DavidL142
Member
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.
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.
Especially after modification. Then you have a base CB station too running at 100w (or thereabouts.)The Icom IC-7300 is incredibly popular, for good reason. It's a great radio.
Why suggest breaking the law when the OP didn't even ask about this topic.Especially after modification. Then you have a base CB station too running at 100w (or therebaskabouts.)![]()
Why suggest breaking the law when the OP didn't even ask about this topic.
Yes, but using on the CB bands isn't legal.There's no "law" against modifying your ham radio transceiver
My vote for Icom IC-718
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.
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.)That goofy thing is almost $500. The 125W amp is over $600. For that price, you can buy a real 100W radio.
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.But if someone has limited resources, especially if they have no interest in a 100W signal...