Posted: 12/10/2007 10:14:47 PM EDT
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I recently upgraded to general and am thinking about adding a HF rig to my station. I guess I can call what I have now a station but I digress. I have been involved in 2 meter and some 440 off and on for 10+ years did packet for a while back in the early to mid 90's but would like to get something to do long range. I'm on a budget but willing to save up for decent gear but have no idea what is decent in HF or what I'm even looking for so now I'm turning to you all for some help. Probably looking at a long wire with a antenna tuner but then again I honestly don't know. I was looking at a Icom 718 but nothing in stone. Thanks Travis |
817 because of the "backpackable" aspect, yes? Anyone else make a backpackable rig? (What am I saying, I spent waaaaaay too much time humping PRC77s to want to do that again!) 
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Well, not knowing more about your requirements a recommendation is difficult. If you believe portable/field use is possible I would look at the FT-857D or the IC-706MKIIG. I believe both have already been suggested. A good antenna tuner, such as the LDG Z100 or the LDG AT-100Pro will cost approximately $150 to $200. New the 857D is approximately $750 and with a tuner the package will cost in the neighborhood of $900. One idea I really like especially if portable use isn't a requirement is something like the Kenwood TS-570DG. It's a small HF rig that could easily be used in the home, camp, or camper. The performance of the rig is fantastic. If you are willing to look at the used market you can find 1 or 2 year old 570's in mint condition for $650. The best part is the 570 has a built in antenna tuner. So if you are willing to go used and you don't have a need for a mobile/portable type rig you can save upwards of $300 with the Kenwood. Often I think the Kenwood TS-570DG is the best kept secret in ham radio, but if you shop for one ensure it is the G model. There are older rigs to look at like the Yaesu FT-747GX. They can generally be found in the $300 range. Personally for not much more you could get the IC-718 and have a much more modern rig. |
Yet another vote for the IC-718 - Mature, reliable design; good electrical performance, has all the essential features, interfaces nicely with the Icom AH-4 random wire tuner, and is available for cheap NIB (or even cheaper used). Best entry-level HF radio bargain on the market, IMO. |
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It all depends on what you want to spend. I really like my Icom IC-7000, but I also have a couple of Kenwood rigs which I bought used. One of the Kenwoods is a TS-830s which is an 80's era tube type radio...but it sure sounds good. I got the radio, a desk mike, secondary VFO, and antenna tuner off of EGay for about $350.00. It takes 6146 tubes which are still in good supply and only run about $30.00 each. The only thing I have had to do to it is replace the power supply capacitors, +/- 30 bucks. I'll never sell it, it was my first HF rig. Point being...you can pick up some good used equipment fairly cheaply...just make sure you check out the model on QRZ.com. Some have better reputations than others. A lot of the fun is studying what you want to get. Have fun! 73 |
Yes, and for some strange reason, I just like the looks of it.  Honestly, Im only $200.00 away from an 857D and tuner, so I will just hold tight. |
I got mine, all complete and from the original owner (my EC) for $300 It's the gold edition as well 
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I have both. At this point of the solar cycle, you would most likely be disappointed with QRP operation. The 857 is quite a bit bigger and heavier, but still packable. I'll see about posting some pics and vids of me playing with the 817 on one of the FL SF camp-outs. |
I'd be interested in hearing about "man-pack" options for mobile radios, i.e., battery packs that would be small and light enough that the entire unit (Xcver, battery pack, whip antenna) would fit in, say, that old Large Alice pack in the garage. Preferably lighter than a PRC77, especially w/KY58 attached. Makes my back hurt, just thinking about it... |
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Just get on HF. I worked Austria tonight on 60watts of power using PSK31. It ended up being 4800 miles over the north pole. This is my longest distance yet. If you get a QRP rig you are gonna get pissed quick at hearing all the stuff but not being able to reach out and make contact. |
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http://search.ebay.com.au/codan CODAN is an Austrailian company that not too many Americans know about but I picked up a nice one at a HAMFEST a few years ago. The thing about HF is the great range at times and the low range at others as well as having a tuning antennae as a must. |
there are tons of hams who do this, especially in europe. hfpack.com/ see the moderators pics page for some examples. also see "QRP operation (low power/portable)" near the bottom of page 2 at ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477&page=2 ar-jedi |
| The FT-857D is on sale now at Gigaparts. www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZYS-FT-857D |
$489 after Icom rebate and Gigapart's google/paypal discount. that is a great price on a great radio! www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZIC-718 ar-jedi |
I have both also. I really like them both. I have the 857D in my pickup truck and like it so much that I am thinking about buying another one for in the house. The 817 is NOT a good rig for backpacking IMO. It is a real power hog for a QRP rig. There are a lot of other QRP rigs that are better suited for that role because they are a lot more efficient with the power. If you are only going for a day or two, or just operating portable from a park or something, it isn't really an issue. If you were going to seriously backpack, the 817 wouldn't be the way to go (IMO). Every year I spend a few weeks with my parents, at their house (Dad died last year so it is now just Mom/turning 90 years old this year). I took the 817 this year and put up an 80 meter dipole fed with ladder line into a tuner. Worked all bands from 2 meters through 160 including 6 meters and 60 meters (great band). 5 watts from their house (great hilltop location) into that antenna worked great. I worked a number of transcontinental contacts on 75 meter SSB. I worked a few stations on CW with 1 watt out. Having a nice little rig like the 817 made this a real pleasure. That being said, I considered the idea that for about the same size, I could have a 100 watt rig with the 857D. HOWEVER, now you have to consider the power supply with is far bigger than the rig and far heavier than the rig. I really like the fact that both of these radios cover VHF and UHF with all modes. Even if you don't use these rigs as your primary VHF/UHF rig, it is there if you need/want it. I frequently use my 817 and 857 on VHF/UHF even though I own other rigs that cover those bands. I had this discussion with a buddy of mine the other day. He doesn't like a rig that goes on VHF/UHF as well as HF (Old School idea IMO). I told him that if he doesn't like it, he doesn't ever have to use those bands if he doesn't want to. Having them on the rig doesn't mean he isn't allowed to buy a seperate 2 meter right or a seperate duel band rig. Go ahead and buy one. But, it's there if you want or need it. Doesn't hurt a damn thing being there. And, it isn't like it is an option that costs extra. That 857D is already one of the cheapest rigs on the market. Or, if you are like me and take the rig with you for a week or two, you don't need to bring more than one rig to work all bands. The fact that they work those bands in all modes gives you a chance to try out bands like 6 meters and 2m SSB without having to invest in another rig. I don't see anything else out there in the marketplace to compete with the Yaesu 857D. Price has nothing to do with it for me. I just plain like the rig. If the controls and display are too small for your fingers/eyes, just hook the radio up to your computer and use Ham Radio Deluxe to run it. |
I remember suggesting in another thread to wait till Gigaparts had another sell. 
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