Tin Can: I don't understand this, "I Hate(Dislike)" menu driven radios.
Every rig I own made since 1999, is a "menu" driven rig.
I presently have 4 rigs "On the Air". I can't not tell you the last time I accessed the "Menu" to make an adjustment to any of them. (except maybe power level)
99% of all the settings, I have found whether Yaesu or ICOM are set and forget.
This constant "tweaking" of menus, seems to me almost an OCD item.
Yes this happens when one first gets a rig, but after a few weeks this obsessional behavior should be over with. IMHO
The biggest thing is, to me.
If one wants a Non-Menu driven rig, one must almost go back to the 70's Vintage gear.
The Kenwood 520(530)...820(830) vintage gear...The SWAN 500/700 series or the Yaesu 200/400 series rigs...DRAKE T(r) 4 series...
However these rigs, one almost needs to be able to maintain his OWN equipment.
The keeping of these rigs in working order requires Parts(parts rigs or sources)/Tubes/Test equipment etc..
Fun stuff to operate, and still work WELL, if maintained properly.
Remember these rigs are 50+ years old.
I, look at most of those rigs made in the 80's to mid-late 90's(pre-menu) to be like the US made auto's of same era...Novelty when you see one, more so normally owned by a mechanic, or someone having a Elmer with endless time and parts sources.
To keep them operational.
Or they are a rolling Junk Heap!!!
PARTS are the biggest issue. Many, many of the IC's/transistors etc. have been out of production, and out sourced to other suppliers.
Where obtaining them becomes an issue or at least very costly..
The BIG 3 won't even discuss or work on these era rigs anymore.
Example of the op, at the Hamfest last fall that had a gorgeous FULL line set up of the Yaesu FT101 series rigs. Totally operational. I inquired to price, OVER the TOP for everything!!! I ask why, he then thru back the trap behind his booth and there were 4/5 parts rigs for the 101's...and 2/3 parts rigs for every accessory
Pretty much sums it up, when one wants to use that type of equipment.
So my worthless 2 Cent's
All the Best
Gary