How do you like the rig so far?
73,
RT307
So far...
The transmit audio distorts with mic gain past 12 O'clock which drops power output back to around 35 watts. I get the same results using an ICOM HM-36 hand mic. Audio is said to be flat and bassi. It does NOT have the audio and punch of my previous 257HP. However, my 257HP was plagued with problems and made 3 trips back to the repair shop. AM/FM audio got pretty decent reports from my locals.
Signal meter is sensitive and pegs easily, even on locals that normally give me 1-2 S-units. The receiver does seem to be very sensitive though.
The second IF filter really attenuates the desired signal more than I like.
I do not like the stock mic, it's much to small and lightweight for me.
I have a big ol' piece of lint or something that is stuck on the LCD screen inside, bugs the crap outta me. Dave sent detailed directions to disassemble the unit to hopefully remove it. I would have done it sooner, but the unit has tamper seals, so it's still there.
I think the unit needs a very careful tune to balance out the audio distortion and allow me to see the advertised output wattage.
The tuning and step size is a welcomed change. The display is bright and easy on the eyes. I was wanting to swap out the 2950DX in my XJ, but I do operate 10 meter CW and can't do without, especially with current band conditions.
I do like the radio and expect it to perform as it should with a correct alignment. Also, I expect it will not need to see the doctor as much as the 257's my friends and I owned. Notice I said: "owned". I had an older 257 that was a suberb playing radio. I sold it 5-6 years ago and wish I still had.
I'll report back once I get it smoothed out.