[FARC] 160-2m 1st rig recommendations?
Kirk Talbott
kirktal7237 at msn.com
Mon Dec 12 10:34:03 EST 2011
The Yaesu FT-897D probably falls within the $1,000 price ceiling
as does the Icom 706 MKII G. I think the Icom 706 has been
discontinued however so availability could be an issue.
The Kenwood TS-2000 is a $1,600 rig and falls well beyond your
price ceiling but does everything well, you can't lose here.
There is even a "Silver Box" version of it which doesn't
include a radio display or controls if you want to control it
only by computer. Ham Radio Deluxe/Digital Master 780
digital software integrates very well with the TS-2000
for controlling the radio and antenna rotor as well as offering
zillions of digital mode programs. The TS-2000 also includes
an internal TNC. The TS-2000 is a 100 watt rig and you'll
only need about a 10th of that and a 20m dipole for DXing
with the digital modes. The TS-2000 was recommended to me
on obtaining my ham license by local hams as a good, first,
do-all rig and it is certainly that and much more.
Whatever rig you decide to get you'll love it. Enjoy ham
radio.
73
KB3ONM
Kirk
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian McEntire
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 9:54 AM
To: Frederick, Maryland ARC
Subject: [FARC] 160-2m 1st rig recommendations?
I want to thank N3HTA for forwarding the e-mail below to the FARC list
a while back. I signed up and took Robert Long's (KD3JK) General
License class this weekend. It was very helpful and I met some great
hams. I passed the General test :) and recommend the class highly to
anyone thinking of upgrading if Bob offers the class again next year.
Now I have a good "problem", I need a rig. I am doing a lot of
Googling, but I'd appreciate any opinions. I know there are often
conflicting views so I won't ask "what's best." But, suggestions for
good brands too look at or if anyone knows of one that might fit my
goals please let me know.
I'd like to buy new. I'd like to spend under $1000. I might stretch
that to get into a Flex-3000 SDR or something with similar
capabilities and performance in that price range.
Looking for something for my home. I'm really interested in the
digital modes and plan to hook the radio up to my laptop (a new Dell
with plenty of horsepower.)
100 W would be nice but I'd probably trade power for more bands if
that trade-off exists in my budget.
The radios that look close to fitting the bill are the Yaesu FT-950,
Flex-3000 SDR, and Kenwood TS-2000. They are all above $1000 though
and only the Kenwood does 2m.
Suggestions for other radios to look at? Does anyone know of an SDR
that does HF and 2m?
Thanks!!
Brian / KB3TCC
On Thu, Sep 22, 2011 at 10:52 AM, <N3HTA at aol.com> wrote:
> All: I just opened this email and wanted to spread the word as much as
> possible. Do you want to upgrade to General or do you know of a Tech
> that
> wants to upgrade? Great opportunity! My thanks to the Antietam Radio
> Association and to Roy (N2CSQ) for putting this on the MADXRA reflector.
> Jim
> N3HTA
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
> From: n2csq at hotmail.com
> To: madxra at madxra.org
> Sent: 9/21/2011 12:29:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
> Subj: ARA GenlClass Tng
>
>
> Forwarded for WA3EOP - Antietam Radio Association
> ============================================================================
> ==============
> Did you hear the good news?
>
> It on happens at best, once every 3 years or so, and if eligible you
> might
> want to give this serious consideration-
>
> ARA under the guidance of Robert Long, KD3JK, will offer a General
> Class!!!!
>
> At the ARA Meeting last night, the membership approved that Bob could
> organize and present the class in a Weekend Wonder Format using Gorden
> West
> instructional materials.
>
> The dates reserved for this I'm told are Friday- Sunday, _December 9, 10,
> and 11, 2011._
>
> Bob has reserved a room at the Washington County Sherrif's Office, (Off
> the Western MD Parkway) and Friday Evening + Saturday + Sunday morning
> will
> be used for support classes and after class Sunday, sometime in the
> afternoon, the ARA VE Team will conduct a limited testing session of
> Element 3 just
> for those in the class.
>
> Bob is asking first that hams interested in assisting him with the
> presentation of this class contact him and volunteer. He already has 2
> volunteers
> but could use perhaps 7 or 8 more with each volunteer in charge of an
> agreed upon class presentation element. Typically, the volunteers get
> support
> materials to help them prepare for their time in class.
>
> Second, Bob is collecting VE Examiners to help administer the Sunday
> Afternoon exam to the class. I think he needs perhaps 2 or 3 more Extra
> Class
> Hams to complete the team. I volunteered to help assuming my work
> schedule
> stays the same. He wants a team Secretary to help with the paperwork.
>
> Lastly.... The call is out for class students! Prerequisite- you must
> hold a Technician License by the time of the class.
>
> Guys and Dolls- I can't empathise enough that this is a golden
> opportunity to have help upgrading to the General Class Word if you
> aren't there yet.
> Yes it
> comes at a cost but a modest one. Materials, basic which includes
> textbook and computer aids for pre-study at home will cost $40 ordered
> through Bob
> who gets a quantity discount. Those who want the added advantage of audio
> instruction too may buy that for an additional $26 too. That is just an
> option but some folks learn better that way.
>
> Of course this opportunity is not limited to ARA members so pass the work
> to your Tech License Friends. Typically the weekend wonder courses are
> highly successful for those who read the books in advance of class. The
> class
> is designed to remove the cobwebs and keep what you studied fresh
> in your mind for the Sunday exam.
>
> It's good to register with Bob early so you get your study materials with
> plenty of time to leisurely study and not do a last minute rush before
> the
> class.
>
> For further information if needed- call Bob Long at 301-824-5132 or email
> him at rjlong61 at myactv.net.
>
> Thanks
>
> Page WA3EOP
> =
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