HF Radio

[uno1904]

What's a good entry level, price conscious HF radio?


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[canav844]

If you're looking to go new, I'd say the Yaesu 857, Icom 718 (or if you can find one still in new condition a 706), and on paper the Alinco DX-SRT8 appears to fit the bill. But I'd take the time to do lots of reading, if you have an idea of where your interests may lie then you may be able to select a rig better for your intentions (be it contesting, ecomm, digital modes, chasing DX, or just turning it on and seeing what contacts you're able to make while driving); rather than buying a good basic unit, then realizing another radio may have been a better fit as a long term investment.

Entry level, as in newly licensed or newly upgraded I'd avoid the QRP only rigs, as the extra power had by the others serves as a good set of training wheels to make up for antenna and feedline losses, and it's easier to dial the power back than to add the cost and extra component of an amp, certainly when you're asking only 5 watts or less to drive it. Which can be handy when learning antennas and being able to make contacts and affirm ability interest and confidence while new to the HF world

 

[uno1904]

I was thinking used and I'm testing Saturday for my tech then I'm going to work on my general. I was thinking just dx chasing or just making contacts. I'm not into contesting and the others I'm still new to.


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[elk2370bruce]

I was quite fortunate in that I was able to get a used (but not abused) ICOM 756-Pro 2 from a reputable source at a good price. Please remember that used equipment quality varies from damn near new to utter garbage. Bring an experienced ham with you when looking at, and testing ANY used radio. While most members in our hobby are beyond reproach and helpful to newbies, there are always a few bad apples. Caveat emptor.

 

[LtDoc]

At this point don't get what you think is a 'good' HF radio. Wait till you have a little experience, the license naturally, and have had a chance to figure out what 'features' you will want. Other wise, you are only going to hear what I or someone else thinks is a nice radio, which may not be what you think is a nice radio.
Best way of selecting any kind of radio is to get you hands on it and see if it 'suits' you. That's also the hardest thing to do in most cases. So, look around, ask questions, then THINK about it.
Good luck.
- 'Doc

 

[uno1904]

So is getting an older vintage radio a bad idea just to get your feet wet? (Example Yaesu 101)


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[n5ims]

So is getting an older vintage radio a bad idea just to get your feet wet? (Example Yaesu 101)


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Getting an old radio is probably your best solution unless you know exactly what you really want and exactly how you really want it to work. A fancy new radio with a huge list of features and lots of buttons may be a total waste of $$$ if it has many costly features you don't use or is too complicated. One that just barely does what you need know will get old fast. A new radio, like a new car, depreciates real quickly while an old radio often holds its value quite well.

You can probably get a good used mid-range radio for a few hundred, use it for several months, and if it turns out you don't really like it all that well, sell it for the same few hundred and get another one. Nearly zero radio cost for that several month use. Just be certain to check it out very well and most often the best deals are ham to ham with no dealer inbetween. The dealer will only add their markup and you probably won't be able to actually try out the radio prior to buying it. With a ham-to-ham sell the seller will most likely be able to show you how it works and let you give it a good test drive.

Another good place to look is a local hamfest. Most have dealers where you can get new (and possibly used) radios. There's generally a good selection to look at and "play with", but they may not fully work due to antenna issues (it's hard to put a great antenna in an auditorium). Also many hamfests have "swap tables" where used equipment can be found. The down side is nearly always the swap fest areas don't have power and nearly always don't have working antennas so a full "try before you buy" isn't possible. If the seller is local (and many are), they may allow you to visit their shack for the test drive if you're really serious about the radio.

 

[RadioWARE]

So is getting an older vintage radio a bad idea just to get your feet wet? (Example Yaesu 101)


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Bad idea, get a used modern solid state rig that you can test first, try a local swapmeet or hamfest.

 

[K9WG]

At this point don't get what you think is a 'good' HF radio. Wait till you have a little experience, the license naturally, and have had a chance to figure out what 'features' you will want. Other wise, you are only going to hear what I or someone else thinks is a nice radio, which may not be what you think is a nice radio.
Best way of selecting any kind of radio is to get you hands on it and see if it 'suits' you. That's also the hardest thing to do in most cases. So, look around, ask questions, then THINK about it.
Good luck.
- 'Doc

101% agree. I also might add, hook up with a local Ham club and see what the members are using and visit some of their shacks. Most hams are more than willing to help a new operator by letting them fiddle with the knobs etc.


eta: I have the IC-718. 100 watts and so far bullet proof. Used it for MARS for over 5 years. Never a single problem.

 

[uno1904]

Thanks for the info I'm keeping an eye out for a unit and watching prices


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