Hey All,
I am a new ham and, due to limited budget and time I have not gotten a real home station setup. I have just used a small mobile unit I have had, but I have been keeping my eye out for local used equipment like craigslist and similar and recently found a Kenwood TS-520S Hybrid Transceiver that I am considering.
To add some background I am a electronics hobbyist and I do enjoy repairing circuits, so I have been open to units that are in need of repair as it is a good way for me to learn the technology. That said I am in my 30s so I do not have a lot of experience with tube technology, even though I am pretty confident I would have much of a issue repairing tube based equipment with service manuals and the internet. I really do not have a specific use in mind other then trying some DXing in the future and talking to a friend on 20m about 100 miles away.
This particular TS-520S is from a local ham and in fully working condition and includes a Kenwood mic, spare tube set, and has 3 crystals installed that are included for $300. I know this was a highly rated hybrid from the 70s with excellent reviews from my research, but since I wasn't in a big rush and I wanted to find a good deal for a good quality radio to start out with I wanted to ask you all what you thought about this as my first unit as far as the quality, usability, and pricing for this particular setup.
Any thoughts, opinions, and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance all!
I am a new ham and, due to limited budget and time I have not gotten a real home station setup. I have just used a small mobile unit I have had, but I have been keeping my eye out for local used equipment like craigslist and similar and recently found a Kenwood TS-520S Hybrid Transceiver that I am considering.
To add some background I am a electronics hobbyist and I do enjoy repairing circuits, so I have been open to units that are in need of repair as it is a good way for me to learn the technology. That said I am in my 30s so I do not have a lot of experience with tube technology, even though I am pretty confident I would have much of a issue repairing tube based equipment with service manuals and the internet. I really do not have a specific use in mind other then trying some DXing in the future and talking to a friend on 20m about 100 miles away.
This particular TS-520S is from a local ham and in fully working condition and includes a Kenwood mic, spare tube set, and has 3 crystals installed that are included for $300. I know this was a highly rated hybrid from the 70s with excellent reviews from my research, but since I wasn't in a big rush and I wanted to find a good deal for a good quality radio to start out with I wanted to ask you all what you thought about this as my first unit as far as the quality, usability, and pricing for this particular setup.
Any thoughts, opinions, and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance all!