trimmerj
KD3DID
New Ham and shopping for a rig. Been looking at Icom ic 7100. Looks this would fit my needs or is it putting all my eggs in one basket? Any opinions?
Thanks
Thanks
Icom: Icom ic 7100
- Thread starter trimmerj
- Start date
Best to have one radio for VHF/UHF and another radio for HF.
vagrant
ker-muhj-uhn
It depends:
1. An all-in-one radio like the 7100 is a cost effective solution that provides SSB mode on 2m/70cm as well. Still, 2m/70cm SSB may not be popular in your area and the antennas used for that mode are typically horizontal. I have a ”shack in the box” radio, but I also use it for the ARRL VHF contest where 2m/70cm SSB is popular. Also, if you prefer to focus on one radio audio at a time, this would be satisfactory. An Icom 7100 is a popular choice.
2. I typically have a VHF/UHF mobile scanning various frequencies while I use my HF radio. I do not mind the combined audio in my ears, but when I am seriously contesting only the HF radio is turned up as I am focused on that. Still, my main hobby is listening, so I typically enjoy dialing around on a separate HF while my VHF/UHF scans. Some operators find all that simultaneous audio distracting. What is your preference? If unsure, perhaps go slow.
Starting off with an all-in-one would not be foolhardy. If you later find yourself actually wanting a mobile you would actually use in the vehicle, and or at home, the cost later is not outrageous. Ultimately, if you have the space and means to put up an HF antenna, or two, as well has a VHF/UHF antenna on your roof or a mast above your roofline the shack in a box 7100 radio may be suitable.
$800 - Icom 7100 + maybe $300 Icom 2730 later
or
$900 - Icom 7300
$300 - Icom 2730
1. An all-in-one radio like the 7100 is a cost effective solution that provides SSB mode on 2m/70cm as well. Still, 2m/70cm SSB may not be popular in your area and the antennas used for that mode are typically horizontal. I have a ”shack in the box” radio, but I also use it for the ARRL VHF contest where 2m/70cm SSB is popular. Also, if you prefer to focus on one radio audio at a time, this would be satisfactory. An Icom 7100 is a popular choice.
2. I typically have a VHF/UHF mobile scanning various frequencies while I use my HF radio. I do not mind the combined audio in my ears, but when I am seriously contesting only the HF radio is turned up as I am focused on that. Still, my main hobby is listening, so I typically enjoy dialing around on a separate HF while my VHF/UHF scans. Some operators find all that simultaneous audio distracting. What is your preference? If unsure, perhaps go slow.
Starting off with an all-in-one would not be foolhardy. If you later find yourself actually wanting a mobile you would actually use in the vehicle, and or at home, the cost later is not outrageous. Ultimately, if you have the space and means to put up an HF antenna, or two, as well has a VHF/UHF antenna on your roof or a mast above your roofline the shack in a box 7100 radio may be suitable.
$800 - Icom 7100 + maybe $300 Icom 2730 later
or
$900 - Icom 7300
$300 - Icom 2730
trimmerj
KD3DID
Was also looking at 7100.
Yea, sometimes someone on a VHF/UHF repeater or a simplex frequency may give a heads up on some good stuff on HF/6 Meters.
If you only have one radio and you are on HF you may miss out.
If you only have one radio and you are on HF you may miss out.
The 7100 is a great radio. As others have mentioned however, you may want something in addition to that if you decide to do much FM 2 meters and 70 centimeters. The Icom however will do 2 meter and 70 centimeter SSB if you ever choose to get into that pond. I used the one I had (borrowed for over a year) often on 2 SSB and it worked pretty well for a shack in the box radio. In day to day use even having it's Yaesu counterpart (the 991A) I still run other radios on FM an along for 2 and 70cm. I use the 991a for SSB on those bands, or 6 & HF.
I'm fortunate enough to have multiple dual band mobiles I can run as well as 2 Motorola commercial radios that do the ham bands just fine on 2 and 70cm so it's very very rare the 991A (and the 7100 when I had it) found it's way to normal FM voice on those two bands.
I'm fortunate enough to have multiple dual band mobiles I can run as well as 2 Motorola commercial radios that do the ham bands just fine on 2 and 70cm so it's very very rare the 991A (and the 7100 when I had it) found it's way to normal FM voice on those two bands.
prcguy
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I have three Icom 7100s and originally bought one to test with remote rig boxes for remote control. Turns out they are excellent all around radios with a good receiver and good sounding transmit audio. I've had them for many years with zero problems.
I own an IC-7100 and absolutely love it. It is my portable, vacation and backup rig. Having 160M-70cm all-mode capability makes it very versatile. It also has USB-to-computer connectivity and a built-in soundcard for digital modes. The one thing it doesn’t have is a built-in antenna tuner so I bought an LDG Z-100 Plus with the Icom radio cable and they work seemlessly together. I am currently on vacation and am using it with a Myantennas EFHW 4010 at 45 ft. and have full 40-10M band coverage. Very happy with it.
73, Don
73, Don
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