"Michael Black" wrote in message
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1512012027250.10269@darkstar. example.org...
But then I was at a garage sale in June, and someone had an Icom 02-at(?)
for sixty dollars, and I grabbed it. Yes it's old and heavy, but I suspect
I am getting more for the money. I remember when those came out, I guess
it was a Tempo first, with the BCD switches to change channels, this being
a later variant with a pad and LCD display. Oddly, despite being licensed
since 1972, this was my first 2M walkie talkie. I never had enough
interest to spend the money, though I had a chance circa 1980 to get one
of those Tempo ones relatively cheap, AED Electronics had bought one to
create a scanner for it, and then it was surplus.


I was licensed about the same time. My first Ht was and Icom with the thumb
switches on the top. The others were the Yaesus. I did not have the Icom 02
so can not compair to that one.

Not sure how long the battery will last on the HT you bought, but the China
HT can be bought for what a new battery will cost. The China is dual band,
has slightly more power, over 100 memories, does 144 and 440 bands plus much
out of band coverage if you want, has an FM broadcast receiver, battery last
longer.
If you do have problems with the $ 30 China unit, toss it and get another.
I know about a dozen that have had them and no problems.