[Yaesu] Good HF rig for $500?

[mikea]

On Sat, Jun 16, 2007 at 05:45:33AM -0000, John Geiger wrote:
> I recently picked up a Yaesu FT857D for VHF/UHF/satellite work and
>am now looking for a good HF rig to use, so I can use the FT857D to
>monitor for 6m band openings. What are some good Yaesu HF rigs in
>the $500 or so price range? Want something that can handle contest
>conditions to an extent.

Try the Yaesu FT-845 (I think); it's the newest Yaesu HF rig, and is 
intended to be an affordable basic HF rig. Or spend a little more and
get another 857D (I own two) or a yet a little more and get an 897D,
which is bigger, easier to operate, and intended as a base station --
though it's nicely portable, too. I own an 897D as well. 

I can't compare them to their contemporary ICOM rigs, but quite like 
the receivers, and the transmitters do manage to get out. 

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin