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Mighty_mite
New member
Username: Mighty_mite

Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2013 - 6:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello, I will be in the future looking for a good base radio, I would like to get a 10 meter radio if it is right or a 11 meter that can be modded with the right mods, would like it to have all the modes, AM/FM - SSB and also a dual clarifier would be another good thing to have I think, but don't need no stinking Echo or noise toys installed, but a little power would be good and a Frequency counter would also be nice too.
So what do all you hard core radio operators think would be a good way to go, and yes I would also like to hear about the mobiles too but without all the stuff that is useless for a Sideband radio, like Echo's, and the noise toys.
Thank You
Mighty Mite
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Milkman21218
Advanced Member
Username: Milkman21218

Post Number: 547
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would look at the Rangers RCI-2950DX, RCI-2970DX, RCI-2995DX radios. Look in both the product reviews and Ham radio sections for info on them.
Izzy
CEF#502
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 2267
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2013 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Mike,

It all depends on if you have an amateur radio license or not. If you do, and you plan to operate on the amateur bands, then an all-band HF radio can be had used for about the price of a new 10m or 10/12m radio.

If your plan is to get a license and you want a base radio to play with meanwhile, then the 2995DX is an excellent choice.

Stay clear of the radios that are marketed primarily to CB export market buyers.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1969
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 9:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

rci -2950,2970,2995
rci 158
for cbs
galaxy 2547
galaxy 959 'these can be modded and have a built in freq. counter
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
454 [dx numbers]
38lsb
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2ec837
Intermediate Member
Username: 2ec837

Post Number: 148
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Friday, September 27, 2013 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

MM -If you operate solely SSB an HF rig is the way to go, you'd be good to go if you got your ticket and if not you get excellent SSB performance on 11M after the conversion.The Alinco DX-SR8T is going for less than $550, good choice.

Tech833 -

"If your plan is to get a license and you want a base radio to play with meanwhile, then the 2995DX is an excellent choice.

"If your plan is to get a license and you want a base radio to play with meanwhile, then the 2995DX is an excellent choice.


Stay clear of the radios that are marketed primarily to CB export market buyers."

The RCI 2995 is labeled as an amateur radio and there are some in use on the amateur bands and are an excellent radio, I think RCI markets these to the CB/freeband market, where the vast majority of these end up.
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Milkman21218
Advanced Member
Username: Milkman21218

Post Number: 551
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Saturday, September 28, 2013 - 12:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree the Alinco DX-SR8T is a great deal for a HF rig.
Izzy
CEF#502
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1970
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Friday, September 27, 2013 - 5:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

while i agree a good hf rig is best bet. im
almost sure you cannot buy one NEW without proof
of your ticket. used is another story though
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
454 [dx numbers]
38lsb
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833

Post Number: 2269
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2013 - 11:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dale- You do not need proof before buying an amateur band HF radio. In fact, there are many people who buy an HF radio before they have even taken the test.

2ec837- Any radio that touts having amateur bands, yet includes an echo control is certainly NOT a "real" amateur radio, in my opinion. The 2995 DX is the closest thing I have found to a "real" amateur HF radio that is still affordable new and offers good performance on SSB, CW, and FM (for 10m operation).

I do not now, nor will I ever suggest the use of non type certified radios on part 95. That is why I mentioned the amateur license as being part of my suggestion.

Milkman- Alinco does make some good entry level amateur HF gear. Many, many amateurs world wide have made their HF band debut on an Alinco.

My personal choice would be Kenwood or Yaesu, but as you know, everyone has their own opinions. I usually suggest that for a first HF radio, people are wise to choose one with fewer features rather than more features. And, it is always best to choose one with a built-in antenna tuner so that one can experiment with various antennas without fear of damaging the radio.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1971
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2013 - 6:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

tech833 i was really meaning TRUE amature radios
like alinco, icom ,ect. dont places like HRO ,aes
ect still ask for you callsign??or not
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
454 [dx numbers]
38lsb
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Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237

Post Number: 1700
Registered: 4-2004


Posted on Monday, September 30, 2013 - 11:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dale - it is not illegal to purchase a ham radio when you do not have a license (even new form HRO etc),just illegal to use it to transmit.

HRO asks for a license not because they have to, but because their customer database links that way. Currently. they cannot (legally) refuse to sell to you based on having/not having a license. Personally I wish anyone buying a ham radio (new or used) HAD to show proof of license.
Tech237
N7AUS

God made me an athiest, who are you to question his wisdom?
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1972
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 01, 2013 - 5:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

huh.. i honestly did not know that. learn something
new every day i guess..lol
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
454 [dx numbers]
38lsb
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N3umw
New member
Username: N3umw

Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My vote is for an Icom IC-718. Nice rig that is simple to use, no manual needed.
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Sitm
Advanced Member
Username: Sitm

Post Number: 500
Registered: 1-2004


Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have been very happy with the Ranger 2950 that I have set up in my secondary station for 10 and 12 meter. I also utilize a 500 watt amplifier with the radio which makes those heavy pile ups easier to break. If you don't intend to utilize an amplifier, but want 100 watts I would suggest the Ranger 2995. You didn't specify which bands you were licensed to operate on or specifics on power output, what antenna you will be utilizing.
If you are wanting a ham radio to cover the entire band, there are many on the used market for much less than you would spend for a new 10/12 meter radio only. Even if you only want to monitor the bands it creates a great incentive to either get your license or upgrade.

There will always be suggestions on which is best, but remember, you have to decide for yourself, which is best for you, what bands, what power output, will you want to utilize a wire, if so, you might want to choose a radio with a tuner so that you will not have to purchase an external tuner. If you are going to utilize this for tech bands such as 10 and 12, take the time to insure that the radio you are choosing actually covers the entirety of bands in which you are interested in operating on. Some of the "10 meter" radios on the market will not cover the entire band, don't have ssb or a proper rit button. Read the review on the internet, I have found that sometimes people will recommend the radios that they have, that isn't always going to be the best radio for you. Initially decide what you intend to use the radio for now, and in the future so that your purchase goes the furthest for your interest.

There are always operators that want to help, try to be more precise with your questions, like the amount you want to spend or what you intend to use the radio for. I started off with tech only rigs initially and still use them to this day on 10 and 12 with great results. I use a Kenwood TS 450 S for my main station in the radio room and have been very satisfied. Take your time and make your purchased carefully and they equipment you buy will continue to serve you in your amateur radio hobby for decades to come.
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Charliebrown
Intermediate Member
Username: Charliebrown

Post Number: 307
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 3:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That is some of the best advice I have seen on this forum in a long time. Good job Sitm

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