looking to buy a first radio

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insomnia2009

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hi im noel from ireland i was just looking at th forum and seen some interesting stuff i once was using usb for dx i want to get a new radio for hf etc what would you guys think would be nice starter set up need antenna also thanks in advance
 

KT4HX

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Welcome to the forums Noel. You question is very general and broad in it's scope. I think before anyone can effectively address your question, we would need some more information from you.

1) What exactly on HF are you interested in receiving; shortwave broadcast stations, ham radio operators, aircraft, utility stations, etc. The different modes come into play here - AM, USB, LSB, CW.

2) What type of operation are you looking for? Do you want a more permanent setup with a desktop receiver and antenna mounted outdoors? Something that is more portable with a built-in whip antenna and maybe a small reel antenna you can take on holiday?

3) Are you looking to buy new or used? What is your price range? Are you looking to spend a smaller amount initially to see if it's a hobby you want to invest more in, or are you ready to go full speed ahead and plunk down more money for more radio from the beginning? There are receivers available for just about any budget.

Give some thought to the above factors. When you have an idea of some of the specifics of what you want to get out of the hobby and how deeply you wish to invest in it, then there should be no shortage of people willing to put forth their recommendations. Again welcome!
 

insomnia2009

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Aug 3, 2010
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ireland
hi and thanks for your reply and sorry i did not give enough information i want to set up a home base set up and i want some thing universal to what you were saying in the above i would like to be able to listen to them all a good decent radio price range im not to sure also antenna and power supply this was an old hobby of mind i used to have a president jackson on usb has it advanced much since the president jackson days
 

ka3jjz

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Jul 22, 2002
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Bowie, Md.
Being able to 'listen to it all' is a rather difficult task. HF comprises a lot of different services besides CB (which is where that Pres Jackson radio worked, around 27 mhz). Amateur radio, military, broadcast, utilities....there's quite a plethoria of things you can hear.

Being in Ireland, it seriously limits some of the recommendations I would normally make, particularly in the area of what you are allowed to have and listen to, as well as where to go to find radios. However, our wiki has a huge amount of information you can read for yourself - in particular, receiver reviews and antennas. Note that both here and in the wiki, anything blue is a link...

HF Equipment and Accessories - The RadioReference Wiki

and for a more local flavor...

bdxc.org.uk

73 (best regards) and GL....Mike
 
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