[Icom] 706 MkII or TS-50 for Mobile HF?

[WA9ALS - John]

> to consider is "will it fit?". I cut out an actual size ad of the 706 face
> and tried various places on the dash of my truck to find just the right
spot
> for viewing, and most important, safety. Don't forget the cereal boxes we
> throw out as these can easily be cut and taped into life size "radios" to
> check for fit, especialy helpful when considering the Kenwood.  Just look
up
> the size specs. Copy an ad of the front of the radio from a magazine and
> enlarge it to the actual size  works well also. Be sure to check mic cord
> location also.

Give the ergonomics some thought.  What works best for me is to have the
radio sitting in the center with the tuning knob within reach of my fingers
with my arm resting on the center console.  Thus my arm is at rest, and I
can tune manually with just the use of my fingers.  Although I could see the
dial a little better if I had the face remoted on the dash, I can't imagine
driving down the road reaching out there all the time.  I don't really like
tuning with the microphone either.  To each his own - just give it some
thought first.  In all likelihood, you will try it one way and then after
some experience in your vehicle, you will arrive at how you'd really like to
do it!  ;-)