Right now I have been using UHF/VHF and even GMRS with commercial radios. I use Echolink and have a simplex repeater and will soon be setting up a Yeasu Wires system as I got a complete wires set up cheap. Of course, these both depend on the internet.
I very much want to get into HF. I'm heavy into EMCOM's and like the fact that the 897D has UHF/VHF as well as an easy to add antenna tuner, batteries for use off the grid and away from a 12 volt source.
My main question is how well does this radio work on HF. I'm not looking at working pile up's, but do want a radio with reasonable sensitivity and the ability to seperate close stations to a reasonable amount. Being able to pull out weaker stations would be nice, but I realize that the more money spent, the better and higher the antenna system is, the better your ability to pull in weak stations becomes.
I guess bottom line is I need a lower cost radio for HF that will work fairly well. I very much like all the other features besides the HF, but don't want to be too dissapointed in the performance of the radio. I know antennas are very important and in my situation will not be able to put up a tower, I was thinking of a square wire antenna up about 30', this home built antenna has got some decent reviews as well as a couple wire antennas.
I will be working mostly 20 and 40 meters.
I'd like opinions on this radio and how well you think this type of set up will work for me. I'm looking for emergency use as well as some good ragchews. I'll never have the money to put up the big gun station.
I'm looking for a little fun and a good emergency radio that can be easily be used in a variety of situations.
My Best, John
I very much want to get into HF. I'm heavy into EMCOM's and like the fact that the 897D has UHF/VHF as well as an easy to add antenna tuner, batteries for use off the grid and away from a 12 volt source.
My main question is how well does this radio work on HF. I'm not looking at working pile up's, but do want a radio with reasonable sensitivity and the ability to seperate close stations to a reasonable amount. Being able to pull out weaker stations would be nice, but I realize that the more money spent, the better and higher the antenna system is, the better your ability to pull in weak stations becomes.
I guess bottom line is I need a lower cost radio for HF that will work fairly well. I very much like all the other features besides the HF, but don't want to be too dissapointed in the performance of the radio. I know antennas are very important and in my situation will not be able to put up a tower, I was thinking of a square wire antenna up about 30', this home built antenna has got some decent reviews as well as a couple wire antennas.
I will be working mostly 20 and 40 meters.
I'd like opinions on this radio and how well you think this type of set up will work for me. I'm looking for emergency use as well as some good ragchews. I'll never have the money to put up the big gun station.
I'm looking for a little fun and a good emergency radio that can be easily be used in a variety of situations.
My Best, John
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