Posted: 2/26/2015 10:07:50 AM EDT
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All, I have 5 yaesus including an FT-897 which I love. I'm looking for a backup rig, no QRP, don't do CW. Would like something stupid simple if it exists. Good to very good filters. Less than $1500.
Advice? |
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I had an Alinco DX77, it was as simple as it gets. The Icom 718 is around the same. Not much on the filter front though. The IC7200 is pretty simple and gets good reviews from the guys here. It lacks FM though, that may or may not mater to you. IC-718 meets the simple requirement! Lots of others here have had or still have them. $630+. I am looking at upgrading to the 7200 lately, but with current budget situation, I am holding off on it. $900.+. Bill |
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This is hard to beat for $1300 http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/1200lrg.jpg Not stupid simple though. Something cheap and easy to use, I would look at the IC7200 or FT450. Out of those two, the 450 has better receiver IMO. I could not agree more. FT1200 will dance circles around all the rest of the radios in this price range. FT450 would be the second best if you want simple but capable radio for under $700. IC718 is simple but has a weak receiver. For $50 more you can have a new FT450. |
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backup rig, no QRP, don't do CW. Would like something stupid simple if it exists. Good to very good filters. Less than $1500. Stupid simple means buttons vs menus, right? Along with that, there's requirement for "good to very good filters", so I'm pretty sure a low end rig like the 718 are going to be good. Based on this, I'm going to recommend a IC-7200. Great rig, simple to use, half you're budget so theres extra $$$ for other items. 
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Elecraft K2, 100w SSB comes out to a little over 1300. Probably find one built or a builder for under your $1500 budget.
Will kick almost anything else mentioned in this thread's behind on pure RF performance, is simple as can be, very small and low power consumption. http://www.elecraft.com/k2_page.htm You'll sell the 897. |
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Icom IC-7200 $799.99 until 3/31 with a LG IT-100 $159.95 until 2/28.
Comes in at $959.94 shipped, leaving plenty left over for antennas and coax. 
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Elecraft K2, 100w SSB comes out to a little over 1300. Probably find one built or a builder for under your $1500 budget. Will kick almost anything else mentioned in this thread's behind on pure RF performance, is simple as can be, very small and low power consumption. http://www.elecraft.com/k2_page.htm You'll sell the 897. I disagree. I've used Elecraft radios a lot for both casual operating and contests. IMHO, they work very well on CW modes but SSB is too edgy and noisy for my liking. I've tested a loaded K3 side by side with my FTDX3000D in a contest environment. Ft3K was significantly quieter and had much better sounding audio. Digging weak stations "out of the mud", next to S9++ signals was a lot easier with the Yaesu. Overall I had less fatigue operating the FTDX3000D than the Elecraft k3. Also Yaesu's ergonomics and overall quality are far superior. Everyone I know who owns an Elecraft radio had to send it back for repairs at least once. I'm not writing this to put down Elecraft but to warn people to "test drive" a radio they before buying it. Don't just rely on Internet reviews. |
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QST Magazine Product Reviews - Key Measurements Summary http://www.remeeus.eu/hamradio/pa1hr/productreview.htm 
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All, I have 5 yaesus including an FT-897 which I love. I'm looking for a backup rig, no QRP, don't do CW. Would like something stupid simple if it exists. Good to very good filters. Less than $1500. Advice? So wait...do you have an 857D? Seems like an obvious companion for the 897. Heck you could get two for your budget. You want a backup, an 857D fo-box with batts and charger and solar could be done within your budget. |
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Elecraft K2, 100w SSB comes out to a little over 1300. Probably find one built or a builder for under your $1500 budget. Will kick almost anything else mentioned in this thread's behind on pure RF performance, is simple as can be, very small and low power consumption. http://www.elecraft.com/k2_page.htm You'll sell the 897. Actually, my backup rig is a K2. It's only 15 watts, though. 
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Another vote for the IC-7200. The IC-718 is cheaper, but by the time you add a filter to it, the prices are closing in on each other. Also, the design of the IC-718 is getting pretty long in the tooth.
If you're an experienced kit builder, the K2 is about a close as you'll get to the Heathkit experience these days. |
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The IC-718, as much as I like it, does not have much available in optional filters. What is available is very expensive.
Adding one filter puts you up to the price of the IC-7200. There are no optional filters offered for the IC-7200, with the equivalent of 51 filters it does not need any added filters. You can buy it every day of the week for under $900. It is as easy to use as the IC-718. A few differences, but as easy as the 718. |
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Thanks all. I appreciate your responses. Sounds like I have a decision to make. For those who recommended the ic-7100.....they are just too ugly. I have some pride...not much, but some. 
UC I thought so to until I played with one. It is a nice small package that has everything you need right in front of you. I have gotten to the point now that I don't even turn my FTdx1200 and the IC-7100 was supposed to be sort of an HF backup. Looks or not if you can play with one you should try it. |
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I thought so to until I played with one. It is a nice small package that has everything you need right in front of you. I have gotten to the point now that I don't even turn my FTdx1200 and the IC-7100 was supposed to be sort of an HF backup. Looks or not if you can play with one you should try it. Quoted:
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Thanks all. I appreciate your responses. Sounds like I have a decision to make. For those who recommended the ic-7100.....they are just too ugly. I have some pride...not much, but some.
UC I thought so to until I played with one. It is a nice small package that has everything you need right in front of you. I have gotten to the point now that I don't even turn my FTdx1200 and the IC-7100 was supposed to be sort of an HF backup. Looks or not if you can play with one you should try it. Thanks crnams. I'm only a hop skip from an HRO. I will give it a look over. UC |
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Thanks all. I appreciate your responses. Sounds like I have a decision to make. For those who recommended the ic-7100.....they are just too ugly. I have some pride...not much, but some.
UC Look at Ten-Tec Eagle HF DSP. They have good receivers with selectable roofing filters. You'll like simple controls and great TX audio. |