what is the transmit range of an IcOM IC-68 vhf portable radio on high power (5 watt)? how many miles?

Answer 1

This is a really hard question to answer. I could quote you a distance like they tend to on FRS and GMRS handhelds these days, but it is very dependent on your surroundings, terrain and the other person's equipment. If you're in the mountains talking from peak to peak, I'd say you'd have no problem going 100 miles with two of those. If you're on the ground in the plains with no obstructions, probably 10 miles. General woods and terrain, maybe 3 miles. Inside buildings, a lot less. It helps if you're working through a repeater, have a better antenna than the rubber duck it comes with or if the receiving station is using a base unit. I can tell you outside, a VHF radio like this one at 5 watts will do better than a UHF radio at 5 watts. UHF radios shine in downtown, very built up environments and indoors.

Remember that if you're using this unit, you have to have a license unless you're on MURS frequencies.