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Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: HF looking Sat Jan 02, 2021 9:27 am
Hi everyone, I have reviewed so many radio's, yeasu ft450d, icon, etc, can't seem to make a decision, looking for something bigger than the 450d for home setup, my eyes are not the best don't want anything to hard to drive, was looking at the alinco dx-sr8 but hard to find, what can you all recommend please, I have watched so many videos, my budget is probably £400 plus unless I buy the wife a big bunch of flowers etc.....
Alan - Mirror Man likes this post
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 5173 Times Thanked : 326 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:30 am
Hi Chris,
It's horrible having to scour around for a 'new' radio and glad my own decision was taken out of my hands, (I was a lucky sod gifted a radio from a very dear friend!)
You can play 'top-trumps' by looking at specs until you're blue in the face and still get no nearer to buying a radio. It's best to understand that just about every radio receives/transmits as well as each other, everything thereafter is just 'bells & whistles' or personal choices.
Not only was I lucky enough to be gifted a radio but fortunately I was also able to repair and service it, something I know not everyone is capable of so second-hand radios can be a minefield. Most honest sellers will happily demonstrate a radio for you and even send a video of it in operation to assure you that it works as expected. If they "can't be bothered" to even answer simple questions then there's plenty of other radios available out there.
You can buy good second hand radios from many resellers but just remember that you often have to pay a premium for their efforts in providing you a good quality radio with reassurance/guarantees.
The second hand market is a bit fierce at the moment with high prices demanded due to the amount of new and returning Amateurs all looking for radios. I've seen prices jump ridiculously in the past year! There are also private sellers who have jumped on the bandwagon of price hikes and some are asking as much as official reseller stores do. Unless it comes with the same guarantees as a business I can't see how they justify it.
Be wary of radios turning up at a price too good to believe....they often are and you'll at best land up with a non-working radio or at worst be ripped off and never get the radio(!)
Also be aware that if you find a good radio from a foreign seller you may well find yourself with a big fat 'import duty' and 'VAT' bill!!
Every so often take a breather from searching for the 'perfect' radio and above all be patient. So often people buy a radio, (or anything), in haste and then repent at their leisure
But above all think about what you really want out of a radio. Does it need to be portable? Are you after 'mod-cons'? Do you want multiple 'menu' options or do you like twiddling good old fashioned knobs? Some of these even basic requirements/likes will help you whittle down your choices considerably.
Surprisingly even with recent price hikes a budget of £400+ will give you a choice of many radios. I'd say pick one you like that you can afford and ultimately be happy with your choice. It can be a quest for the proverbial 'holy-grail' as with many things in life but if you remain 'happy' with the radio you get and get to know it well it'll be a great 'keeper'
So unfortunately no recommendations from me, (I don't care what the brand of radio is so long as it does it's job), but I hope it gives you food for thought.
Best of luck with it, I do hope you find a great radio.
Victor
(PS - My own personal choice of radio is one with good old fashioned knobs! I absolutely love my old Yaesu FT757gx and it does everything I've ever asked or wanted. I didn't get on with a friends FT897D as it has way too many menu options/settings to find....plus it just sounded awful to me! However, I do lust after his old FT101! Personal choices like that can be the difference between hating a particular radio or loving it.)
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26ct954 Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:45 am
Thanks probably what I want knobs twiddling, don't need menus telling me how to make the tea etc,, a lot of people are putting them on Facebook ,and yes prices have gone up, someone I have talking to about a ft450 he wouldn't do payment through PayPal goods, services, I am not losing money, starting the foundation tomorrow, with essexham, have been on the mock papers, getting 21 out of 26 just getting through..stay safe...
Victor, 43CT016 and Alan - Mirror Man like this post
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 5173 Times Thanked : 326 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:51 am
Nice one Chris,
I do hope you find a radio that makes you happy and serves you well. Good call on the PayPal decision, you don't want to be ripped off mate.
Best of luck with your Foundation studies, EssexHam are awesome and helped me through my Foundation, (best thing I ever did!) You'll do well I'm sure, even 19 questions correct is enough to pass and as they say, a pass is a pass
All the best, Victor
Alan - Mirror Man and 26ct954 like this post
26ct954 Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Jan 02, 2021 11:53 am
Cheers, take care, and stay safe better time's coming...
Alan - Mirror Man likes this post
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HF looking Mon Jan 04, 2021 6:03 pm
I like 2 old radios easy to use. Yaesu FT-990.
Kenwood TS-570D Both are simple to use and can be wide banded, some are already done. 5Watts to 100W perfect for moving up the ladder should you wish to and have SSB and FM modes on. have a look. 73 Mark.
Sgt Bilko Major contributor
Call Sign : 108 ct 302 - mm0ibe Posts : 261 Times Thanked : 17 Join date : 2019-07-20 QTH or Location : Prestonpans. East Lothian Equipment Used : SS9900 Age : 54
Subject: Re: HF looking Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:45 pm
Already mentioned the 570 in another thread he started Mark. The 990 is another cracker. Both in his area of spending. But he's already got another thread started about an Alinco so i think we're wasting our time.
Paul.
NUBSTER and Alan - Mirror Man like this post
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2360 Times Thanked : 60 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: HF looking Wed Jan 06, 2021 2:39 pm
As above.
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Guest Guest
Subject: Re: HF looking Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:06 pm
OK
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 5173 Times Thanked : 326 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: HF looking Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:05 pm
"was looking at the alinco dx-sr8 but hard to find"
That quote from the OP Chris speaks volumes for me....
I'm sure some of us recall both the feeling of excitement and being overwhelmed with options when looking for a radio set, let alone a first HF radio. The guy has dipped his toe into the Radio Amateur world, signed up for the Essex Ham training course and has a set budget in mind for his own progress into what can be a very rewarding hobby.
For some, splashing out £400 on a radio might be undertaken nonchalantly with the thoughts that if you don't like it you can sell it on. For others it can be a huge sum of money and you would want to be utterly sure of your purchase before parting with that amount of cash.
There's a bewildering array of radios available and a bewildering array of personal views on each of them....
....they'll be an equally bewildering array of questions.
Alan - Mirror Man likes this post
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Thu Feb 18, 2021 3:02 am
You ain't wrong. I'm looking for another radio, Now I've past my test, but what exactly I want and need is bewildering
Last edited by Monty on Thu Feb 18, 2021 2:16 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sgt Bilko Major contributor
Call Sign : 108 ct 302 - mm0ibe Posts : 261 Times Thanked : 17 Join date : 2019-07-20 QTH or Location : Prestonpans. East Lothian Equipment Used : SS9900 Age : 54
Subject: Re: HF looking Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:34 am
My mate has a boxed Kenwood TS-50 in beautiful condition. Basic radio, does 10w 50w 100w and open to 11 mtrs. He is thinking of selling. Cracking starter HF radio. Same size as a Superstar 3900 / Cobra 148 etc so small enough to go mobile as well.
Paul.
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:47 pm
*******DELETED*******
Last edited by Monty on Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:02 am; edited 1 time in total
Sgt Bilko Major contributor
Call Sign : 108 ct 302 - mm0ibe Posts : 261 Times Thanked : 17 Join date : 2019-07-20 QTH or Location : Prestonpans. East Lothian Equipment Used : SS9900 Age : 54
Subject: Re: HF looking Thu Feb 18, 2021 8:18 pm
????
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Thu Feb 18, 2021 9:26 pm
sorry came out wrong, Whats the price on this radio
2TX240 New Member
Call Sign : 2-CT-240 Posts : 19 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2021-02-11 QTH or Location : SW AZ USA Equipment Used : Icom IC-718, Anytone, Stryker, Yeticomm
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:19 pm
Icom IC-718 is a great, basic HF rig
I have 2 of them, one I bought new in 2002, the other used from a friend (that was new in 2004)
Both running great to this day.
The one I picked up used was my my mobile radio for 15 years... Now it is in the shack for digital mode use...
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 5:45 pm
2002 , be a bit old now
2TX240 New Member
Call Sign : 2-CT-240 Posts : 19 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2021-02-11 QTH or Location : SW AZ USA Equipment Used : Icom IC-718, Anytone, Stryker, Yeticomm
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:26 pm
They still make them... https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/718/default.aspx same basic radio, just a power section update
1 diode to remove (D54), 1.6MHZ-30MHz TX/RX
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2360 Times Thanked : 60 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:47 pm
If the radio does what you want it to do does it matter how old it is.
2TX240 likes this post
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 7:34 pm
well yes, the caps might be going, the tracks could be going, loads of things that could make it a bad buy . The cost of any repair, I can't do it myself, would make it not cost effective.
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2360 Times Thanked : 60 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:10 pm
Simple answer then buy a ft991a job done. Make sure it's new then you have a g/tee with it.
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:14 pm
yer newer makes more sense for 'me'
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:15 pm
I'm holding back in case I win the Xmas draw
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2360 Times Thanked : 60 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Feb 20, 2021 6:53 am
Monty wrote:
I'm holding back in case I win the Xmas draw
Did you actually want to but a HF radio. My advice would be for you to take your own advice as it doesn't look like we can help you.
NUBSTER and 2TX240 like this post
Monty Contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-265 2W1TER Posts : 59 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-10-12 QTH or Location : Aberystwyth, West Wales. Equipment Used : SS6900 N YAESU FTDX 101MP
Subject: Re: HF looking Sat Feb 20, 2021 7:48 am
It's called having a conversation, but yer I think I will listen to me. Sorry you didn't like that fact I didn't follow you , but that's the way it goes. I might take other ppls advice though.