Jun 3, 2019
Based on a recommendation from Bob Fike KO6XX, one of the instructors at the class last Wednesday, I purchased a Yaesu FT-70D. It's charging here on my desk, and I'm looking forward to continuing to learn what the heck to do with it.
Looking through the manual, I didn't see any explanation of how to configure it over USB. Maybe I missed it. I'll ask Bob when I can.
I'm also curious how to update the firmware and how often it needs updating. Anymore, I'm not completely comfortable with anything that doesn't run on open source. I'll be curious to learn whether Yaesu supports open source developers or whether any developers have just rooted it!
Bob also suggested:
I already got the Yaesu speaker mic and an extra battery.
I'll wait until I can get more specific recommendations for the antennas. For the magnetic mount antenna, I believe this an appropriate adapter.
Since my primary vehicle is a VW camper with a fiberglass roof, a magnetic mount antenna might not be best. I saw a Vanagon the other day with a HAM antenna, but I didn't note the details of the installation. More to learn!