Buying my first radio

[Guest F4PhantomGIB]

Hello Everyone

I have been lurking several boards deciding about getting my GMRS and Technical licenses.  I have finally decided to take the plunge.

I think the Tidradio H3 GMRS or Ham version will be what I want but I would like to have some feedback from any willing to comment.

My Use Case:  Tx/Rx on GMRS & MURS, Rx VHF aviation.  Program using a Mac book.

I include MURS because the driveway alert is on MURS so I want to Tx/Rx with the driveway alert basestation.

As my very first attempt at using a programmable radio, is the Tidradio H3 a good first radio?  If so should I get the H3 GMRS version or do I need the open version to have tx on MURS?

Any suggestions at all will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[SteveShannon]

Welcome to the forums.  I can’t answer your questions about the H3 being a good first radio, but there are lots of different posts about them.

[808Beachbum]

You would likely avoid a lot of unnecessary confusion by initially purchasing either a GMRS radio, which has all the channels set up other than adjusting potential repeater channels to local tones; or a HAM HT. Both types of radios can be found with the ability to monitor outside of their allowable TX freqs, although "modifying" or "unlocking" either type of radio simply creates more confusion and potential problems (outside of licensing issues) for newbs. If you want to modify and experiment, the HAM route is the only route...GMRS simply is far too limited, and not offered with hobbyist radio in mind. With HAM on the other hand, you have tremendous ability and in fact encouragement to modify and experiment almost to your heart's content, within the assigned bandplan. The radios are also generally much more complex, and therefore more difficult to "learn" and utilize all available features. In general, they are also better built electronically and physically.

You should also seriously consider meeting up with a local radio club (or multiple if there are choices) before purchasing anything, to learn more about what works well and what is useless in your particular region, based on your expectations. They will generally be your best and most current source for info on any local repeaters.

 

[Guest F4PhantomGIB]

Thanks BeachBum.  I didn’t think about that.  I think there is a club nearby.  I’ll check into it.