First HF radio?

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DavidL142

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Any recommendations for a first HF rig? I’m pretty new to all of this. I’ve been really enjoying CB SSB and thats getting me interested Ham radio.
 

slowmover

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Choices can be bewildering at first.

Link isn’t a recommendation, per se, but what’s discussed in re a particular radio is a worthwhile line of thought.

“What’s a starting point?”

On a new subject, gimme what’s superseded so I’ve a clue about latest & greatest. (The “why”).

.
 

hill

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Starting out in ham radio it would be great for you to attend meetings of a local radio club and would be great for you to join it. As there would be members that can help you set up you first HF and learn all about it.

While buying new is great to get your feet into ham radio used radio is best. To make sure you like it before shelling out your cash.

A radio club member most likely has a good used radio to sell you. A some members could possibly loan you a radio to try before purchasing that one or a new one to get you on the air.
 

kg4ehv

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As stated, visit a local club and talk to the folks. Also a trip to HRO or the like, where you can turn a dial or two. Good luck in your search.
 

hill

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Especially after modification. Then you have a base CB station too running at 100w (or therebaskabouts.) :LOL:
Why suggest breaking the law when the OP didn't even ask about this topic.

Ham radios are only guaranteed specification within it's rated bands and when used outside this range things can happen.
 

DavidL142

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Thanks for all the suggestions. For some reason my original post was split into 2 threads. This was my original post and was replying to mmckenna

 

AK9R

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The thread was split because in a thread where you started off asking about CB radios, you then asked about HF amateur radios.
 

sloop

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My vote for Icom IC-718....great starter radio and user friendly. Covers 160 to 10 meters. You will also need a power supply, an antenna tuner, and of course an antenna. Buying everything new will run about $1000 depending of course on the type of power supply, antenna tuner, and antenna you get. Local ham clubs are excellent sources of used equipment. Good luck
 

K7MH

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A lot depends on what you want to spend/budget for the radio. Remember antennas are the most important aspect of being successful in making contacts.
In any event I would only consider a transceiver that covers all the HF bands. Not just a 10 meter radio.
 

hill

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My vote for Icom IC-718


IC-718 is a great starter HF radio wiil be easy to operate. I was gifted a IC-718 a few month's ago.

Would think the IC-718 would better for a beginner than a IC-7300. Yes the IC-7300 as more features, plus 6 meters. You can always upgrade to better radio after you get more experience in ham radio and then the IC-718 can be a backup radio or used portable for like special events or Parks On The Air.
 

GlobalNorth

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What modes are you interested in? Do you live on acreage, a small residential lot, a townhouse, an apartment, or? Using an amp? Do you have an antenna in mind?

Lots of factors to consider before anything more than a general recommend can be provided.
 

krokus

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The Xiegu G90 is popular, and there is a sale on a package deal, from Radioddity. It is a 20W radio, with an external 100W amp available.
 

KF0SKV

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The Icom IC 7100 is also a good radio. Besides HF, this radio also sports 6/2/70m and D-Star. I received it from my late friend, who was a ham. It got me back into HF monitoring after being away from it for a number of years and couldn't be happier with it!
 

krokus

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That goofy thing is almost $500. The 125W amp is over $600. For that price, you can buy a real 100W radio.
It is a good starting point, and is a decent radio. There are better, and more powerful, radios available. But if someone has limited resources, especially if they have no interest in a 100W signal, it is a solid option. (K4OGO has videos on his YT channel, where he is making some really nice contacts with the G90, using it at either 10 or 20 Watts.)
 

AK9R

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But if someone has limited resources, especially if they have no interest in a 100W signal...
In my opinion, starting someone out in HF with a QRP radio is a mistake. Yes, they may be able to make contacts using FT8, but it will be difficult to make SSB contacts using QRP and the very compromised antennas that beginners often start with. I'm not against QRP, but I don't think it's a good way to start out. My opinion.
 
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