willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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vhf radios, recommendations
We will be moving to El Cardonal , crossing the border on Sept 3rd. It has been recommended that we get vhf radios for use in Cardonal. Seems these
may be useful during the trip also. Can anyone recommend a good brand and source? All new to me.
Thanks!
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
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My only suggestion would be to get a home base with a good antennae to be mounted as high as you can get it and a hand held of the same brand. They
are line of sight so only you would know how useful they will be where you are moving.
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skippermike
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Registered: 3-27-2009
Location: San Diego
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I have used ICOM radios for many years in both marine and off road applications - they are not the least expensive, but they are rugged and reliable.
Two suggested sources: 1) HRO (Ham Radio Outlet) in S.D. 2) PCI Race Radios in Long Beach. Both are service-oriented, with good folk to answer
questions.
I second the idea of having a companion hand held, for when you are not in the truck.
Don't skimp on antennae or really good power supply wiring - VHFs like good power.
Good Luck
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Russ
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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2˘ - Don't buy a hand held with NiCad batteries. Do buy a DC charger if you're using it for a car or boat. And they are illegal for on land to on land
communications but it seems everyone does it anyway. I like the ICOM brand. I just bought a Humminbird base radio for the tin boat and it sucks. Even
for under $90 I wouldn't buy another one. Buy quality and save on head aches.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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I personally like standard radio have the horizon model in my house for 15 years, also you will need a power supply 110V to 12V don't by cheap and get
regulated.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Martyman
Super Nomad
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Registered: 9-10-2004
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My West Marine portable has worked well. Takes 9 AA batteries though.
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Bob and Susan
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ICOM is a low end radio...
remember it's not about the radio as much as the antenna
get a GOOD ($$$) antenna
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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For a good antenna the Shakespeare 5225xt Galaxy is the standard of the industry for the house and the boat. Make sure you use a good stainless steel
base for mounting, the plastic ones will break in heavy winds like tropical storms.
I prefer the Uniden Solara DSC which has a full 25 watt capability and when turned off, it comes right back to the channel where it was before I
turned it off. (you can not believe how good that function is). If you have several stations that are used in your area, you might want to consider
a unit that gives you presets for 3 or 4 channels so that you can monitor all of those channels.
Cabela's and Bass Pro shops all list and carry those units, but you may want to stop in a store before crossing the border to get your antenna as
they get a little pricey to ship.
I have two Shakespeare antennas that are almost 10 years old and they look and operate like new.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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I've been using Digital and Shakespeare antennas since the earth cooled.
Digital brand is the best, but also the most expensive. The good thing is,..they last forever. I use both Digital and the Shakes 522xt on my current
boats. Bob is right about antennas..that item is the most important feature on your boat..(besides built-in flotation/large beer
cooler!)
I've had two radios and two antennas on almost every boat I have operated in the last 40 years. I was also into ham radio by the time I was 12. ( A
kid growing up on a ranch in SW North Dakota talking to another kid in Australia..what a hoot!) The very best vhf radio I ever owned was a Polaris,
but they are extinct now for many years. (if you ever come across one, please let me know..)
Icom is a GOOD name in radios. Don't budget on these..spend some money. 
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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Wow, this site and the members are the greatest! Thank you. I'm off to find the radios ( and more money 
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