[FARC] 160-2m 1st rig recommendations?

Tue Dec 13 09:04:05 EST 2011

Thank you all for the replies! Helps narrow it down.

David, thanks for the offer to check out your 746, I'll follow-up with
an e-mail to you.

The point about computers and obsolescence is an interesting one.
Interfaces don't change too quickly (serial, or SCSI for example have
been around decades), and no one forces you to upgrade your OS, but
obsolescence would be a possibility. I've also read up more on SDR and
some people really like it but also complain of some bugs, crashes,
having to restart the program, etc. That would be disappointing during
a contact or contest. I think I'll let that mature a little more.

73,

Brian / KB3TCC

On Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 10:34 AM, Kirk Talbott <kirktal7237 at msn.com> wrote:
> 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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