This is a HAM radio primarily? Does this radio also pick up the local weather information? Does this radio also allow listening to FM radio stations?
777513
Well, it depends on who you ask. The radio's ability to be imported into the U.S. is based primarily on it being Part 90 accepted by the F.C.C. as a commercial business band radio. The radio's ability to transmit over a very wide range of VHF and UHF frequencies, however, means that it's perfectly capable of being used by hams on either 2m or 70cm, plus it does have the capability to receive NOAA Weather, NASCAR, etc., etc. as well. It also has the ability (although some users find it confusing) to monitor two pre-programmed frequencies while also listening to your local FM commercial radio station. Well, it depends on who you ask. The radio's ability to be imported into the U.S. is based primarily on it being Part 90 accepted by the F.C.C. as a commercial business band radio. The radio's ability to transmit over a very wide range of VHF and UHF frequencies, however, means that it's perfectly capable of being used by hams on either 2m or 70cm, plus it does have the capability to receive NOAA Weather, NASCAR, etc., etc. as well. It also has the ability (although some users find it confusing) to monitor two pre-programmed frequencies while also listening to your local FM commercial radio... » Read More Well, it depends on who you ask. The radio's ability to be imported into the U.S. is based primarily on it being Part 90 accepted by the F.C.C. as a commercial business band radio. The radio's ability to transmit over a very wide range of VHF and UHF frequencies, however, means that it's perfectly capable of being used by hams on either 2m or 70cm, plus it does have the capability to receive NOAA Weather, NASCAR, etc., etc. as well. It also has the ability (although some users find it confusing) to monitor two pre-programmed frequencies while also listening to your local FM commercial radio station. « Show Less
777514
While it will receive FM radio broadcast stations and NOAA weather broadcasts, it's not its primary function. To be able to transmit on amateur frequencies, you need a license and having the capability to transmit on non authorized frequencies may get you in trouble. A much better choice would be a receive only portable radio...
777515
It does have a built in FM receiver and will receive NOAA weather info of you program the frequencies. It does not have a weather alert feature.
1102470
It says it does but I have not figured out how to make it do it. The manual tells you what to do but it does but it doesn't seem to work. To be clear, picking up FM Broadcast is not a priority for me so I have not tried very hard to figure it out. The specs say it does and the manual is not very clear on how to make it happen.
1390851
Are you talking about the weather channel TV show? No it does not get TV station. It's a radio.
427067
You can listen in to the local HAM radio operators in your area if you'd like. In a time of crisis, it could be a useful source of local information.
801346
it does have an FM radio in it, but I can't tell you how well it works because I don't have great reception where I live.
385536
I haven't tried for any AM Stations - but - I do get some FM Stations of my choice! It helps IF you know the Call Letters of the Station you are seeking!
2082291
I have not tried to listen to ham operators. I am using it as a portable radio to listen to regular airwaves and some shortwave station.
682333
The radio comes with a built-in AM/FM antenna and external antenna. You can also connect a 75 ohm coaxial cable for outdoor antenna. There's a terminal on the back and the instruction book gives full details. Hope this answers your question :)
1259295
No. It will work as weather radio and will get alerts but the battery will eventually run down without recharging. A great device to have for entertainment and emergencies.
1217809
It has regular stations picked up by the same stations a car radio does. It does not have a weather specific button button or station.
2103821
No it is weather on whenever you turn on.you can tune into different frequencies manually.
310672
FM reception is fine. We live in an area with a lot of radio stations and sometimes you run into one station stepping on another's signal, but that's not a function of the radio. The stations we have programmed in come in perfectly clear. In my opinion you can't beat the sound or quality of this radio for the money.
1796190
Not for me. I get only 2 AM statics and those have a lot of static. I get 41 FM stations so I am satisifed. Of all the radios I have experience with few receive AM well.
1494413
This portable,handheld radio is very nice.I understand what your asking in your question and this is true it is pricey,however its worth it.This radio can't compete with most am/fm handheld radios alone,plus you have NOAA weather on this with an alert system.The other big plus is the reception,this lil yellow radio can pull in some real weak stations as well. I am very impressed with the AM stations @ night time that it brings in.FM is also good and if your outside or by a window your going to be happy with the reception.True its higher priced however you get what you pay for ,and in my opinion this this one nice radio to own. This portable,handheld radio is very nice.I understand what your asking in your question and this is true it is pricey,however its worth it.This radio can't compete with most am/fm handheld radios alone,plus you have NOAA weather on this with an alert system.The other big plus is the reception,this lil yellow radio can pull in some real weak stations as well. I am very impressed with the AM stations @ night time that it brings in.FM is also good and if your outside or by a window your going to be happy with the reception.True its higher priced however you get what you pay for ,and in my... » Read More This portable,handheld radio is very nice.I understand what your asking in your question and this is true it is pricey,however its worth it.This radio can't compete with most am/fm handheld radios alone,plus you have NOAA weather on this with an alert system.The other big plus is the reception,this lil yellow radio can pull in some real weak stations as well. I am very impressed with the AM stations @ night time that it brings in.FM is also good and if your outside or by a window your going to be happy with the reception.True its higher priced however you get what you pay for ,and in my opinion this this one nice radio to own. « Show Less
739949
It comes with a very small antenna and a mini CD. The antenna is not great but adequate to pick up FM. Throw away the CD!! Install instead a free SDR package such as SDR #v1.0.0.1328. User videos are available on the Internet.
1227869
This is a great little radio that has RX coverage from roughly .5MHz to 1GHz for AM, FM and WFM modes. It only has TX coverage on the 2M, 1.25M and 70cm. It can scan on a list of present bands, or ones that you program into the radio. You don't need a computer to program the radio, but it does make it easier if you have a lot of freqs to put in. If you want to listen to Ham, Aircraft, weather, publicworks and commercial bands, then this radio will work. Most Police and Fire departments are upgrading to encrypted mode systems. This radio will not work for those systems.
2148730
Yes the tuner is a bit touchy however I was able to tune in quite a few stations. It seems to me that in an emergency you may be able to get more stations that will carry important information. I think it is a good radio for the money when you consider all of the other features.