In article ,
(known to some as Bert Hyman) scribed...

They all carry the same stuff, they all charge the same prices and
I assume they all have the same ability to stick an address label on
a box and hand it to the UPS guy.

So, other than the obvious need to minimize sales tax, what
contributes to your decision?

For me, it's the application, the overall quality of the radios
involved, and how self-repair friendly it is. Price is about third or
fourth down on my list of considerations.

Part of the issue is that I'm an engineering tech for our state's
patrol agency. As such, I have need for radios that are legal to use on
commercial frequencies (as in Part 90 type accepted) as well as amateur
repeaters.

Motorola Spectra units filled the bill nicely. Durable,
programmable, reasonably inexpensive on the used market, simple to
operate once programmed, and perfectly legal for both Part 90 and 97
operation.

For HF, I usually go after the best I can possibly afford in terms
of retired commercial gear. Sunair, Collins, and Harris are all
favorites of mine.

I'm not keen on most of the dedicated amateur gear manufacturers
because you practically need a microscope to even see the components on
the circuit boards, let alone service them.

Keep the peace(es).



--
Dr. Anton T. Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
http://www.bluefeathertech.com -- kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t calm
"Salvadore Dali's computer has surreal ports..."

So, other than the obvious need to minimize sales tax, what
contributes to your decision?

Motorola Spectra units filled the bill nicely. Durable, programmable,
reasonably inexpensive on the used market, simple to operate once
programmed....

Our local police are talking about getting all new radios "real soon
now", which means their old ones may become available.

But can we ordinary peons get the programming software?

--
--Myron A. Calhoun.
Five boxes preserve our freedoms: soap, ballot, witness, jury, and cartridge
PhD EE (retired). "Barbershop" tenor. CDL(PTXS). W0PBV. (785) 539-4448
NRA Life Member and Certified Instructor (Home Firearm Safety, Rifle, Pistol)

In article , (known to
some as ) scribed...

So, other than the obvious need to minimize sales tax, what
contributes to your decision?

Motorola Spectra units filled the bill nicely. Durable, programmable,
reasonably inexpensive on the used market, simple to operate once
programmed....

Our local police are talking about getting all new radios "real soon
now", which means their old ones may become available.

But can we ordinary peons get the programming software?

For conventional Spectras? Heck, Motorola will sell it to anyone
willing to sign their Draconian software licensing agreement. Last I
looked, conventional Spectra software was down to about $175.

Keep in mind, though, it's not just the software. You also need a
RIB (Radio Interface Box -- anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on
where you get it and which one you get). Programming cables for the
Spectras are easy enough to make.

Worst case (shameless plug alert), there are guys like me who
specialize in conversion of such radios to amateur service, and have all
the tools necessary for programming and checkout. ;-)

Happy hunting.


--
Dr. Anton T. Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
http://www.bluefeathertech.com -- kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t calm
"Salvadore Dali's computer has surreal ports..."