> My question is where is the best area to get HAM equipment and what   
    > is a good starting rig? Looking for both mobile for my truck and a   
    > base station.   
      
   Where to buy depends on where you are, in the US there's lots of places, I've    
   bought from Ham Radio Outlet and was happy with them..  In Canada your    
   choices are more limted, you basically have Radio World or Durham Radio.    
   Both are ok, RW is fussy about what credit card you use..   
      
      
   What to buy depends on your budget and what you want to do.  My belief is you    
   can't go wrong with a Yaesu :)    That said, the cheap HT's from Chain are    
   pretty good for VHF/UHF. and they start around $40 compaired to name brand    
   radio.  If you buy used, TEST IT YOURSELF BEFORE buying!!!  Anything that say    
   "untested" on ebay, etc, means it probaly is broken..    Find a model you    
   like  and look for reviews online and on youtube.    
      
      
   On the HF side, there's lots of good radios out there,  I strongly recomenned    
   you get a reasonably newer modle if you go used and get DSP, espically of you    
   live near other people or in an apartment.  A radio without DSP is pretty    
   mush useless in an apartment..   
      
   A Yaesu FT-450D is a good starting point and can do all most people will    
   really every need.  I've owned Kenwoods and IComs also, but I've had the best    
   luck with Yaesu :)   The IComs I had were a less then plesent experience..   
      
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