[ICOM] IC-781 pricing?

[Mike Olbrisch]

Good morning Eric.

You obviously stirred up someone who has had a series of lemon experiences.  Let me give you the flip-side without sounding like I just woke up.

It sounds to me like you want a 781 because you want one.  Just like some people want an old Collins or an old Heath radio.  And why not?  I have a collection or receivers, one as old as 1936, and even a Knight-kit.  It wasn't that the Knight-Kit was a good receiver.  I saw it and I wanted it.  Done.

I have a 781 right now.  I admit that I do not use it much.  But I will not sell it either, at least not for the going price..... meaning everything is for sale if you offer enough.

A few years ago I considered selling it and getting one of the PRO radios.  After discussing it with a few people - one a prominent user of this list - and hearing of the problems the PRO-III has, I decided that it wasn't worth the upgrade.  Sure - the PRO-III is a better radio.  But not that much better.  I decided to keep what I had.

Before you jump, I suggest you contact two people direct and ask for info.  E-mail Adam on this list and ask him for info, and read his ICOM pages.  Then contact Scott Malcom and ask him about which radios he sees coming in for repairs, and what problems to look out for in the 781.  The one issue I had with mine was easily fixed, and Scott even had the part in stock.

As to the CRT, they are available - and cheap.  I bought a spare for my 781 and for my R-9000.  E-mail me direct for the info on that.

One last suggestion, go to http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/14 and read the 49 reviews on the 781.  People on there are pretty honest and you can learn a lot.  Interestingly enough, none of the PRO series radios has rated as high as the 781 on E-Ham.

You take care sir, nice to see you are still out there.  The 10m module you sold me is in the Toyota, just waiting for some sunspots.

Vy73.

Mike - KD9KC.
El Paso, Tx.
DM61rt

Molon labe. [mo-lone lah-veh] Google it...

=============================================
The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights reserved.
============================================= 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf
> Of kk2ed at comcast.net
> Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 8:55 PM
> To: icom at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [ICOM] IC-781 pricing?
> 
> 
> 
> Good Evening,
> 
> 
> 
> I am interested in hearing what Icom 781s are worth nowadays.  I have been looking for a
> mint 781 to add to my collection, and have seen a few for sale recently.  There have been
> some really low priced units in fair to decent shape, but what should I expect to pay for a
> late serial number, non-scratched, low usage mint condition 781?
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> 
> Eric
> 
> KE2D
> 
> 
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> To support QSL/QTH.net: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html