Posted: 2/27/2014 10:56:06 PM EDT
There seems to be a lot of people trying to decide which HF radio to purchase lately. I've started to compile a list of the most common radios recommended/purchased for a first HF radio. I'll expand the list and correct it as comments are made and I do more research on my own.
Vend is which vendor I got the price from. Prices are as of 00:01hrs GMT-6 on 28 Feb 14 H=HRO E=Elecraft M=MTC Y=YouKits Modes, Dig = Digital. Everything else should be self explanatory. If there's confusion let me know. I've debated putting this into a Google Doc where it'll look prettier, but I really want the info visible in-line on this post. I'll try to keep the OP updated. I am aware there are many popular choices for starter HF radios I haven't listed yet, such as the Flex 1500. |
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All of the radios listed require a tuner in addition to the radio except the TS-480SAT. The IC-718 is a 100W transmitter. Thank you for the chart. Thank you for the power on the 718. According to MTC both the 480HX and 480SAT come with a built in tuner. NM, got mixed up. |
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All of the radios listed require a tuner in addition to the radio except the TS-480SAT. The IC-718 is a 100W transmitter. Thank you for the chart. They don't require a tuner, it just makes it a lot easier. Also, your chart lists TS-480HX as having a built in tuner, it doe not. |
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Don't know if you want to add, or care to, but I know the IC-7200 has a built in USB port for digital modes and rig control. Not sure if the USB connection on the IC-7100 works in the same way or not. Zach It does, and that's a good point. Also, doesn't the IC-7000 have a video out of some sort? NTSC or RGB that you can hook to a display and show some info on? Or am I thinking of something else? |
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The IC-718 only puts out 40W AM. And: RF Output TS-480SAT HF: SSB=100W, AM=25W RF Output TS-480HX HF: SSB=200W, AM=50W RF Output TS-480HX 6M: SSB=100W, AM=25W Quoted:
The IC-718 only puts out 40W AM. And: RF Output TS-480SAT HF: SSB=100W, AM=25W RF Output TS-480HX HF: SSB=200W, AM=50W RF Output TS-480HX 6M: SSB=100W, AM=25W Fixed. Left the 6m alone due to space constraints. Quoted:
No FM mode on the IC-7200 or the IC-718 rigs. Fixed |
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I would add FT857 as most compact mobile in the note section and add FT-897 and notes list as built in battery or power supply optional and attachable tuner capable for a grab and go configuration or man packable. Also create twp columns, one to indicate remote head capable (as Y or N, or just an X) and another one for built in FRONT speaker, That and add in KX3 notes that the microphone is additional cost at $???.00 |
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YW Scooter Added IC-7100 and FT-857D Planning on keeping the price under $1500 since this is aimed at new Generals looking for an HF radio. If the price point is under $1500 then there are a lot that fall into that range. IC-7410 is one off the top of my head. |
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+
160-6 10W SSB/CW/RTTY/FM/AM Built-in tuner (I think this type of feature/option is very important) And it always nice to know the 'typical' current drain Current drain: at 13.8V Output Power SSB/CW/RTTY/FM 0.1-10W, AM 0.1-4W Transmit High (typical) 3.0A, (at 10W) Receive Max. Audio 1.2A Stand-By - N/A at 9.6V Output Power SSB/CW/RTTY/FM 0.1-5W, AM 0.1-2W Transmit 2.0A (at 5W) Receive 450mA typ. Stand-By - 300mA typ. |
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+ I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach |
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I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach Quoted:
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+ I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach bummer. I thought it might be that kind of list lol. Perhaps an Honorable Mention list right below 
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bummer. I thought it might be that kind of list lol. Perhaps an Honorable Mention list right below Quoted:
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+ I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach bummer. I thought it might be that kind of list lol. Perhaps an Honorable Mention list right below A used list then?
Seems to be a lot of radios bought used. Could be a massive undertaking. |
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A used list then?
Seems to be a lot of radios bought used. Could be a massive undertaking. Quoted:
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+ I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach bummer. I thought it might be that kind of list lol. Perhaps an Honorable Mention list right below A used list then?
Seems to be a lot of radios bought used. Could be a massive undertaking. Perhaps ... there does seem to be the same models mentioned over and over, here and other forums. |
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Perhaps ... there does seem to be the same models mentioned over and over, here and other forums. Quoted:
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A used list then?
Seems to be a lot of radios bought used. Could be a massive undertaking. Perhaps ... there does seem to be the same models mentioned over and over, here and other forums. Or at least a list of folks who own or have owned a particular radio who be open for Q&A. |
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Perhaps ... there does seem to be the same models mentioned over and over, here and other forums. Quoted:
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Well since the KX3 is on the list ..... Icom 703+ I could be wrong, but I think he's trying to keep it confined to current production rigs. I think the IC-7000 is considered discontinued (atleast according to Universal Radio)but quite a few stores are still stocking them. Zach bummer. I thought it might be that kind of list lol. Perhaps an Honorable Mention list right below A used list then?
Seems to be a lot of radios bought used. Could be a massive undertaking. Perhaps ... there does seem to be the same models mentioned over and over, here and other forums. http://rigpix.com/ |
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Icom IC-718 160m-10m AM, FM, SSB, CW 100W(40W AM) $599 H, Dual Conv Rx, Poor AF DSP
Icom IC-7200 160m-6m Dig, AM, SSB, CW 100W $890 H USB for digital and rig control, Triple Conv Rx, Good IF DSP Yaesu FT-857D 160m-6m + 2m & 70cm AM, FM, SSB, CW 100W $820 H, Dual Conv Rx, Poor AF DSP Also, the FT-897 is electronically a close to the FT-857D, so all comments about the 857D apply to the 897D as well. Edited: No FM on 718. |
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Icom IC-718 160m-10m AM, FM, SSB, CW 100W(40W AM) $599 H, Dual Conv Rx, Poor AF DSP Icom IC-7200 160m-6m Dig, AM, SSB, CW 100W $890 H USB for digital and rig control, Triple Conv Rx, Good IF DSP Yaesu FT-857D 160m-6m + 2m & 70cm AM, FM, SSB, CW 100W $820 H, Dual Conv Rx, Poor AF DSP Also, the FT-897 is electronically a close to the FT-857D, so all comments about the 857D apply to the 897D as well. Except for the fact that the 897 is made to either have a bolt on PS or internal batteries and a bolt on tuner. The 857D was made to be a mobile rig. |
| I think my Christmas present to myself this year is going to be a TS-480SAT for the truck. The tuner should make hamsticks more usable. Slowly acquiring more gear. Got a stakepocket mount already, and will pick up some hamsticks and drag the FT-450 out once in a while. I'd contemplated making the 450 the truck radio, but I think it'll do fine on my desk and something with a removable head for the truck makes more sense. |