Beginner transceiver questions
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Beginner transceiver questions
Greetings!
I have just a basic type question. I am studying to get my Tech license now, but since I have some good extra money right now, I'm looking at getting a radio, but I'm not really sure what I should be going for. I am looking at getting a reciever and a transceiver both. Right now I'm leaning toward the Icom IC-R75 for my receiver. The big question is if I should get a radio I can "grow" into as i plan on getting a general ticket in the not so distant future.
I am looking into either the Icom IC-756 Pro III, or the IC-7800 and scoping the Yeasu's also, such as the 9000, etc.
Any suggestions on the best way to go?
Thanks in advance!
I have just a basic type question. I am studying to get my Tech license now, but since I have some good extra money right now, I'm looking at getting a radio, but I'm not really sure what I should be going for. I am looking at getting a reciever and a transceiver both. Right now I'm leaning toward the Icom IC-R75 for my receiver. The big question is if I should get a radio I can "grow" into as i plan on getting a general ticket in the not so distant future.
I am looking into either the Icom IC-756 Pro III, or the IC-7800 and scoping the Yeasu's also, such as the 9000, etc.
Any suggestions on the best way to go?
Thanks in advance!
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JLayton - Registered User
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 14 Nov 2005, 02:10
- Location: Talala, Oklahoma
First HF radio
That is not a question anyone else can answer for you, which is probably why you haven't had an answer. The best course depends on the amount of interest and determination you have to get your general ticket. The IC-R75 is a good receiver and it should be easy to sell later on if you actually follow through and get your general license. However, if you feel certain that you will get a general ticket in the near future you probably will be better slightly ahead financially to skip the receiver and buy a decent transceiver now.
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Lightning - Registered User
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 07 Feb 2006, 18:10
- Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Re: Beginner transceiver questions
JL,
I would totally bypass the "receiver-only" option and get a good transceiver, like a USED Icom IC-730+, Ten-Tec series, Kenwood TS-520+, etc. I would stay away from older all tube-type rigs (except perhaps in the finals) because of the difficulty in finding tubes at reasonable prices. You will also use LESS power and generate less heat with transistor-type rigs. The older Kenwoods and Icoms that used 6146s in the final amp. come to mind, and are fine In My Humble Opinion. Yaesu (FT-101 series) used an odd-ball 6JS6 - or something like that - in their final amp., so I would avoid that rig (excellent receiver, though).
[the "+" symbol above was meant to indicate later models of the equipment, like the Kenwood TS-520, TS-530...., etc.]
Ironically, the "high-water-mark" for most transceivers were the solid-state transceivers than used discreet components (transistors), rather than Integrated Circuits (ICs). I say this because a ham can still service a discreet component device like the Motorola Micor or GE Master II VHF/UHF transceivers, and likewise the ham gear that is similarly designed.
The transceivers that I presently have - consumer electronics included - CANNOT be serviced easily without specialized equipment that is usually not in any ham's possession!
I recommend USED equipment, from a reputable dealer like AES, because most new hams are on a budget, and good, clean, warranted ham gear is usually a real "steal".
I purchased and built a Heathkit ham band receive-only (SB-300) receiver before I got my tech. license (many years ago!) and have always regretted it. What good is a receiver to a licensed ham? Not much, unless you are interested in listening on the ham bands ONLY! For a few dollars more, and perhaps a slightly more difficult build, I could have had a SB-101, SB-102....
I hope this helps you or whomever reads it!
73,
Mike
I would totally bypass the "receiver-only" option and get a good transceiver, like a USED Icom IC-730+, Ten-Tec series, Kenwood TS-520+, etc. I would stay away from older all tube-type rigs (except perhaps in the finals) because of the difficulty in finding tubes at reasonable prices. You will also use LESS power and generate less heat with transistor-type rigs. The older Kenwoods and Icoms that used 6146s in the final amp. come to mind, and are fine In My Humble Opinion. Yaesu (FT-101 series) used an odd-ball 6JS6 - or something like that - in their final amp., so I would avoid that rig (excellent receiver, though).
[the "+" symbol above was meant to indicate later models of the equipment, like the Kenwood TS-520, TS-530...., etc.]
Ironically, the "high-water-mark" for most transceivers were the solid-state transceivers than used discreet components (transistors), rather than Integrated Circuits (ICs). I say this because a ham can still service a discreet component device like the Motorola Micor or GE Master II VHF/UHF transceivers, and likewise the ham gear that is similarly designed.
The transceivers that I presently have - consumer electronics included - CANNOT be serviced easily without specialized equipment that is usually not in any ham's possession!
I recommend USED equipment, from a reputable dealer like AES, because most new hams are on a budget, and good, clean, warranted ham gear is usually a real "steal".
I purchased and built a Heathkit ham band receive-only (SB-300) receiver before I got my tech. license (many years ago!) and have always regretted it. What good is a receiver to a licensed ham? Not much, unless you are interested in listening on the ham bands ONLY! For a few dollars more, and perhaps a slightly more difficult build, I could have had a SB-101, SB-102....
I hope this helps you or whomever reads it!
73,
Mike
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wb6csh - Registered User
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 29 Jul 2009, 02:03
- Call Sign: wb6csh
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