Anytone Rig

[leadeye]

I'm thinking of purchasing an Anytone 5555N and 778UV for a mobile setup. Does anyone have experience with these rigs or anytone in general? This would cover my 2M/70CM  and 10/12 Meter.

[Smurf Hunter]

Looks like the 5555 is a 10 meter rig, not a dual band 144/440.

10 meters is very niche.  When it opens up, it's a weird but fun band on SSB. Repeaters and users thereof are usually pretty rare, but your area could be different.

The AT-778UV is the usual dual-bander, though for just a little more money you can get a name brand used.  I bought an older, but good condition Yaesu FT-8800 (dual receive) for $120 at a swap meet this spring.  Or if you don't need dual band, for the same budget you can get the workhorse: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015771

ham radio gear aren't really appliances, but more like raw tools.  Like with power tools, there are certainly quality aspects to keep in mind, but the top end DeWalt drill or saw won't magically complete your wood working project

[leadeye]

I was thinking these would be budget rigs, I only have a Tech. License but would like to go beyond the 144/440 realm which is why I am considering 10 meters.. I know the 10 meter band isn't optimal with low sun activity but it has to open up some time. It would get me out further and help me understand longer distances. I will take a look at the Yaesu though for 144/440. I have only been working with a Baofeng H.T. and shortwave radio with sideband. I'm looking forward to some new toys so any advise is always appreciated.

[armymars]

As a Tec you can run some hf freq. with CW. 7.122 and fldigi is a good place to start. Ever since the IC 7300 came out there has been a drop in prices on used hf rigs.

[Smurf Hunter]

As a Tec you can run some hf freq. with CW. 7.122 and fldigi is a good place to start. Ever since the IC 7300 came out there has been a drop in prices on used hf rigs.

This is true.  When you can get a new IC-7300 for $999, it's really hard for to rationalize paying $750 for anything used. 

If you really are just playing around, get a used 10 meter Realistic HTX100 or similar. I made my first HF contact using that model. WA to GA, from my truck using a CB antenna I'd tuned down to 10 meters.

http://www.rigpix.com/rs-realistic/realistic_htx100.htm

[leadeye]

After watching videos on the HTX100 I think that is the direction I'd go for now. Save the bigger ticket items for down the road.