Environment:
I do a lot of hiking in areas with little to no cell phone coverage. I hike with and around others who will have different combinations of radios. I need one radio to handle coordination and emergency communication, even with others, who are not a part of my group, if they need help.
I wish I could carry three radios, but space on my person is at a premium.
Today:
I know that the UV-5R and many other CCRs can in fact TX on all three frequency bands, but I'm looking for a high end radio. Yaesu can be modified by any dealer to open the bands in question, for example, and has caught my eye. I will be using a HAM/GMRS license/callsign and will have permission for all bands in question.
Elephant in the room:
I'm aware of Part 95 & Part 9*. This thread is not a discussion about that. Respectfully, please use another thread if you need to discuss. The FCC moves slowly and they have thankfully proven they don't really believe the outdated arguments of yesteryear. All these radios can be purchased in the USA. Modern Hams are encouraging the FCC to do the right thing. Special thanks to you, my favorite reader, for being onboard with common sense. Now, let's have a fun discussion with what is available today.
Requirements:
Transmit on 144-154Mhz, 420-470Mhz (2m,70cm,GMRS,MURS)
Dual Receive (listen and/or scan two frequency sets)
Onboard GPS
Water resistant (waterproof not required)
Analog (digital not required)
I’m looking at the Yaesu FT3DR because it looks amazing. However, I'm open to any brand if it meets the requirements. Anyone else have my same need? What did you do? Anyone found the perfect hiking radio?