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If you're ready for the best in a Dual-Band FM Mobile Transceiver, the FT-8800R is ready for you! With easy operation, outstanding receiver performance, and crossband repeat capability, the FT-8800R is the new standard of comparison!!

Wide Frequency Coverage
The FT-8800R provides extended receiver coverage beyond the Amateur bands, so you can keep informed of communication activities in the public safety, commercial, aircraft, and government communications ranges.
Independent Two-Channel Operation
The FT-8800R operates as two radios in one, with either 144 MHz or 430 MHz as the �Main� TX/RX band, while simultaneously monitoring the other band. Each band has its own Volume and Squelch controls. And, if you like, you can configure your FT-8800R for VHF-VHF or UHF-UHF operation, too!
High Power Output
To get your message through when it counts, the FT-8800R puts out a full 50 Watts of power on the 144 MHz band, and 35 Watts on 430 MHz. A thermal sensor monitors heat sink temperature, engaging the rear panel�s cooling fan only when needed.
Over 1000 Memory Channels
The FT-8800R provides a wide variety of memory resources, including 512 "regular" memories on each band, five "Home" channels for favorite frequencies, ten sets of band-edge memories on each band, and six "Hyper Memories" that store complete sets of transceiver operating status configuration.
Large, Easy-to-Read Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Affording easy viewing from a wide range of viewing angles, the LCD of the FT-8800R features Yaesu�s renowned Omni-Glow� display illumination, with four illumination levels available for different environments. You�ll marvel at the crystal-clear frequency display and status indicators, whether you�re operating night or day!
Cross-Band Repeat Capability
For emergency work, or to extend the range of a hand-held unit, the FT-8800R includes Cross-Band Repeat capability, similar to that pioneered on our popular FT-8100R Dual Band FM Mobile!
One-Touch Band-Pattern
To save valuable time while operating a transceiver with the capability of the FT-8800R, the �Hyper Memory� feature allows you to store a complete set of configuration data for the two bands on which you�re operating. Besides the usual storage of frequency and tone data, Hyper Memory will store such setup parameters as Automatic Repeater Shift status, Packet parameters, Scanning mode, and VFO tracking configuration.
50-Tone CTCSS/104-Tone DCS (Digital Code Squelch) Tone Systems
Providing excellent performance even under difficult link conditions, Yaesu�s 50-tone sub-audible CTCSS and 104-tone DCS signaling systems ensure that you have full access to repeater and remote-base inputs, and the built-in CTCSS/DCS decoders allow silent listening on busy channels. Plus you get Tone Search Scanning, which will scan for the tone being received on an incoming signal, allowing you to match tones quickly when operating on a new repeater system.
User-Programmable Microphone Keys
Four programmable keys on the microphone allow you one-touch access to your favorite command functions. The commands available from the microphone replicate the corresponding front panel key functions, and include Band Change, VFO/Memory switching, Home Channel access, 1 MHz frequency steps, Power Output selection, Repeater Reverse, and CTCSS/DCS setup. Customize your microphone for your personal operating style!
Convenient Remote-Head Mounting Capability
With the FT-8800R and its optional YSK-8900 Separation Kit, mounting your radio is a breeze even in the tightest locations. The YSK-8900 includes a 20-foot (6 m) remote cable and mounting bracket for the front panel.

Here Is What WE Say About It:

First of all I will mention that the Yaesu FT8800R is in more Jeep Expeditions member vehicles than any other Ham Radio. Four out of five members who have their Amateur (Ham) Radio Licence own and use this excellent unit. In fact, one of our members, "Woody" has two of them mounted in his Grand Cherokee as you can see in the picture to the left (he likes to monitor the frequencies that we use on the trail and scan lots of others).

I've asked why is that. Is it the best radio out there? Is it easy to use? Is it the cheapest? Yes, no and maybe to all of those questions. Perhaps it's something simple like it's the one you've seen in your friends Jeep or with all those guys in the club with that radio, they can teach me how to use mine or you've seen how well it works out on the trail. What ever the reason, close to 25% of our active members own this radio.

Is it the best radio out there? Probably not but it is a very good radio. It's loaded with features. The FT8800R has more than enough power to get your signal out and enough sensitivity to "work" most stations. You can say it's two radios in one box. You can configure it as a simultaneous dual VHF radio, a dual UHF radio, or the typical setup of VHF on one side and UHF on the other as most of our members use it. The dual VFO's are a great feature if you want monitor a particular repeater and want to scan other frequencies simultaneously.

The Cross Band Repeat function works without a flaw. Great for Search & Rescue, ARES and public service events when a low power portable is not enough, your 8800 becomes a high power mobile repeater for your hand held Ham Radio (such as the Yaesu FT60R). Great for camping, hunting, fishing, it's easy to set up for cross-band repeat. You can cross band from V/U and U/V as well as V/V and U/U. If you set up your HT (portable/hand held) using encode/decode you will avoid unwanted signals. In remote areas where your HT doesn't have the power to hit repeaters the FT8800R will make it happen. You can be a few miles from you vehicle hunting or fishing as as close as your campfire. Using your HT transmitting UHF to the FT-8800, the crossband will hit distant repeaters I have programmed on the other VFO and will send the response back to you via UHF.

There are tons of memory management features, which is a definite plus. The ability to display individual alpha-numeric labels is extremely useful when you have a few hundred channels programmed, and don't remember where channel 417's 146.500 MHz is located. With over 1000 memories, you can easily program your radio for an entire cross country trip before you go.

One of my favorite features is the separation kit. Simply stated the control head separates from the main unit for mounting elsewhere. This gives you tons of options for mounting the display/control head. Mount the main unit under a seat, in the trunk, hidden under or behind the dash, your choices are only limited by your imagination.

Radio operations can be controlled via the buttons on the hand held microphone. The lighted keypad on the microphone makes it easier to use in low/no light conditions. The microphone has 4 programmable buttons however those buttons are programmed from the factory to unclude such popular functions such as VFO L-R switch, power level switch etc.

Is it the cheapest? Compared to the prices of even high end CB radios most of you have in your Jeeps, no Ham Radio is cheap. But, considering all the features of the FT8800R, it is a good value normally selling for about $450. However, I've seen it on sale with rebates for around $350 making it a great value.

So you've heard all the good. Is there any "bad"? I don't know if there is anything bad about this radio but there are a few things that could be changed to make it better.

The audio is anemic and I recommend installing an external speaker.
The radio should be able send audio from the left and right side receivers to separate speakers. It just blends both together in one speaker.
It's too easy to get into the WiRES mode unknowingly. Would be better to have to do this in multiple steps.
Lack of back lighting. Using the radio in low light conditions can be difficult. Light up those front panel buttons.
Programming is not a simple task and it is better done with software using a laptop.
Software to program the radio can run as much as $80. Why not a free download considering the cost of radios?

Using a Ham Radio isn't rocket science but there is a learning curve that will be more difficult for some. The good news there are a number of laminated "cheat" sheets for this and other popular radios to make things a bit simpler. Don't worry though, it does get easier as you get more time with the radio.

Bottom line is I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good dual band mobile unit. I've been using mine in my Wrangler for over 5 years now. It is a quality made unit, performs very well, has very good power/range, scan functions are good and is easy programmed with laptop computer. Get the separation kit and mount the radio and head unit where it works best for you, add an external speaker and search for a good software program to make things easy for you. You'll be happy with this radio!

Check back monthly as we add new reviews as they are completed.

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Email info@jeepexpeditions.org with detailed information about your product and your interest in working with our organization.

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The state recognizes us as a fraternal organization, we prefer to say we are a club. Our members and volunteers are dedicated to the exploration of this great land for the educational value, historical value, scenic beauty, the geology, paleontology, the camaraderie of people who share the same interests and to escape the confines of civilization if only for a few days. Our organization and members adhere to the standards of "Tread Lightly" and "Leave No Trace".

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