Rick I own and use 2 of the 218A's and the FT-1900. Both are great radios and perfect for repeater use. I would have to say I prefer the Kenwood over the Yeasu partly because of the speaker and partly because I like the big beefed up feel of the Kenwood mic. The Kenwood mic is full sized with all the usual controls you would expect. I don't feel like I would damage it when it occasionally slips to the floorboard. Both radios preform well and I can't tell the difference on the air. I have and will consider using them as door prizes for future Hamfests as both are workhorse units for anyone new and experienced working the .94 and other area repeaters!
I must say I did look long and hard at the Leixen at Hamcom. The size and price are great for any dual band unit. Most of us would never notice the limit of 10 watts in and around the city. (depending on the antenna) I was thinking of putting the Leixen in the kitchen for a house radio. Maybe I could catch the net sometimes. Thanks for the notes! Nathan Vessey N5NYV > On Jun 17, 2015, at 3:13 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC <[email protected]> wrote: > > The Irving, TX Ham Com offered me the opportunity to look at the market of > small 2 Meter FM radios. > > I saw the Kenwood TM-281A, Yaesu FT-1900 and Andy’s Leixen VV-898 (also Jet > Stream) > > All are about $135. The K and Y are 2 Meter only at 55 watts. The Leixen > is dual band at 10 watts. > > All of these units are quite small although they have depth that is greater > than a front panel alone, but due to the small size quite manageable for what > I need. > > Since I already have Yaesu’s I will probably stick with the 1900, but the > Kenwood looks great too, as the speaker is on the front panel, so an external > speaker will not be required, lessening the total space needed. > > Just putting closure on the thread that I started 2 weeks ago. Thanks to all > that commented…….73…..Rick – W5RH > _______________________________________________ > BVARC mailing list > [email protected] > http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
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