Hi:
Thanks for the reply. I would think about the Saber, but the hassle of getting the commercial rigs programmed is what has held me back. A user programming type radio or keyboard programming would work out better for my needs.If i can run across someone in my area that can program them when needed, i may go the Saber route. Cost isn't that big of a issue.

Again - thanks for your comments

Tom
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I would recommend a commercial portable. I use Motorola Sabers both for
VHF and UHF but you don't need to go that extreme. MT1000 or HT1000 are
perfectly usable and considerably cheaper to come by. Kenwood also makes
some good ones (commercial, not amateur).