Posted: 6/22/2014 12:23:37 PM EDT
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Got a FT-450AT coming. It was between it and a IC-718 and I went with the 450AT as my first rig. Seemed like both got pretty good reviews for a beginner HF radio, so we shall see. So far the only question is I'm putting up a S9V 43' vertical and a 4:1 unun at the antenna and then the coax running into the house. Will the integrated tuner on the FT-450AT be able to tune that with a 4:1 unun or do I need to look at getting an external manual or autoamtic tuner to handle it? Other than the external tuner issue up in the air I need to get a 23-25amp power supply and I should be good to go when I get my ducks in a row. |
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Nathan,
Great choice on the 450! That was the first HF rig that I got as well, but I had one of the older "450D" versions without the built-in tuner. The s9 antennas are nice and simple... I have the 31' version mounted in my back yard. But, I have a remote autotuner installed at the base of it. I suspect that even with the 4:1 unun the tuner built into the rig is going to have difficulties finding a match in many places... Plus even though it may find a match, the SWR in the coax will be high and will be lossy. I'd recommend a remote autotuner if you can swing it, and lay down a good radial field! If you are going to rely on the tuner in the rig, you may want to look at a trap vertical like the 5btv instead. Just my random 2 cents... Good luck! Josh |
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I'll go with an external tuner if I need it, already well into the S9 installation. Originally was going with a 718 and IT100 external tuner but this was about 1/2 the price or less. Even if I buy a new tuner I still come out pretty far ahead even considering buying a used 718 from the prices I've been seeing. What's ridiculous is used 718's for "sale" more than they are new this month with the built in rebate. |
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Bought an Icom 718 with the $75 instant rebate good till the end of the month. Will be here Friday. Slowly getting my rig together. Radi, check. Antenna, check. Lots of misc stuff, check. Down to needing a power supply now. Who knows what else I'm missing, we shall see. |
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Here is a PDF from Kenwood about APRS and Echolink on the 710G
http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/pdf/TM-D710A_E_GA_GE_IDM.pdf Here is the APRS page: Available APRS-related Software The APRS program currently runs on a number of platforms. Most of these programs are constantly being updated and can be downloaded from the Internet. • AGWTracker (http://agwtracker.com) Written by George Rossopulos, SV2AGW Runs on Windows. • APRSISCE/32 (http://aprsisce.wikidot.com) WrittenbyLynnDeffenbaugh,KJ4ERJ Runs on Windows. • YAAC (http://www.ka2ddo.org/ka2ddo/YAAC.html) Written by Andrew Pavlin, KA2DDO (open-source software) Runs on JAVA. • javAPRS (http://aprs-is.net/javAPRS/Default.aspx) Written by Steve Dimse, K4HG Runs on JAVA. • XASTIR (http://xastir.org) Written by Xastir Group (open-source software) Runs on Linux. Note: ? The above URL links are subject to change. Looks like I'll try these out. |
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Package came in. Decided to take the expedient route and bought a used package from a guy. IC-718 with the DSP installed. Hand mic. Desk mic. It-100 Auto Tuner to match the radio. Coax to go from 718 to tuner The specific cable for the tuner/718 All that delivered for $425 and it appears to be in good shape and so far functions as it should, but I can't really test to well now. When I researched the guy he's listed as being a past board member of the AARL and he threw in a lot of misc. stuff like extra bulkhead connectors, some maps, laminated band plan deals, a AARL book on antenna contructon, and a couple of other AARL books, and several other things not listed in the ad. He seemed really excited and emailed me several times when I told him I had yet to take my test but was trying to get my gear in order while studying. He's an older gentlemen and apparently it belonged to a friend of his that recently died. He called me about 10 minutes after his tracking number showed it had been delivered and talked me thru hooking it up and wanted to make sure it didn't get damaged in shipping. |
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Trust me, after the year I've had I'm looking for some good fortune. The reason I decided to get motivated to get my license to being with was to get it off my bucket list when I almost died. The downside is there was no manual for the radio, but $11 later and a trip to office depot fixed that. Printed and bound and ready to go. Just found the service manual online as well and might get that printed soon just in case. |
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Sounds like you scored big time! Congratulations!
Now's the time to start learning CW! Solar Cycle #24 is on the downhill side and it'll greatly increase your range and versatility. |