[FARC] Thinking about HF...

[kirktal7237 at msn.com]

The Icom 718 is the perfect first HF rig.  As a rookie HF ham I didn't get 
mine first but I wish I had.   I use an LDG AT-100 autotuner with my Icom 
718 because it will operate off of radio power and it is automatic, no knob 
twiddling manual tuning which is a pain in the rump and irritates other hams 
on frequency.

As for antennas.  Very little space and wanting to work all the bands is a 
tough one.   My advice is, because I've just been there, is to select a band 
and build a wire dipole and cut it for the frequency area in that band in 
which you want to work.   Trust me you'll be happiest with this.  The 10 
meter band is starting to open up more regularly and a wire dipole for 10 
meters isn't that long if you're space constrained.   Remember also antenna 
height in relation to wavelength.   Do it this way and your first HF 
experiences will be enjoyable, vary from the program and expect frustration. 
I've been there, done that.

Also, there is one drawback to the Icom-718 you should consider. 
Eventually you're going to want to expand and with the 718 there isn't any 
room for that.   The combined HF/6/VHF/UHF rigs are a more versatile, albeit 
more expensive, way to go.   Since you prefer Icom equipment this would be 
the Icom 706 Mk II G, a very popular rig.   Compact, mobile, and includes an 
internal tuner.   Check with club member N3RO who just bought one.   More 
money than the 718 though.

You can't beat the Icom-718's price though, probably around $600 if you add 
tax and shipping from wherever you get it.   You still need a tuner though 
and that'll cost between $150 to $200 for a nice entry-level one.

73
KB3ONM
Kirk

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Dave Lufkin" <kb3jrj at earthlink.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 7:36 PM
To: <farc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [FARC] Thinking about HF...

> Well, well, well. I think the time has come for me to get my General class 
> upgrade. I've got the month of August off from school, and that should be 
> just about the amount of time I'll need to study the materials (already in 
> hand, thanks to KJI @ the Father's Day Hamfest), do some practice tests 
> online, and take the written test.
>
> Here's the question: once I pass the test, what then? All I have now are 
> Icom 2 meter and 70 cm rigs. So, I'm putting out a call for 
> recommendations. I'd like to operate on as many HF bands as possible, 
> within reason. I have VERY LITTLE room for any kind of antenna, so I know 
> I'll have to have a good antenna tuner. I like Icom equipment, and I'd 
> like to have 100 watts or so to play with.
>
> I'm leaning towards the IC-718 for my rig, and I've heard good things 
> about the SGC tuners. K3MMB ways all I need is a good mid-sized loop 
> antenna, and the world will be my oyster (well, I'm paraphrasing Mike at 
> this point!).
>
> Does anyone have experience with the 718 that they'd like to share with 
> me? I'd like to stay well under $1000, so that the XYL doesn't get too 
> upset. After all, she "doesn't have any expensive hobbies!"
>
> Any and all opinions / comments to kb3jrj at earthlink.net
>
> --Dave Lufkin KB3JRJ
>  Frederick, MD USA
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