Best Dual Band Mobile Ham Radios

The BTECH UV-50X2 mobile ham radio is one of those models that you can accidentally take for a premium model that is rather expensive. But if we put this misconception aside, you are getting all the premium features at quite a reasonable price.

If we take the amateur part of the radio away, this model can operate at distances of up to 50 miles, which is simply remarkable, considering the modest price tag for the whole kit.

Although the unit has a memory feature, its capabilities are rather limited. The total number of channels that you can save is 200, while the maximum character limit for each one is only 7 digital characters, which is a bit of a bummer, to say the least.

On the other hand, however, the process of navigating through all the saved channels is almost effortless thanks to the keypad microphone that makes using the radio a breeze. Additionally, you can program the radio to either be a base station or a mobile transceiver. The whole process is a bit hard to follow at first, but after you get the hang of it, it will take you only a few minutes to perform.

Moreover, the new scanning modes included in the UV50X2 allow resuming scanning even if the station loses power. In any case, the unit will continue the preset scanner procedure after it’s turned back on after a power outage.

The UV-50X2 can operate as multi-band digital radio simultaneously, thanks to the 144 MHz and 430 MHz band support. Thanks to the dual synchronization you can see the frequencies of both channels simultaneously. On top of that switching between the two bands takes only a few seconds, which also eases the operation of the radio quite a bit.

As a result, the BTECH UV-50X2 is certainly the best dual-band mobile ham radio for the price and the amount of all handy features included make it quite appealing to all truck and bus drivers out there.

The ST-980Plus from SOCOTRAN leaves an impression of a sophisticated radio set even after the first glance. And this dual-band radio definitely has a lot to offer when it comes down to the array of features this appliance has.

To start off, let’s talk about the programming capabilities of the kit. Once connected to the PC using the included USB cable you can set the required settings according to your needs. This includes a programmable squelch, needed to suppress the noise of the radio or other randomized signals when it is not receiving transmissions.

Even though this model is designed to be used in a car, the weight of almost 4 pounds makes it harder to install on some dashboards. Fortunately, the unit comes equipped with a durable mounting bracket and all required hardware so the installation won’t be a huge issue.

As for the convenience features, the high power radio comes together with a keypad microphone that can be used for quick access to all saved channels saved in radio’s memory.

Wrapping things up, this model from SOCOTRAN is the best dual-band mobile ham radio for both long- and short-range communications. Fast, easy to configure and use it makes all the difference when it comes to reliable radio transmissions.

If you are looking for a ham radio transceiver that can operate on long distances but don’t need a fully-fledged radio station, then Kenwood TM-281A might be right up your alley.

First things first, this 25-watt device is capable of receiving and transmitting signals at distances of up to 50 miles, which is surprisingly far for an amateur radio.

As for the mounting equipment, the kit comes together with all necessary mounting hardware including the microphone and radio brackets that you can use to install the device on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Despite the fact that this model only has a monochrome display it gets the job done and you won’t face any issues with finding the needed setting or radio mode. The high-contrast screen allows seeing all the information displayed clearly regardless of the time of the day. On top of that, the device has 32 brightness levels so you can always set up this value according to your needs. Once programmed the channels can be saved for later use, which is convenient if you need to change the frequencies often. To make this process easier, the unit is equipped with a special keypad microphone that can be used to switch channels while driving.

Furthermore, the mounting hardware included in the package allows installing the unit on the dashboard of your vehicle, while the 10-feet long DC power cable ensures that the unit will be powered regardless of placement.

In the end, the Kenwood TM-281A is a good ham radio for both semi-truck and bus drivers and can be used as a means of communication on the highways as well as in the cities with no interference.

The AT778UV dual-band transceiver from AnyTone is an ideal solution for truck or public service drivers that work in cities and towns. But what is it that makes this low-power model worth your attention? Let’s take a closer look at the core aspects of this device and find out.

First of all, due to the maximum operational range of 35 miles the radio is not that great for long-range communications, so this model is best used in vehicles that operate in medium to large cities rather than on the highways.

Further down the list of features, the frequency range of this model includes two options: VHF which operates at 136-174 MHz and UHF that can be used to for channels at 400-480 MHz. Combined with a built-in memory unit that can save up to 200 different channels you can create whole networks of radio operators with little to no interference if set up correctly.

Speaking of settings, you can use the PC programming feature to set up all the channels in order to save time. Alternatively, the keypad microphone can also act as a programming input, however, it takes more time to save the channels this way.

All things considered, by opting for this model from AnyTone you are getting a fully-fledged FM transceiver that can operate at two separate frequencies at the same time at only a fraction of the price.

In case you are searching for an inexpensive device that can be used as a means of communication on UHF and VHF frequencies then this small device from BTECH is the right pick for you.

First of all, the unit includes a quad-watch receiver function that can be utilized to monitor four frequencies at once, which is a great feature for the price. The expanded frequency range of this model allows the user to operate on frequencies from 136-174 MHz (VHF) and 400-520 MHz (UHF) at distances of up to 30 miles.

As a neat addition to an already great package, the radio can receive regular FM stations at frequencies from 65 to 108 MHz so the radio can be used as a secondary FM player.

Moreover, with the weight of just 0.9 pounds, this nimble ham radio can be utilized in small trucks and other service vehicles so the interior’s free space won’t be a huge issue. The kit comes together with all necessary mounting hardware. What is more, like any other similar model this ham radio is equipped with a handy keypad microphone that allows programming and saving radio channels into the internal memory of the device.

All in all, the UV-25X2 is simply the best dual-band mobile ham radio in the budget price range today. Small, reliable, and easy to use, it is a must-have device for any beginner driver that needs a remote communication means for work.