I've used handi-talkies since they were called that and used peanut tubes and had B+ voltage.
During the great DX opening in 1999, I used a 5 watt handheld to talk from Texas to California on 6 meters (52.525Mhz)
More recently, I've relied on Icom and Kenwood radio for durability, functionality and reliability.
Batteries, batteries, batteries.
Know how stuff works. Choose your frequency based on your location, and operational conditions.
I agree with a previous poster. Get your ticket (license), and find an Elmer(old guy with years of experience) to guide you.
/johnny
I spend to much time on here now. If I had a HAM license I never get anything done! ;-)
Is the FR Ham ping list still operative? I don’t think I’ve seen a ping from this list for some time now.
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/10060
Yup.
I have no code tech amateur radio license for 20 years, my last radio a fully mod Kenwood TH-78a that could listen to ATC and 900Mhz mobile phones. I’d like to try dual-bands handie-talkie with 6 meters if permissible in my license.