I’m looking to get back into ham radio as a preparedness thing. Been a while since I had a radio. When I got into this originally around 2000, the only water proof radio on the market I think was a yeasu 5xr.
Over the years I casually looked at what was new, and saw a 6xr, 7xr, and eventually 8xr available, with varying new features like maybe a GPS module.
But I never pulled the trigger. And now I’m thinking it’s a good idea to get back into it. So here’s my requirements and hopefully some radio experts can help:
1) waterproof to a reasonable level so I think the yaesu Vx series might be all out there
2) programmable by computer, ideally with Mac or Linux. If the radio meets all other requirements then I will install a windows VM
3) no Bluetooth or ability to remove Bluetooth module. I’m paranoid but I have friends who have built Bluetooth “stingrays” and I don’t wish to beacon constantly on my radio to anyone listening, unless I’m actually pressing the PTT button
4) Mars/cap modifiable. I did some searching on Google and it seems like the vx6r might no longer be modifiable by removing solder from the board. And the first dozen pages I found were old fuddy duddies refusing to answer the question and belittling the poster asking. Because that’s who’s in the ham radio world. The 80 year range officers demanding you shoot no faster than 1 round every 2 seconds or they’ll kick you off the range. No, I’m not Mars/cap and no, I don’t plan to tx on the freq except for emergencies, and yes those people will be mad if I tx on them, but it’s legal to own, only illegal to use. I don’t want to handicap myself.
5) ability to transmit on FRS in full 5w power in case of emergencies. I think some radios may block this, since it’s illegal to do this. But for emergencies, I like the idea of having some rugged frs radios to hand out to people and using my main radio with them.
It seems like the 7xr and 8xr have been discontinued, which makes me wonder if I’m buying 15 year old technology with the 6xr. Or if they improved the UI or components in that time.
I know I’m a bad person for wanting emergency options in my radio that are illegal for normal use. I have to live with that every time I look in the mirror. I do have my basic ham tech license.
Any ideas on radio recommendations are appreciated.