I did a bit of research in the mean time.
Yes the 746 is able to go all the up to 144Mhz - got it.
Nice radio; but I'm not sure why all of the DSP gear is needed - unless I am right by thinking that the Icom DSP isn't all that it is cracked up to be.
The antenna pulser is used to fine tune the power amp so that it doesn't destroy itself - or the tubes. I'm not sure how it is used, but I found a few schematics that show how to BIY.
Saying that the duplexer is similar to a speaker crossover is a fair comparison. I found a schematic for one as well, and it is made up of capacitors and coils in paralell and series on either side of the input power. Check.
Right?
I still need to know about the antenna being used for the Grant. As I am ready to buy a dedicated 5/8 wave ground plane for my shack. If I could use the money twards a Ham antenna instead, that could save me some serious money. That is still an open question.
The question is still open about the Ham dipole for the CB use - too.
I've read on eHam that the Rigblaster Pro only got a 4.1 rating with only 30 reviewers. While the Tigertronics cost 1/3 less, got a 4.8 rating, and had almost 120 reviewers. There is a lot that I need to fill in the blanks here, as I'm quite certain they aren't even comparable to each other. They aren't capable of doing all of the same things, as the Tigertronics is simpler - yet preferred almot 4 to 1 - if that really means anything. Only one of the things out of many that is still confusing me on this aspect of Ham radio.
Digital seems to hold of a lot of fun and practical uses. I'm just not sure how to spend my money wisely at this point; so I will wait untill I know a lot more about it.
Quote: "...A RIGblaster pro for only $299.95, using a computer and appropriate software, replaces the following station accessories:
A mic. equalizer/processor up to $250
A rig control interface up to $130
A multi mode TNC up to $550
A contest Digital Voice Keyer up to $180
A DSP receive filter up to $400
A receive enhancer up to $170
A DX beacon clock with receive up to $100
An Internet remote base up to $ 65
A sound card interface (of course) up to $140..." -end quote
Sounds like a lot of hype to me; or do they have all of this on the ball?
And if all of that is true; then why aren't more Hams using this gear?
http://www.tigertronics.com/
http://www.westmountainradio.com/RIGblaster.htm
Also, any clarifications would be appreciated!