Yup, doesn't take long does it after a quick comparison.
Radio Choice
- Thread starter billdean
- Start date
Most of the major online amateur radio dealers have used equipment for sale. They will typically offer a limited, short-term guarantee, but you should ask to be clear about their policies.
Ham Radio Outlet
Used: Used Equipment
Open Box: Open Items
Consignment: Consignment Sales for Ham Radio Equipment
GigaParts Used Radio Gear GigaParts.com
MTC Radio
Used: Used Gear
Repacks and B Stock: Amateur Ham Radio - Factory Repacks/BStock - Main Trading Company
R&L Electronics Used : R&L Electronics, Amateur radio store
There are four places I look online for classified ads. There is usually no guarantee with one-on-one sales so you have to be careful.
Radio Reference: Classifieds
QTH.com: https://swap.qth.com/
eHam.net: https://www.eham.net/classifieds
QRZ.com: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?forums/ham-radio-gear-for-sale.7/
Craig's List and Facebook Marketplace are also places to look. These are usually face-to-face sales. Be very careful.
Ham Radio Outlet
Used: Used Equipment
Open Box: Open Items
Consignment: Consignment Sales for Ham Radio Equipment
GigaParts Used Radio Gear GigaParts.com
MTC Radio
Used: Used Gear
Repacks and B Stock: Amateur Ham Radio - Factory Repacks/BStock - Main Trading Company
R&L Electronics Used : R&L Electronics, Amateur radio store
There are four places I look online for classified ads. There is usually no guarantee with one-on-one sales so you have to be careful.
Radio Reference: Classifieds
QTH.com: https://swap.qth.com/
eHam.net: https://www.eham.net/classifieds
QRZ.com: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?forums/ham-radio-gear-for-sale.7/
Craig's List and Facebook Marketplace are also places to look. These are usually face-to-face sales. Be very careful.
Ebay is another source of used gear. Again, it's a one on one sale so usually no guarantee, unless the seller specifies a return policy. Also, unlike Craigslist and FB Marketplace, there are buyer protections with Ebay/PayPal. Ebay tends to tilt towards protecting the buyer when a dispute arises.
If it were me, for a big ticket item like a used HF rig, I would stick with a major radio dealer like HRO, MTC, etc. You're dealing with radio people who are knowledgeable about the equipment and the dealer has a reputation to protect. Years ago, I purchased several high-end communications receivers from Universal Radio in Ohio. (now closed due to retirement). Each time, I was able to call and ask questions and the equipment was exactly as they had described it, or better. Also, it was professionally packed.
If it were me, for a big ticket item like a used HF rig, I would stick with a major radio dealer like HRO, MTC, etc. You're dealing with radio people who are knowledgeable about the equipment and the dealer has a reputation to protect. Years ago, I purchased several high-end communications receivers from Universal Radio in Ohio. (now closed due to retirement). Each time, I was able to call and ask questions and the equipment was exactly as they had described it, or better. Also, it was professionally packed.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Just a word of caution when buying used equipment: always buy the SELLER not the ITEM. This applies to ALL outlets: retailers, Ebay, private forums. Obviously retailers are more likely to accept returns or work with a buyer to resolve a problem, but there no guarantees unless stated in writing. Ebay offers money back guarantees as well. Also, sellers who accept PayPal Goods and Services MUST accept returns (regardless of their private ads stating "no returns" as PayPal G&S rules override this) but it's always better to check forum/seller feedback before buying anything. One who values their reputation is less likely to try to pull something shady.
I have been looking at used and new radio's but it seems a bit over whelming. There are so many different models. The used ones that I have seen on like Ham Radio Outlet are only priced $200.00 less than you can get a new one for. No pictures of the radios and not much description. A new one comes with a much better warranty too. I am leaning probably toward a new mobile type radio. One that is portable that can be used when home or when I snow bird down to Arizona in my 5th wheel. I have looked at the radio's people have listed here and their comments but I really don't know if just one 2 or 6 meter radio would be best or maybe something I could grow into like a multiband radio. If you were just getting into Ham, which radio would you choose? and why please. I will probably go on and get my general license or at least test for it at the same time if they still offer that option.
I usually run a Yaesu Ft-991A but, for 2 meters and 70 cm fm I run a different radio. I do some 2 meter SSB on the 991, but it's rare it sees FM use. I do occasionally use it on C4FM when we're doing some events we do around here but honestly for just good old FM I run OLD Kenwood's either a TM 641 or 741. Those do 3 bands at one time 2 meters, 1.25 meters or 70cm. I've run them for years and years. I've got a room full of newer stuff but honestly with what I like to do, the tri band just works for me.
As far as your situation only you can decide what you want to do. Personally I'd separate 2 meters and 70cm and then use a different radio for HF and 6 meters. I think you'll be happier if you start getting more into ham radio.
As far as your situation only you can decide what you want to do. Personally I'd separate 2 meters and 70cm and then use a different radio for HF and 6 meters. I think you'll be happier if you start getting more into ham radio.
bolo928
Newbie
I agree with K9KLC. Have seperate radios for VHF/UHF and HR. I often monitor a 2m repeater will tuning around on HF.
I would encourage you to find a local amatuer radio club and attend a meeting. Introduce yourself and let the group know that you are looking for some advice about setting up your station.
Let the experience of others to guide you. Will save you time, $$$, and a lot of frustration. You may even get to visit a few ham shacks and try out a radio. Maybe one of the club members has a radio for sale you can try before your buy. You will also get some advice about antennas for you situation.
Here is a link to find a club in your area http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
Good Luck
This is excellent advice. Some clubs even have equipment that they loan out or members that have stuff sitting around that might let you try things out to use or see what you think even if you're not going to buy it. I've got several radios out on "loan" right now, to me, it's better to have some things in use rather than just sitting here doing nothing.
Once you learn a bit more about how the different bands work, there's a lot of fun to be had on them still even today and if you do go ahead and get your general you'll be ready to go less different antennas for the bands.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Local clubs and hams are an excellent go to better than any internet forum. Like others here, I loan and give away equipment to new local hams. I keep simple to use surplus LMR radios such as Kenwood TK-2180 HTs and TK-780 mobiles programmed with local repeaters and simplex frequencies for new hams. They get a QUALITY subscriber radio to try out that isn't complicated to use and can grow from there.
Excellent suggestions about finding a local ham club. If you buy a radio from a member, you'll have someone you can ask questions of and who won't disappear if you have any problems with the rig.
I have found a local club. Just waiting on the first meeting which is the 1 Thursday of the month.
Not sure where in Michigan you are, so my suggestion may be completely off the mark. That said, there will be a small hamfest in Winfield, Indiana (northwestern Indiana, about 2 hours from Kalamazoo), tomorrow. I plan to be there at the ARRL table.
You will have an opportunity to look at some equipment and talk to people. Both activities will help build your body of knowledge.
www.arrl.org
You will have an opportunity to look at some equipment and talk to people. Both activities will help build your body of knowledge.
American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.
HAMFEST 2025 – ARANCI radio
aranciradio.com
While I would love to go, it's a little far of a drive for me. I am in the Northern half of Michigan. Not in the UP.Not sure where in Michigan you are, so my suggestion may be completely off the mark. That said, there will be a small hamfest in Winfield, Indiana (northwestern Indiana, about 2 hours from Kalamazoo), tomorrow. I plan to be there at the ARRL table.
You will have an opportunity to look at some equipment and talk to people. Both activities will help build your body of knowledge.
American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.HAMFEST 2025 – ARANCI radio
aranciradio.com
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Yeah, that's probably too far to drive for a small hamfest.
You can use the hamfest search tool on the ARRL website to find hamfests within a radius of your ZIP Code. Hamfests and Conventions Calendar
You can use the hamfest search tool on the ARRL website to find hamfests within a radius of your ZIP Code. Hamfests and Conventions Calendar
If you buy a big ticket rig at a hamfest, make sure you can test it before buying. Ask the seller if he/she has a return policy and for contact information should any problems arise after the sale. I have had a seller look me in the eye and say that the radio works when it didn't. Lucikly, it was a cheap, used scanner, but a friend of mine got burned on a 6 meter all-mode rig.
Anyone worth their salt will stand behind most things they sell if they know them to be working. My exceptions are HF tunable Amplifiers and any tube type HF equipment. I will demonstrate it as best possible there on site but I've seen way too many people not be able to follow simple instructions on tuning and, obviously we have no idea what kind of antenna's they have at their place. Fortunately or unfortunately, a lot of HF stuff never makes it to the ham bands, but rather 11 meters where it's "tune for maximum smoke"....yep, I'm out on those. That being said I know multiple CB'ers that are pretty good at tuning amps correctly, some better than some long time hams I know.
Bottom line is ya stand behind what you sell but sometimes you have to take the end user capabilities into account. I am always willing to provide my contact info however If I was trying to hide, probably wouldn't have a club T-Shirt on with my callsign and a Cap with same.
Very fair points. Safer just to sell those items with no returns. An inexperienced user can smoke just about any amp or transceiver by running it into a poor antenna, over-driving it, etc
Get the radio before, and yes, try the General at the same time. I think these days a lot of guys doing that have been pretty successful. Getting a Bonified HF radio will give you added incentive to carry on and get that General class license. Once you dip your toes in the HF stuff though, beware, it's addicting!
Get that radio, and your general...will make me get my longwire back up that came down in a storm so we can talk daily.
should be a pretty easy haul from near ST. Louis up to that area. I usually have no problem hearing the Mid Cars guys on 40 meters from up that way.I have put 18 hours of studying in for the exam in the last 6 days. I haven't seen any study material the deals specify with the General exam yet, but I believe I can pass the tech exam now. I am already motivated to take my General now and will be studying for that real soon too. I haven't even taking much time to look at radios to much yet. I have $2000.00 to spend on a portable type unit and antenna that I can use in my RV and at home also. I spend 6 months in each place.
