[Mobile-Portable] New HF Rig for Mobile Use

[Earl Needham]

At 06:09 PM 1/13/2007, Jerry Pyle wrote:
>I have been reading reviews of the Icom IC-7K, IC-706, Yaesu FT-857D and the
>Kenwood TS-480SAT for Mobile use in my Subaru Forester. I would like to know
>good points and bad points of the rigs I mentioned above before I run out
>and buy one.

         I have an IC-706MK2G.  I really wanted the FT-857D but for 
whatever reason I got the 706, and it's probably a good thing -- when 
I finally saw the 857 in person, I didn't care for it.  I've used the 
706 mobile and at home, and it works great.  I just wish the receiver 
was a little tighter on CW -- it seems like the 350 Hz filter is a 
bit wider than 350 Hz.

         As for operating mobile, yes, I've operated CW while running 
down the interstate, but not in much traffic.  I've used it with the 
AH-4 and a CB whip on the mirror mounts of the Kenworth that I drive, 
and I've used it with a Hustler setup instead of the CB whip.  It's 
acceptable, but I think a screwdriver would be better on the low 
bands.  Having 2 meters and 70 cm in the same box as HF makes it 
quite convenient.  The ability to separate the front panel and the 
main "box" gives you more options in a smaller vehicle.  All in all, 
it works well as a mobile.

         I also use the AH-4 with a 110' long wire, and work a bit of 
DX with it on CW.

         But today, I would probably buy the Icom 7000 to get the DSP 
at the IF instead of the AF, and to get the nicer display.  The 7000 
will also work with the AH-4, BTW.

         7 3
         Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
"Just say NO to DHL"