Communication has always dominated the nature and behavior of human beings. After the invention of phones, communication technologies started to upgrade to advanced levels to fill the gaps in distance between people. Even though smartphones dominate the arena of communication, the ham radios are regarded so efficient to connect people not just within the city or country, but across the globe. The dual-band mobile ham radios are even more useful for their portable nature with the best signal range. The hobby of listening to amateur radio has been quite popular since the 1900s.
If you’re wondering what a dual-band radio is, it is a communication system that will operate on two different or separate frequency bands. The Dual-Band ham radio uses VHF and UHF frequencies: Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency. You can use the ham radio for multiple purposes, including traveling, during emergencies, hiking, and in places where there is no mobile network. Apart from producing a good range of signals anywhere you go, the ham radio is also extremely portable and easy to carry.
You can alert or give a signal to your group mates, friends, or the family in times of emergencies where your mobile network is stuck. You do not have to be tech-savvy to use a ham radio. It is quite easy to set up and handle. Even beginners can use it with the utmost ease. You can go through the user’s manual provided with the ham radio to learn how to set up and use it. While purchasing a ham radio there are certain things. You should keep in mind. Make sure it has a good display screen to show the necessary information and channel details.
Mobile Ham radios with two power settings are highly efficient as it can handle both high and low power. Some even come with tri-power settings. There are mobile ham radios that come with built-in GPS, which will be highly useful during traveling and emergencies. You can also look for an emergency alarm and an effective microphone on the mobile ham radio you purchase. The durability of the ham radio is also important to consider. Ensure it is made of superior quality materials; otherwise, it might wear out soon. Most of the ham radios come with 200+ memory channels. Some even come with 1000+ memory channels.
The cost of mobile ham radio varies from a lesser price average price to very expensive ones. You can purchase them according to your Budget range. But, do not just stop for a costlier one thinking that it might have everything you need. Check thoroughly the features of the mobile ham radio before you decide to purchase it. Reception and signal range are two important factors that any mobile ham radio should possess. This is the ultimate reason for which you are buying it. Most of the ham radio comes with customizable scanning and channel storing functions. Apart from everything mentioned about ensuring the radio produces the best audio output with good speakers. We have made your job easy by shortlisting some of the best dual-band mobile ham radios in the market.
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- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.35 pounds
- Package dimensions: 10.71 x 6.22 x 2.52 inches
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- Color: Black
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Product dimensions: 5.51 x 8.39 x 1.69 inches
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- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.73 pounds
- Product dimensions: 8.03 x 7.01 x 3.46 inches
Best Dual-Band Mobile Ham Radio in 2023
1. BTECH Mini UV-25X2 25 Watt Dual Band Base, Ham Mobile Radio
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.35 pounds
- Package dimensions: 10.71 x 6.22 x 2.52 inches
BTECH dual band ham radio comes with unique dual synchronize display mode settings. With the Dual sync mode, you can use single or two different channels with a simultaneous display of both their name and frequency. It also has mic audio gain settings along with an in-depth user manual to help you use it easily. It has automatic power OFF function. This will help you save the battery.
The auto-scan feature will help you find the perfect channel to communicate. It has Channel mode editing settings and variable frequency scanning. It has both low and high power settings with 10 W and 25 W. The frequency range of UHF is 420-450 MHz (Rx/Tx), while VHF is 144-148 MHz (Rx/Tx).
The ham radio package comes with the ham radio, speaker mic, DC cable with the cigarette plug connector, mounting hardware, user manual, and radio and Mic brackets. The ham radio has an LCD screen with a multicolored feature. The display is also customizable, which means you can set the display just as you like. Not just the display, even the channels are customizable.
You can make the channels display their alphanumeric names or frequency, according to your need. There are about 200 programmable memory channels on the ham radio. You can expand the frequency range up to 520MHz on the radio. The radio supports both analog tones and DTMF tones It also supports DCS, CTCSS, 2 tones, 5 tone calling methods.
Pros
- Customizable Dual synchronize display mode
- Auto power OFF function to save battery
- Expandable frequency range
- Comes with both low and high power settings
- Channels can be added or removed
- Comes with the programming cable
Cons
- It is quite costly
2. Kenwood Original TM-V71A 144/440 MHz Dual-Band Amateur Mobile Transceiver
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Product dimensions: 5.51 x 8.39 x 1.69 inches
Kenwood Dual ham radio comes with high RF power output. The power output is up to 50 W. The ham radio comes with about 1000 multi-function memory channels. It supports dual receive on the same band. In both the bands, the ham radio supports three power levels including 5 W, 10 W, and 50 W.
The display screen is customizable. You can either set it to a green backlight or an amber backlight according to your preference. The display also features several information along with the status of channels, frequency, etc.
You can change the front panel appearance by flipping it in different positions according to your like. Out of the 1000 multi-function memory channels, each channel is capable to store up to six alphanumeric characters.
The ham radio features Echo link operation modes and 10 echo link memory channels. The drawback of this ham radio is its price. If you do not have any financial constraints, you can go for this one, as it comes at a much more expensive price when compared to its competitors.
Pros
- Up to 1000 memory channels
- 3 power levels Including 5, 10, and 50 W
- Echo link Operation modes and 10 echo link memory channels
- Lightweight and portable
- Good durability
- Customizable display
Cons
- The device is extremely costly.
3. AnyTone AT-778UV Mobile Radio Dual Band VHF/UHF 136-174/400-490MHz
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.73 pounds
- Product dimensions: 8.03 x 7.01 x 3.46 inches
AnyTone dual-band ham radio comes with amateur mode and professional mode to suit both the operational requirements. The radio’s buttons are of ergonomic design for easy handling. The display is LCD and supports 180-degree rotation. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD according to the outside weather.
The radio package comes with the mobile transceiver, Power cable with fuse holder, mounting brackets, and screws. PC 51 programming cable, Microphone, and user’s guide. There are about 200 programmable channels in this. It supports VHF up to 136 – 174 MHz and UHF up to 400 – 490 MHz.
The mobile ham radio supports channels such as CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 5Tone signaling, etc. It comes with an alarm, all call, ANI function, remote kill, remote waken features. The power output of the radio is 25W / 15W / 5W. The radio is extremely portable as it is lightweight. The audio clarity is also great on this radio.
The radio comes with built-in speakers on both radio and microphone. There is a cooling fan on the radio to help heat dissipation. The radio supports single call, emergency call, group call, and selective calling methods. There is also a keypad lockout function and squelch level setting. Then there is also automatic power function and voltage level protection.
Pros
- 180-degree rotatable TFP LCD
- ANI function for automatic calling recognition
- Supports single, group, selective, and emergency calls
- Built-in speaker in both microphone and radio
- In-built cooling fan
- Suitable for both amateurs and professionals
Cons
- Quite expensive to afford
4. QYT KT-8900D Mobile Transceiver Dual Band Amateur (HAM) Radio W/Free Cable
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.35 pounds
- Product dimensions: 10.6 x 6.1 x 2.7 inches
This ham radio is the second generation version of the previous KT-8900 radio model. The radio has a large LCD to show you the channel information. The radio has about 200 channels. You can name the channels as per your wish. It has a cooling fan to escape heat produced.
There are a program jack and an external speaker jack on the radio. The frequency range of this ham radio is VHF 136 – 174 MHz (Rx/Tx) UHF 400 – 480 MHz (Rx/Tx). The radio’s small, lightweight, and compact size makes it easily portable and simple to carry anywhere.
The radio supports PTT ID, DTMF, MSK, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS, and DCS channels. It has FM radio, Alarm repeater, Remote kill, monitor, Low, and high power settings including 10 W and 25 W. It has an auto-lock feature.
The radio package comes with the radio, DC cable with the cigarette plug connector, Speaker mic, Mounting hardware, radio and Mic brackets, Programming cable, and Manual Guide. It comes at an affordable price.
Pros
- Supports DTMF, MSK, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS and DCS channels
- 200 programmable channels
- FM radio function
- Good audio Clarity
- Comes with free cable
- Affordable price
- Easily portable
Cons
- No cons
5. TYT TH-7900 50W Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Product dimensions: 11.46 x 7.76 x 4.69 inches
Finding a budget-friendly and high-quality dual-band mobile ham radio can be a trouble, especially if you don’t know which brands to rely on. Amidst all the available options, the TYT TH-7900 50W Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio is hands down one of the superior choices you can make the most use out of.
The device is an upgraded version from the e-commerce 7800 one and is backed with a range of updated features for the ultimate user experience. The frequency range of this radio skirts between 420-450 MHz.
As for the reliable features of this ham radio, you get to make the most use out of it with the detachable front controller, remote mounting capabilities and so much more. Besides the actual communication channel, users can also make the most use out of the cross-band repeater and duplex operation.
Besides the actual ham radio, the package also comes with a range of additional equipment, including a radio mounting bracket body, DC power cable, fuse holder, front controller mountain brackets, etc. all of which contribute to superior installation and setup.
The model is FCC certified, which means that you won’t have to compromise when it comes to the quality of the product. The only downside to this ham radio is the fact that it doesn’t come with the required warranty details it.
Pros
- High range frequency
- Comes with cross-band repeater
- Backed with FCC certification
Cons
- Quite expensive
6. Radioddity DB25 Pro Dual Band Quad-standby Mini Mobile Car Truck Radio
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 3.17 pounds
- Product dimensions: 19.69 x 7.48 x 3.78 inches
This ham radio is a mini dual-band radio that comes with four display screen colors. The radio comes with multiple efficient functions including dual synchronized display mode, Mic audio gain setting, DTMF function, alarm function, and auto-scanning function. It comes with a 50 W High Gain powerful quad-band antenna to provide an uninterrupted signal with great range.
Some of its other functions include auto power off setting, Variable frequency scanning, Randomization privacy mode, Band watch delay time, Channel mode editing setting, etc. The audio clarity is clear and loud in this dual-band mobile ham radio. It provides you with the user’s manual and free cable. There is also a temperature cooling fan on this radio, which will operate in smart mode.
Only when the temperature is greater than 45 degrees Celsius, the fan will start to function to escape heat dissipation. The radio package contains the radio, car power cable, speaker microphone, mounting bracket, spare fuse, screw sets, user manual, Quad-band antenna, and programming cable.
This radio is designed especially for use in cars. It comes with great durability and Portability. You can fit this inside your car to receive communication all day. It has switches and controls in the front panel for easy access. It also has the squelching function to prevent background noise. For all the amazing functions it provides, it also comes at an affordable price.
Pros
- Large bright LCD
- FM radio and alarm function
- High power vehicle radio for long-range communication
- Controls and switches in the front panel
- Very much portable
- CTCSS and DCS encoding and decoding
Cons
- Few issues with the software and firmware updates
7. BTECH Mobile UV-50X2 50 Watt Dual Band Base, Mobile Ham Radio
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.19 pounds
- Product dimensions: 12.28 x 7.72 x 2.72 inches
The mobile ham radio comes with a multi-color LCD screen. The display is customizable. You can also customize the 200 programmable memory channels according to your need. You can make them display their names in alphanumeric form. The radio settings can be personalized through Software via PC.
The radio comes with dual synchronized display mode just like many other models mentioned above. With this model, you can synchronize up to two channels and make them display both the frequency and channel name. There is also Quad watch delay time function, which will allow the receiver to be on the secondary channel for quite a time after the Incoming transmission.
The other functions in the radio include auto power-off function, microphone audio gain settings, expandable frequency range, channel mode editing settings, and auto scan settings. There are randomization privacy mode and variable frequency scanning, too. The radio supports group tones including DCS, DTMF, CTCSS, 2 tones, and 5 tone calling methods.
For remote kill or remote stunt commands, you can receive the incoming DTMF tones through the radio. The radio package comes with the radio, Microphone, Screws and mounting hardware, vehicle mounting bracket, and user manual. The price of the radio is quite expensive.
Pros
- Supports group tones
- Dual display mode
- Auto-scan feature
- Various functions including Quad watch delay time, Auto power off, etc
- Personalization of radio settings through PC software
- Multi-color LCD
Cons
- Quite expensive
8. AnyTone Dual Band Transceiver VHF/UHF AT-5888UV Two Way and Amateur Radio
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.29 pounds
- Product dimensions: Not specified
The dual-band ham radio comes with a full twin display. The radio is capable of receiving in cross-band repeater mode. It also supports CTCSS, DCS, 2 tones, 5 tones, and DTMF calling methods. The radio has about 758 channels approximately. It supports an alphanumeric display. The radio has a built-in cooling fan for heat dissipation.
The radio is suitable for amateur purposes, commercial and public service uses. It is part FCC certified. It comes with squelch controls to filter the background noise or static noise. The keypad is fully lighted and comes with a microphone and a built-in speaker. You can even use an external speaker with this for better Sound.
The users can use the PC software to personalize radio settings. The radio has an inbuilt USB port with which you can charge your phone. It comes in a small and compact size and therefore is easily portable. The radio transmits in 136 – 174 Mhz and 400 – 490 Mhz FM. It receives in 200 – 260 Mhz, 350 – 490 MHz, 108 – 180 MHz frequency.
The radio is Narrow Band compliant and comes with a Remote mountable Faceplate. There are built-in speakers in both the radio and microphone. The power settings of the ham radio are flexible with 50 W on VHF, 40W on UHF. When the lower power setting is activated, it can even come down to 5 W.
Pros
- Easily portable
- Supports CTCSS, DCS, 2 tones, 5 tones, and DTMF calling methods
- Part FCC certified
- Can be Personalized through PC software
- Lighted keypad
- Built-in fan for heat dissipation
Cons
- Very expensive
9. TYT TH-9800 PLUS Version Quad Band Cross-Band 50W Mobile Transceiver Vehicle Radio Amateur
No products found.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Product dimensions: 4.49 x 2.24 x 1.3 inches
This mobile ham radio supports 40 W and 50 W power output. It comes with a full quad-band dual display. Just like other Ham radios this model also supports CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 tones, and 5 tone calling methods. It has a voice compander and Scrambler functions.
It comes with a remote detachable faceplate and a full direct entry keypad microphone. It uses the squelching function and TOT function. The radio provides 809 alphanumeric memory channels. The brand also gives you a free software disc and programming cable along with the radio package.
The radio is quite expensive but has so many functions to look for. The durability of the radio is good as it is made of premium quality materials. It is used majorly for commercial performance. It has a keypad lock function and Digital FM broadcast band radio.
The ham radio supports multifunction scanning and you can edit the channel name too. The radio package contains the ham radio, DC power cable, user manual, microphone hanger, Mounting bracket, and screws and free programming cable along with the software disc.
Pros
- Low mid and high power settings
- Free programming cable and software disk
- Dual display screen
- 809 alphanumeric memory channels
- Squelching functions
- Keypad lock function and multi-function scanning
- Digital FM broadcast band radio
Cons
- No cons
10. LEIXEN VV-898E Dual Band Mobile Transceiver Amateur Ham Radio
- Color: Black
- Weight: 1.45 pounds
- Product dimensions: 8.27 x 6.54 x 2.28 inches
The Dual-Band mobile ham radio comes with Tri-Power output, including 5 W, 10 W, and 25 W. The frequency range of the radio is 400-480MHz and 136-174MHz. The radio uses Scrambler function and gives you a free programming cable and car charger.
It has about 199 memory channels. It supports dual display and DTMF encoding and decoding. It has a keyboard lock feature that can be controlled manually and also works in auto mode. The radio supports all calls, including group calls and selective calls.
It comes with a multi-scan mode option. You can input frequency by using the keypad of the radio. It has a wide and narrow band selection option. The radio package comes with Car Charger Cable, Programming Cable, Bracket, Bracket Screw, and User’s Manual.
The ham radio produces good audio clarity and supports multiple functions including APO, VOX, TX Stop, TOT, Talk Around, Beat frequency, Timepiece, Font Set, etc. It comes at an affordable price when compared to other models. It has an emergency alarm to alert you during emergencies.
Pros
- Dual display
- Multiscan mode
- Supports low and high power settings
- Emergency alarm
- Keyboard lock feature
- Free programming cable and car charger.
Cons
- No cons
11. TYT TH-7800 50W VHF/UHF Dual Band Car Truck Ham Radio
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.79 pounds
- Product dimensions: 5.5 x 1.6 x 6.6 inches
TYT TH-7800 dual band ham radio comes with 50W output power for 144MHz and 40W output power for 430MHz frequency. The radio is incorporated with a huge LCD screen that has a dual display feature. It supports the full-duplex operation.
The frequency range of this radio is TX: 144 – 148 MHz and 420 – 450 MHz. In AM or FM RX: 108 – 180 MHz, 134 – 174 MHz, and 350 – 520 MHz. The radio supports Cross-band Repeater Function. It comes with 800+ memory channels. The front panel of the ham radio can be detached whenever you want.
The radio comprises of about 50 CTCSS tones and 1024 DCS codes. It also supports DTMF, 2 tones, 5 tone calling methods like other ham radios. The mic keys are user-programmable. The drawback of this model is its price. It is very expensive. You can go for it if you do not have any financial constraints.
The radio package comes with the ham radio, Programming Cable, Radio body mounting bracket, Keypad DTMF microphone, DC power cable along with fuse holder, front controller separation cable, Front controller mounting bracket, User manual, screw packs, and fuses for protection.
Pros
- LCD screen with dual display
- Crossband repeater function
- Supports DTMF, 2 tones, 5 tone calling methods
- Programmable mic keys
- Has 50 CTCSS tones and 1024 DCS codes
Cons
- Very expensive
Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose the right Dual-Band Mobile Ham Radio
There are a few important factors to consider while buying a dual-band mobile ham radio. These include audio quality, budget, Frequency range, Durability, and functions.
1. Budget
The budget is one of the practical factors to consider irrespective of any electronic device. Especially when concerned about dual-band mobile ham radio, it comes in various budget ranges from low cost, the medium cost to expensive models. Therefore, it is recommended for you to first decide your budget for the ham radio before you pick your favorite model. This will ensure you don’t regret it later. Remember that Ham radios with low cost and medium cost come with some amazing functions. So, do not just opt for an expensive one just because you think it might be superior to others.
2. Frequency range
The frequency range is the first vital technical factor to check. This is a factor that will decide how much and how far you can communicate with the other person. The Dual-Band mobile Ham radios come with UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) modes. With both of these frequencies, you can communicate with higher possibilities when compared to a single-band mobile ham radio. But, remember you should choose either one of the frequencies before you plan to communicate with the other person. While VHF is mostly suitable for communication in open areas, UHF is preferred to use in areas with obstructions like buildings. So just as per your convenience, you can choose either one while you communicate.
3. Functions
Each dual-band mobile ham radio comes with unique and special functions. The function in one mobile ham radio might not be present in another model. So carefully choose the one that consists of all the functions you want. Some of the important functions that you can look for include memory channels, a Weather alert feature, a Bright LCD screen, free cable, Squelching to prevent unwanted noise, and a multi-functioning scanning function. The number of memory channels differs in each model. The weather alert feature will help you during emergencies to alert you of impending disasters.
4. Durability
The durability of the dual-band mobile ham radio is quite a tricky factor as it is nearly impossible to judge its durability before you even start to use it. So, the right method to judge the durability of Ham radio is to look for the materials in which it is made. Ensure it is made of superior quality materials and has a sturdy built. Make sure it is lightweight and portable too. Another method to know the durability before you purchase is to look for online reviews from people who have already used it. This might help you decide if it’s worth a shot.
FAQs About Dual-Band Mobile Ham Radio in 2023
1. What is a VHF and UHF frequency?
A dual-band mobile ham radio uses these VHF and UHF frequencies to function. VHF is Very High Frequency and UHF is Ultra High Frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. The frequency value varies for both. Both of the frequencies will ensure how far you can communicate with the person on the other side.
2. What are the advantages of a ham/amateur radio?
Ham radios are known for providing communication for long-range. They ensure long-range communication by high frequency and channels. They are mostly used by Radio enthusiasts, scientists, Emergency communicators, etc.
3. Which Ham radios are easy to carry?
You do not have to worry about the porta+bility of most of the ham radios as most are lightweight. They would just weigh less than 3 pounds or in most cases less than 5 pounds. Therefore, they would be very much easy to carry with extreme portability.
4. What is a squelching function in ham radio?
You would have come across the function called squelching in some of the ham radios. This function is nothing but a feature to block out any unwanted background noise produced on the radio. This includes blocking of static noise.
5. How can a mobile ham radio be charged?
If you’re going to use your mobile ham radio in a vehicle, you can use the vehicle battery to power it up. Some ham radio brands even provide free car chargers for your ham radio to charge it inside a car. If you’re not going to use your radio in a vehicle, you can use batteries like Lithium-ion batteries.
6. Is there a ham radio that covers all bands?
IC-9100 HF/VHF/UHF all-rounder compact transceiver with many years of advanced Icom technology, this radio has all modes and bands and comes with multiple operating functions.
7. Can a ham radio be traced?
When it comes to tracing the ham radio, any random person can not trace it, but law enforcement can find the broadcasting location. As per the FCC guidelines, Ham Radio can only be used legally with a license of use; otherwise, you can be traced and punished as per the crime.
8. What is the longest range for ham radio?
If we talk about the communication range, ham Radios can access the different range of areas with different bands. The ultrahigh-frequency band is famous for its short wavelengths; ham can access over 30 miles of the distance with this band.
Through ham radio, you can talk worldwide, but the distance or reach depends on many factors like the transmitter’s output power, frequency, type of antenna, etc.
Conclusion
The Dual-Band mobile Ham radios are highly efficient as it would allow you to transmit on one band and receive on the other. It will also allow you to receive and transmit simultaneously on the same band. The dual-band radio will receive and transmit in two different frequencies UHF and VHF. These make them very useful for long-range communication. This is therefore preferred by both professionals and beginners alike. Ham radio is just like a walkie-talkie. You can use them with the utmost ease even if you didn’t have any prior experience. If you’re done choosing your favorite mobile ham radio model, it is time for you to start experimenting with it for some amazing long-range communication.
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