Equipment recomendations

Whether it’s your first radio or your 31st we have the models that have been tested and tried by DoDropIn members. We also cover Nodes and Bridges and other equipment.

Radios

Whether it’s the latest model or needs a search on EBAY or QRZ to find one. We have the best all right here.

The Yaesu FT 5D

Incredibly versatile, tough as nails and submersible this radio is like having the world in your pocket. Yaesu s dont come cheap, but few radios are better.

Quansheng K6 UVK5(8)

A lot of handhelds too pricey for you? The Quansheng is a spectacular multi-bander that retails for around $30. Quite a few of our members own one of these and most have used its secret power as the most Hackable handheld on the planet. Whether you use it as is or unlock all sorts of special features by downloading new firmware produced by Hams, you will find this is a fun and versatile radio.

NODES

A node is an internet connected device that lets you use your handheld on all sorts of digital and VOIP modes. They are portable, can be powered by battery and will open up brand new worlds for any analog radio. You pull the trigger (the PTT) speak your piece and the Node picks up the signal translates it into the mode you’ve chosen and sends it out over the internet. Receiving works the same way but in reverse.

ClearNode

The ClearNode, from Node Ventures, is special for two main reasons. It has a powerful phone app that makes it easy to program, update and change modes and it comes with very impressive customer service. Gerry Filby runs Node ventures and gets back almost immediately to customers with questions. They also will pre-program the entire node so it will work right out of the box. They have sold DoDropIn members quite a few of these.