Mike, that's exactly what I did in Cary, NC at their Hamfest in 1996. I traded my 850 for the 1000-MP. I have never looked back. I guess I was so pleased with the MP that I upgraded my license and got a vanity call too. I still have the MP and its never (knock on wood) caused any down time. Good luck if you go that way too ! 73 Al W4ABW