[OKDXA] Best low band rig <$600

[Nelson Derks]

No doubt in my mind opinions will vary on this one... But... Given the 
price point I'd look hard for a Kenwood TS-930 or TS-940 with a 
preference for whichever appears less abused and/or optioned with 
desirable filters. $600 might be a close call as I'm not up on current 
pricing but I suspect that with a bit of haggling it could happen.

Aside from that, I've always admired the Yaesu FT-901 and FT-902. You 
should be able to score either one well within the price point. The 
FT-902 is preferred as it has the WARC bands. The drawback here is the 
tube finals, but at least they run a 12BY7 driving a pair of 6146B's 
which should be available for a while. As with the Kenwoods, the value 
of any installed filters should be considered above the cosmetics.

Probably.

I wouldn't touch anything with sweep tube finals, and you might be 
surprised at what Drake C-Line rigs are still going for. It's almost 
like a cult thing.

One other rig I've had minor hots for was the Kenwood TS-870 which I 
think is not going to happen for less than a kilobuck, but ya' never 
know. The same can be said for the Icom IC-765, and that's not a typo... 
Talking about the not-with-the-LCD-display IC-765. Very well regarded rig.

Which brings up another point: The IC-756 *with* the LCD display that 
tends to crater and be expensive to replace is one of the better bangs 
for the buck in used rigs because of the bad rep the LCD panel has given 
it. I doubt you'll see one in the $600 range... But... Ya' never know. I 
have one here that hasn't developed any LCD issues.

Yet.

One last thot: I think the Kenwood TS-450 and TS-690 (same box but with 
6 Meters) are definite sleepers on the used market. Not much snob 
appeal, but more than adequate and extremely long-lived. Plenty of them 
out there, too

All the models I've mentioned have tested mods and known issues that can 
be researched on the web and that's a good thing / bad thing situation. 
Good because others have been there, done that, bad because they needed 
to. Assume that anything you score will need some TLC, if only a 
touch-up on the alignment.

BTW: This web site is your friend........ 
http://www.radioamateur.eu/schemari.html


John Geiger wrote:
> I realize that limiting oneself to a budget of less than $600 will decrease the list considerably, but in the list member's opinion, what is the best DXing and contesting for the low bands (30m-80m) for less than $600.
>
> 73s John AA5JG
>
>
>