Which hf radio to buy?

[N4KVE]

Looking for someone into HF here. I've been a Ham for 26 years now & looking to get back into HF. I'm not a serious user, probably 1 or 2 hours a week, mostly on 20 meters voice, so I don't need a serious rig. In the past I owned a Kenwood 430, Icom 735, & Icom 738. Nice mid lever rigs for the time. My Dad had a Kenwood 930, & 940, which at the time were the top Kenwoods. Now they go for a good price, so my question is do I but a new Yaesu 950, or Icom 746 Pro which are new mid level radios, or an older but mint top level Kenwood 930, or 940, or my favorite the Icom 765? Does all the new DSP stuff the newer radios have really help? Remember, I'm not a serious user, just an hour or 2 a week. Thanks. GARY N4KVE

 

[zz0468]

I have a 746PRO, and love it. Yes, the DSP makes a HUGE improvement, especially if you're in a neighborhood with a high noise level. The noise blanker is superb, and I found the radio pretty easy to learn. BTW, I'd say I 'dabble' with HF, it's nice to have, but I don't use it every day. If I was a more serious user, I'd spring for an Elecraft K3.

 

[AK9R]

I like my Icom IC-746Pro. However, it's now out of production. It may still be available at some dealers, but watch the prices--it was a popular radio and I think there's some gouging going on. Icom's replacement will be the newly-announced IC-7410.

The Elecraft K-3 has a very loyal following. The manufacturer frequently updates the firmware with new features.

I heard a glowing report yesterday about the new Ten-Tec Eagle. I think Ten-Tec is going after the K-3's market.

It comes down to what features you want and how much you want to spend. Ask around to see what others are using. Study the user comments (aka, reviews) on eHam.net Reviews. If possible, go to a radio store and play with the display models.

 

[N5JBD]

HF Radio

I would suggest looking into Ten Tec. I own two of them one for Digital and CW and one for SSB. I switched a couple of years ago from Icom and Yasue for their ease of use. If your only going to use one a couple of hours per week you'll love one.

Not to sound like a comercial but these are the first radio's that I've recieved comments on the audio quility.

Get a radio, put up a simple dipole and enjoy....

Terry
N5JBD

 

[N4KVE]

I did look on E--Ham.net & people love the Icom 765. One poster even stated that the 765 receiver blew away the receive on the K3. I used to hang around a local ham radio store, & I remember the 1st 746's [not pro] had lots of problems, which the tech was able to fix. Hopefully the pro's were better. Do you guys have problems with your backlights? It seems to be a common problem on these radios. Thanks for the help. GARY N4KVE

 

[K9WG]

I love my IC-718. Used the daylights out of it (mostly MARS) and it just keeps going and going. This rig has been in production for a number of years now and is still being made.

R&L Electronics 800-221-7735

 

[AK9R]

My understanding with regard to the backlight on the 746Pro is that if you leave the brightness turned all the way up, you won't have a problem.

 

[jhooten]

Second on the IC-718.