[OKDXA] Best low band rig <$600

[Kim Elmore]

I should also mention that mine has the optional TCXO installed. It's 
very touchy to calibrate, but I found that once it was dialed in, it 
was quite stable. I don;t know how common this addition was, but I'm 
told that the standard master oscillator drifts around a bit.

Another rig worth considering might be the Yeasu FT-102, but only one 
that has been worked on and modified by Mal Eiselman, NC4L. My Dad 
(W5JHJ, SK) had one and I enjoyed using it. The tx is stout, running 
3x6146Bs in the final with a stiff HV ps. As it is a tube rig, it 
must be tuned. The rx is superb and very smooth. There is very little 
phase noise -- it essentially has the same rx as the FT-1000. It is 
not QSK-capable and is not a good high duty cycle candidate. No 
computer control of any kind is available for the FT-102, which might 
be a drawback. The "Malcolmized" FT-102s tend to be priced similarly 
to the nice TS-930SAT rigs.

73,

Kim Elmore N5OP