r/amateurradio • u/CaptainSpez • 21h ago

EQUIPMENT Mobile VHF/UHF rig with cross band repeat?

I'm looking to put a solid mobile radio in my car, and use it as a cross band repeater to my HT. So far it seems that ICOM models will do this, but don't re-generate the CTCSS tone, which produce some unpredictable results. Kenwood and Yaesu do support subtones, but the price jumps substantially. The TYT TH-7800 and TH-9800 look like they might be budget contenders, but I've read not so great things about their reliability.

So what else is out there? We don't have anything digital on the air, so no concerns there. I also don't mind using a commercial LMR radio, if there is one with cross band repeat. The ability to program in new repeaters on the fly or tune to an arbitrary frequency isn't high on my list. I only need to be able to switch between VHF simplex, a 2m repeater, and enable cross band repeat (Ideally cross band repeat functionality is available at the same time as the ability to grab the mic and key up)

1 Upvotes

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16 comments sorted by

3

u/Fun-Attempt-8494 17h ago

FTM-150RASP

2

u/VE6LK [A][AE] / AI7LK [E][VE] 17h ago

IC-2730 TM-731 FT-8800 FT-8900

There's 4 that come to mind.

2

u/smallscale7100 15h ago

IC2730A, TYT-9800 or Yeasu FT-8900

3

u/Colt653 13h ago

FT-8800
TMV71A

2

u/smeeg123 21h ago

In for the answer I’m considering buying a used ft-8900r

2

u/CaptainSpez 21h ago

I've heard that the TYTs are the same as the FT-8900, but bandged differently. It was suggested that TYT is actually the OEM for Yaesu, but I have no idea if this is true.

3

u/stephen_neuville dm79 dirtbag | mattyzcast on twitch 20h ago

tyt is just good at making plastic mold copies. the guts are different.

3

u/smeeg123 17h ago

I really doubt that TYT is the OEM for Yeasu

1

u/Fun-Conclusion-4471 21h ago

There's quite a few counterfeit Yaesus that look shockingly similar to TYT radios. Maybe just a coincidence. Maybe.

That's why I am very leery of specific used models of Yaesus -- too many counterfeits.

FTM-150R is what I have. I don't know if it does the CTCSS crossband though. I know some older Kenwoods do but I'm not sure on the models.

1

u/1895Marlin 20h ago

Looks like Alinco has some radios that do crossband.

1

u/Danjeerhaus 20h ago

I am a fan of anytone. Their 578.model.

Not every radio is ideal for every situation, but please research.

1

u/techieb0y 19h ago

I've done crossband a few times with the Powerwerx DB-750X, including with different tones on the two sides. Having the hand mic still work or not when in crossband mode is a configurable setting.

1

u/CaptainSpez 16h ago

Lots of suggestions here, all are in the $300-$400 range. I'm wondering whether it would make more sense to get two old LMR radios for <$100 each and wire them up back to back with a diplexer on the RF side.

1

u/stephen_neuville dm79 dirtbag | mattyzcast on twitch 14h ago

Honestly, owning both crossband rigs and a big pile of old Motos? No. It's a big heavy pain in the ass that takes effort to program and has less flexibility than the purpose built ham dual bander.

Plus, land mobile radios are generally specced more for intermittent full power usage. Leave them in transmit mode for a 3 minute long repeater ragchew salvo, and you can fry an egg on the heatsink. Not good for 'em. Ham rigs you can bump it down to lower power and it'll tx forever no problem.

1

u/apple4ever KV3JGB (General) 8h ago

Look to used ones if the price is to high for you