Posted: 9/27/2015 2:11:54 PM EDT
| I passed my Tech and General three years ago. I bought a Wouxun HT and quickly grew bored. Not a lot of two meter around me. It serves it's purpose but I want an HF rig. I am interested in a radio that I can take with me and run anywhere. I am interested in eventually trying solar down the road. Maybe some PSK also. I have heard good things about the Yaesu 857D. What other radios should I take a look at from Kenwood and Icom? Besides the radio, can you recommend a good power supply? I know I should build an antenna but I figured, I know so little, if I build one and it doesn't work, I don't know enough if it's the antenna or the operator. Because of this, I thought it might be a good idea to buy something already built I could run up a tree in the backyard or the park. The boys and I have a camping trip coming up in a couple of weeks and I would really like to have stuff in hand to play around on the trip. |
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Do you Fo?
Solar Shopping List, VHF centric, but some good chat for HF as well 2, 11, 15, and 17 would prolly help too I like my Samlex 1223, and 1235 PS's |
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Part of the reason I went with the Kenwood TS-590S was the reputation of the internal tuner. It is not anywhere near as portable as the 857D, but for use here at the house it is fine. I handles all my antennae, including FWL loops, with no trouble. I also like that it has an internal sound card & USB connectivity (even though it got fried once ...). I went with a 30 amp desktop PS, the Samlex 1235M (I like meters ,,,) and added a KI0K low loss powergate for battery UPS function. 30 amps lets me run the 590 & a VHF/UHF rig at the same time without trouble.
Wire antenna are easy to build from formula. An SWR meter can be used to tweak length for your particular setting, but an analyzer really makes life easier if you are inclined towards playing with different styles. Nick |
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Quoted:
Do you Fo? Solar Shopping List, VHF centric, but some good chat for HF as well 2, 11, 15, and 17 would prolly help too I like my Samlex 1223, and 1235 PS's Really? 
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You really need a separate 2m or 2m/70cm rig. Just yesterday I was participating and a statewide simulated emergency test in which I had to monitor both HF and 2m at the same time. You just can't do that with an "all in one" rig.
Radios used, Icom IC-7200, Yaesu FT-1802M (current equiv model is the FT-1900R), with Samlex SEC-1223BBM (not used for this adventure), LDG IT-100 tuner, with 55 AH AGM battery and two 50 w solar panels charging the battery through a KI0BK solar charge controller. |
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It all depends on how much money you want to spend and what you want to do with your radios. Remember one thing - your radio is only as good as your antenna. A good antenna is the number one item in this hobby.
In my opinion, FT-857D is the best starter radio. It covers all bands (160-70cm), all mode in a compact frame. It won't compete with top of the line radios but it does have a good receiver and user friendly, easy to navigate menu structure (much better than IC706 - IC7000). It's compact enough to be carried in a backpack yet it's capable of putting out 100 Watts on HF and 50/35 Watts on VHF/UHF bands. It does not have an internal antenna tuner. Most radios with internal tuners are limited to 3:1 or better SWR. It's best to have an external tuner with a much better tuning range. Having no internal tuner is no big deal. Most hams have several radios. Most likely you will end up buying another, more expensive base radio if you get into DX-ing or contesting. FT-857 will make a good back-up rig or you can use it as a mobile or portable radio for outdoor adventures. There is no other radio on the market as capable as the FT-857. I have two of them.  I also own an Icom IC7000 and IC706. The Icoms make good mobile rigs but they are too bulky and power hungry for portable use.
Ditto on Samlex PS. Get a 35A version with meters if you can. FT-857 is my "go to" rig for outdoor adventures. I also own an Elecraft KX3 and a Yaesu FT-817 but the 857 remains my favorite.
 
Guerilla portable operation while stealth camping, deep in the national forest with my dual-sport motorcycle. 
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| I was not familiar with Fo Time before but I am now. I just listened to the episode about starting out. Now you have me wondering if I shouldn't slow down and pick up a mobile 2 meter radio lol. You guys just about talked me into it listening to the podcast. Now I'm going to listen to the solar podcast. Side question. With a mobile 2 meter, is there a scan function that would allow me to scan when listening? My ht does that but because I programmed in the weather channel, I don't scan with it because it stops every time around. Drives me crazy. |
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Yeah, everything scans....and I think you can remove a freq from the Wouxun Scan list...I'd have to look, but I think that's how I have mine setup. (Thanks for listening!) yes. You can set channels up as "do not scan". I don't know how to do this from the handset as I use CHIRP. |
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If you'd like to buy instead of build that antenna (and you'll get plenty of advice to build, it really is that easy) here are some links to steer you that direction.
Wire Antennas at Universal Radio Wire Antennas at MTC Of course, it rapidly becomes a decision of which bands you desire. I prefer 40 and 75/80, so my dipoles all focus on that. |
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This is a tough decision on gear to pick up. If you are wanting to focus on solar you will want a radio that pulls very little power when receiving. IC-703 or something like this would pull very little current. only drawback is output power. The 857d, 450D, etc are all great radios. I was gifted icom stuff so I have stayed with icom. There is something to be said for power in hf, barefoot works well but in a pileup it sure is nice to have more for making dx contacts.. I know what you mean about the HT's, I had two and really could not make any contacts with repeaters at much distance.. Until I installed a mobile in the truck did I have a full function UHF/VHF comms.. For me uhf/vhf was fun but then I got on HF and really have had a good time. The only thing with HF was I ran into many small issues which I would troubleshoot and learn from. Hopefully you like to tinker as there is allot of small things that surface with hf setups.. I live in a hoa area and I am running a hygain 18-avs 18 foot vertical next to a tree. I have 8 radials from 32 feet to 40feet going out from the base. My radials are not in the ground just sitting on the surface. I have good success with it, will be installing a 32ft stepper bigIr vertical this fall.. If you want to get something that is small there are plenty of radios, just stick with Icom, Yaesu, or Kenwood. I think they are easier to sell if you want to upgrade.. Power supplies, I would look for something quiet. MFJ power supplies work well but the internal fan is pretty noisy.. I have a mfg & a DM-330FXT . I installed a resistor in the MFJ to slow down the fan and it helped with the noise. The alinco is silent.. I like the older astron power supplies as well and are all over the place. My elmer says the switchers will not dip under a load like the linear supplies. I have not heard of anyone having issues with a power supply, just make sure you get a minimum of 30amp power supply. Lastly, find an Elmer.. Find an Elmer... I knew of a ham in my area which had a antenna farm in his back yard, I just went up and knocked on his door and introduced myself when I was about to get my ticket. There are so many issues you will run across and you will have trouble finding info on the web. The Elmer will help you and lead you away from the things you don't need to be doing. In order of importance, Elmer, antenna, radio, power supply. I have no issues with clubs and ham club meetings, I just have a schedule that does not allow this.. I have attended a few and they were real cool and enjoyed meeting the old timers, however if I had my choice I would rather spin the dial and play on the radio.. (forgot to mention) a antenna analyzer is very helpful, try and find someone who has one if you decide to make anything. This tool will save you many headaches)..
The Fo time podcast is real good, look at the tortugas dx episode as it will give you some things to think about with solar & batteries.. Personally listen to them all.. http://amateurradio15.com/4/ prosise |
| Thanks everyone for all the replies. Solar is just a consideration down the road. First and foremost, I just want to get on the air. I guess I really should get a good 2 meter rig but talking to guys locally just doesn't excite me. The possibility of talking to someone far away is what draws me to all this. I'm going to watch a few more Fo Times and keep learning. I just know if I don't do something soon, I will put it on the back burner again. Keep the suggestions coming. |
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Think about getting a good used radio, there are always new radios coming on the market and a good selection of used gear is always available. I just got a very nice Kenwood TS-480 HX and added some CW and SSB filters. It runs 200 watts out and has a very good receiver. I had the high amperage supply already. Some used rigs are better than others, buy from a reputable dealer or locally where you and a friend can check out the radio. 73, Rob
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| I tried the local club. Went to two meetings and haven't been back. Not the friendliest of people. I am actually going to try another club about 45 minutes away. A friend of mines brother-in-law recently got his license and he loves his club so I am going to check them out. My wife's god parents live about two hours away. He has been a ham for many years. I just can't ever work out a trip to his place to check it all out. His wife keeps telling me not to buy anything that they have more than enough. Lol of course when she says that, he acts like he doesn't here a thing. |