Posted: 1/28/2012 10:02:21 AM EDT
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Well, I'm starting to look into HF rigs so I can really motivate myself to get my general (got a 2m HT and decided I needed my technician... I need something to motivate me). I'm looking for an inexpensive HF rig that is very easy to control, and can provide me with hours and hours of entertainment.
A couple I've been looking at: Icom R75 Icom 718 Icom 703 Alinco DXSR8T I know people will suggest I look into older used rigs, but I really like the layout and menu based systems (I grew up in the 90's with computers, I'm very used to menu systems). Any help would be appreciated. |
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Look at the ic-7200 It is a dead simple rig. Basically a rugged 718 with the usb interface for digital modes. I wish I could afford an OD IC7200... I swear I spent more time drooling over that particular rig then I did studying for my tech exam... Guess I'll start looking at the IC718 more. |
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You can usually pick up a used 7200 for around 800$. I just bought a 706MK11G with a LDG tuner for 700$ shipped to my door, which is a fair price. I'd shop around for a bit, compare used to new prices and focus on what you really want. Buy once, cry once.
bigohio |
| A 718 just got listed on QTH for $485 says less than 7 mos. old. They don't have direct links so you might have to scroll down to find it . http://swap.qth.com/c_radiohf.php |
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The IC-703 is a QRP rig, 10 watts only, and is discontinued. Still, I don't recommend a QRP rig, such as the IC-703 (10 w) or Yaesu FT-817 (5 w) as your first and only radio. You can always turn down a 100 w rig. You can't turn up a 10 w rig.
I don't know anyone that owns an Alinco. There must be a reason. I asked around my area. No one. The R75 is a receiver only. It is a very good receiver. Despite its similar appearance to the IC-718, the R75 is not simply a 718 minus transmit. The 718 has a dual conversion receiver, and less filtering than the R75's triple conversion receiver. I had the R75 from before I was licensed, from my SWL days. Until I got a Ten-Tec Jupiter, I was running the R75 slaved to the IC-718. The R75 is an audibly better receiver. I have two 718's and the Jupiter. Though the Jupiter is a far superior rig, the 718 is still a good basic rig in my opinion. I have one up at the club station, and the other mounted in a Pelican case for Portable/Emergency/Field Day use. I've made contacts all over the world with my 718s. I highly recommend the 718 to fill your requirements. Consider the Samlex SEC-1223 power supply and LDG IT-100 tuner for your 718. For digital, a Donner Digital Interface at just $40 is the schiznitz. Now at the club station: 
My Field Day kit: 
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The IC-703 is a QRP rig, 10 watts only, and is discontinued. Still, I don't recommend a QRP rig, such as the IC-703 (10 w) or Yaesu FT-817 (5 w) as your first and only radio. You can always turn down a 100 w rig. You can't turn up a 10 w rig. I don't know anyone that owns an Alinco. There must be a reason. I asked around my area. No one. The R75 is a receiver only. It is a very good receiver. Despite its similar appearance to the IC-718, the R75 is not simply a 718 minus transmit. The 718 has a dual conversion receiver, and less filtering than the R75's triple conversion receiver. I had the R75 from before I was licensed, from my SWL days. Until I got a Ten-Tec Jupiter, I was running the R75 slaved to the IC-718. The R75 is an audibly better receiver. I have two 718's and the Jupiter. Though the Jupiter is a far superior rig, the 718 is still a good basic rig in my opinion. I have one up at the club station, and the other mounted in a Pelican case for Portable/Emergency/Field Day use. I've made contacts all over the world with my 718s. I highly recommend the 718 to fill your requirements. Alinco is the Hi Point of the radio world. They're not very pretty, kinda clunky to use, are inexpensive but they do work just fine. |
The IC-718 would be the best choice for a radio in the 400 to 500 price range. It is still in production and has DSP. There is no FM for 10m, but the ease of use and overall ruggedness of the rig makes it a good starter rig. That's why you see so many for used ones sale....once you get your feet wet in HF you long for a radio with more features. I myself would like an IC-718 for mobile/portable use. 
Now if you are looking for something a bit older, the Kenwood TS-450, TS-570 or the TS-50 would get you going on the cheap. The downside of an older rigs is potential failure/repair.....many rigs use discrete components that are no longer available. The Kenwood TS-520, TS-530, TS-830 are great radios, but they are over 30 years old. If may of these rigs break down....there is no fixing them. Again this is why the IC-718 looks so good for a first rig. Its still in production and parts are available. I also have a great fondness for the Icom 706 series of radios. They cost a bit more, but they are great mobile/portable rigs, but with a suitable dipole antenna they perform great for home use. The Yaesu FT-857 is another great rig that can be had for about $600.00 used. The display is a bit small, but if you run it with Ham Radio Deluxe it does a great job. Good luck with your search. |
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Look at the ic-7200 It is a dead simple rig. Basically a rugged 718 with the usb interface for digital modes. I wish I could afford an OD IC7200... I swear I spent more time drooling over that particular rig then I did studying for my tech exam... Guess I'll start looking at the IC718 more. 
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Look at the ic-7200 It is a dead simple rig. Basically a rugged 718 with the usb interface for digital modes. I wish I could afford an OD IC7200... I swear I spent more time drooling over that particular rig then I did studying for my tech exam... Guess I'll start looking at the IC718 more.
http://home.comcast.net/~gregbell/New%20Front.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~gregbell/New%20ManHandle.jpg Yup. That's the one. I hate you. Oh so much. I looked into the radio, and the paint job, and decided I should take up smoking crack cuz it would probably be cheaper... |