Like most things in life its directly related to how much you want to spend! There is a lot of British Racal Clansman that’s all good and reasonable priced. The big problem you will find in most US equipment is that a majority of packsets that were intended for field use are USB only, not an issue on twenty or sixty meters but can be on forty and eighty. That being said the PRC-74 is relatively good performer and if you get a 74C that will also cover twenty meters. The PRC-70 will do USB/LSB and six meter FM too but they tend to be pricey although have seen several sell in the $1,500 range lately and about the same thing with the PRC-104 along with the 70 and the 104 espicaley being a bear to work on.

Harris Falcon sets are super expensive and often difficult to use. The 5800 a good radio but things like the 7800 require specialized software to set up and operate that’s not always available.

I had a AN/PRC-74 that is a good entry radio with all the accessories that I sold on line and will be delivering to Gilbert and know there are more out there in the $400 to $700 price range so hope that information helps.

Ray F/KA3EKH

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of KD2GIY
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 12:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MRCA] My first Green manpack HF radio help.

Hello group, 

I'm looking to buy my first HF green radio.. I figured that this group can give me some good ideas about what to look for. 

Here are some things that are important to me. 

Must haves 

1. In manpac form

2. 40m.Lsb . 20m.Usb

3. Battery that can be recharged or converted to LIPO4 

4. Something American, mostly 

5. I would rather not mess with tubes. 

I will be going to redball in PA for the event so anything looks interesting, I can buy it in person.

Email me directly if you have something for sale at [email protected]

OR reply to this with any suggestions on what radios to look for. 

Thanks in advance.

Dave

--

KD2GIY

  USA