Cheap Radio for CW?

[KB3SKU]

Hi i would like to know if there are any Cheap HF Radio's for CW?

The reason i ask is cause i would like to Learn CW. I really don't want to spend $800 on a HF radio if i can help it. Plus i need to stay in the Technician Class bands.

thank you in advance for the help.

KB3SKU

73

 

[CalebATC]

Why not make one? You can make one (With the help of another ham most likely)

As for now, your out of luck. Learn the code first, then go for it. You may give up, and start studying for you general, so you can talk on those bands. Although, learn the code! I am going to start learning it (again, I forgot some after not exercising the code) after I pass my general.

Your best bet would be to find a older tube radio, and pick it up for $250-+, they are around. But, you may want to venture into the other bands, amateur, or monitoring, so I would recommended getting a new radio that is general receive, and does all the bands. Most tubes only do 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10. The other bands can be fun, too (WARC), and, you may want to get into monitoring.

My favorite website to learn CW is Welcome to LCWO.net - Learn Morse Code (CW) Online! - Learn CW Online . That's where I learned it. Don't learn the dots, learn it like you are learning another language. You have to "talk" it is what I found.

 

[zz0468]

See if you can find something like a Heathkit HW-101 on eBay. I see several listed for under $100. You'll need the matching power supply, but I'm guessing you could find the radio, and power supply for around $250 including shipping.

 

[N8IAA]

Caleb has a good idea, but why not check these out: MFJ-413 code tutor, or, inexpensive 40 cw kit wired up-MFJ-9340W, or, the MFJ-9380K (kit). They're in your license class.
HTH,
Larry

 

[wa1ufo]

I am glad you want to get into cw! I would not recommend an older tube set unless you are familiar with working on high voltage circuits and can find the parts. I think a good used solid state rig would be about right. Try to find a local and experienced ham to help you with finding one. I bought an Icom IC718 and a manual antenna tuner for 300 bucks. It was a great deal and everything works perfectly! I ragchew on cw between 7100 and 7125 where the speeds are slow and everyone is friendly. I have been an swl for 54 years and a ham for 25 mostly cw on bugs and straight keys. Email me at wa1ufo@gmail.com if you have more questions and good luck! 73s de wa1ufo-Hans

 

[k8krh]

On qth dot com there is a mfj 9040 cw radio for a reasonable price just put in qrp for search, I had one for years and it worked great...don't get the cub mfj advertised..

DOCTOR/795

 

[k9rzz]

May I suggest that whatever radio you choose, one with a CW filter would be a big plus. A 500hz filter is plenty adequate and come stock in many radios, 250hz is really nice, but narrower than you _need_. Sure, you can get along without, but it will make your life easier! Hope to see you on the bands soon.

 

[K9WG]

+1 on the CW filter.

 

[KB3SKU]

thanks for the help.