get a TK-840 for around $25 or a TK-8180 for $90. I'm looking to get 2. Is the 8180 worth the price increase? I'll be setting one up as a base and the other as a mobile. Of note, the 840s do look a little worse-for-wear. . .

 

JG

[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

Great info folks, thanks. I'll keep on searching for them.

 

JG

[Kenwood TK-880H-1]

So, I'm just getting started in GMRS and prepping for Technician license in ham. Is the advise in this thread still valid for radio choices? I much prefer the idea of using commercial/industrial radios to the one-chip-wonders from China. The TK-880H isn't very available on ebay, but there are several 880 options. I'm guessing I should limit my choice to the "-1" radios for GMRS and 70cm (seem to be more "-2"s)? Are the 3170s still the handheld of choice as well?

 

Thanks,

 

JG