Ham radio help

[Sandman]

I recently received my tech license (plan to do general and extra) and need some advice on a good first radio. I have a 2 meter that was given to me that can be made mobile. I was looking for a good radio that can do it all from a base station (2m, 6m, 70, hf). Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

[Guest theoldguy]

the all mode radio's have 440, 2m and 6m - 160. the main ones are the icom 706 and icom 7000. the ken wood ts-2000 and yaesu has the ft-857 and the ft 897. they all are great radios . I have had all of them but kept the ts-20000 and the ic7000. again all depends on whether you want them for base radio or mobile

[Guest uofmeet]

theoldguy is correct. There are a several radios out there that are all band/all mode radios. I have a TS-2000 which is a great rig for base station, but I prob wouldn't want to use it mobile. However, I also have an FT-857 which would be great for mobile, but maybe not as great for a base station. However, the FT-857 is cheaper than the TS-2000, the the IC-706 is no longer in current production. The FT-857, or FT-897(which are the same radio, different package) would be a good on to start with because you could use it as a base and also run it mobile until you had the funds to get a second radio. However, to run HF which the 857/897 would require a tuner unless you cut your antenna to one band while the TS-2000 has on built in. However, the built in one that comes with the TS-2000 will tune some antennas, but won't tune everything. A little more details on what you plan on doing, we can steer you a little bit better.

[Sandman]

I'm wanting a base station. I want one that two years from now I don't say, "crap...I wish I would have bought this one instead."

[R_Bert]

[quote name='Sandman' timestamp='1354064456' post='851666']
I'm wanting a base station. I want one that two years from now I don't say, "crap...I wish I would have bought this one instead."
[/quote]

Fact is, with time and experience, your requirements will change. You have to start somewhere..

Over 37 years, with Honor Roll, DXCC++ on 9 bands, WAS on multiple bands including 6 meters, and VUCC on 4 bands, I have probably owned or operated over 50 makes and models.

I have modern radios, and I have a few older but decent quality rigs as well. Guess which ones have better basic receivers ?

SO.. in basic terms, most of them, especially the ones that have survived the long term market, will work fine.

Figure out your budget, go with the midrange models suggested by the others, and just get started.

Trust me, if someone suggests a crap rig, the outcry will be immediate and loud.

The only suggestion I strongly have on rigs is absolutely stay away from single conversion receivers. They are incredibly susceptible to front-end overload.

Last, invest in antennas. That is where your performance will be.

Have fun, and operate. Like shooting, there is no substitute for experience and practice.

Bert - K4AR Edited November 28, 2012 by R_Bert

[Dustbuster]

Im a tech as well and went through the same process.bert nailed it well. Radios can be like guns,something for everyone.Might help to know what bands the folks are working in your area.With 2 m and 440 being popular youd probably fare well,but Id do some research and see what repeaters are in the area. I have a handful of radios that are well over 10 years old but work perfectly well.Sometimes age doesnt matter w radios.Used can be a good way to go to save money,try before you buy,and or bring someone w experience to help.Hams are honest for the most part and love to wheel and deal for "stuff".You may catch a coffee session as most of the hamfests are done for the year or may hit a site like hro or grove in ohio on the net.
If you need any help catch me off list.
73's
KB2YOD

[DaveTN]

[quote name='Sandman' timestamp='1354064456' post='851666']
I'm wanting a base station. I want one that two years from now I don't say, "crap...I wish I would have bought this one instead."
[/quote]
You will always be changing radios. It’s always good to state a price range. Are you ready to jump in with a $2K radio? There are some really nice old HF radios out there that don’t cost a lot.

If you are running a base I would first be concerned with a good tower set-up. You need to think about how tall it will be, will it be a hinged tower or will you be able to climb it when you want to change or add antennas? A quality tower is a pretty significant cost but needs to be done first.

[R_Bert]

I used to run portable mountaintop operations. Put them up over a weekend, take them down.

I have 42 states confirmed on 144 Mhz SSB/CW that way. My 2M & 222Mhz antennas have 34' booms and were mounted in a number of ways over the years, from a concreted hole in the ground to a trailer mounted crankup tower with outriggers for stabilization.

So, don't be afraid of thinking out of the box. Apartment dwellers are very creative about getting on the air.

B. Edited November 28, 2012 by R_Bert

[enfield]

Let me tell you what I'm running, after 30+ years on the air:

A Kenwood TS-850SAT that I've had for 10 years, bought it used and have had it reconditioned recently. 160-10 meters, including WARC bands. It's a fine piece of equipment.

Drake twins - T4X transmitter and R4-B receiver, made in 1967/68, that I've owned since 1982. 160-10 meters plus any other band in between that you have a crystal for. Beautiful, vintage tube equipment. Listening to 3980 right now.

Icom 706MkIIg for mobile use. I've had it mounted in my truck since new about 10 years ago. They now sell used on Ebay for the same price I paid for it 10 years ago. A great radio and a lot of bang for the buck.

For VHF/UHF base, I use a few single band mobile radios - Motorola, Icom, Kenwood, ADI -- all bought used.

You can spend more money, but the question is: What satisfies your needs and wants?

ps - look at the equipment review on eham.net Edited November 28, 2012 by enfield

[Dustbuster]

Something else i figured id pass on was,my first radio was an alinco djg5t handheld. a dualband 2m/440 that came with nothing but a charger but had a lot of features,I still have it to this day. it got me going.once i got friendly w it i moved up to mobile units. lots of options out there from mild to wild wallet and preference rule...

[Guest uofmeet]

Kenwood TS-2000 is one of the rigs I have and prob the one I like the best.

[Guest ztnedman1]

[quote name='Sandman' timestamp='1354039879' post='851418']
I recently received my tech license (plan to do general and extra) and need some advice on a good first radio. I have a 2 meter that was given to me that can be made mobile. I was looking for a good radio that can do it all from a base station (2m, 6m, 70, hf). Any helpful advice would be appreciated.
[/quote]

Trying to send you a pm but your box is full

[Cherokee Slim]

Where are you in "East Tennessee"?
Cherokee Slim
KC4IHO

[Sandman]

[quote name='Cherokee Slim' timestamp='1354729850' post='855284']
Where are you in "East Tennessee"?
Cherokee Slim
KC4IHO
[/quote]

I'm in Knoxville!
KK4MXI