| Author |
Message |
    
Soxfan
Junior Member
Username: Soxfan
Post Number: 11
Registered: 6-2008
| | Posted on Monday, September 08, 2008 - 9:13 pm: | 
|
I am a newbie to Ham, having just passed my Technician Exam. I wish to buy a radio, but am unsure as to which one.
Base vs. Mobile.
Frequency coverage.
New vs. used.
I do not want to buy another radio when I get a General Ticket, so want to have those capabilities in my 1st purchase.
I have considered building one from a kit, but perhaps some "real-world" experience would be good first.
Some of you Ole-Time Hams out there gotta have some advice.........
Keep Swingin, jus' don't swing at pitches in the dirt
|
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 4812
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - 6:29 am: |
|
I like the IC-706 all band or the IC-718
USED the FT-840 160 - 10 meter radios are a winner as are the alinco dx-70.
Any questions feel free to ask.
On 6 since 66
|
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 16083
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 3:19 am: |
|
Soxfan,
My #1 choice / suggestion would be the: ALINCO DX-70 HF/6m Amateur-Transceiver
Mobile Transceiver for HF and 6m for amateur use.
Plenty of extra features for Base and/or Mobile use already built in for the Novice / New or more experienced Ham. 
FEATURES:
Compact Design
Detachable Face
100 Memories
Two VFOs
Easy Split Operation Mode
Multi-Function Control
Narrow Filter
Noise Blanker
Speech Processor
CTCSS for 10 M and 6 M repeaters
Full, Semi or Auto Break-In CW
All Mode Squelch
General Coverage Receiver
Quick Offset
Two Scan Modes
Separate Antenna Terminals for HF and 6 M
RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning)
TXIT (Transmit Incremental Tuning)
High/Low Power setting control
Selectable AGC
RF Gain control (RX)
Dial Lock
Automatic Antenna Tuner Interface
Industry Standard Power Input Plug
MARS/CAP capability (permits required
Lon~Tech808
CEF#0808/HAM#001/CVC#0002
Tech808@copperelectronics.com
|
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 1060
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 11:51 am: |
|
Like Bruce I lean toward the 706. Thye have most of the features Lon mentioned for the DX-70 (uses same connector for HF & 6m) plus the later versions have a fairly effective DSP filter.
THe other thing I like about them is that you can have your mic and Digital interface plugged n at the same time, as they have separate connectors for them.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS
|
Drzuo
Member
Username: Drzuo
Post Number: 53
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 4:02 pm: |
|
I did so much DX as a cb'er that it wasn't an attraction to ham. I like the freedom to experiment, vhf and digital modes. So I wasn't about to spend big bucks on an HF radio. I bought the Icom 718 and am not disappointed. It does everything I need. I do not like a lot of DSP filters, I am used to noise, so it doesn't bother me. For the money it is an excellent radio and I have heard its receive is comparable to the 746.I use it for sstv and psk31, as well as for phone. Great radio for the money. Spend less time paying and more time playing. I have about 20 friends with the 706 and the reviews are mixed, too menu driven, vhf stinks on it etc... Up to you, but a 718 is a cheap way to start, gets good performance, and if you get experience and need something more, it makes the perfect field day radio. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 4814
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 9:49 pm: |
|
I also like the 718 it and the FT-840 are the best under $600 radios and the 840 is no longer made. Right now My TS-2000 holds the 2 meter spot in the shack it is my SSB radio of choice for that mode and band but have and use a IC-706 on all bands up to 432 SSB. It is BETTER ( without a external preamp )than the TS-2000 on 2 meters but doen not have the DSP noise limiting or the split receiver that is so handy on that band.
If someone has a problem with the 706 on VHF except I would like to know what they are.
I agree the IC-718 is the best low end HF radio you can buy new today as long as you do not need 6 and above.
At $700 the DX-70 has 6 but NO DSP and the FT-450 which is DSP IF filtered.
Bruce
On 6 since 66
|
