Yep, I have made up a portable setup consisting of two monoband radios (the
Yaesu FT212 and FT712) on a carry box containing an 18 AH gelcell with two
antennas on it for low power useage. I have also wired it up for connection
to an external power source and have the ability to recharge the battery at
the same time. Bit on the heavy side so I wouldn't be wanting to carry it
around to much though!
I also have a couple of handhelds as backup which I do know how to use quite
well, with knowledge to perform most of the functions in my head. The VX-5R
whilst a greta radio is not as easily used - thus my comments below. If I
took a copy of the manuals for all of the radios in my cruiser, and all the
radios I take for events, then I would need a seperate box just for them -
and as it is, I usually end up taking far more than I need. Ah well, just a
hobby......





Matt

"Gary S." Idontwantspam@net wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:46:33 +1100, "Matt"
wrote:

Damn right - because I don't use my VX-5R every day, I have only the
basic
operation characteristics memorised. If it required some of the more
advanced operations, then I have to go running for the instruction manual
or
have a play and risk making some really weird changes to the radio - have
found it trying to call other radios all by itself sometimes (damn
buttons
and functions), and had weird settings occur, but overall, it has been a
very good radio.

This is why recommended SOP is to carry a copy of the manual in your
emergency kit.

I've had trouble because I program my HT with my PC, and others at
various events have needed help with manually programming the set of
event frequencies.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom