As the time of year approaches to begin thinking about hurricanes and
disaster communications, I'm going to upgrade my 2-meter rig with one
that is capable of crossband repeat. I would like for this same radio
to double as my in-shack equipment during normal times.

I'm looking for something with enough power to handle marginal
conditions, rugged and able to handle high temperatures and long duty
cycles, and reasonably easy to operate in the field. (I don't mind
needing a computer and software to set up lots of memories, but I need
to be able to program in an unknown repeater in the field when the
computer isn't available.) Naturally the vendors assure me that all
their new gear can do this, but somehow I'd rather hear it from people
who have actually done it in the heat of battle.

73, Steve KB9X