Entry Level HF Rig

[KD0UCB]

Hello All,

I'm about to test for my General class license. I'm looking for suggestions on a good entry level HF rig. Here is the list I'm considering:

1. Icom IC-7200.
2. Kenwwod TS-480SAT
3. Yaesu FT-450D

I thought about the Yeasu FT-857D or FT-897D but I think the display is a bit small for my eyes.

I would mainly use as a base station at home, but I would also like to bring with me when we are camping in the RV.

Open to other suggestions also. I appreciate your input.

73's

KD0UCB
Ralph

 

[2RT307]

Hey Ralph, I'm jealous! Congrats on getting General. I have not ran any of the rigs you listed. Something to consider as an option... with the small displays of the 857 and 897, you *could* run the rig with HRD and depending on how large your computer monitor is, would give you plenty of display.

Do you want/need VHF/UHF, or just the HF bands?

73,
Brett

 

[binrat]

My 2 cents, TS 480 SAT. I've used a locals before during fieldday and it was a dream to use after many hours lack of sleep.

 

[wavrider]

Kenwood 480 or 450 are great.

I shy away from the yaesu 450, friend has one been sent off 3 times for warranty repair.

Another friend has one and it has no issues????

 

[Mudfoot]

Of that list... 7200 wins.

The 480 has AF DSP only and filters are optional. It loses big here. No mic jack on head=lame.

The 7200 blows the 480 away and is a few steps up from the 450.

I've owned all 3 of these rigs.

Besides, the 450 is ugly.

Print out the spec sheets on each rig. The 7200 comes out ahead, but it's display is a tad small.

 

[binrat]

7200 is on my list to try out. Not going to drop the $$ just to try out.

 

[ACL]

Icom IC 7000? It would be better than the 857d for your eyes although would be a little more expensive and covers VHF/UHF.

 

[KD0UCB]

Great feedback everyone. I'm primarily want a radio that is HF/6 Meters. I have 3 other 2 meter/70 cm radios. I thought about the IC-7000, but seems quite a bit more expensive than the other entry level radios. Is it work the extra coin? I'm really tempted with the Icom IC-7200 with the USB interface.

Thanks

 

[Road Squawker]

... I'm primarily want a radio that is HF/6 Meters. I have 3 other 2 meter/70 cm radios. I thought about the IC-7000, but seems quite a bit more expensive than the other entry level radios. Is it work the extra coin? I'm really tempted with the Icom IC-7200 with the USB interface.

Thanks

the IC 7k is not an "entry level" rig, I have one as a backup to my primary radio, and it is (IMO) worth the (approx.) $1200 asking price.

as far as an "entry level" rig, the IC 7200 will serve you well. right now many retailers have added a $100 discount,..... $874, out the door http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...rl=http://www.gigaparts.com/Icom-IC-7200.html
for that price, you will be hard pressed to find a better HF/50 MHz rig

 

[w9cll]

I will through my plug for the Alinco SR8T again. They are launching the SR9T SDR righ soon to. $512 out the door for the SR8T.

HF Radio

Or the Icom 718

ICOM IC-718 HF All Band Transceivers - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering

Having 6 meters is nice but the band is a vast wasteland until it opens.

 

[binrat]

I will through my plug for the Alinco SR8T again. They are launching the SR9T SDR righ soon to. $512 out the door for the SR8T.

HF Radio

Or the Icom 718

ICOM IC-718 HF All Band Transceivers - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering

Having 6 meters is nice but the band is a vast wasteland until it opens.

IC-718 is a good one as well if 6 meters is not a "must".

 

[medic18d]

Hello All,

I'm about to test for my General class license. I'm looking for suggestions on a good entry level HF rig. Here is the list I'm considering:

1. Icom IC-7200.
2. Kenwwod TS-480SAT
3. Yaesu FT-450D

I thought about the Yeasu FT-857D or FT-897D but I think the display is a bit small for my eyes.

I would mainly use as a base station at home, but I would also like to bring with me when we are camping in the RV.

Open to other suggestions also. I appreciate your input.

73's

KD0UCB
Ralph

just dont get the alnico dx sr8t , its great and all but does not have an adjustable gain .......not cool

 

[Mudfoot]

just dont get the alnico dx sr8t , its great and all but does not have an adjustable gain .......not cool

It most certainly does. Get your manual out.

 

[n0zna]

Sorry had two too many icoms.And know of many icoms 7000 and 7200 displays going out.I really like my 3 yr old ft450,and use everyday.Congrats on gen.73 de n0zna

 

[Road Squawker]

Sorry had two too many icoms.And know of many icoms 7000 and 7200 displays going out.I really like my 3 yr old ft450,and use everyday.Congrats on gen.73 de n0zna

Gee, I dunno 'bout that.

I belong to the IC7K user group and I just checked it.

display failures are not common on the 7K....... unless there is RF getting back into the rig