Review Handheld Field Guide

Introduction

While most handheld radios available today include Windows based programming software, there is a valid concern for those preferring MacOS, Linux, etc. One alternative is CHIRP, which runs on multiple platforms, while the other is to program the radio via the keypad.

Unfortunately, most vendor supplied User Guides seem to come in 2 basic formats. A single page pamphlet showing how to 'Power On' the radio, or a 50 page guide showing every possible combination available to the user. What is needed is a simple guide showing how to easily program your radio to get on the air.

This is where the 'Handheld Radio Field Guide' can be a major asset. This 332 page guide covers the basic programming procedure for over 80 popular models, ranging from Alinco to Zastone.

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Contents

The book starts with a basic Glossary of Terms for a first time handheld owner, followed by the procedures required to set up a basic analog repeater/simplex channel. It walks you through the Menu options one step at a time to get your radio up and running in a minimal amount of time.

Each model in the guide shows a full page image of the radio's front panel with descriptions of the keypad and the various functions. It then walks you through the various menu options required to set the transmit/receive frequencies, their offset, CTCSS options, squelch levels and entering the data to the desired channel as well as assisting with common issues.

Note: Although some of the models mentioned in this guide are also capable of digital modes such as DMR, D-Star, C4FM, etc., the guides purpose is the get the handheld up and running in the analog FM mode.

In Summary

This guide is a good reference for programming a radio in the field for events such as hamfests, Field Day and EmComm where a computer with necessary software is not available.

I successfully programmed several of my handhelds using the information in the Field Guide and the results were correct as expected. The instructions are easy to follow and accurate.

It's a great reference for a clubhouse, go-box or field operation. It's well written and easy to understand and follow.

Note: This manual was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review. All comments are factual and based on my personal experience the with this guide.

The Handheld Radio Field Guide is available from Amazon