What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
Alan Jones (W4LGH)
on
January 2, 2007
View comments about this article!
There is always so much bickering on here; maybe this is a subject we can get some positive posts on. Remember that just because you don't like a particular radio it doesn't mean that everyone else doesn't like it either.
This is YOUR personal choice, no matter what brand/model or age!
So the question I ask is... What was/is your FAVORITE HF Radio of all times and why
was/is it your Favorite?
In my opinion, I would have to go with my Drake TR-7. This was a radio way ahead of its time, built to last a lifetime. Simple to use, but had a lot of powerful features. I have run it head to head with my Yaesu Mark V and it hangs right in there. I do have all the extra filters in mine, and this really brings the receiver to life in crowded situations. No menus, no DSP, no extra noise. -- A very low noise floor in the receiver and .25mv sensitivity.
Hope everyone had a Great Christmas, and the New Year bring you everything you wish.
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
PS. If you are into vintage radios, be sure and check into our SPG Vintage Net on Sunday afternoon's 2000hrs UTC or 3pm Eastern, on 14.289 MHz.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AD3G on January 2, 2007
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My favorite would be:
The Drake TR7(A)... because it is a radio that was ahead of it's time,and it's a solid performer,provided it's "filtered up". It holds it's own against the current offerings available today.
But two runners up would be:
Drake C line...R4C a good performer (as long as it's shortcomings are fixed and some filters installed),and utterly simple to repair & keep running(opening up my TS870 & repairing is WAY beyond my capabilities).
Kenwood TS 830S...If you've ever used one,you know what I mean. Nuff said.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VA3XQ on January 2, 2007
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Ten Tec Omni V. Sweet receiver could hear anything and work them. One radio I could actually take apart and fix myself as mentioned in the above post.
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Tentec Corsair II
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by HA6SST on January 2, 2007
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1) Clear, well laid out front panel with control labels that can be read in low light.
2) No synthesizer.
3) No dual shaft controls.
4) No menus
5) Built for CW operation.
HA6SST
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by A9KW on January 2, 2007
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I have a Icom 765,Yaesu mark 5 and two Kenwood 830s
I find myself using the 830s 90% of the time
Something about these rig's ,When you get a chance to operate one you will know what I mean.
TOM
N9ZV
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W3JJH on January 2, 2007
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Well, my favorite store-bought radio is my Argonaut V. It's not the best performing radio I own, but it's easy to use and handles most situations well enough.
My most favorite radio would be the first homebrew QRP transmitter that I designed from the ground up using only parts from my junkbox. It's rock-bound to 3.579545 MHz. It only puts out 1.2 W. It's ugly. But I enjoy it.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AC2Q on January 2, 2007
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My Favorite Radio Overall is my Current one, a Ten Tec Omni VI. Intuitive to use, big enough it actually looks like it's DOING something, and Just a GREAT RIG.
My Second Favorite was a Hallicrafters SX-101A HT-32A setup I had in 1992-4, Mostly because of the BEAUTIFUL AUDIO of the SX-101A.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N5IVZ on January 2, 2007
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THE KENWOOD 830S..one of the best i have ever owned... i made the mistake of trading it off years ago but fortunately was able to buy a "new" one last year. WILL not give this one up for anything..
Great transciever!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4JF on January 2, 2007
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Kenwood Twiins (T-599D and R-599D). Great rig set, and served me well for over 20 years. The TS-870 that I have now is in all ways a superior rig, but the twins were just more fun. And solid performers. Regret I sold them.
The Collins S-Line was fun, too, but more temperamental than the Twins.
I really do have to mention the TS-450SAT also. Had one, sold it, wasn't happy until another one was in the shack. Great, solid, and very reasonable in the market. I recommend the '450 to newcomers interested in getting in reasonably.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4WH on January 2, 2007
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Wow, so many rigs, so little time. Hard one.
Well my favorite one has to be the Signal One modified Icom 781 I owned. One of the very few actually made. The radio was just special. Quite, fantastic receiver. That rig had the extra filter board that used two cascaded Collins filters, plus all the Icom filters. Great on all modes. Easy to use. Big radios are fun to sit at and use.
My second most favorite, and maybe the best overall, would have to be a very late serial number Drake C Line, with ALL the Sherwood mods and filters. All the work was done at Sherwood. For tight copy under the worst QRM conditions, I have never seen anything better. Again, quite receiver. Fantastic pass band tuning. Best of all, you can still repair it.
Guess my third favorite has to be the Elecraft K2 / 100. The more you use the rig the more impressed I get. The one I have is a very late ser number, with all the mods and updates. Not a plug and play radio. There are lots of menus, but it all works to make the rig a super radio. Not a HI FI SSB rig, but right to the point communications, get the job done. On CW and Digital modes it will give all the current million dollar rigs a real horse race, and probably win.
Have a TR7A and R7A, there was never a more flexible DX or contest station made. New rigs brag about a second receiver, in the same box. The Drake 7 Twins are to totally separate receivers, total control, mix and match control, multi multi antenna ports, again still repairable, and running strong.
Could go on, but that’s my top three, you mileage may vary.
Happy New Year, K4wh
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4ZV on January 2, 2007
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The Drake TR-7 had terrible keyclicks...even worse than the unmodified Yaesu FT-1000D / FT-1000MP family. I can instantly recognize any TR-7 by its clicks without even asking what the rig is. Thankfully there aren't many still being used on the bands I operate.
K1DT uses a Johnson Viking 1 on 160 and his clicks are simply awful. Nostalgia is nice but let's also be considerate of others with our TX signal quality.
I recently did a keyclick test on my 1984 vintage Kenwood TS-930S (my alltime favorite rig). 3 different reports by knowledgeable guys on 160 indicated negligible clicks or phase noise beyond about +/- 500 Hz of my S9+20 fundamental.
Please try a test like this with someone who knows what to listen for before you fire up your favorite boatanchor!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA8TZG on January 2, 2007
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I'm rather pleased with my current rig: a Kenwood TS-480SAT as it fits my operating needs almost perfectly. Past rigs have also been fine, but this one is the best so far.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W2RDD on January 2, 2007
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My favorite, for sentimental reasons and more, was/is the TS-520S, the first new rig I ever purchased. Solid as a rock. Sold it a long time ago but bought another one mint last year for old time's sake. Wish it had the cw filter. Now wrapped in a blanket and comfortably stored.
Since going QRP, the Argonaut V and SG-2020 are on the desk. Absolutely first-class for my present and future needs.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA4GCH on January 2, 2007
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Mine ?
BEST SIMPLE RADIO EVER FT-840
WORST LUNCHBOXES ( take your choice )
MOST DEPENDABLE FT-840 it's like a TIMEX
And the FT-620 6 meter monoband mine is 31 years old and still running.
WORST FT-100D doomed to fail
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7PEH on January 2, 2007
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How do you choose among so many rigs? Oh, my choice is easy, not so many rigs.
Years 1965/1966, my rig was an Eico 720 and a Hammarlund HQ-170AC. Nice at the time.
Years 1966-2004: I was not active as a ham, no rigs.
Years 2004-2006: Used Icom 756 (non-pro).
Years 2006 (January) ++: Icom 756 Pro III.
Given the above list, my favorite should be obvious, the Pro III. It sure beats the Eico 720.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4NR on January 2, 2007
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I'm still a Ten Tec fan having owned two Omni Cs, an Omni VI, and an Argonaut V. Wonderful radios with quiet receivers, silky smooth QSK, and easy to operate. The manuals are the best with complete circuit diagrams and descriptions.
73 de Tom, K4NR
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4LMS on January 2, 2007
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The Kenwood TS-870 S has to be my favorite....I always said whenever I die, and all the radios that remain there will definitely be a Kenwood TS-870S sitting there..hi..
Mike Combs - K4LMS ("Louzy Modulated Signal")
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KU4UV on January 2, 2007
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I still wish I would have hung onto my Icom 730. It had the CW and SSB filters. I still kick myself for selling it.
73,
KU4UV
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by PA2DW on January 2, 2007
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Number one:
Drake TR7/R7. Why? They look good, the receiver of the R7 is super sensitive and with the 300 Hz filter it is very selective.
Number two:
K2, best receiver I ever had. I use it on 2m EME with the built in DEM 144-28 eck
Number three:
Drake C-line with Sherwood roofing filter in R4C. Never heard a more selective receiver! Stupidly enough I sold mine...
73, Dick PA2DW
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W3TUA on January 2, 2007
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I loved my Kenwood TS-520 because it was my first radio as a young Novice. Before that I had a cobbled-together Hallicrafter transmitter and Heathkit HW-101 with no finals as a receiver. So, the 520 made life easier for me.
Later down the road, I bought an Icom IC-718. It was my first "modern" radio and I miss that little sucker. Out of all the Icoms I'ved owned, it was my favorite.
73,
Korey
W3TUA
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 2, 2007
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I've had a few "favorites," and dozens of "see ya later" HF rigs. Almost every HF (commercially made) rig sold in the past 30 years has been through my shack, as I've owned almost all of them at one time or another. Most didn't stay long. The couple that have stayed a very long time are:
TR-7, purchased new in '78 and still in daily use here.
TS-850S/AT, purchased new in '90 and still in daily use here.
My little Ten Tec Scout 555 is still around, and a very useful mobile/portable/camping rig -- far more useful than my FT-817NB, which I keep around but mostly as a whimsical gadget and not so much to actually use on the air. But the little 817 is my only "portable" VHF-UHF rig that works SSB or CW, so that's a cool feature, also.
I've not owned the IC-7800 (but would like to), the FT-9000 or the Orion-II. The IC-7800's on the wish list, but Santa failed me.
I have a 75A4 that is now 50 years old and works incredibly well. I'm its third owner, though (purchased in '86).
Traded in the Drake C-Line for the TR-7 and was not disappointed. Traded in the TS-940S for the TS-850S and was not disappointed. Prior to the 850S, favorite "Kenwood" HF rig was my old TS-830S (which I traded in for the TS-940S).
Had IC-701, IC-720, IC-740, IC-751, IC-761...no longer.
Had FT-101ZD, FT-102, FT-901DM, FT-1000MP...no longer. Unfortunately, never owned the FT-1000D, which was probably the pick of the litter.
Mt TR-7 has no key clicks. In 28 years of constant use on CW, that has never been reported to me by anyone; I can't hear any on my other receivers (right in the same room) and can't see any evidence of any with a close-in view on the 141T/8554 spectrum analyzer (or a far-out view, either, for that matter).
WB2WIK/6
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KE4ZHN on January 2, 2007
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Most of the rigs Ive had were Kenwoods. Ive had a TS130, 180, 450SAT, 850SAT/DSP100. All nice rigs in their own right. My present rig is an Icom 756 Pro. What a sweetheart! This one is staying in my shack for a long time. As much as I like the Kenwoods, I seem to be able to work weak signals much easier on the Pro. Theres so many good rigs to choose from today that its really just a matter of personal preference.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KY6R on January 2, 2007
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Ten Tec Orion (I or II). It just behaves exactly the way I want a radio to behave - and offers the QRM fighting "tools" in a way that I can understand. Doesn't have any unecessary bells and whistles, and Ten Tec provides much better service and faster turn around than most of the others. The best news - I have only needed their service once - and not for the Orion.
I even tried an IC-7800, but couldn't believe how much I missed the Orion - so came back to it!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N3AWS on January 2, 2007
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Have to go with my Drake TR-7A with all the fliters. It flooded during Katrina. When I get back from Qatar in four months I'll try it out and see if it still works.
73, Jim N3AWS
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KF4HR on January 2, 2007
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Current: ICOM IC-756ProII. Nice rig.
But my favorite? Probably my next one; IC-7800.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N9AOP on January 2, 2007
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1) Harris
2) Rhode & Schwartz
Becase they work like a swiss watch
Art
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA1RNE on January 2, 2007
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Coming up on 24 years, I can't complain about my IC-740.
It's has a very quiet receiver and excellent ergonomics, plus some features you don't see in many compact rigs like continuously variable AGC, a noise blanker that really works with variable blanking level and a built in power supply.
A favorite that I haven't owned but used several times is the Drake TR-7.
My R-4B/T-4XB Drake line still works very well and is a pleasure to operate and listen to.
For nostalgia, my 32V3/75A4 combo for AM is terrific. However, with it's weight and package density, the 32V3 is not so terrific to repair.
WA1RNE
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KD5KI on January 2, 2007
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My favorite hf rig, in my memory, is the FT-707... It was a beautiful radio (still is), and worked great. It was my first brand new all solid state smallish radio. I lost my first one in a house fire, second one to lightning hit and finally "updated" and sold the third one. I have owned a few ICOMs, and inherited a couple of Kenwoods, but I am still a dyed in the wool Yaesu fan, having owned many... from a FT-101 through a FT-100D (I found it to be a neat little dependable rig, unlike the comment above about the FT-100). Presently running a FT-980 and like it real well.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N0UY on January 2, 2007
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Well, I've only had two for HF.
FT747 & my current IC781. The Yaesu was a good starter rig. The Icom is a great cw rig but not so special on ssb. I appreciate the Dual Watch feature on either mode and the spectrum display is useful.
tnx Ray
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W7AIT on January 2, 2007
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Kenwood TS2000X. Best performer ever in 43 years of rigs. Does everything extremely well, excellent specs, excellent receiver on all bands, excellent tx audio.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N4SL on January 2, 2007
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TS830S was my alltime favorite rig because I had it for a long time, it had a terrific receiver and didn't have any freakin' computers in it.
I have a FT1000MP Mark V and K2/100 and while they might be better than my TS830S in some ways, they are tubeless.
No Glow = Bad Juju.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N5EAT on January 2, 2007
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Yaesu FT-747. One of the really great receivers in a small package. Really bulletproof.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W9OY on January 2, 2007
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I'm lovin' mt SDR-1000 setup with the Edirol FA-66. If you catch somebody with a SDR-1000 they can take a picture of your signal for you and email it so you can see for yourself what kind of key clicks you have. I can pick out Yaesu rigs at a glance. Instead of looking like an icepick they look like a Christmas tree. It's nice to be able to see how far away from these jokers I have to move so they won't give me any fever.
73 W9OY
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KL7IPV on January 2, 2007
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My "old" favorite was the Drake TR-4C/RV-4C with the 34NB noise blanker. I have had many radios in the past 40 years. The ones I felt were the best were the Ten-Tec Omni-D and the Delta II but the one I just rebought due to it's simplicity and ease of use is the Swan/Cubic 100MXA. I have had 4 Icoms in the 706/703 series and like them due to their size. I still have the MkII, the MkIIG and the 703HF AND the Swan 100MXA. Hard to beat them now.
Frank
KL7IPV
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N4VOX on January 2, 2007
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I primarily work MARS frequencies and have found the Ten Tec Paragon to be the best radio for all band transmitting. The higher grade Ten Tec's do have better filtering, but can't work all the MARS frequencies. I have been using my Paragon for 25 years and it just keep on ticking.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB0UZW on January 2, 2007
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Favorites:
Just about every radio I've owned.
The SX101a and HT-32a. Love that warm glow. First seen in a 1957 Handbook that was given to me when I was studying for novice ticket in 1970.
Followed by the Tempo One. Fun transceiver.
Today it would be the SDR-1000 and the FT-2000.
The SDR is like going to your favorite candy shop every day. New features get added weekly. Fun to use. Great selectivity and sensitivity.
The FT-2000 has the best sounding audio I've heard in a long time. Warm sounding, not harsh. A delight to use. Haven’t owned it long but it looks to be a keeper.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KB7VCO on January 2, 2007
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Favorite Radio #1: Yaesu FT-101E
Reason Why: 1st rig. Like my first car, I learned how to fix it after I destroyed it. I still have it along with both the 6 & 2M transverters and FL-2100B amplifier. I really love working on this old radio with much help from my friends at Fox Tango International - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoxTango/
Favorite Radio #2: Icom IC-706MkII
Reason Why: Big radio in a small package. Fun rig to go mobile & portable. After moving into an antenna restricted neighborhood, it became my primary radio in mobile service until I was able to put up some stealth antennas at home.
Favorite Radio #3: Kenwood TS-520S
Reason Why: A basic rock-solid vintage boat-anchor. Beautiful audio both RX & TX and easy to operate. Like the 101E, it is an easy & enjoyable radio to work on and maintain.
73,
Mike Nelson
kb7vco
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VK4QO on January 2, 2007
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well my vote is the drake tr7, it's been my friend since I purchased it in 1982 from drake in ohio .
There have been many compliments on its audio and not many problems over the years.
I wish my car gave me the same service,unfortulary the tr7 is sitting idle now as parts are hard to find, but it only gave me problems late last year[2006],so now I've upgraded to an icom 775dsp which is a good transceiver also
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KG6TT on January 2, 2007
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It was either my Ten-Tec Triton IV that I bought in 1976 and kept till 1980 or the Ten-Tec Omni-C that I had from 1981 to 2004. Besides those two I had many, many different rigs in 40 years. Some were very nice... some were marginal... some a pain (Icom 701 comes to mind). And as so many came and went there were only two that I regretted loosing. Today I am fortunate to have the space freedom to have more than one transceiver in my station and as a consequence you will once again find truly 'mint' Ten-Tec Triton IV and Omni-C transceivers.... and I regularly use and enjoy them both.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KW4CQ on January 2, 2007
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Too many love/hate experiences with commercial rigs over the past 50 years of hamming to enumerate here. However, hands down, my favorite transceiver today is the FlexRadio SDR-1000 with the Edirol Firewire FA66 audio capture box. Why? It provides the best performance you can get today for the least $$$. Check it out.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N2UM on January 2, 2007
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I sold my DX-20 and Lafayette receiver when I went into the Army in 1965. I loved those radios and had a lot of fun with them. It took me several years after coming home to get back on the air. I had a HQ-170 and a HT-37, boy those were sweet radios but I traded them in for a TS-520. I kept that radio for ten years and made the honor roll with it. There's been many others since then but I think the TS-520 was my favorite!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N3VG on January 2, 2007
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#1 Favorite - Yaesu FT101-E - Easy to use, easy to fix, holds up under a lot of wear and tear. Parts readily available. Hears fairly well and still sounds good on the air.
#2 Favorite - Yaesu FT857D - All-in-one, do everything radio. Small, but not too bad to control, sounds good on the air. Covers pretty much everything and is reasonably priced.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K2LGO on January 2, 2007
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My favorites??? Well for years I thought the SB-101 was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and indeed it did work well. Had a TS-830S, and it was a great radio..I still have the TS-440S, and it is one smooth radio, and I love to use it from time to time. But my present favorites are my very dependable Icom IC-746, and my Yaesu FT-101ZD, which feels like a real radio, as I remember them...Are any of the above great radios... that's very subjective, probably not the best, but they served me so well. Oh I forgot the TS-130 my first mobile HF radio..one rock solid radio..great hobby..73..BOB
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W8KQE on January 2, 2007
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I'm assuming the question is about radios we've actually owned, as opposed to ones we would have purchased if money was no object. In that case, my favorite overall HF rig would have to be the original Icom IC-756, which is still in operation here. When it first came out, band scope display and all, it was truly 'the cats meow' to me, especially given the fact that it was not stratospherically priced like the current 7800 or FT-DX9000, etc. 6 meters was a huge plus too. Even though it does not have the DSP prowess of the ProIII, to me, there is something real sweet about it's audio, both on Xmit and Xceive. It's also a phenomenal shortwave reciever, that tends to a very warm, analog tone when pulling in stations. I've owned the radio almost going on 10 years here, and I haven't had one single issue or problem with it (maybe I just jinxed myself now that i've mentioned it!).
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WR8D on January 2, 2007
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Icom 775dsp without a doubt. A close friend had a 950sdx, 1000d, 781, 775dsp all sitting along side each other on one antenna. Of them all the 775 had the lowest noise floor any of us had ever heard. I bought mine new with all the filters available back in 98 and perfectly satisfied ever since. It's been in the shack on every mode now for right at nine years. It's never given me any problems at all. I see several comments on differant drake setups. Pick them up and restore them. I have a beautiful c-line that's mint and a TR-4Cwrit and RV-4C combo i'm restoring now. We can find these ole babies all over the place and they're a blast to play. 73 John WR8D
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W8ZNX on January 2, 2007
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TR-7 was a dog
best part of the lash up
was the power supply
sell the xceiver
keep the power supply
I do not have A favorite hf rig
have about 30 favorite hf radios
Mac
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5TD on January 2, 2007
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Of the radios I have owned in the past few years, I would have to say my favorite for HF operating was the Kenwood TS850SAT. Awesome sounding audio with an excellent receiver. Good QRM fighting tools, a built in CW memory keyer, with an internal voice keyer option, and an autotuner that works much better than the current internal tuners. I really miss having this rig in the shack. It also had a few set and forget menus, but everything you needed could be done off the front panel.
My other favorite rig is my current rig-the Yaesu FT100D. It is incredible that they can put HF/VHF/UHF with DSP and a memory keyer in a package this small, and have pretty good performance. If you want a do it all rig this is the one to get.
I also agree with the previous poster than the Icom 740 is another good choice.
73s John W5TD
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NL7W on January 2, 2007
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All Great:
Signal One CX-7A
TS-830S
TS-850Sat
Great backup rig:
TS-520S
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N6AJR on January 2, 2007
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Best audio was the kenwood 570 (g)
best amp the alpha 87 a, best radio in all classes, the Ten Tec Orion.
I current have 11 hf rigs and use the orion almost exclusively. #2 would be the 746 pro, #3 the TS 2000 , #4 the ft 847, and then in no particular order two ft 847 d's, a triton 4, a corsair II, an omni D and a ft 101 zd, and a Ten Tec scout.
But I use the Orion. it has good features, great controllability, god recieve, great dsp, , diversity recieve, and is easy to use on computer control, what is not to like.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K3AN on January 2, 2007
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Here are my radios since getting my Novice in 1961.
Command Set VFO, WRL DSB-100 and RME 4350A (Stone age.)
Knight T-150A and 4350A (Shoulda kept the WRL.)
Heathkit SB-102 (OK until the sealed PTO failed.)
Heathkit SB-401 and SB-301 (Not bad after some mods.)
Yaesu FT-707 (Wonderful except for unsealed relays.)
Icom IC-740 (Kept only a short time; I hated it.)
Kenwood TS-850S/AT (Great radio.)
Kenwood TS-130 (Very basic, but built like a tank.)
Yaesu FT-1000MP (Fantastic radio!)
The TS-130 is for use on my pontoon boat, and is ready to be my emergency power radio from home. I would still have the TS-850 except I recently was able to buy a 1000MP from a nearby ham at a price I couldn't pass up. The 850 had just one problem in the 11 years I owned it- the tuning knob had a segment of its rotation where the frequency wouldn't change. Kenwood East fixed that. I'd have to say that the 1000MP is an improvement over the 850, with its smoother receive audio and all the interference-fighting and noise-fighting features. Therefore, it holds the title as my favorite radio.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AA4ZZ on January 2, 2007
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My IC-775DSP.
Great reciever. It's specs top most of the current top of the line rigs . I've worked stuff that stations with better antenas can't hear.
Nice size and layout of controls, you can easily change settings quickly.
It's great to have 200 watts and leave the amp off.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4ELO on January 2, 2007
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I really like my Argonaut V - simple and a pleasure to use. Ok, not the world's best receiver but for ragchewing on cw or digital it's great.
But then, I love my Drake 4B line. Had a new one, stupidly sold it in the early 70's so I had to buy a used one and refurbish it. It gets the most use for cw dx.
Now Santa xyl brought me a new Orion II. So, we'll see....
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NT4XT on January 2, 2007
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I've used some modern gear, Pro II, FT2K, FT 897/817, and some old gear, KWM2A, FT-7, Swan 350, Knight T150/SX-99, and some good 80s stuff, the venerable TS-850...
For casual, Non Contest operation, what is still on my desk center stage and in use is a Corsair without built-in electronic keyer. It has a 500 and 250 Hz filter.
It has a compared to today's radios, unstable VFO- the rebuilt PTO still suffers slight backlash on occasion, and it won't do wide SPLITs without the external VFO.
But it's the quietest, best sounding receiver of the lot, used in conjuction w/external PS speaker, the keying characteristics are superb, the knob/switch spacing is BARN DOOR WIDE by today's standards, it has nothing extraneous, and the features it has, you use. Certainly you almost never need a manual, you can fiddle around and figure it out without much ado.
I truly believe that if I cannot dig out a weak signal on it, then I couldn't do it with any other receiver either, unless (in theory anyway) it was via O2. Or that Drake R4-C "highly modified..." or a 10 thousand dollar YaeCom (and then I have some doubts), or maybe a Mk-5 with full array of properly chosen filters. Or something with an 500'+ long beverage connected to it, aligned where I need to be hearing.
Is it my all-time favorite, maybe not, but it does have a decent receiver, and I have put more hours on it than any other radio I have ever had or used, so I think it means, that dispite My Lady's short-comings, My Corsair remains my favorite, regardless of price. Virtually indestructable finals, too, but that is another story.
Call me nuts, but given the amount of time I have for the hobby, the kind of operating I do, if an angel came to me and put two rigs on the table, hooked up and ready to go, and one was MY Corsair, and the other was a new FT-2000 without optional 500 dollars per 2 bands microtuning modules, and she said I can only choose one, but choose wisely, because it's the ONLY non-contest rig you can use for the next 3 years, I would choose My Lady Corsair, hands-down.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA0ZZG on January 2, 2007
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Collins KWM-2 with a 516F-2 and a 30L-1 Amplifier.
I got my ticket while working at Collins in Cedar Rapids. The Engineers took this dumb kid(me) aside and kicked me in the right direction. They made sure I knew how to fix it before putting it on the air. I contacted the assembly line on 20m phone, and no, I didn't get a QSL for that one.
Dave...
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by LNXAUTHOR on January 2, 2007
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i'm with W0DKM:
TS570dg
but in my case (new ham), it's a matter of What IS Your Favorite...
i'd need the benefit of some more experienced folks before offering a definitive opinion...
ask me in 20 years?
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA5ROW on January 2, 2007
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My favorite would be: The Kenwood TS-830s. The 830 was fun to operate and I had no issues with it at all. I now have a Kenwood TS-570SG it is a good radio but it has to many bells and whistles I will never use.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AI4CH on January 2, 2007
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Got one if your interested. I bought it new when I lived in the South Pacific. It's a great rig. It has ALL the filters (including the PB filter). No mods at all. I even have the original box it came in along with a Japanese version of the manual. Also have an English version of the manual too, of course. As I said, great rig ... but you know that. I'm "downsizing" and, since I don't use the rig anymore (except to listen on), I decide d it was time to part with.
Looking for ~$325. The IC-PS15 is $65.
All the best, Dixon (AI4CH)
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4UUG on January 2, 2007
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My favorite radio is the Yaesu 857D! Why because it will do everything I want in a small package and the price is not bad at all at $679.00.
Frequency Range: Receive: 0.1-56, 76-108, 118-164 and 420-470 MHz
Transmit: 160 - 6 Meters including 60 Meters
0 2 Meters
0 70 Centimeters (Amateur bands only)
0 5167.5 kHz: Alaska Emergency Frequency
0 (U.S.A. version only)
Emission Modes: A1 (CW), A3 (AM), A3J (LSB/USB),
0 F1 (9600 bps Packet), F2 (1200 bps Packet), F3 (FM)
Synthesizer Steps (Min.): 10 Hz (CW/SSB), 100 Hz (AM),
0 100 Hz (FM), 100 Hz (WFM)
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohm, Unbalanced
Operating Temp. Range: -10 °C to +60 °C (14 F to 140 F)
Frequency Stability: Better than ±4 ppm (-10 °C to +50 °C)
0
Power Requirements: DC 13.8V ±10 %, Negative Ground
Current Consumption: Receive (Squelched) : 0.55A,
0 Receive (Max. Audio) : 1A
0 Transmit : 22A (@ 100W RF output)
Case Size: 6.1" (W) x 2.0" (H) x 9.2" (D) (155 x 52 x 233 mm)
Weight: 4.6 lb. (2.1 kg.)
0
TRANSMITTER
Power Output: 160 - 6m : 100 Watts (25 Watts AM carrier)
0 2m : 50 Watts (12.5 Watts AM carrier)
0 70cm : 20 Watts (5 Watts AM carrier)
Modulation Types : SSB: Balanced Modulator
FM: Variable Reactance
AM: Early Stage (Low Level)
FM Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz (±2.5 kHz on FM-N)
Spurious Radiation : Harmonics: At least 50 dB down (1.8 - 29.7 MHz)
At least 60 dB down (50/144/430 MHz) 0
Non-harmonic: At least 50 dB down (1.8 - 29.7 MHz)
0 At least 60 dB down (50/144/430 MHz)
Carrier Suppression: At least 40 dB
Opp. Sideband Suppression: At least 50 dB
SSB Frequency Response: 400 Hz - 2600 Hz (-6 dB)
Microphone Impedance: 200 - 10 k Ohm (Supplied microphone: 2 k Ohm)
RECEIVER
Sensitivity: SSB/CW AM-N FM
100 kHz - 1.8 MHz (IPO off): - uV 32 uV -
1.8 - 28 MHz: 0.25 uV 2 uV -
28 - 30 MHz: 0.2 uV 2 uV 0.50 uV
50 - 54 MHz: 0.125 uV 1 uV 0.2 uV
144/430 MHz: 0.125 uV - 0.2 uV
SSB/CW/AM-N figures are for 10 dB S/N, 12 dB SINAD on FM
Squelch Sensitivity : SSB/CW/AM FM
1.8 - 28 MHz : 2.5 uV -
28 - 30 MHz : 2.5 uV 0.32 uV
50 - 54 MHz : 1 uV 0.16 uV
144/430 MHz : 0.5 uV 0.16 uV
Intermediate Frequencies : 0
1st IF : 68.33 MHz (SSB/CW/FM/AM)
0 10.7 MHz (W-FM)
2nd IF : 455 kHz
Image Rejection : Better than 70 dB (1.8 - 30 MHz, 50 - 54 MHz)
00 Better than 60 dB (144 - 148 MHz, 430 - 450 MHz)
IF Rejection : Better than 60 dB
Selectivity (-6 / -60 dB) : 0
SSB/CW : 2.2 kHz/4.5 kHz
CW : 500 Hz/2.0 kHz (Optional YF-122C installed)
CW-N : 300 Hz/1.0 kHz (OptionalYF-122CN installed)
AM : 6 kHz/20 kHz
FM : 15 kHz /30 kHz (-6 / -50 dB)
Audio Output : 2.5 W into 4 Ohm @ 10% THD
Audio Output Impedance : 4 Ohm - 16 Ohm
0
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VE7REN on January 2, 2007
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icom 746 for me. why. everything i need, and more,with excellent rx/tx ,100w on 2 meter.
#2 718 icom. never any problems,and everything i need for ragchewing without hurting pocket book.
#3 icom 706mk2g. everything in one very reliable box,but not without some rx sacrifices for noisefloor.i think each to there own. whatever works for them.
ve7ren brent
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC4FLT on January 2, 2007
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TS-830s still have mine and it is a fine radio.
The notch filter and variable bandwidth will certainly pull the weak ones out!
I'd like to get a high class Ten-Tec since my Century 21 is enjoyable, but not 'favorite' material.
The Kenwood line before all the crazy bells and whistles were big, Kenwood was the radio
- Had Ten-Tec not been so good the Japanese radio companies would have taken them out like they did the
other made in USA companies.
73
Carl
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K8MHZ on January 2, 2007
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I like my IC-735. Everyone I know that has one likes them. I have even operated one underwater. Actually there is one in the sub USS Silversides. The radio room is just under the water line where she is docked.
I also have a Swan 350 and I like that too. My farthest contact, a JA station, was on the Swan.
The 735 gets almost daily use.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AA4PB on January 2, 2007
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My favorite of the radios I've owned is my IC-756PRO. Prior to that it was the KWM-2A.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by IAMAHAM on January 2, 2007
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by K4UUG on January 2, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
My favorite radio is the Yaesu 857D! Why because it will do everything I want in a small package and the price is not bad at all at $679.00.
Emission Modes: A1 (CW),<<<<<<
I guess it will do some things you don't want too.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W3FJ on January 2, 2007
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Gotta agree with AD3G regarding the Drake TR-7A and the Drake C-Line and would add the Drake TR-6 to the list for 6 meter operation. All were terrific rigs and easy to operate. However, I presently use a Icom 756PROIII and you'd have to pry it from my dying hands simply because of it's outstanding performance and features. My Icom 746PRO is right there too.
73, Mick
W3ILG
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KZ5I on January 2, 2007
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Kenwood TS-390 S/AT
I have both a Yaesu Mark V Field and a Kenwood TS-930S/AT in my shack.
I use the TS-930 day in and day out.
The radio is fun to use, no menus, built like a tank, excellent transmit and receive audio.
I will never sell it.
' 73 Emmett KZ5I
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K0VH on January 2, 2007
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I will second vote above on the ICOM 746. I have the original (non pro) version, the wife bought it for me in 1998 as a 25th wedding anniversary present. Oh yes, she got another diamond. So far it's been flawless. Sure a 756proII is better but I do have 144 SSB. The performance/features for dollars paid of any of today's radios would blow the minds of us getting into this hobby in the 1960s.
#2 is a tough choice, either my current ICOM 703 (QRP version of 706) which I use during summer in the backpack and winter for either base PSK, CW or 60m operation -OR- A tie would be my tried/true ICOM 730, collecting dust on the shelf since 98 hoping my ham son will take to more HF interests when he moves out ... if he wants it he's got it. Very easy to use and the only problem between '82 new and '98 was a capacitor going out in the final stage; that took a while to debug even with a scope, resulting in my desire for a new 746.
Besides that I owned an National NCX200 during the late 60s for 10+ years which did a lot of time and never broke, but a TR4 could run circles around the receiver...I am nostalgic about the 200 though as a first real rig during the late 90's propagation peak. I also owned an FT101E and TS130S for 1-2 years each, both fine radios but missing features I wanted. My first Novice CW setup was a used DX20 to a new HR10 (never build a receiver as a first kit in 7th grade).
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AE6QF on January 2, 2007
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My TS-850S is tops.
The TS-530S is a delight. It's simple with no concentric controls.....probably the best single conversion RX out there except Elecraft. Take a peek at the QST product review's BDR numbers & compare to many recent DSP transceivers...
Radios that, (at times), I wish that I'd kept____
Argonaut 515 in spite of its unbelievably cheesy Ten-Tec knobs, pots & switches, and cabinet. Its factory power supply burned up within a few months.
TS-130V That's an early 80's ten Watt transceiver. With its 500 Hz filter & an external audio filter, the RX was mostly ok. The heat sink never got too hot to touch key-down...nice diecast front panel.
Hallicrafters R649. It's a twin-conversion receiver that was built for the Treasury Department. Mine was serial number 004. Chuck Dachis is looking for one to complete his famous Texas Hallicrafters collection. The flywheel weighted tuning & geartrain is unforgettable. It covered from well below the broadcast band to 18 Mc.
73, Quiet-Finger, AE6QF
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 2, 2007
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Drake TR-7/R-7A. They can be repaired. No properiety CPU,s
Most important...pre-ampless front end. You will get the exact same DX as a .18uv radio. The TR-7 has .5 uv.
You get the same DX without mixer artifacts.
The TR-7 was the first with a type of roofing filter.
Since the TR-7 has no FM, a very narrow filter is useed in the first IF. The second IF has a 2.3khz filter.
Result, one does not need DSP.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA8MEA on January 2, 2007
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Dam! This is tough! Once I start to write about one rig, I think of another!
So here are the top three, in my order of preference:
#1) I can remember it was a Cobra CB that we attached a VFO to. But I just don't recall the model #. Maybe a 129??? It was a 23 channel base unit. It was during the sunspot peak of 1989-91 that this thing was a work horse for me on ten meters. Accomplished DXCC and WAS with it. And it was QRP since nobody "tweaked" the power output when they had it. (I bought it used....)
#2) Then there was the other converted CB I used for CW on ten meters. I still have that tucked away in a box. It was a Midland 23 channel. I swapped a crystal inside to get me on the bottom end of ten. I think the frequencies were:
Channel 1 = 28.005
Channel 2 = 28.015
Channel 3 = 28.025
and so on....
I keyed the ground side of the 12 volt power source. Just as clean a CW note as you can imagine.
#3) My very first TOTALLY homebrew 40 meter transmitter. (Later made a 30 meter version.) Made it from a schematic I found in the Michigan QRP Club quarterly newsletter. Never was so excited in all my life to actually make something from scratch that worked....let alone make contacts with! I still remember the winter nights I worked Great Briton and Germany with the 30 meter version I built. I liked it so much, I started marketing them.
Honorable mention: Ameco AC-1. I owned three of these little puppies. What a blast!
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA8MEA on January 2, 2007
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Gotta add the story about the rig that got away....
(This was the biggest fudge-up I ever pulled. And I still wish I could live that day all over again.)
I swapped a computer for a Kenwood TS-830S.
I ran it for a couple of days and fell in love with it!
Then I decided to open it up.
Yep. It was dusty inside. But I thought the vacuum cleaner was just not enough. I just HAD to go the extra mile and spray LDS (Or LPS....what ever the crap is called....) inside of it. But I forgot to check which type I used.
The next morning, the rig told me. It was running absolutely haywire! I had used the can that contained PETROLEUM DISTALITES!!!!! It ate away at that rig like a cancer....
I was sick over it....
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4UUG on January 2, 2007
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IAMAHAM
K4UUG said "My favorite radio is the Yaesu 857D! Why because it will do everything I want in a small package and the price is not bad at all at $679.00."
IAMAHAM said "Emission Modes: A1 (CW),<<<<<<
I guess it will do some things you don't want too."
Dear ,IAMAHAM
I am not opposed to CW operation.CW is just another mode and it should not be afforded any special priority over other modes.It is available to me if I wish to use it.The value of CW in the Amateur Service is primarily recreational in nature and CW is no longer a compulsory licensing requirement for any class of Amateur Radio license to take affect 30 days after the R&O is published in the federal register.
As for the Yaesu 857D its a good rig for the money, I use two of them one in the truck one in the shack.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5AU on January 2, 2007
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DX-35/BC348 Why? Cause it was my first store bought rig
SX-117/HT-44 Why? Sensitive, Selective, Xcv, Just a great old rig that worked flawlessly. Used it for years.
73, Troy, W5AU
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KF4HR on January 2, 2007
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Did that guy really post the entire spec sheet of a 857D? Yeah, jeeze... I guess he did...
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4BXN on January 2, 2007
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Not the best rig I have owned, but the one that brings a smile to my face was a Ten Tec Argosy II. Great little rig. Even used it on PSK w/o any trouble.
But my current all time favorite rig is my FlexRadio SDR 1000. It gets better every week (new downloads). It just works great ... simpler to use than my Orion. Quieter than my Corsair II. Not plug and play, just great ears.
73/Crit/K4BXN
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AI4DG on January 2, 2007
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The Yaesu FT-817. Yeah, it's not a great radio, but it sure is a neat little gadget. Seeing a friend, N4PK, with one got me to get semi-active again. I eventually bought a FT-817 as incentive to upgrade to General and wound up as a low-code Extra.
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Ten Tec JUPITER 538 AT
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by W4XKE on January 2, 2007
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Ten Tec Jupiter
Wow! What a rig! Digital control of the filters (none to buy / install) is one advantage. When we got 60 meters, a new program downloaded from the web put my radio on the new band. When new features are requested, Ten Tec develops them and puts the new program on their site for download.
The Last Rig You Will Ever Have to Buy! Every time I flash my eprom, I have the latest, greatest version of the Jupiter 538 AT. Operate it from the front panel or put a virtual panel on your computer screen and have total control of it there. Memories are easily stored / modified files on your computer’s hard drive. It doesn’t get any better than this. I thought I’d miss my old Corsair but I haven’t looked back! Johnny
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Kenwood, Yaesu, Elecraft, Wilderness.
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by NS6Y_ on January 2, 2007
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For a base rig, the Kenwood TS-480SAT, sounds better on HF than the Icom 7000, the detachable head is great for having the body in one place and the head where you're sitting or drifing off to sleep, and it has a tuner in it. Lots of neat things like variable filters, just a cool radio.
For QRP - the FT-817 which is at home doing VHF/UHF base duty right now, but can be taken into the field with a modest battery pack and work HF, needs a Collins filter but INRAD will fix you right up, and in my experience, just speaking for me, a better rcvr than the Elecraft KX1.
The Apocalyptic Radio: The Elecraft KX1. One little box, holds batts, tuner, etc., DDS synthesized, ultra stable, has a key on the side if you like that key, everyone squawks about there not being a good HF HT on the market, well, there is and this is it. The culmination of something like 20 years' quest for The Trail Friendly Radio. Had one, sold it, hate myself for doing so.
The Educational Radio: The NorCal 40A, which is used in a college engineering class on radio, check the Wilderness Radio site, they'll have the ISBN for the book, I think the idea is to build the radio in sections as you go through the book, I still plan to do this sometime. And the 40A is by all accounts a great radio.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N2OBM on January 2, 2007
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Drake TR7A...next Icom 746Pro...everything else that I could list would be OD green!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N6AJR on January 2, 2007
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WELL , some one finally made a no code comment on this thread... geesh.
I forgot about my swan three drifty. ( 350) turn it on and set it to 14.000 and you will be working the ssb end of the specrtum in an hour and never have to touch the dial.....
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K1DA on January 2, 2007
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Putting aside the latest whizz bang Japomatic gotta havit until the NEXT one comes along---THEN you find out the bad stuff about the prior Japomatic from the guy who just sold it....The S line because it is well made and easy to keep going, even after all this time and the Drake C Line which with all the modifications still holds it's own. Though I have reached the point where I can't even tolerate looking at the latest -
looks like cheap hi fi gear- Jap stuff I will say that the ICOM 730 I bought long ago as a 12 volt backup is a pretty nice little radio, and Kenwood makes some real good commercial FM gear -now showing up surplus.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NB3O on January 2, 2007
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Had a few TR7's from estate sales through the shack here. Good receiver. Two out of three had TX key clicks due to the sharp rise time of the "keyed" crystal carrier oscillator (easy to fix).
The Viking Valiant is an attention getter with the blue 866's, although the supply sags with them (it's worth the light show). Also softened the keying a tad to keep the locals happy. When running AM, backing off on the plate current down to 250mA improves the audio slightly by reducing the mod iron saturation (among other more invasive mods).
Running the 75A4 these days with the popular conversions from pentodes to triodes for the 1st and 2nd mixers. Does real good for an old dog, although had to squeeze in a second cascaded filter to reduce blow-by (no extra holes drilled).
The TS-830 is a favorite with INRAD filters, although we swapped the first RX mixer with a quad FET (PE4140) design to stiffen it up. A good DX rig, but no QSK for contesting. It does have good (flat response) TX audio compared to the smaller TS-430-440-450 etc.
Built a K2 for a neighbor and agree its RX gives the best performance per dollar. Just wish all of the extras did not double the price of the rig. Will probably buy one down the road.
Had the FT1000D briefly. Nice rig overall, but mine had lousy phase noise relative to other less expensive rigs. Not enough desire to rip into the synthesizers as we did in the past on the TS-940.
Would like to check out the Orion II, but am a little shy after seeing the earlier software issues regarding DSP horsepower and coding efficiency. Can anyone say "should have used a "Blackfin"?
Got a few 746non-Pro's (no IF DSP) for general purpose rigs. Spent a chunk of change ordering a PTI custom roofing filter as an experiment, but it makes them play so much better in a crowded band. Wish George at INRAD would do these.
My favorite is the Drake B twins for more sentimental reasons. Changing the finals from sweep tubes to 6146's (always use ceramic sockets!) gave the T4XB a new lease on life.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N0AH on January 2, 2007
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My Yaesu FT-900. I got it when I passed my General Exam back in 1996. It was awesome having split, VOX, amplifier capabilities and the fact I got some additional filters. I took the rig to VK9L and it worked like a champ- It sits retired now in my shack- When you retire a rig, you know it was good!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NE4M on January 2, 2007
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I know I am the only one that will mention this rig, the Heathkit HW-7. I built it as a brand new Novice in 1976 and those first cw QSO's were pure magic!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 3, 2007
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The Harris RF-3200 is the only HF commercial rig that has a VFO. Round knob type.
It does have two things over my TR-7.
1)Indestructable final.
2)TCXO, so is as stable as a 7800.
However the Drake TR-7/R7, simply do have the lowest
IF noise of any radio I have used. Their choice to put in a very narrow crystal filter(less than 5kc) after the first mixer was very wise. True no FM. So what.
I do not know if the TR-7 will be a collectable.
Many TR-7's were converted to TR-7A's. (face plate and all). People have taken 2 broken TR-7's and made one good one by board swapping.
If one looks around, one can get a 3erd party ext. VFO for the TR-7.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC0ROM on January 3, 2007
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I currently own a FT-102 Yaesu,a TS-520 Kenwood,and a Yaesu FT-7,two old boat achors and 1 of the first Yaesu solid state mobile rigs.My favorite is the FT-102 when you can keep the old girl running,she has a beautiful reciever with the notch filters,it was designed by the same engineer who designed the FT-1000,I also have the matching vfo and phone patch speaker,she takes up alot of desk space and was built ahead of her time.Too many relays in weak spots in the design.My 520 is built like a timex watch,takes a licking and keeps on ticking.The FT-7 is simple to operate,one tune knob for power and away you go,mine does about 20 watts through a Bird watt meter.Everybody likes something a little different,but it boils down to just enjoying the hobby,that is what it is all about,when life is good. 73 KC0ROM SCOTT
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 3, 2007
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.
My most fun radio was a receiver and was called a 3 tube Tuned Radio Frequency Receiver, home made when I was 14 years of age and was the only great going radio for a beginner.
The companion transmitter was a TNT home made oscillator. The TNT stands for a Tuned Not Tuned grid, which later made it into a TGTP oscillator, which meant a Tuned Grid Tuned Plate oscillator.
That was my complete ham station in 1937.
My second choice for my favorite of today is my Icom 756 Pro III, to me, the mother of all radios.
I also like the Icom 718 radios for the very low cost and great for the new ham getting on HF. Have two of those.
.:
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N9IJ on January 3, 2007
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I've used many over the forty-years I've been a ham. Of course, the fondest memories are the DX-20/SX-42 in my Novice days. Each of the others had their "best" traits but all-time favorite remains my trusty FT-817. It's portability makes it so flexible for my use that it blows the TS-2000 and others away. It has been back-packed, bicycle mobile, filled in for vehicle mobile, and is a joy to operate at home (as long as you don't mind QRP).
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB9YCJ on January 3, 2007
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30 years Hamming Favs:
Collins HF-380 with Log Periodic at 50 feet (at the MCRD San Diego Mars station),
Milspec IC-781 (at the MCAS El Toro Mars station),
Collins S line (at the MCAS Kaneohe Bay Mars station)
IC-781 w/sherwood cool-kit and Variac (presently in front of me as I write this),
MALCOMIZED FT-102 sweet receiver and clean rcv audio - beats FT-1000d (owned two Mals FT102) however NOT qsy friendly
FT-707 MOBILE IN HAWAII - worked many many countries ssb and CW, worked 48 states in 24 hours.
TS-570SG - feature packed, fun. Needs an extra ssb filter slot.
FT-650 x2 have one now - greatest 6M rig?
TS-60 x2 near equal to but cant beat the FT-650
Drake TR-7 nice receiver - not qsy friendly
FT-900 - sweet receiver, great TX audio processor, in my car NOW!
FT-1000D - regret selling.
IC-7800 (Gordo's) Best overall receiver Ive tried.
Disappointments-
Drake R-4C - owned several years, even with the mods still dirty hissy audio. Sold, dont miss it.
FT-990 - ARRL notes hissy fatiguing receiver audio - I strongly agree.
Summary - love my IC-781 and its replacement IC-7800. I would like to try a 775 dsp but I need a spectrum display that the 775 does not have. Mal's FT-102 perhaps best rig if you dont need change freq often.
I like usefull bells and whistles that the Tenneessee stuff often lacks. FT-2000: small crammed in knobs, buttons an annoyance.
73
Ken
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by G3RZP on January 3, 2007
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I inherited my father's FT102 after he went SK in 1984. I've done a load of modifications, including bleeding DC through the infamous relays, which gets rid of the problem with them, sorting out the receiver external spurious response on the CW DX ends of 80 and 40, and curing the key clicks. And a few other things. In terms of performance on sensitivity, IMD, reciprocal mixing and selectivity, it's better than is needed, and it has the vast advantage that it's repairable! OK, the display is made of unobtainium, but something can be arranged to substitute, and there's no surface mounted parts! Plus I have 13 6146Bs in stock....the rig still has the original 1983 ones in it.
Prior to that I had:
Drake TR3: fitted with KVG 9 MHz CW and SSB filters, it's not too bad.
HW101: needs a few mods like RIT, and the AGC always left something to be desired - not sure why they had to use sharp cut off tubes in the RF and IF stages. SSB filter too narrow (1.8kHz) and the VFO emulated Kon - Tiki, while the dial drive was better than the HW100, but still pretty crap.
And way back, a DX40/VF1U with a prewar HRO. Modified that to add 160m to it, and that worked well. Before that, various home brew rigs.
But there's also a home brew 10 watt rig for 80 and 40 CW using an 807, and a rebuilt HRO and an Eddystone 888A to go with it. Fun rig, but for serious operation in pile ups and contests, I haven't heard anything yet that's sufficiently better than the FT102 to make me want to change.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4FID on January 3, 2007
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I have had everything from a DX-60/SX-99 to a KWM-2A and love the IC746PRO in the shack and the IC706MkII in the car that I have now. But the best ever (46 years) was the TenTec Omni D. I liked the way the filters were on individual switches so they could be "ganged" or selected individually. The display and controls were big, easy to read, and straightforward to use. The rig and matching power supply were so robust they easily did full power on RTTY. With a ground mounted vertical and a mechanial teletype I worked a LOT of DX. Often rag chewed with DX stations for half an hour at a crack. CW operation was as good as its legend says it is and SSB was a joy too. With that rig and my D-104, Vibroplex bug, and Model 15/HAL TU I was one really happy OM.
John W4FID (K9FID for many years)
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WX1F on January 3, 2007
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My most favorite hf rigs are the only hf rigs in the shack. An Icom 746Pro and a well preserved little Drake TR-3. The Pro because it serves as my psk/cw/ssb weak signal hf/6m/2m launching pad and the TR-3 because it's DX ssb phone gets compliments every time it's on line. (I'm driving it with a mint NOS Turner 350C stock hand mic I won in an internet auction)
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 3, 2007
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WOW... lots of good rigs being posted here. Have seen several about the FT-817, and I have to agree that I had a ball with mine. Probably should not have sold it, but to many radios.
My Yaesu FT-1000-MP MKV will probably be my last NEW rig for some time to come. Its a GREAT radio, and I can not see enough differences in the FT-2000 to justify the additional money. I do like the BLUE display tho...would go nice with my Drake collection!
Waiting on parts to get my Drake TR-7 back online, and hopefully they shoul dbe here this week, as I sure
miss it!
73 Happy New Year!
de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA3NRX on January 3, 2007
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In the 23 years I have been a licensed ham radio op, I have had 3 HF rigs.....I started out with a Tempo One...Then I owned a Ten Tec 580 Delta for 3 years, and my current rig, purchased in 1989, is my TS-440 Kenwood...It is still going strong after all this time, with only one trip to the repair shop....It's still in mint condition, and I still talk all over the world with it.....Of the three, I love my TS-440 the most for obvious reasons...It's durability and features were top notch for its time....I got a lot of mileage from that rig... I hope to get many more years out of it for sure......Just goes to show you that if you take good care of something, it will last a good long time!...
Vince P
KA3NRX
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5AH on January 3, 2007
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Im surprised to see two of my all time favorite rigs missing from this long list. I used an FT-107 for 13 years then replaced it with an FT-990.
I think the 107 was not a popular choice because of its unusual choice of two-tone beige colored case for the US market. A gray case was available in the rest of the world. Interesting that the FT707, the same rig as the 107 but in a smaller package, is mentioned several times.
For me, the FT990 with its choice of multiple CW filters is great. Cant say how it is on SSB since Ive only made a handfull of contacts.
Other rigs Ive had include the Heathkit SB301/401 pair, KWM2 (no good for CW), Kenwood 450 (yuk), several Yaesu FT 401 and 560s and it all started with a Knight T-150 and Lafayette HE-30 receiver in early 1963
Bob
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KT8K on January 3, 2007
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My Argonaut 509 (my first newly purchased rig) had the sweetest sounding receiver I ever heard - I could hear ignition noise at least one or two hops away, and tell the band was open to somewhere populated even though nobody was on the band.
My Argosy with all the filters was a killer little radio, too, but my all time favorite is my Orion. Not that I didn't like my TS520, my TS-850 (still have it), or a lot of other rigs. I did NOT like the TS-120 and FT-757, both had systemic and recurring problems, and the TS-120 was deaf as a post.
But, with my Orion, I can now hear even more people who can't hear me! (And getting 79 of 80 sections in the last CW SS running 5 watts to non-directional antennas was an absolute HOOT! I love my Orion!)
73 de kt8k - Tim
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB3ERE on January 3, 2007
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I can see that "nostalgia" plays a huge part in almost everyone's decision and I'm no different.
My first HF rig was a Collins 75A4 w/Johnson Ranger II for the smoke. Had loads of fun with that CW setup, after the kids were in bed the wife, WB3ERD, and I would take turns seeing who could have the best QSO of the evening. At about the same time I acquired a Hallicrafters FMP-300 which I used mobile in my CJ-7 Jeep, untill I got paranoid about leaving it in a unlockable vehicle. Walked out of a store to see a young negro leaning into the Jeep fiddling with the radio, grabbed and held him for the cops but they left him go with a warning. Got rid of it shortly after that.
Later I bought a Galaxy GT-550 in a basket at Dayton, took a while to assemble it into a working transceiver but when it was finished those extra watts sure helped attract the attention of whomever I was calling.
Then at the next trip to Dayton 1987 I purchased a brand new Yaesu FT-767GX, wow something that I don't have to work on and other than the internal birdies I loved using it.
Somewhere along the way I quit my day job and struck out on my own, there went all my radio time, trying to build an empire. Semi retired now...only work 24 hours a week, the empire didn't last but 20 years. Got back the desire to "get on the air again" Still have the Yaesu FT767, the Galaxy 550 and a Kenwood TS-700SP opps almost forgot the Hunter 2000C along with a Icom 706MkII won at a fest. Alas, time hasn't been good to those old radios, none of them functioned when I first applied power via a variac to them.
Except for the Galaxy everything functions now BUT antennas are a big pain. I'M BLAMING THE XYL, everytime a decide on a place to erect the 4BTV she objects. The 80 & 40 meter inverted Vees along with the 41 ft mast are also laying assembled, on the ground, awaiting her stamp of approval. SO far she has found objections to every site I offer up and after the discussion I usually agree with her, she dislikes the guy wires/ropes more then I do, I sure miss my 50ft freestanding tilt-over.
At least I've something to look forward too, eventually I'll get back on the air.
73 Ed
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N3AIU on January 3, 2007
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I love my TS830S. Too bad I had to leave it in the states. I also have a soft spot for my Heathkit HW16, which has full break-in and is simple to use and maintain. I haven't used it for a while, though.
I'm running an IC706MkIIG here in Germany. It's a nice little radio, even though it's based on technology from the previous decade. I'm amazed at how much they managed to cram into it. Of course, it is not perfect. I really dislike menus, especially for CW operation, and the receiver could be better. But, with an indoor antenna I did manage to work 100 countries in two months of casual operating (not to hard from Germany, hihi).
73, Nick N3AIU/DL1NE
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KI6DMM on January 3, 2007
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I have two favorites: Kenwood ts 570.. simple, reliable and a good receiver and the old yaesu ft 747... every time I got one work well... again simple, rough, plastic, no menus, no nothing, minimalist but the best for entry level...
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N8YX on January 3, 2007
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Not in any particular order:
Drake TR7/R7/RV75 combo - very flexible; hears well ... has filtering options that aren't available on many rigs. None of mine (x4) click on CW transmit. FM? I'll switch to one of my other HF rigs for that mode if need be. Of all the radios I own, my 7-lines see the most usage.
Cubic Astro 103 - offers high-speed QSK and a number of receiver controls (including infintely variable AGC) that aren't present on most rigs. Dual PTOs. Drift is less than that of the Drakes from a cold start, and no phase noise either.
TS820S/R820 combo - this equipment saw daily use in my shack for over 10 years without missing a beat; the receiver was never shut off during that time. The R820's interference-fighting control complement is almost identical to that of the TS830S, another rig I enjoyed greatly.
TS440SAT/R5000 combo - want a portable, fairly robust rig that can pretty much 'do it all' as far as HF is concerned? Look no further than the 440; I paired mine with an R5000 for spotting duties. Should yours fall victim to the (in)famous 'VCO Unlock' problem, there is a simple (but time-consuming) fix which will put the rig back into A1 shape.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AC0AX on January 3, 2007
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My favorite overall rig would have to be my Icom IC-718, but I do love the audio from the Kenwood TS-520 (nothing like the warm sound that comes from it).
The most fun rig would have to be the Yaesu FT-817. I does it all and you can take it with you just about anywhere
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KI4NX on January 3, 2007
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Well, I like my Kenwood Twins - 599's. They were my first radios and they traveled well - actually, around the world with me. And they were two tough units! I once plugged the transmitter directly into the receive by mistake once. All 100+ watts fried one a couple of inverted diodes! Replaced the diodes and all was well again. Since then I have owned Icom 730/ 740/ 706/ 756ProII and 7000. Each still works but the twins have never left the shack.
Happy New Year, ALL,
Ken
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WC5CW on January 3, 2007
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What was and still is...My TS-830S...It performs superbly on both TX and RX...I like rotary controls and prefer NO menus...The RX is quiet and fitted with 500Hz filters in each IF chain, VBT, shift and notch, it hears just about everything the late, high-dollar bells-and-whistle rigs of today hear...I'm not an auto-pilot kind of op, nor an avid contester so auto-tune, no-tune operation doesn't hold much water with me...And lacking a 2nd VFO doesn't permit split, but that can be had with the outboard VFO-230 or -240...All things considered, a pretty amazing rig that is trouble-free (for me) and more than 25 years old!
Best HF "receiver" I every operated (as a guest)?...Has to be the K2...Wow!
Would like to see pro/con comments about the "all-in-one" HF/VHF/UHF box...the Yaesu FT-897D.
Happy New Year!
Bruce
WC5CW
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KE7AKS on January 3, 2007
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I liked my FT 101 (modified to 6146’s finals) because it was my first HF rig. It gave me a real sense of accomplishment to be able to find the frequency, tune and load, and actually have a QSO with some one, and not have someone come screaming at me for loading and tuning on what I thought was an unused frequency. No digital read out made it a bit challenging.
Now my IC 751A is my favorite 100 watt radio with digital read-out, a few memory slots, and simple to use (no menus), lots of features like adjustable filters, RIT – XIT, dual VFO’s, AM, FM, SSB, CW, built in pre-amp- attenuator switch, and one of my favorites is the GENERAL COVERAGE RECIEVER.
Harv KE7AKS
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 3, 2007
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~"Would like to see pro/con comments about the "all-in-one" HF/VHF/UHF box...the Yaesu FT-897D.
Happy New Year! Bruce WC5CW"~
I own both the FT-897 and the FT-857D, both basically teh same radios. I have also owned the FT-847, all in one box. It has been my experience the the all in one boxes are great radios, especially for mobile or portable/temporary locations.One box sets up quick and easy, and you can cover everything. The draw backs that I have found is that you lose something on teh HF side to gain multi-bands. I am NOT saying that is necessarily a bad thing, but it does seem to lose something. Probably not enough for most people to ever notice. Great boxes...try one, you'll like it.
73 de W4LGH Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA4KOE on January 3, 2007
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My favorite VHF radio is my Kenwood TS-600. My favorite HF radio is my Kenwood TS-940. I had an Icom IC-756PRO but the receiver, lacking a roofing filter, was very prone to 3rd order intermod.
I don't really miss the pro's fish finder display all that much.
Philip
KA4KOE
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5CEM on January 3, 2007
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Has to be my ARGONAUT 505!!! Great receiver, easy to use, travelled all over the US making contacts in the evenings after work. It is the reason I am still 100% QRP to this day...
cleve/W5CEM
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N5GLR on January 3, 2007
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My favorite is my current HF rig ... FT920. Best bang for the buck, excellent receiver (especially with added filters). A real sleeper in a world of hot-rod rigs. Great DSP, a real noise blanker, great notch filter, IF shift. Great receive audio through the stock speaker or headphones. The dual VFOs come in very handy at times.
I replaced my 2nd favorite rig, an IC751A, with the 920 and don't regret it. The 751A is, IMHO, one of the best HF rigs Icom ever made. When coupled with a good DSP unit like a "Clear Speech" speaker, the receiver rivals many of the best and most expensive on the market today.
N5GLR
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AF9J on January 3, 2007
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What was or is my favorite HF Radio? Hmmmmmm, lessee.
1. My TS-820 - it's 30 years old, and is the first year version of the TS-820S. I originally bought it because the price was decent, and I sort of wanted a nostalgic rig that would remind me of the college club station's TS-830S I used to operate in the mid 80s. I couldn't afford an 830S when I bought my 820 last year, so I got the 820. It's become my favorite casual operating rig. When I fired it up, I realized, that I'd forgotten how quiet a rig can be, when it doesn't have synthesizer, or microprocessor noise to contend with. It's quieter than my FT-897D. It's easy to work on (hey, no SMT stuff to mess with - and I have worked on it a couple of times, to deal with age related problems). Also, it has that killer Kenwood SSB audio (which I get compliments on), and is an OK CW machine to boot (although, it doesn't have break-in keying). Yep, it's a keeper.
2. My FT-897D - sure it's not a perfect rig (as I mentioned above my TS-820 is quieter on receive), but it's the perfect swiss knife rig for me. I do all sorts of ham radio activities, and I neither have the money, nor the space (I live in an apartement), for umpteen different one-trick pony rigs. I use it for VHF & UHF weak signal stuff. It's my digital radio rig, my contesting rig (hey, not everybody can afford a 2000 plus dollar radio), and I've even used it Pedestrian mobile (it has the capability to run up to 25W out like a milpack radio, thanks to the capability to carry internal batteries), to have chats with hams on both coasts, while walking down trails. Perfect -no. Fun - yes!!
3. Drake Twins - When I graduated college in 1987, was broke and between HF rigs, and wanted not only an HF rig, but one that would get me on 160 without breaking the bank, I bought an R4B, and T4XC. I had a blast with them. The mechanical filters were fine for my use at the time. The Drake Twins were ridiculously easy to put on the WARC bands. I sold them in 1990, to get something more modern. I still sort of regret doing so.
4. ICOM IC-775 or Kenwood TS-850S - I haven't ever owned either one, but, considering all of the favorable reviews I've read about them, if I had the money, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these two rigs.
73,
Ellen - AF9J
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA4DOU on January 3, 2007
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After reading this thread, a lot of rigs came to mind
that I'd had over the years, commercial, kits, homebrew. I enjoyed reflecting on them. I may have overlooked one or two but these are most of them.
How many of these do you remember?
Space Spanner HT40 SR160 40-40
S-38E DX40 NC200 40-30
SX-140 AC-1 TR4/RV4 OHR Explorer 20
HQ-129X T-60 TS-680S OHR Sprint 80
NC300 AF-67/68 IC-551 MFJ-9030
DX-160 ART-13 IC-751 MFJ-9017
R100A IC-751A SWL-20
R-4B HW-8 K1
R-4C FT-840 K2(unfinished)
75A1 FT-897 NW30
75A2 FT-897D
FT-990
OMNI VI+
In the earlier years, I'd occasionally sell everything
and come back with homebrew. I thought that proved
something but it didn't. Nothing we do as amateurs adds
up to anything in the grand scheme of things. Every rig
had its place in history, good points, bad points,
strengths and weaknesses.
Some rigs in particular stand out in memory. Among them
were/are the NC300, 75A2, TR-4/RV-4, R-4B,C, FT-897/D,
FT-990.
I still have the IC-751A, FT-897D, FT-990, Omni VI+,
and the unfinished K2. I'll have to reserve judgement
on the K2. I especially like the FT-990 and the FT-897D.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N0NB on January 3, 2007
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I started out building playing with an HW-8 and then an HW-5400 I built in early 1984 (receiver was deaf as a stump above 20m). In 1986 I bought a TS-830S that I still have stored away. In 1997 I bought a TS-850S that quickly became a money pit with two trips to the repair shop for DDS chips.
In 1999 I picked up a mint FT-890AT which I had wanted since 1992. I was blown away by how much better its receiver was than the '850 and '830--much quieter with a better SNR. In 2000 I traded the '850 for my FT-920 which has been my main rig since.
I love the '890 for its receiver's performance and its overall simplicity of operation. It's a great Field Day rig because it doesn't take an operator long to feel comfortable with it and understand the controls.
The FT-920 is a fine radio and I'm waiting for the International Radio filter switch kit and a 2.1 kHz filter to enhance the selectivity. I like the straight-forward nature of the DSP and it's only moderately complicated compared to the newer models. I have guest operated an FT-990, FT-1000MP, and FT-1000 Mk V and of those I liked the '990 the best.
Of the radios I've owned I rate the FT-890 #1 and the FT-920 #2 and the TS-830 #3.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC4WMS on January 3, 2007
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My personal favorite was my TenTec Omni D station. best performance I have had to date with even newer , more sophisticated rigs.Foolishly I traded my baby off for a computer in a weak moment, and have kicked myself ever since.computers tend to come and go but I don't miss them. I do miss my TenTec.
73 to all de kc4wms
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W8JII on January 3, 2007
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I've had a lot of radios over the years but one in particular I developed a love hate relationship with---the infamous Eico 753. It had key clicks,God awful drift problems and lousy audio. The fact that I managed to cure most of the problems should have entitled me to an extra class license on the spot. It was a great looking radio and I kind of wish I still had it.....Please don't ask why!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N4CTR on January 3, 2007
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Best Bang for the Buck,,Icom 746 PRO,,,I've had a Pro-2 and a Pro-3,,but I always come back to the 746 PRO !!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WR8D on January 3, 2007
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Thomas, we all do stuff like that. I let a collins KWS-1 and it's 75A-4 go like that. The only places i've seen a set of gold dust twins as nice as mine were is in some of these museum pictures on the web. It's called live and learn. I did the same thing with one of my kenwood 830 stations and like to never got another one back as good as the one i sold. Enjoy radio om. 73 John WR8D
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K6YE on January 3, 2007
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I currently use a Yaesu FT-1000D and a IC-775DSP. They do it all (for me) but I am adding the roofing filters to further enhance performance (All of the filter slots are full).
My first setup was an Ameco AC-1 and Hallicrafters
S-85. I had a lot of fun but did not work too much DX. I operated WA6TLT's KWM-2A and wanted one but never got around to purchasing one.
Second: Heathkit DX-40 and National NC-300. I worked a lot of DX on 40 meters CW.
Third: Gonset GSB-100 and NC-300. This was my first SSB station.
Fourth: Side Band Engineer SBE-33. This was my first mobile rig. Great radio (designed by Faust Gonset) but had teeny tuning controls.
Fifth: Drake TR4C line. I still have it but do not use it.
Sixth: Kenwood TS-130S. First fully solid state rig.
Seventh: Kenwood TS-430S. This was my first NIB radio. Traded the TS-130s plus $100 for it and an Astron 20 ampere supply from Henry Radio. I really wanted the Yaesu FT-102 line but also wanted a mobile capable rig so the 430 won out.
Eighth: Icom IC-761. Added the 250Hz filters for CW, a KT-34XA, and a Henry amp for 200 plus countries. What a sweet setup! I sold the TS-430S to get this rig and sold it to get the FT-1000D.
I do not plan on buying any new rigs. The one observation I have made is that each person has his/her needs and this generally governs the desired radio.
Semper Fi,
Tommy - K6YE
DX IS
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC2WI on January 3, 2007
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I'm gonna get it for this, but if the nostalgia factor was paramount, I'd have to list my old Lafayette 23 channel CB (don't even remember the model number) from about 1975. Of course this isn't a ham rig and it doesn't count, but it was my introduction as a teenager to 2-way radio. Some of my friends had CBs as well and the challenge (and magic) of talking to each other with a crummy CB really sticks in my mind. Also driving to/from college and making friends along the way on CB. Ahh, the good old days.
As far as real ham radios, I started our with an old RME receiver while learning CW, but quickly built a Heathkit reciever to go with my DX-100 CW transmitter. Not long after, I stepped up to an Icom 730. It was a great simple transceiver, almost-new technology at the time I got it. Next step was a trade up to a TS-440 in the later 80's, which I had as my only radio for over 15 years. My first mobile [not counting a HTX-10] was an Alinco DX-70T which is not a bad rig for the [used] price (still have it as a back up), but my 706 MKIIg is better. Also had at one time or another a Corsair II and a TS-530. I suspect if I had the 530 as a primary rig for a long time it might have been my favorite becaue it was a great classic radio. But I have to say that while not perfect, overall my new IC-746Pro, which replaced the ageing TS-440 a year ago, is my favorite. It's not a 'classic' but the receiver performance and other features of the IF DSP are really nice.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VE3GNU on January 3, 2007
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My Icom 740 and its outboard SWITCHING PS20 power supply has NEVER LET ME DOWN since I acquired it Nov. 1982---A fully-featured rig---It was 'top-of-the-line' in its day---the analog meter is a marvel, the switches have the same positive feel as when new---and the only addition: two INRAD SSB filters. A 'ham band only' rig---it has a very quiet synthesizer, and above all---is a joy to use!! This rig had a very short production 'run' as it was superceded by the IC745 and its 'general coverage' feature---a rig considered not in the 'same league' at all!
My 740 has never needed service throughout its tenure in my shack!!
My only regret is never to have owned the Drake Twins, the Ten Tec Triton Digital Model 544 or Kenwood TS 520!!
We are so fortunate to have had available such marvelous equipment over the years---
73 VE3GNU
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AI2IA on January 3, 2007
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I have no favorite radio. To me, each radio is a tool for communciation. When a more effective tool comes along, and when I can afford it, I go for the newer one. It is very easy to get comfortable with a favorite HF transceiver, but that does absolutely nothing to improve my skills.
It is a good feeling to wear out the instruction manual with a transceiver, use it often, and then move on to a totally different transceiver. I keep only two HF transceivers at any time. If I acquire a third, I sell off or trade one of the earlier two. This post makes it seem like I do this often, but that is not the case. It happens usually every five years. I keep it moving, and I don't keep boat anchors or any old stuff around the shack. If I get a new watt meter, I get rid of the old watt meter.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AI8H on January 3, 2007
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A set of ARC-5's as started off with. A simple transmitter and receiver that cover 75 meters just to humble myself and the current technology.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N1DZ on January 3, 2007
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My favourite rig WAS a TS850.
Now it has been replaced by the Flexradio SDR1000.
The SDR1000 has a trully amazing receiver.
I have not used my TS850 in many months.
The Heatkit HW101 was my first rig and I still have a soft spot for it.
The HW101 was so easy to service. Neither the TS850 or SDR1000 are serviceable.
HPNY N1DZ
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K6AER on January 3, 2007
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My favorite radio is my current radio.
Very sensitive, low noise floor, great DSP, easy to use, configurable filters, great carrier notch, configurable AGC’s, smooth and rich receive audio, fantastic transmit audio, it has 6 meters, all mode, accurate spectrum display for receive and transmit, smooth VOX, noise reduction and noise blanker are top notch, flawless CW break-in, brick wall DSP filters, bright and beautiful TFT display, compact design, very high quality construction, low cost ($2500) and very easy to use.
Oh by the way the radio is the I-COM 756 Pro-III.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7FE on January 3, 2007
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The Drake TR-7 that I purchased in 1977 is still my favorite and it is used on a regular basis. I have the Drake external speaker, speech processor, external VFO plus all the filter options. I purchased a second TR-7 in 1978. That one it is still working and is on loan. The transceiver has been used at home, many Field Day sites, marine and mobile for thousands of Dx contacts. It drives my linear amplifier to full output. The TR-7 has simplicity of operation without menu's and great quality audio. Never a report of key clicks.
73,
Terry, K7FE
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 3, 2007
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Terry, ditto experience here.
I purchased my TR-7 in February '78 and its only "service" has been to replace the pilot lamps in the PTO dial and the S-meter (same #53 lamp for both). While I was in there, I replaced the braid that grounds the travelling wiper in the PTO. I also, years ago, added an internal electronic keyer (Curtis chip) so I could just plug in a paddle. That's the total extent of the work I've done on that rig in 28+ years.
No key clicks, one of the best noise blankers ever designed, and modulation that brings reports of "holy cow, what are you using?" with about 90% of all phone contacts.
When I had the Orion-II here in the shack in October, I put that rig side-by-side with the TR-7 for 12 days and found that there either wasn't any discernable difference, or, if anything, I preferred the TR-7's receiver because it just sounded better on very weak signals.
I think unless somebody's messed with the TR-7 and screwed it up somehow, it's one of the best transceivers ever designed or manufactured. I'm looking for another one in "mint and unmodified" condition, if I can find it.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KT0DD on January 3, 2007
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My TT Orion II! Brick wall selective front end, second truly independent receiver that can run on the same antenna as the main receiver simultaneously (nice for SWL while waiting for a call on HF) and the ability to "upgrade" the radio via downloading software over the internet. (I dont know how much money I've spent buying a newer radio to keep up with advances in receiver performance, and selling the old one as used at a loss, but I'll bet it's a small fortune!) And Ten Tec support has always been #1 for me with my previous TT gear. I'm keeping mine! 73.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WL7CMG on January 3, 2007
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I would have to pick my TS-950SDX over my TS-870. The 870 "was" my favorite, but I have to have dual RX. Altho.....I may be selling the SDX tonight and the money will go towards a FT-2000. Yes....a little scary, but I got the ITCH.....!!! AGAIN.....!!!!!.....Wish me luck....hi. 73
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N5MZL on January 3, 2007
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Haven't seen this one mentioned, but it doesn't really matter; my favorite was the Yaesu FT-757GXII I bought new from AES back in '86. I ended up with the matching antenna tuner and SP-102 speaker (which I still have, and it's hanging off my current rig, and still sounds great).
Interesting thing about my '757GXII is that it had all the controls of the GX, including the mechanical mode select. I didn't even know the GXII had electronic mode select until recently. Yet the factory name plate clearly said GXII, not GX, so I don't know what was up with that.
Even so, I had a blast with that radio. The only mod I did to it was to add a Heil HC4 mic element to the stock hand mic. It had a great receiver, and if I could hear 'em, (and I usually could) I could work 'em. I didn't really need the antenna tuner except for 75/80, as I had a "Starduster" CB antenna for 10m, and inverted V's I made myself for 15, 20, 40 and 80, and they were all resonant (1.5:1 or less) anywhere I wanted to work, except for the 80m dipole, which I could never get below 2:1. (I must have pulled that thing down a half dozen times but could never get it right; looking back I think the balun might have been bad). Always got good signal reports, and except for a short period of time when I had a SB-200 amp, it was always just 100 watts out. I know what a lot of people have said about this rig in the reviews section, but it always performed well for me, and I always had a lot of fun with it, and it was built like a tank.
I sold it off in '92, a decision I later came to regret. My rig today is an IC-746PRO, and I'm very happy with it, but I think some of my fondest ham radio memories will always be with that old '757...
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC8VWM on January 3, 2007
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I haven't tried them all out yet but I am working on it however, I suspect it's going to take me another 50 years to reach this conclusion. So I will have to get back to you with the details about my "favorite" one at that time.
"It's not about the destination, it's about how many radio contacts you can make along the way."
:) Charles - KC8VWM
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5AK on January 3, 2007
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Over the past 47 years, I have had many radios. I equate fun to use with my favorite rig. The most fun I had so far in ham radio were the years when the AO-13 satellite was operational. I used an FT-736R which is a nice older radio for VHF/UHF operation.
For HF, I'd have to rate the TS-950SDX as my favorite with the TS-850 as a close second.
Probably will try a flex radio next year, so my opinion may change. It's fun to read all the various opinions.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VA2VYZ on January 3, 2007
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what was and still favorite....
My Elecraft K2 and KX1
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6PMR on January 3, 2007
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Like most on this thread I have owned way to many rigs over the years but I do have fond memories of a few.
Yaesu FT 900, The best mobile rig I ever used, Loved the built in tuner and the detachable face plate.
HW 101, My first, (And only) xcvr kit, worked great and that green radio looked cool.
TS 130 and 430. Both were great for thier day. First
all solid state rigs that I thought worked well in all
aspects.
TS 940, Great audio and smooth RX.
TR 7, My favorite Drake. Liked it much, much more than all the TR3/4 sets I had. You can listen to this rig for hours on end. Optional NB works wonderfully
and very well built. Still holds it's own today.
KWM2, Whats not to like. First rally good rig I owned, first accurate readout rig I had. Untill this radio came along for me I "Kinda" knew where I was on the bands.
My rig now, Icom 756pro. Love this radio. It still blows me away after two years with it's performance and features. A joy to use and own.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W7ETA on January 3, 2007
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Whenever I turn on my C-Line, I smile.
I still love my TR4CW--would dearly like to be able to set one up for 30 meters.
But, for every day DXing, my old solid state dual receive rig with a few added filters, TS950S.
I can listen to the TS830s for hours and hours and hours; something magical about it's receiver.
a single 73
Bob
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N6XYI on January 3, 2007
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For pure nostalgia, it was a converted "ARC 5" pair (BC 454 receiver & T 21 Transmitter). This was my first "rig," given to me by my 'elmer' who turned me onto the hobby ... I can still remember the blue and orange glow of the tubes warming my "shack" in the family garage on a cold winter's night as I hammered out contacts on 80 CW and contemplated the mysteries of the ionosphere.
For pure fun on the low bands it was my Kenwood TS 500 - purchased used using my allowance money - another boat-anchor tube rig that never failed to score in a DX pileup, despite my modest verticle antenna. Never mind that it pumped out a not-so-modest 500 watts pep input.
Peter D. Gambee
K6TTD
///pdg
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 3, 2007
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I.M.H.O, Of all the solid state rigs, the TR-7 was the easiest to do your own repairs.
The TR-7/R7A line was nice. The reason why the rig is so solid is the fact Drake made the TR-77. The TR-77
had a DDS VFO built is used today by many armed forces
Beware of broken TR-7's being sold on EBAY. Do not buy a serial number below 4XXX. BTW very few TR-7(A)'s
were produced. Most rigs sold as a TR-7(A) are TR-7's with all the Xtal filters and NB built in. A fake TR-7(a) face plate is added too!
The last TR-7s have a 10,000 serial number. The TR(A)'s are 11,000 on up.
Try before you buy! :}
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W0NFU on January 4, 2007
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My favorite HF radio was a Hallicrafters S-38D and a WRL Globe Chief 90. Why - because that was the gear I had when I was first licensed.
After that equipment, I think it would have to the be IC-765 that I have now.
73 - Larry WŘNFU
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N2RRA on January 4, 2007
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Gezz! So many to choose from. I'd have to with my Icom 756pro truthfully speaking for a number of reason's, but overall performance would have to be my Icom 756pro III.
I've been an Icom fan for years know, and one of the number reasons was dependability. No doubt that out of all the rigs I've owned Icom was the least problems of all. In fact I've never had a problem. To show this I'm 12 for 12 with Icom. Twelve rigs is saying a lot with zero problems.
Great reciever allows to hear all to work all. Easy on eye's display, great looking, perfect D.X. audio, as well as broad cast quality.
Icom 756pro III overall, but for some reason my 756pro. Listen out for me mostly on 20m and you'll hear why.
73 all & God Bless!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by SM0AOM on January 4, 2007
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Standard Radio CR91 receiver and SST1020 transmitter
Period.
73/
Karl-Arne
SM0AOM
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K0PD on January 4, 2007
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My Favorite Radio is the Patcomm 16000A. But sadly it is very hard to find one that work's correctly. Also with the Company no longer building radio's support is next to none.These radio's had excellent Mod and the DSP filtering was outstanding. They were a radio ahead the time's with one feature i also liked was the ability to copy Rtty and Cw. One other radio i would rate as a all time Favorite is the KW TS-180 and i still have one and use it a lot......
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N4RSR on January 4, 2007
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Without doubt, the FT-920. Read the product reviews here on eHam. Enough said!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 4, 2007
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Yes, there is something magical about the Drake TR-7. Mine has been down for a week now and I relaly miss it. Should have the parts soon to bring it back to life. I too, have compaired the TR-7 side by side my FT-1000MP-MKV and as for basic receive they go head to head. Sure the 1000 has a few newer features that set it out a tad in front, I still like the TR-7 better. I enjoy my 4B line as well, something about the audio quality there, and now that I have the L4B in line with it, makes it a super performer. My TR-3 is a pretty good performer as well, but will drift during long qso's due to heat. Don't use it everyday, but do enjoy firing it up once in a while. Guess I am gonna have to break bad and get one of Phil Chambleys VFO stabilizer and lock it down.
73 and good DX'ing! Lots of neat radios over the years, and super memories. I think the memories are as big a part of the hobby as any other facit. Its been a super hobby for me!
de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
Keep the memories ALIVE, and the tubes glowing! Come visit us on the SPG Vintage Net, Sunday afternoon @ 2000hrs, 14.289Mhc.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by TUBEGUY on January 4, 2007
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I have to agree with WA2JJH...lots of broken TR7's out there & some "fake" TR7A's out there ,having their front panels replaced when Drake sold them off. True factory TR7A's should sport a serial number from around 11XXX and up,not many produced.
As far as the earlier post saying the TR7 was a dog....perhaps his needed an alignment or repair..it is a great,simple radio,and aside from a little PTO drift,will hold it's own against anything today (DSP not withstanding)..."toss the radio and keep it's power supply"? what's up with that??
The TR7(A)/R7(A) combo with a outboard DSP is gauranteed to satisfy...it works as good as any modern rig without all those pesky menus.
It seems so far...most posters like the TR7's, Kenwood 820's & 830's, and I would have to agree.
Sometimes,newer is not always better,and again,remember this topic is what's your FAVORITE rig,not what performs the best,so no matter what anybody likes,whether it's a HW101 or a 950SDX,all HF radios new & old are great,because it's a great hobby,and nice to see a topic here without anybody bashing anyone else & everyone enjoying the topic.
Great thread Alan!!
Keep those firebottles glowing!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AF9J on January 4, 2007
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"I used an FT-736R which is a nice older radio for VHF/UHF operation."
Awwww geez!! How could I have forgotten the 736R!! I had one from 1995, until 1999. Sadly, I had to sell mine to pay the bills. I miss it to this day. I had 2, 222, 432, and 1296 band modules installed in that rig. I had a blast doing weak signal, & VHF/UHF contesting with it. The receiver was reasonably quiet and sensitive (yeah a good transverter is better, but they don't have the portability & multiband capability my 736R had). It had a built-in keyer (for doing CW QSOs when condx. were rough), and an internal power supply (kudos, no hassles with finding room for a power supply). A classic VHF & UHF rig. Just look on e-bay & see what they're going for. Well, break over, I'd better get back to work.
73,
Ellen - AF9J
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6IZT on January 4, 2007
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My favorite radio is my K2/100. Also have an FT1000D but I use the K2 90+% of the time. It's just an outstanding CW rig, as stated earlier there are not alot of bells and whistles. It is a joy to use.
I originally built the radio for use while vacationing in the Caribbean. It replaced a IC-706 MKIIg which is terrible on CW.
I have built the KAT100, XV50, and XV144. I will own this radio for the rest of my days
(thanks Eric and Wayne)
Gregg
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N1XBP on January 4, 2007
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The only rig I've had that I've never wanted to sell or change for something else is my IC-718. I'm not big on bells and whistles but I don't like being hampered by a lack of features, and this radio strikes a great balance at a good price. I wish it did 6 meters, or FM on 10, but I don't knock it for not having it.
The best transceiver I ever used was a Ten Tec Omni VI+. Every time I get to use that rig it's like magic.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 4, 2007
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>As far as the earlier post saying the TR7 was a dog....perhaps his needed an alignment or repair..it is a great,simple radio,and aside from a little PTO drift,will hold it's own against anything today (DSP not withstanding)..."toss the radio and keep it's power supply"? what's up with that??<
::I'd agree with this. I'm an original TR-7 owner, since 1978, and the only service the rig's ever required is having its PTO and S-meter pilot lamps replaced. I added an internal electronic keyer (Curtis ASIC) many years ago, too, but it didn't "need" that. I put the TR-7 side-by-side with the IC-756PROIII only about 8-9 weeks ago when my neighbor brought the PROIII over, and sitting them together with a coax switch was an eye-opening experience. The TR-7 blows away the PROIII under *some* rather severe conditions, such as working weak signals on 17m CW while the KVOH broadcast transmitter (1 million Watts e.r.p., aimed at me, close by on 17.775 MHz) is on the air. Actually, the TR-7 also blows away the Elecraft K2 and the Flex Radio SDR1000 under those same conditions. Tried with all three. It also receives nothing but "Wow! Your audio is so good, what is that you're using?" type reports on SSB. It's a lousy AM rig, and doesn't include FM at all. Another "virtue" of the TR-7 is its rather robust PA...puts out >100W into a 3:1 SWR just fine (no tuner). Puts out 140W into a 1:1 match on every band. Very forgiving of error or mismatch, and doesn't "pull back" until the mismatch becomes very large...unlike all the other solid-state rigs I have, or had. Its NB-7 noise blanker is the best I've ever used, in anything.
WB2WIK/6
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N0NV on January 4, 2007
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My Kenwood TS-830S
Dip the Plate, Peak the Load.
Once you learn it, you never forget.
The eHam reviews say it all:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/440
73, Jack
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4LVR on January 4, 2007
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My Favorite Radio in my 31st year of Ham-ing:
The Kenwood TS-430S I bought new in 1985 and still own. With both narrow CW and SSB filters, I can overlook the pumpy AGC loop. I still get great audio reports. It has been hockey puck reliable for 22 years, just did SS-SSB with it! If it had computer control I would never have needed another rig (currently own a TS-850S/AT too).
My Second Favorite Radio:
The Heath HW101 I built back in 1976. Building it was a joy, seconded only to operating it with the outboard "B&W Clipper" RF speech processor that created average SSB power near CW keydown levels and STILL sounded good. Lacked a lot of features, but the thrill of starting with a box of parts and ending up with a transceiver of its caliber was unequalled and led to more and more Heathkits... <sigh> I miss Heathkits!
My Least Favorite Radio:
A Yaesu FTdx501 which I spent lots of money on to "upgrade" from the HW101 and which literally physically disintegrated right out of the box. To this day I have never owned another Yaesu product. I won a Yaesu HT at a raffle last year and promptly traded it away. The FIAT of radios.
I couldnt ever sell the 101 because I the Yaesu wouldnt keep running long enough!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W3WW on January 4, 2007
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My favorite set up was my DX-20 and the Trusty Heathkit AR-3 Receiver.
WHY ??? Band Switching was a breeze....Just drop your pencil on the desk, or whack the desk with your knee and instantly, another band.
In all seriousness, that was my first and probably my favorite, because of the fond CW memories.
73,
Don
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5ACF on January 4, 2007
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back in the 60s when i first got my license(conditional class)my first radio was h hallicrafters s4oa and a home brew xmtr(6l6 output cathode modulated)then i got favorite radio multi-elmac pmr-7a andaf-67 with ac/dc power supply i could use this combination base or mobile.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AD1OS on January 4, 2007
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For fixed station use, I loved my FT-901DM. Mobile, TS-430. We travelled 13 years, going thru 4 cars and one TS 430.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? KENWOOD
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by M0HEM on January 5, 2007
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TS850
THE LOVE OF MY LIFE
73 JOHN M0HEM
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K5YUT on January 5, 2007
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My favorite "radio" was the s-line gear at the W6YX club in the late 70's. Didn't hurt that it was hooked to full-sized yagis on separate towers on each of the (then ) HF bands from 40 up.
I'm currently playing with receiver construction in the hope of creating a new favorite radio.
Cheers!
Jim
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K2VI on January 5, 2007
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OWNING OVER 40 RIGS IN A 17 YEAR PERIOD HERE ARE MY TOP 10 THAT I REALLY LOVED:
1- KENWOOD TS-870
2-ICOM IC-756 PRO
3-YAESU FT-990DC
4-ICOM IC-751A
5-YAESU FT-920
6-KENWOOD TS-850S
7-YAESU FT-1000MP(ORIGINAL)
8-KENWOOD TS-2000
9-ICOM IC-718
10-KENWOOD TS-570DG
THEESE ARE JUDGED ON PREFORMANCE,RELIABILITY,CONSTRUCTION AND EROGONOMICS(LAYOUT AND EASE OF USE)
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KE1MB on January 5, 2007
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Receiver is a R-390A coupled with a Central Electronics Sideband adapter driving a vintage Scott vacume tube Hi-Fi stereo amp. My xmiter is a Drake TR4. Both radios are linked together and work as RCVR/XMITER. The most fun to use out of anything I have ever had.
KE1MB
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 5, 2007
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We I got in a junker TR-7 last nite, and it had the parts needed to get my "Cherry" TR-7 back up and running! She's purring like a new born kitten again!
Out of the deal I also aquired the Nosie Blanker board which mine didn't have, and the 6kc AM filter.
I had all the other filters, so all in all not a bad deal.
It sure was nice last nite, after about 3 hours of work to put the TR-7 back on line and hear that sweet HF sound come out of the speaker. So my FAVORITE HF radio is back in the saddle again!
Now the question is whether to part out the other TR-7 or to fix it as a backup or sell it.
CU on the air!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 5, 2007
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If one does get a broken TR-7 and wants to repair it, a few things make it easier to repair.
1)The Digital board emulator. It simply turns the Tr-7
into a analogue read out only, ham band only rig. The TR-7 can then be trouble shooted far easier.
2)A PAPER(NOT CD) repair manual.
3)Set of card extenders.
4)Optional: A spare voltage regulator board.
Many Junker TR-7's became junk after somebody shorted the digital board or blew out the regulator
board.
My favorite best P.O.S radio was the Eico-753, the SBE-33 a close second.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N4MJG on January 5, 2007
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My Favorite would be for base i use yeasu 847 and ft 102 FV 102DM, but i love the older Rigs better back than tubes are way to go this. old rig i have now ft102 6146 inside the radio now , i have new tubes when it ready to replaced.
FT 847 would be be my 2 nd base most of time i use it for 6 meter and 2 meter or swith radio when ever i feel like,has of right now i use on cw get ready to take test before to long. i been ham since aug 2001 really enjoyed,always older rigs are better that just my 2 cent in !
73
Jackie
KG4ORX
WEBSITE http://webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 5, 2007
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Many TR-7's became junk because the person that owned it had no business going into it!! The TR-7 is NOT an overly complicated radio electrically, but is very complicated in its physcial construction. Once you learn your way around inside, and what needs to be removed first, its not to bad. I need to find a good set of extender boards, and a paper service manual. The one on line is way to hard to follow, but better than nothing!
I am just glad to get mine back up and running!!!
All these people on here with older radios...why not come join us on teh SPG vintage Net?? Sunday afternoons 3pm eastern or 2000utc on 14.289mhc.
73 and keep 'em running!
de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KB6QXM on January 5, 2007
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I am split between 2 radios as my favorite. It was either my FT101B with all of the accessories or my TS-930. Both great radios!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC8VWM on January 5, 2007
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by KE1MB on January 5, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
Receiver is a R-390A coupled with a Central Electronics Sideband adapter driving a vintage Scott vacume tube Hi-Fi stereo amp.
------------
That's my kinda guy!
I have a similar "audio" setup on my own R390A. Nothing like hearing a roomful of hams from the SPG Vintage Boatanchor Net, Sunday afternoons 3pm eastern or 2000utc on 14.289mhz. resonating the walls of the shack in full bodied tube audio.
I also listen using an R-1051/URR reciever. Just to make the boatanchor set complete, I have recently acquired the matching T827/URT transmitter.
Ok, now you guys really got me started. :)
73 de Charles - KC8VWM
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 5, 2007
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Alan W4LGH, I have the original Drake service manual for the TR-7, but it would be quite a job to reproduce -- it's a 3-ring binder, very thick! Lots and lots of pages, all double sided, many with fold-outs (schematics and photos of the boards). If I wanted to "Xerox" it, that would probably take a couple of hours.
I also have a set of the extender boards.
Both purchased new, when I bought the rig in '78.
Interestingly, my TR-7 has never required any service in 28 years (except the pilot lamps -- and replacing the PTO lamp is an "interesting" job, since you must remove the digital display board with its 5 or 6 blind-mate connectors to do it!), so my buying all this stuff obviously prevented me from ever needing to use any of it! Murphy's Law...
WB2WIK/6
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AB7JK on January 5, 2007
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FT747GX
Inexpensive, has all filters, quiet receive, can run 50mw to 100 watts variable, great agc, excellent SWL and sensitive on AM.
What else do you need?
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7FE on January 5, 2007
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Steve, My TR-7 service manual has some updates for different series S/N's that I found along the way. You are correct about the FB noise blanker, I had forgotten about it. The only addition that the TR-7 needs is a Heil DSP speaker. I use the Autek Memory Keyer, so I have never considered building a keyer into the transceiver.
73,
Terry, K7FE
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA2DDX on January 6, 2007
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My favorite radio is the Yaesu FT-920 I currently own. It is loaded with features, easy to use and performs very well. The receiver really pulls out weak signals and the built in dsp and noise filters work very well. Dollar for dollar I am unable to find anything close to this. Other rigs may have an additional feature or two but nothing rocks like this 920. Second favorite was the Heath SB-102. I had two of those and loved it, in spite of some shortcomings.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5XU on January 6, 2007
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Thank you Alan for beginning this series of opinions. It has been most enjoyable. I gave some thought to the question and deceided to answer the question by reviewing the log. I do not have as many choices as many of these readers, but it was interesting as to my own tastes.
As I work CW and mostly for DX, my choices are not universal. I have used and enjoyed other modes and have enjoyed the many hours that I have spent talking to my friends using SSb. But, I began with CW and will stay with it. So, my comments are for the most part, limited to the performance and enjoymnet of CW using radios.
The first is by far the Sherwood modified Drake C Line. Most of the contacts I have had over the last 2 years have been with that radio. I have had it for a long time and consider it to be a well behaved and easy to use radio. For contest and very crowded work, it has hands down the best performance and success (for me) of all the others.
Next would be the tr7a. I was fortunate to find a new one in the box and when I opened it I let out 1980's air. With the filters it is very good. It is remarkedly quiet. For those who have had reports of key clicks, the book gives a hint to the cause, you are overdriving it. Mine will send a click and distortion as well with the alc light on. I followed the rules and it behaves quite well. I have the remote vfo and can work split quite easily
A note here. Using any radio is a lesson in patience. Some radios, as the tr7, are very easy and quite intuitive to use. Even quests in the shack who have never used one with a minute of instructions can get on the air with the tr7. Even the aux 7 use is intuitive. The Drake C line is also easy to use. It has the most remarkable passband of any radio I have ever used, mush less owned.
Now, the next one would be the Orion. While the Orion occupies the most imporatnt part of my shack and it is a very high performer, it is NOT an intuitive radio. I have been told the Orion II is better in the selection of the roofing filters, but as I have not used one I can only say that it has to be better. As far as the performance, I feel that it is somewhat noiser than the tr7, but it certainly can hold its own in the crowd of a contest. As my analysis involved looking at the log and since the Orion is the only radio connected to the shack computer, the Orion would get used where a lot of logging would be required. Otherwise it would be the Drake C line.
For fun I use the RT4cw/rit and remote vfo and use it a lot for rag chewing with some dx friends. They can tell me when I have it on as they say it has the best tone of them all. They should know as I rarely hear my own on-air signal.
I have and enjoyed the Kenwood TS-180S. It is a great radio and one that can take a lot of use. I use it for field day eack year and it handles that crowd well.
It is interesting to note that most of the repondents prefer the radios that were in the 80's and 90's. These were produced, apparently when designs were elegant and functional. It may also be a matter of cost. No doubt there is some qso or some event that makes these our favorites. While I enjoy the use and servicing of the radios I have owned, I must say that the small and compactness of the newer units makes it a challenge. In this class, the older tube based radios are easier as the parts are larger. The Orion would be fairly easy to service as the boards are for the most part modular, but, mercy, I hope I never have to do that.
Whatever radio you have and use, for the most part is your favorite. The choices, however, make for an interesting conversation. Look at Sherwood Engineering's independent test results for the performance of the receivers that have been out. I find it makes for interesting reading.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA8OCN on January 6, 2007
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Mine is by far the ICOM 735, I purchased my first one new at Dayton years and years ago. I did not really know how easy it was to use until I picked up a 706 on ebay. I used the 706 up here at the cabin for a few years but then found a second 706 on ebay for the barn.
I do own a Yaesu 897D and a Yaesu 817D because I wanted the extra bands that the 735 does not have.
I dont think I love that radio because its the best, I know that there are better rigs out there but that is the rig I used for my first contacts. That first QSL card from the other side of the pond was such a thrill! (Yes I did CW for that first year when I was a Novice) I must admit that when I upgraded FM took over for many years until the FCC let us old timers on HF for our 5 words per min code.
The mode I run almost 99% of the time on HF is PSK31, I hope to start using a little SSB when the next cycle improves the bands soon. I need to get a beam up for HF soon.
73 Delbert McCord
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 6, 2007
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I also want to give TNX to Alan for producing a nice artical on a subject that seemed to have attracted a good group of Ehammers. Those that can tell you what makes their favorite radio special to them.
We did not get cw/anti cw threads. No bickering.
Nobody said......Why would you like a radio like this or like that.
I forgot to mention one other reason why the TR-7 is one of my favorites.
It is a Drake. The TR-7(a) was the swansong of Drake.
Kenwood introduced their TS-820S a year earlier. It had a digital readout, PBT, and notch. They were being sold for $850 new.
Drake had to do one better. The TR-7(a) was one of the very first solid state final rig. The TS-820 had a tube final, however 6146's were real RF tubes, and not TV sweep tubes.
The TR-7 was one of the first ham rigs with General Coverage RX. The TR-7 was a "hard" sell" for over $1400. So most hams opted for the cheaper TS-820.
I worked for one of the last NYC ham radio stores. Barry Electronics. I was 18. It was a colledge job.
I got to see and use every new radio that got introduced between 1977-1982.
The TR-7 was just a different exciting animal. I had purchased the TS-520 back then. It was all I could afford back then. I knew someday after I got my EE degree, I could afford to buy a TR-7.
Alas it was too late. Drake started to go under.
Perhaps only 2000 real TR-7A's were produced. The R7A was deemed too pricy for just an RX. End of an era perhaps.
I finally did get a TR-7 on ebay 4 years back.(added all the filters and NB ). I was hooked and had to have a R7A. I paid a very high price on Ebay($2000).
The R7A hold its own against Racal, Harris, or any other $10,000 commercial HF RX.
The R7A has that same low noise floor as a TR-7.
Even when one kicks in the pre-amp, it is still smooth as silk.
Good engineering and much more sheilding than any other ham rig.
For those interested...check out the Drake Museum on the net. It is owned by an OM that owns like 20 of every drake item produced! You will also see prototypes.
A Drake TR-8 was going to be introduced. It is a TR-7A but with a real stable DDS VFO under the hood. No analogue readout. However No drifty PTO to deal with.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NW9T on January 6, 2007
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Although I've been licensed for a considerable amount of time, in the 30 year neighborhood, I've never been able to find the extra cash to invest in up-to-date HF radios. So I'm assuming on the day I do, and get to operate something more modern than what I'm use to, a nice surprise should be awaiting.
So as far as favorites, I can narrow it down to three, for reasons other than technology.
Favorite #1 goes to my first radio, a Tempo-One black face for primarily sentimental reasons. Started out pairing that up with an old Gotham V-80 vertical and was amazed how far I could work. Later came a Dentron Super Tuner and a myriad of wire antennas that stretched the horizons even further..
Favorite #2 goes to my first Heathkit built by me a 2 meter mobile rig. Included the touchpad mic so I could bring up the autopatch in a local repeater and make phone calls from my mobile long before Cell Phones were thought of. Just the fact of successfully building it myself made it that much more fun.
Favorite #3 and current HF rig is a Kenwood TS 120S. Yep a bit aged, bought it used on eBay for a song. Have used it base and mobile, and it just keeps purring along. I've been able to hear and work stations nobody else with more modern equipment seems to be able to even hear. This radio has given me hours and hours of enjoyment, as well as allowed me to work the world even while mobile. So I think even when that day comes I buy something more modern, this rig will still find a place somewhere in the shack.
73s
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CURTKRELIC_NE3U on January 6, 2007
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WB2WIK seems to be blinded by his obvious TR-7 bias. I too used that drake radio and the PROIII and the K2 blow the snot out of that old tired dog. Emotions tend to make the inner ear called your brain hear things that otherwise are an impossibility.
Drake nut cases, next it will be a Ten Tec freaks and how their Ten Tec Shrines housing their golden rigs pull in EME signals with a six inch wire.
Thanks for the laugh, now I can get some -z-z-z-’s
NE3U
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by TUBEGUY on January 6, 2007
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>WB2WIK seems to be blinded by his obvious TR-7 bias. I too used that drake radio and the PROIII and the K2 blow the snot out of that old tired dog. Emotions tend to make the inner ear called your brain hear things that otherwise are an impossibility.<
Or perhaps you just don't want to admit your 2700 dollar radio or one you built from a kit is not head and shoulders above a 20 yr old radio like a TR7?
Somewhat better than a TR7.... Sure
Blows the snot out of a TR7 !?... Not a chance
Emotions tend to make the inner ear called your brain ask yourself if the extra 2K you spent was truly worth it.
Read the specs on the Sherwood engineering page. Might surprise many.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KU4VQ on January 6, 2007
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Have had many rigs over the years since 1953 but the first real factory station I had was as follows.
National NC-183D with Tapetone Converters for 6 and 2
EF Johnson Valant and a Johnson 6&2 Transmitter.
Worked all states on cw and phone with a 130 ft doublet feed with 72 ohm twin lead. This was a solid station,
Current station includes a Icom PRO3, Palstar AT1KM Tuner, IC-910 and Elecraft 222 Transverter and in the mobile a Kenwood TS-2000,
73
George W1LVL
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 7, 2007
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I think we all tend to get blinded a little with what we like. Thats just human nature, but there is truely something special about the Drakes. Just like there was something special about Collins. I was hooked on Drakes back in the 60's but could NOT afford them. So I had to go with the Heathkits and such, not that there is anything wrong with them. Many a fun hour was had on my ole SB-101 and boy did I feel special when I aquired an SB-200!! The SB-200 is still the most bang for the buck today!
However, when I had the chance to setup a REAL, all to my own radio room, I decided that I was gonna try and find some of those Drakes that I could not afford way back when. I started with the Drake 4B line, and altho most seek out the 4C line, the B came with all the options as standard and still had that wonderful copper chassis. When the C line came out Drake was cutting corners to compete with the market. Any true Drake collector will tell you a stock B line will out shine a stock C line anyday, but many mods came out for the C making it a truely super radio, but true collectors don't want modified radios. The TR-7 came out and set the industry on its ear. It was not built to compete on price with the market, it was built to be a true "head & sholders" about the rest, a true performer. Kinda of the ICOM 7800's , Yaesu 9000's and TenTec Orions. And at $1500 in the mid 70's, was about the same price as these radios today. One has to truely appreciate the technology that was used.
What sets the TR-7 apart was the design of the frontend. Using only passive devices in the front end!
Passive devices do NOT generate ANY noise and only passes the signal that you want to hear. This signal is then mixed with a double balanced mixer, again a passive device. The other side of this mixer is where the local osc is injected and mixed to become the first "IF" frequency, where it is amplified, shaped and processed with the lowest amount of noise. DSP was NOT needed, and the same design is still used today in hi-tech radar systems! Why, no noise to filter out.
I am just touching the surface as to some of the design techniques used in the TR-7. To understand these and remember that it was 30+ years ago, one can
start to understand why TR-7 lovers get a little crazy about them. They are truely a super performer.
Does it work better than my FT-1000MP-MKV, NO, but it is damn close, not bad for 30 year ago!
We all have our favorites, and thats what this article was about. What is YOUR favorite and WHY? Your favorite doesn't have to be the BEST, it could be memories that made it your favorite. Being an Engineer, I have to appreciate the time and design that went into the TR-7, and being a super performer, certainly doesn't hurt either!
Get out and make a contact today! Keep those electrons flowing...whether your favorite is OLD or NEW... its all about having FUN!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 7, 2007
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Another area where the TR-7 rules, is it's easy to work on design. There are a few area's the TR-7 can be made even better. Perhaps to exel over newer radio's.
One area I am looking into id replacing the 30 year old Vari-l mixer with a minicircuites balanced scotkey
diode ring. The first I.F. filter is 2 poles. actually it is 2 monoliths. I know for the R-4c Sherwood makes a 2 pole to 8 pole mod.
The TX audio as well as rx audio can be made to sound "tube like" just with a few capacitor upgrades.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KW1R on January 7, 2007
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I don't normally post comments but this is a great thread.
My story: I was licensed in 1976 and started with a Yaesu FT-101E a great radio! My elmer now a SK upgraded his equipment and bought a Yeasu 757 when they came out. He asked me if I would be interested in his complete Yaesu FT-901DM station. I jumped at the chance to own this equipment it was a complete station rig, tuner, external VFO, moniter scope, and matching speaker! Believe this or not my Elmer sold me this entire station for $400.00! I owned this station from 1980 until 2000 when I finally parted with it, it went to another ham. I had many many wonderful hour's of operating enjoyment with it. So hands down my favorite radio was and still is the Yeasu FT-901DM.
Thanks for reading,
KW1R
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CURTKRELIC_NE3U on January 7, 2007
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Or perhaps you just don't want to admit your 2700 dollar radio or one you built from a kit is not head and shoulders above a 20 yr old radio like a TR7?
Somewhat better than a TR7.... Sure
Blows the snot out of a TR7 !?... Not a chance
Emotions tend to make the inner ear called your brain ask yourself if the extra 2K you spent was truly worth it.
Read the specs on the Sherwood engineering page. Might surprise many.
----------------------------------------------
Sorry I don't worship at the Sherwood shrine. . Who the hell is he anyway? A self appoint radio God?
Like paddles I have owned about every radio out there and you are dreaming if you actually believe those old tired worn out radio are even close to the radios of the day. If that were true I would still own them!
Stop smoking crack or whatever you’re using, it’s clouding your reasoning. You probably believe Jesus was just a intellectual who was misunderstood and believe that Satan is a fairy tail. Beliefs are a powerful living force. For example: Reading the insanity posted on places like this one where old farts can’t accept that yesteryear has passed them by.
NE3U
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by TUBEGUY on January 7, 2007
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NE3U
No one states you have to worship at the sherwood shrine...whatever that is.
>>Sorry I don't worship at the Sherwood shrine. . Who the hell is he anyway?<<
a very knowledgeable individual on the close in performance of receivers. If you would do a little research,you would easily find out. It's called "GOOGLE" use it....<<
>>A self appoint radio God?<<
I wouldn't say that.
But I'll say this...reading his writings vs reading yours(rantings)...he apparently forgot more than you know about receiver performance.
The TR7 has specs close to todays radios....technology has moved forward,but not in leaps and bounds and in my book,doesn't justify spending the extra cash for a rig that has intermod problems and gets overloaded in the big signal arena (broadcast and such).
Keep in mind,you are the one who went off topic and started "picking" on TR7 "lovers" and the performance of TR7's...this thread is about what was your favorite radio.... not best performer...remember? No matter what it was,new or old,it didn't matter. But it apparently mattered to you when someone really showed their love for an older rig that many will agree performs darn near as good as a modern rig.
P.S. I don't smoke crack,the worst drug I take is tylenol....trying to insult me with such a juvenile approach...just shows how inane you really are.
Go back from whence you came,troll,and leave this otherwise nice thread alone.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB5LXZ on January 7, 2007
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I've had most of the avaliable stations thru the past 30 or so years, but the favorites were the combo Hallicrafters SX-115 receiver and the HT-32B transmitter. Lots of fun to use, great audio and about 14 knobs to turn and adjust when changing bands, and.... they warmed the shack on those cold winter days of the 60's and 70's. Next were the Kenwood Twins 599D series.
I now use the Icom 756 and 746 pro series.....outstanding equipment but lack the challenge of the older gear.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K9ZF on January 7, 2007
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Wow, nice topic. A couple of people are trying hard to start an argument, but mostly it's been very interesting.
It's neat to see the favorite rigs. A few of the most common favorites:
TR7, amazing giving it's age.
TS830, still a popular old rig.
TS850, very popular.
Omni's.
Personally, I've only been at it about 15 years. I've owned several rigs over the years. FT101E, IC-271a, TR9000, TR9130, Swan 500c [briefly], IC746, and an FT897D. More or less in that order. I liked most of those rig pretty well. The FT101e was my first ham rig and it done a great job. I only sold it because I wanted something more modern. I still run the Icom 746. I bought it new at Dayton several years ago, and it's still my favorite rig. The 897D is a nice little rig, and very convenient, but if I had to pick only one rig I would definitely pick the 746.
Some of the rigs I would really like to try: K2, Icom 756proII, and the SDR 1000. Great rigs I hope to own someday.
I left out rigs like the 7800, and FT2000 because they are well beyond my price range.
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K9ZF on January 7, 2007
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I just noticed the caption reads favorite "HF" rig. I do realize, of course, several of the rigs I listed were not HF rigs. But they were still good radios.
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 7, 2007
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You know, no matter how hard you try to write something to be non-biased, there is always one out there. I thought long and hard on something that we could all POST nice things about. The title was "What was/is YOUR favorite radio?" You know, it doesn't matter if it was a spark gap transmitter and a cats wisker detector, if that was YOUR favorite, then so be it.
There are a lot of Drake Fans out there, same with Collins, HeathKit etc, for the older stuff. Elecraft has a nice following, may be the best thing since solid state silicone rectifiers, I don't know...and thats ok. I can't know everything about every radio, but I do know about what I have owned or personally used. I am also an engineer and have been involved with electronics just about all of my life.
Stop picking on someone elses favorite...might not be yours, but again...thats OK! Now...Can we get back to
whats is YOUR favorite radio and why??
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NI6S on January 7, 2007
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I am listing these rigs in order of precedence, based on personal experience and current ownership:
1) Icom IC-7800, feature packed and intuitive, especially with the 3 KHz Roofing Filter upgrade. This is a dream radio that is ultra sensitive and selective.
2) Yaesu FT-1000D. Simply the best analog transceiver ever produced. Unmodified, though I understand that with the INRAD Roofing Filter installed, it rivals/surpasses several of the current rigs on the market.
3) TT Omni Six Plus (#564). QSK is as amooth as silk and with INRAD filters and properly aligned, hard to beat on CW. A joy to use and MADE IN THE USA!!
4) Kenwood TS-830S. Warm sounding and solid feel. Best in its day, but surpassed by modern technology. With VBT, it still holds its own.
5) Kenwood TS-820S/R-820 Combo. Solid combination with access to the shortwave bands. Top notch for its generation. All-time favorite but not as good as the 830.
6) Kenwood TS-520SE. Last of the 520 series. Mine has DG-5 and Remote VFO. Still a brickhouse radio and fun to use on occasion.
7) Drake TR7A/R7. Nice combo and fun to use. It's been a project gathering the accessories and still looking for a reasonably priced RV-75. Anybody?
8) Drake T4XC/R4C with Sherwood Mods. Excellent on the low bands and rivals the Yaesu FT-1000D! Just had the R4C aligned and it's one hot rx! Gotta have one of these!!
9) Drake TR-4Cw with 34PNB Noise Blanker. Nostalgic radio and representative of the best of the 4-line transceivers. I have fun with this one, though it's probably time to replace the caps in the AC-4 PS.
10) Collins S line, RE/late serial number. Great for collectors and good for CW, especially with the 200 Hz filter. Overrated though the build quality is awesome. Showing its age, but still kickin'.
This is my take on the best rigs. Happy to trade dialog should you have the desire.
navydude1962@yahoo.com
73,
Ed NI6S
Whittier, CA
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CURTKRELIC_NE3U on January 7, 2007
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Stop picking on someone elses favorite...might not be yours, but again...thats OK! Now...Can we get back to
whats is YOUR favorite radio and why??
-------------------------------------------------
If you want a controlled forum then get some mod men in here to police, like thought police, until then I’ll post whatever I feel like whether it hurts some old farts feelings or not just doesn't matter because being PC I am not.
Most hams are old, O_L_D and stuck in their O_L_D ways. That is reality and that is all I am saying. I am not sorry because I am only stating FACT. Not many younger folks bragging about radios made before they were borne and for good reasons, they don’t care and besides it’s a fallacy.
I loved my 830, the Drakes were ok, All Ten Tec stuff sucked, but going back to them and leaving the new ones behind would be like driving on the autobahn with a model Tee trying to convince everyone blowing off your doors that your old car is better if only they would open their mind. That’s how insane these old farts are when it comes to their radios and don’t even realize it!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7PEH on January 7, 2007
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Why I like my Icom 756 Pro III ----
(1) My previous rig was an Icom (ordinary 756) and I liked that so buying another Icom was an easy decision.
(2) My previous rig was an Icom because that is what I bought on Ebay at a reasonable price. I was also bidding on some Yaesu rigs so maybe it is an Ebay win that is the main factor in my decision -- I certainly did not know too much about what was available at the time. My main operating experience was 38 years old with an Eico 720 CW transmitter and a Hammarlund HQ-170AC receiver.
(3) Another reason I like Icom is that Icom service is just a 20 minute drive from my home QTH though when I bought my first Icom I did not know this. However, I have only used Icom service once to replace a diode on my older 756.
(4) I like the screen and spectrum display of the Icom.
(5) And, I like the way it performs -- I have no complaints. I do read the performance reports on various rigs but I understand only about a tenth of what I read and even if I understood those reports I doubt that it would affect my decision on purchase that much -- after all, the majority of the rigs out there and being discussed are all pretty good.
I have no idea what my next rig will be but I have looked at the Orion II and the Yaesu FT-2000. I am in no rush so maybe there will be even something newer on the block. I don't need another rig but I think I sort of like collecting these things.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by TUBEGUY on January 7, 2007
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My personal favorites were (are) I can't pick just one,sorry :-)
Drake R4C/T4XC with Sherwood goodies
Drake TR7 with R7 slaved to the TR7
Kenwood hybrids...TS 520,530,820,830
Kenwood T599D/R599D twins
Collins S line,although a bit tempermental at times
Icom 765,761
Yaesu FT1000MP field
Some new,some old, all good radios,some have better virtues than others.
If I had to sell everything but one radio,I would keep my Drake C line with Sherwood filters & mods....does 160 through 10 meters,including warc bands,100 watts out will drive any amp,and I can repair it myself if need be,simple to use,good tx/rx audio,look nice sitting on the desk,and most importantly,lots of fond memories...my first dx contact was on a Drake C line back in 1976 when I was the ripe ole' age of 13 and a newbie.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W7LV on January 7, 2007
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Had a Drake TR-4C for years, with an R-4C as an AUX receiver, complete with separate antenna. It was just comfortable to use, had sufficient power out and a decent (for mid-70's) front end and total lack of synthesizer noise.
Ran phone, RTTY and CW, all with one rig.
Most fun HF mobile rig was a SBE-34, which was out-moded and nearly junk, but ran very well when I got it. Change of jobs necessitated getting rid of "non-mainstream" antennas, control heads, etc, from the Impala. Next 3 cars were company-owned. By the time I had $$ and time for mobile again, the cars had gottn so small that there wasn't room for radio gear.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KB5DPE on January 7, 2007
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I'm surprised that more people haven't mentioned the FT-990. I'm not very interested in HF and that's the only HF rig I've owned but it did everything that I could want of it and, I thought, did it very well; but my opinion and three bux will get you a cup of coffee just about anywhere. I bought it used, at a reasonable price and never had a bit of trouble with it. High bux rigs like the 7800 or 9000 would never be a consideration in my house, even if my bank account made Bill Gates look like a pauper; there are too many WORTHY ways to spend money to throw it away like that! Also, I'm not a "cult" follower, so I have no interest in the likes of TenTec or Drake, etc. I had just about as much fun on HF as I could have with the 990; now I can say "been there, done that", and move on to things that are much more interesting to me. It's been my observation that far too many people take amateur radio far too seriously and this extends to the willingness to spend copious amounts of money on things which have little value when it could be far better used elsewhere. Reality check completed!
73 Tom KB5DPE
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CURTKRELIC_NE3U on January 7, 2007
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Reality check completed!
73 Tom KB5DPE
------------------------------------------
So what's important then? Is it your eternity, your car, your spouse and family? Your comments are your opinion and if everyone had those opinions the amateur vendors would go under. I wonder what their opinion is?
Where you put your money so is your heart, you have no heart for amateur radio or at least not a lot, as you just stated.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KB5DPE on January 7, 2007
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"Your comments are your opinion and if everyone had those opinions..."
The author asked for opinions, mine is that amateur radio is not the most important thing TO ME and I can, and did, enjoy what was available, within my means, at the time. Also, the current crop of amateur radio manufacturers (TenTec possibly excepted) do not depend on amateur radio for their livelihood, if they did, they would have been history long ago.
"Where you put your money so is your heart, you have no heart for amateur radio..."
I try to keep a grip in my priorities and this world that I live in needs a lot more of my attention than the very narrow, albeit fascinating, world of amateur radio. It would be very easy for me to "lose myself" in amateur radio to the expense of other obligations in my life, so I am constantly aware of the need to keep perspective and, maybe, to "verbalize" it now and then. I must never forget that I had a life for the twenty years before I "discovered" amateur radio and my life during the almost forty years that I was inactive after that, was also fulfilling and enjoyable; so, while amateur radio is a satisfying hobby, it is not a be-all and end-all to me.
To give a snapshot into other interests in my life, it would be imcomprehensible to me to spend five figures on a ham radio when there are thousands of homeless dogs waiting to be killed in (so called) shelters in this community alone. THAT was the kind of meaning that was contained in my post.
73 Tom KB5DPE
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7PEH on January 7, 2007
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It seems that there are some who believe that if you are not 100 percent devoted to ham radio as your sole endeavor then you are not truely interested in the hobby at all. I find this way of thinking really bizarre.
I really like the hobby of ham radio but I do have other interests which include woodworking, traveling with my wife in pursuit of her bird photography hobby, and riding my mountain bike. Even though I try to get on the air almost everyday I am home for at least one QSO, I do spend more hours each day just out walking with my wife (for exercise).
I know that there are many who are like me with varied interests but I also see that there are others who have no time for other hobbies or interests because ham radio consumes most of their time.
This is OK. It is OK to be either way. It is OK to just dabble in ham radio, it is OK to be consumed by it 12 hours a day (well, maybe not OK but certainly acceptable).
73,
phil, K7PEH
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CURTKRELIC_NE3U on January 7, 2007
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Tom...NO offence meant, but what I said was true. You simply have other priorities and that is called balance which is healthy. Speaking of Dogs... I love my Collie, he keeps me as young as he is.
73---Curt/NE3U
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KB5DPE on January 7, 2007
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Curt,
No offense taken, just a clarification offered. Most of my dogs are your dog's baby brother - Shelties.
73 Tom
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
WB2WIK says,
I put the TR-7 side-by-side with the IC-756PROIII only about 8-9 weeks ago when my neighbor brought the PROIII over, and sitting them together with a coax switch was an eye-opening experience. The TR-7 blows away the PROIII under *some* rather severe conditions, such as working weak signals on 17m CW while etc, etc, etc.
Steve, you are just kidding us or are you just kidding yourself. I own a IC 756 Pro III and not borrowed, so I know what I am talking about.
All Drake radios are of the past and can't even compare to the IC 718 with the filters. Who are you kidding?
W6TH.
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
Steve,
The Drake TR7 and TR7A are due its fully passive front end design not as sensitive as most modern transceivers.
The sensitivity is but just 0.45uv. Compare this to a small radio like the Icom 718 which is 0.16uv, how does that grab you Steve?
W6TH
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 8, 2007
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~"The sensitivity is but just 0.45uv. Compare this to a small radio like the Icom 718 which is 0.16uv, how does that grab you Steve? W6TH"~
Sensitivity is a relitive thing. Often mis-understood. Sensitivity is a product of selectivity, and signal to noise. Then there is another figure called "usable sensitivity" which is also derived the same way. This applies to all receivers, made by whomever. So you have to look at the entire package.
.45uv @ 110db S/N is much better than .16uv @ 50db S/N, then you throw selectivity into the mix...and the numbers change all over again!
Just some food for thought...numbers can lie!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 8, 2007
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First off, a manufacture's specs are just that. Drake was conservative with the rx spec as well. Many TR-7's check in at far below the .5uv spec.
As Alan mentioned there is noise to be considered too.
I can make a similar claim as Steve WB2WIK/6.
I have had my TR-7 AND R-7 receive the same signals
as a Yeasu FT-100D(.2uv).
Results: On medium signals boths radio's got the signal. Then I diconnected the antenna's.
The TR-7 had vitually no hiss. The FT-100D has a very noticable hiss. The DSP killed the hiss, however it would distort received signals.
With very weak signals I compared a TS-850 vs TR7.
Both got the station in just fine. However I had to use the PBT on the TS-850 to eleminate some mixer products.
I also noticed the TR-7 simply would not overload with a local transmitting.
My mil. spec. equipment also do not use a pre-amp.
Design the IF stages right, you simply dont need no stinkig pre-amps!!!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by W6TH on January 8, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
.
Steve,
The Drake TR7 and TR7A are due its fully passive front end design not as sensitive as most modern transceivers.
The sensitivity is but just 0.45uv. Compare this to a small radio like the Icom 718 which is 0.16uv, how does that grab you Steve?
W6TH
.:<
::Just fine, Vito. You're showing your lack of understanding of how radios work when connected to antennas. If you plug an antenna into a receiver and the noise level increases, you're now noise-limited, and it wouldn't make the slightest difference what "receiver sensitivity" (in a shielded environment) is. Using real antennas, I'm noise limited at >2 uV most of the time, on all bands except perhaps 10-12m, where it's sometimes as low as 1 uV if I don't aim the beam towards the sun.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by WA2JJH on January 8, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
First off, a manufacture's specs are just that. Drake was conservative with the rx spec as well. Many TR-7's check in at far below the .5uv spec.
As Alan mentioned there is noise to be considered too.
I can make a similar claim as Steve WB2WIK/6.
I have had my TR-7 AND R-7 receive the same signals
as a Yeasu FT-100D(.2uv).
Results: On medium signals boths radio's got the signal. Then I diconnected the antenna's.
The TR-7 had vitually no hiss. The FT-100D has a very noticable hiss. The DSP killed the hiss, however it would distort received signals.
With very weak signals I compared a TS-850 vs TR7.
Both got the station in just fine. However I had to use the PBT on the TS-850 to eleminate some mixer products.<
::You're right, Mike. I still own a TS-850S/AT (purchased new in 1990) and it's a fine rig, but doesn't quite keep up with the TR-7. I *did* own the FT-990, an FT-1000MP, IC-756PROII and Omni-VI over the past several years (all purchased new, later sold) and these were all very good rigs, but again, in the presence of the KVOH BC station up the street from me, they all collapsed in one way or another rendering them operationally useless with certain beam headings and times of day, and I just got tired of that. I must admit, I loved the Omni-VI in just about all ways, though -- very fine rig and a pleasure to use.
The TR-7 remains in my shack after not 20 years, but 28 years, simply because it's the standard by which I compare other stuff and when something comes along that is better for me, I'll jump on it if possible.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
W4LGH says,
Sensitivity is a relitive thing.
Relative to what? To This?
Radio receiver sensitivity
- including the concept of noise and sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, SINAD, and noise figure.
Receiver sensitivity is one of the key specifications of any radio. The two main requirements of any radio receiver are that it should be able to separate one station from another, i.e. selectivity, and signals should be amplified so that they can be brought to a sufficient level to be heard. As a result receiver designers battle with many elements to make sure that these requirements are fulfilled
A number of methods of measuring and specifying the sensitivity performance of radio receivers are used. Figures including signal to noise ratio, SINAD, noise factor and noise figure are used. These all use the fact that the limiting factor of the sensitivity of a radio receiver is not the level of amplification available, but the levels of noise that are present, whether they are generated within the radio receiver or outside it.
So you are saying that the TR7 was ddifferent for the sesitivity testing because you want to be right?
Well for my part as I mentioned before;
The Drake TR7 and TR7A are due its fully passive front end design not as sensitive as most modern transceivers. Also, I add this; the selectivity was not as good as modern day receivers, even compared to the Icom 718 with filters, let alone the 756 Pro III.
What does this tell you? That the comparison, TR7 is what Steve says about the Icom 756 Pro III.
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
Here are the sensitivity and the selectivity of my ICOM 756 Pro III:
0.50-1.799 ssb Cw
1.80-27.99 0.16µV*1.
28.0-29.99 0.16µV*1.
50.0-54.0 0.13µV*2.
10dB S/N for SSB, CW, RTTY and AM, 12dB SINAD for FM
*1 Pre-amp 1 is ON, *2 Pre-amp 2 is ON
Squelch sensitivity
(Pre-amp OFF)
:
SSB, CW, RTTY
FM Less than 5.6µV
Less than 1µV
Selectivity
SSB, RTTY
(BW: 2.4kHz)
CW (BW: 500Hz)
AM (BW: 6kHz)
FM (BW: 15kHz) : (representative value)
More than 2.4khz/-6dB
Less than 3.2khz/-40dB
Less than 3.6kHz/-60dB
Less than 4.3khz/-80dB
More than 500Hz/-6dB
Less than 700Hz/-60dB
More than 6.0khz/-6dB
Less than 15.0kHz/-60dB
More than 12.0khz/-6dB
Less than 20.0kHz/-60dB
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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Vito, do you really have an engineeering degree?
73
Steve WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
Just fine, Steve. You're showing your lack of understanding of how radios work when connected to antennas.
Well I am more interested in the lab reports.
The Drake TR7 and TR7A are due to its fully passive front end design not as sensitive as most modern transceivers.
Therefore all gain is fullfilled after the front end.
Send me the specifications you have of the TR7 and then we can discuss more fully. Unless the data says and reads NA. Which it probably does.
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
Yes Steve, do you want me to send you a copy of my pig skin. You, upon receiving mine can send me a copy of yours in return.
.:
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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.
You know Steve, you brought up a thing of the past. Here it is.
When I started College I couldn't spell the word Injunear, and now I are one.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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While I am at it I am going to ask a simple question.
By switching antennas from one radio to another, how well do you know that the antenna has a proper match for each individual front end receiver.What if there was a difference in the antenna impedance from one radio to the other, HUH?
....................Just a simple question......
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by W6TH on January 8, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
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While I am at it I am going to ask a simple question.
By switching antennas from one radio to another, how well do you know that the antenna has a proper match for each individual front end receiver.What if there was a difference in the antenna impedance from one radio to the other, HUH?
....................Just a simple question......<
::Vito, you're embarrassing yourself. I'll be happy to swap diploma compies, of course. But you must think about what you write, sometimes.
-If a "more sensitive" receiver was an attribute for HF work, why not use a very low noise preamp with a 0.1 dB NF at 10 MHz to achieve sensitivity down in the .02 uV level? Just add a 20 dB 0.1 dB NF preamp, and you're all set. Why not do that? Based on your statements, of course you'd want to do that.
-Do you actually understand what a noise limited system is?
-Do you understand the difference between a power match, a gain match and a noise match? And why below 30 MHz, none of this matters if you have an antenna even approaching 0 dBd gain?
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 8, 2007
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I guess it is only human nature to think one has the best radio. It can be subjective or objective.
I never trusted spec. sheets. I go by what performs.
My TS-950sdx could almost sound as good as my TR-7/R7A
if I kicked in the DSP.
If one does live in an area with little RF activity,
a low noise floor will not be appreciated by the user.
Of all the rigs I can choose from, the TR-7 makes sense to minimize operator fatique. I live in the heart of N.Y.C. SO YES, if I am RXing for hours, I will
use my R-7A.
I also never use FM on HF. If your rig has FM and the first I.F. is wide enough for FM, a sacrifice has been made.
I find that if I hear a good RCVR, the schematic will
back up why I feel it is a good RCVR.
Factor in how well a radio is sheilded inside. The TR-7 and R-7 are by far the best sheilded radio's I have seen. The fact that the TR-7 has a military varient speaks well too.
YES, I IS A electrical engineer. ;)
However that does not mean that I tell the best radio for anybody in any situation.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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I knew you would work your way out of this one again Steve. Why not get back to the original as to why the TR7 is so much greater than my ICOM 756 PRO III?
I ask of you this again.
Send me the specifications you have of the TR7 and then we can discuss more fully. Unless the data says and reads NA. Which it probably does.
You have done this to me for several times now.
What you have mentioned I already know and been that path many times. You always seem to find an escape route to hollow your way out to another subject.
Why do you do this, why?
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 8, 2007
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W6TH says..."While I am at it I am going to ask a simple question. By switching antennas from one radio to another, how well do you know that the antenna has a proper match for each individual front end receiver. What if there was a difference in the antenna impedance from one radio to the other, HUH?"
Well I knew it wouldn't last forever..a really good article that everyone posting has now turned into a pissing contest. To answer the above question, It would truely make no difference, since you are using the same antenna to judge receive on, the problem would be the input circuits of the receiver, thus a manufacturing problem. Since the inputs of receivers are supposed to be standardized to 50ohms, and you had 2 radios with different input impedances, one of the 2 is NOT designed properly, changing its "sensitivity" characteristics, thus making its rated claims VOID in the REAL world. Lab test would adjust for these differences, again making its LAB SPECS VOID in the REAL World. Hence "LAB SPECS" don't really mean a DAMN thing...as we don't live, work or operate in a LAB environment!! Good only to compair against another LAB test! And they must be DONE in the same LAB on the same LAB equipment and probably done by the SAME LAB technician to hold ANY validity at all. So much for YOUR LAB tests!
You also keep talking about Drakes PASSIVE front end. So what make your radio or any other radio have a non-passive frontend... hmmm, geee lets see, maybe a RF amplifier? I have dealt with many a RF amp from GAS-FETs right on down, and I have NEVER seen one that did NOT inject NOISE. Adding an RF AMP to the front end of a receiver is the same as turning the volume up. Nothing wrong with a passive designed front end, then do your amplification in the "IF" section. This is how many a commercial receiver has been designed to cut down on noise figures, and it is also the design of commercial RADAR systems where NOISE is a real problem. The passive devices only allow the frequency you want to tune pass to the loc. osc., it is mixed and then can be amplified as much as one deems necessary, then converted again to a 2nd IF freq and amplified again. No need in adding NOISE in the front end.
Next time you hear a weak station, cut your RF amp off, and turn up the volume, sure your S meter will drop, but who cares, you'll hear the station just as good.
Further more, being an engineer and having an engineering degree are 2 seperate things! Now I am thru pissing...let's get back to the fun of what your favorite radio was/is and why it was your favorite?
And to clarify matters further, I never asked what was the BEST RADIO, or who is or isn't an engineer. I asked what was YOUR FAVORITE and WHY it was YOUR FAVORITE. An ICOM 756ProIII might be your favorite because you enjoyed looking at all the pretty colors on the Fish Finder, and thats a perfectly good reason for it to be YOUR favorite!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
This was the post and all of a sudden it turns out to be a new discussion. Comparing radios. Who cares.
................Back to your favorite radio and why?.....
..................Not which is better...................
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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W4LGH.
Just notice that when many tune for the receiver to peak the receiver in to set the controls for close resonance for the vswr, the readings are different to lower the vswr. So there is a difference to the impedance of the receiver to the transmitter impedance. It may not be of concern, but does show a slight mistune to start with. Just how much difference is overlooked by many and let it go.
End of story and lets get back to the original post.
I still believe the solid state rigs from the big three are well over riding the old tube receivers, I should know as I have used many of both. I pick the radios with the best sensitivity and selectivity over any of the old tube receivers maily because of how well the new radios give us the real bandspread that is needed.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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Alan, you're right.
What makes the TR-7 stellar on the air, for me and for those of us who need that kind of thing, is its incredible immunity to interference -- really strong interference, 1v/m2 type interference, as I have from a local 1 megawatt e.r.p. SW BC station just below the 17m ham band. The PROIII, the K2, the SDR1000 all couldn't handle it and just fold up their tents when the TR-7 is still happily copying lots of stations on those frequencies under the same conditions.
Frankly, although I like my TS-850S a lot for various reasons, it's not really up to par with the TR-7, either. I wish it was, because it's easier to use.
Yes, the "no RF preamp" approach used by the TR-7 and also by a number of military rigs (Rockwell-Collins HF-380, etc), has great merit. RX 3rd order intercept point is higher than any transceiver made since, including the top-line stuff marketed today (+30 dBm range), while maintaining -127 dBm MDS -- which is much lower than needed on the HF bands using external antennas.
You're also right about lab measurements often having no relationship to real world performance, since they are typically done in a shielded environment. I can't operate with a shielded antenna. My antennas pick up real world noise, most of it from the sun.
You've got a good grip on the situation.
As for "my favorite," if I had to go by emotions and not performance, like most I'd probably favor old boat anchor stuff I adored as a kid. My Apache and NC-300 come to mind!
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 8, 2007
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Steve did you ever live in Petersburg Va? I knew a Steve Katz as a kid, and he would look al ot like you these days. Just curious...if it is you, then you know me, as I lived down the street from you and was playing radio then, back in the 60's.
73 Alan
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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Is this true?
The TR7/TR7A is not an FCC certified transmitter/receiver.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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If I could go back to boat anchors this would be my younger day radio favorites.
The BC 610 by Hallicrafters and either the SP-600-JX or the Racal RA 17C receivers.
I not only owned them, but used them. Oh, and I could service all also.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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Alan: Nope, not me! Never lived in VA.
In the 60s, I lived in NJ and was a kid.
Bought the TR-7 while I lived in Mt. Olive, NJ in 1978...the rig, with the PS-7, NB-7, AUX-7, service manual, extender cards, two extra xtal filters and such was a lot to spend back in those days...pushing $3000. Well spent, though.
73
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by W6TH on January 8, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
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Is this true?
The TR7/TR7A is not an FCC certified transmitter/receiver.<
::Should be true, under 47CFR97.315 and 47CFR2.1033(c)(15), only external power amplifiers for amateur radio service require certification. The TR-7 isn't an external power amplifier.
WB2WIK/6
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K6ATT on January 8, 2007
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I've just read parts of every post on this article.
If anyone is interested, by my informal tally of the posts up to today, January 8, (I may have left out some radios - sorry if that happened) the favorite radios listed include:
Drake TR7 - 12 votes
Kenwood TS 830 - 10 votes
Icom 756 Pro (all editions) - 8 votes
Kenwood TS 850 - 5 votes
Elecraft K2 - 5 votes
FlexRadio SDR 1000 - 4 votes
Kenwood TS 570 - 4 votes
Kenwood TS 520 - 4 votes
Yaesu FT 747 - 4 votes
I neglected to tally some of the later posts that listed the Yaesu FT 920 and others in the FT '900s'.
Even more importantly, several people have described their early years as hams and how important the radios and the hobby have been to them. That is the most important thing of all here, I think.
My own story: as a teen many years ago, I thought about building a Heathkit, but I had no one to help me that I knew, or who knew about my love of radios. My early favorite radio was a shortwave radio my dad got on an offer from Shell Oil Company. I listed around the world on that radio... I heard Vatican Radio, Radio Moscow, and several European shortwave stations. Radio brought warmth to a lot of loneliness in my life back then... maybe the best thing about it for me. In 1999, I finally got my ham license, and a now SK introduced me to 10 meters, where I worked over 500 hams in a few years on my Radio Shack HTX-10. That little not-so-great radio was my start. Then I bought a 706 MKIIG and recently a K2, both of which are better radios by far than the little HTX-10. But that HTX-10 was really my introduction into this hobby.
This is a great article, Alan, because it makes us all think about the radios we have enjoyed, and it gives those interested in getting a great radio some good ideas. It is really a way for so many to relive great memories in this hobby. I say, thanks to all who have shared their memories, and thank you, Alan!
Jeff
K6ATT
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 8, 2007
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Jeff, what a nice story.
The HTX-10 was no slouch; one of Radio Shack's finer efforts, I think. The Uniden HR2510 was very similar; I think Uniden made the R/S rig also, with a few changes.
I bought a new HTX-10 in 1988 when I moved to CA and lived temporarily in a rented condo, so I didn't have a "home station" for maybe 5-6 months. Cycle 22 was approaching its peak, and 10m was open a LOT. I built a little 400W amplifier from a Motorola applications note and installed that in the trunk to use with the HTX-10, and my main antenna was a 98" CB whip on a ball mount high on the rear fender of my car.
During the "winter of '89" (89-90) I was driving a lot, since my office was 65 miles away and I visited there about three times a week, plus drove quite a lot otherwise. In that winter, from about October '89 to March '90, I worked more than 120 countries from the car on 10m with the HTX-10, and when I finally received the QSL card confirming my 100th country, I stopped sending them out. ARRL doesn't have a "DXCC Mobile" award, or I would have applied for it, and I would have tried hard to set a record for so many countries in such a short time, on just one band, from the car. Of course, it probably wasn't a real record, but it sure was for me.
I gave the HTX-10 away in '95 to a brand new Novice licensee who promised he'd use it, and use it a lot. It was only $199 new, and certainly didn't owe me anything after that winter!
"Fond memories of old gear" really are interesting.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 8, 2007
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K6ATT Jeff,
Drake TR7 - 12 votes
Kenwood TS 830 - 10 votes
Icom 756 Pro (all editions) - 8 votes
Kenwood TS 850 - 5 votes
Elecraft K2 - 5 votes
FlexRadio SDR 1000 - 4 votes
Kenwood TS 570 - 4 votes
Kenwood TS 520 - 4 votes
Yaesu FT 747 - 4 votes
I believe the sale price has a lot to do with the consumption of radios for a favorite. Most buy what they can afford and call it their favorite. Later the start is looking for a more better radio to fit their needs.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 8, 2007
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I had a similar hand me down rig. Actualy it was my first SSB/CW rig.
The EICO-753(drifty -73). It sure looked great.
Silver finish panel,lotsa tubes, and it looked like the
National NCX-3.
It was given to me free, but not working. I saw there was no HV. I traced it down to the full wave bridge rectifier. Put in new diodes.
About 45 seconds later....the golden sound of hiss.
The radio was working. It came just in time. I had my
Tech, weeks after getting my WN2xxx call sign.
With a vertical 160 feet above sea level, I was able to RX plenty from a RCVR was deaf by todays standards.
The big problem was the VFO with 10kc divisions, it drifted plenty.
I racked in 30 states in a few weeks with the EICO's
whimpy single tube final. I did get a solid 50W out of it. This was not too bad. Novices and Techs were limited to 250W in back in the 1970's. So nobody really had anything over 100W in the Novice segments.
After failing my 13WPM at the FCC office in Greenwich Village, I jumped to advanced on the 4th try.
The FCC allowed one to use the new privs, right after leaving the office. I just had to put a suffix on my call.
I jumped into SSB. Of course I went to 20M. Got into a few QSO's right off the bat. However all the O.M.s said I was drifting. I noticed too. For a 10 minute QSO,I had to "ride the RIT".
My first ragchew was almost 45 minutes long. I noticed I had to use the entire range of the R.I.T.
The O.M. was understanding and interested. He liked the QSO, and he reported we had drifted a total of 12kc!
The EICO-753 blew out. I gave it to a New Novice. He fixed it and I got a new TS-520S. I wanted the TS-820, but the $875 price tag was too high for me then.
It was not until I got the TS-520S that I knew I had my first real rig. It was so much better than the EICO.
However, you cant beat getting,fixing, and using a real
P.O.S. rig for free!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 8, 2007
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Well I thank everybody for sharing those memories. For the first time in this thread, I can agree with W6TH on something, that the popularity of some radios were directly related to their cost. This holds a lot of truth, as if not, we'd all had some Collins gear for sure.
As for me, it is one of the reasons I have the old stuff...they were all radios I wanted to own NEW and couldn't afford. The TR-7 was totally out of the question when new, and can still be a fairly pricey
purchase today, as a really nice TR-7 will go for $600 to $700 and the R7 is hard to find for less than a $1000! Add in some of the other accessories and you can tie up a couple gran real quick! I have well over a gran in my TR-7 setup and could have certainly bought other rigs...but a TR7 is a TR7...If you ever get a chance to play with a nice one, you'll understand! Yes sir, a 30 yr old radio that can still hold its own with the new stuff. Damn good looking radio too!! But I am biased, and this is what this thread is all about!
73 de W4LGH Alan
PS..if anyone need any TR7 parts, I have some listed on here.
http://www.w4lgh.com
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W1RC on January 8, 2007
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This is a hard one.............all-time favorite is my Collins KWM-1 but in more practical and comtemporary terms I'd have to say my current radio which is an ICOM IC-7000 for its' filtering and dsp features. Runner up is my IC-735 which I still own and operate. Interesting thread......73 de W1RC
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W2TXB on January 8, 2007
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My first setup was a Johnson Challenger and Hammarlund HQ-100AC; next was a Heathkit HW-101, followed by a Yaesu FT-101 and a TenTec 580 (great CW rig). After several years away from HF (living where antennas were out of the question and work kept me away from home), I bought an ICOM IC-765 and it was probably the best equipped radio I have ever owned.
In 2005, I sold that 765 to a guy in Philadelphia, and decided to do some QRP CW, so I bought the FT-817ND; I still use that radio (as time permits), and am still enjoying it a lot. After being bitten again by the QRP CW bug, high power does not interest me at this time.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 9, 2007
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.
I have had my share of radios for the past 68 years and settled in my mind not to go backwards and use vacuum tubes. It's ok for collecting and sitting on a shelf and have pictures taking to show to friends, but today there is a need for much better radios.
The last vacuum tube radio which I have had for over 17 years was the Collins KWM 2 and was not my cup of tea, especialoy when I work 100 percent cw as there was no rit. I honestly believe that the new solid state radios made by the big three and Ten Tec are here for the future and will remain so.
I do not waste my earnings on the old boatanchors as I prefer to put my earnings to work with a radio that can work contests and dig out the weak ones with no side adjacent channel interference such as the ICOM 756 Pro III and the other company radios that are in competition. My past solid state rigs were of many and am pleased to announce they are the best that money can buy.
W6TH
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W6TH on January 9, 2007
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On December 7, 2006 I purchased a Icom IC-V8000 2 meter band transceiver and found it to be another of my favorites. Believe it or not I bought it for two specific reasons and that was to use the prograsms for knowledge and the main reason was to get the weather reports from Mt Washington here in New Hampshire, so far I now know how to dress before going outdoors shopping.
Thus far the voice communications has not caught up with me yet, but may try cw with some hopes I will get an answer to my cq modulated cw. Look for me on 144.200 simplex, I could be dx to you and I qsl 100 percent.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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vito, the V-8000 is it really built like a commercial radio?
I too have owned so many rigs over the time.
My first solid state radio was a yeasu ft-707.
The one great feature on it was its VBT. They cascaded 2 8 pole filters. they called it IF width. I have to say it was one of the best PBT's. By having a 16 pole filter in the 2nd IF was way ahead of its time.
One could vary the BW FROM 100HZ-2.7K. No Gen cov.
So the input was tight.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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<<<<<I honestly believe that the new solid state radios made by the big three and Ten Tec are here for the future and will remain so.>>>>>
Of course that is how it will be. The only way I could ever see a tube in a new rig would be a novel one.
The big 3 and the usa gang of 2, I would not think introduce a radio with a high power tube final.
However just think of it. The new radio's offer a maximum of 400W out.(7800 and 9000 special order).
The big cost is in using 48v Mosfets. It would be a kicker to see a metal tube final. Too bad 8873's are too hard to find.
If one is committed to a base rig, why not have a 600w output. No more splattered external amps with no ALC.
This might be popular with the no code hf hams. They just have a shack in a box. RIG,AMP,ATU all in one.
Perhaps the only good thing to come out of no code testing would be a NEW line of radio's that are modular self diagnosing(kind of like byte on mil rigs)
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4KTX on January 9, 2007
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My first rig was an old Yaesu FT-901DM. A Great rig with great audio and low noise. I love the audio on some of those older rigs. I wish I still had it.
I also had a lot of fun with a Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark V I had a few years ago.
Mike, W4KTX
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 9, 2007
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I agree that the day of tube is gone, except in very high power applications, and that too is changing. 8877 (3cx1500a7) were widely used in Medical CT scanners and has now been replaced with solid state devices. Harris makes a 50,000watt solid state broadcast transmitter..talk about a bank of transistors! But this is called progress, everybody wants features and they want it all in one box. Micro electronics has been able to do just that. Funny thing tho, most of the new features doesn't really help the basic mode of communications, but are bells and whistles, or KPD as we used to call it.(Knobs per dollar) No one is making a really serious radio without these features (maybe an ICOM 718 or Kenwood 570)but I mean a really super radio, with a super receiver. DSP is ok, but is it really needed? DSP has replaced the serious receiver designs, as its an easy way out. Funny that the NEW SUPER radios are bring back PBT (passband tunning) and new larger diameter micro-tune coils..again...going back to the older designs of the past. Somethings you just can't improve upon.
Again we are getting off the topic, but it is these designs that make my favorite a favorite. I don't care about all the bells and whistles...I want a radio that performs. remeber the old saying..."all that glitters is NOT gold!" Adding DSP and a fancy display, does NOT necessarily make it a great WORKING radio, but a GREAT selling feature!
For a modern rig, the Yeasu FT-1000MP-MKV and the Kenwood TS-950-SDX will probably go into the pages of history as being at the top of the game. Right along side of them the Drake TR-7/A has earned its place.
The TR-7 is still my overall favorite, and probably will be for a long time to come with my Mark V running a close 2nd.
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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The 950SDX did exactly what Alan,myself, and others believe in. the 950sdx did keep good proven technology and just added a dash of DSP.
The ts-950sdx did keep 2 stages of 8 pole xtal filtering. The Twin PBT and rf compressor/clipper
analog speech proc were keep in too.
The dSP is in a black box under the radio. The digital noise reduction is pretty darn good. The dsp roll off filtering is a plus too.
The 950SDX owes it's lineage to the TS-850S.
Would it not be great if the K2 people made a TR-7 kit?
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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Did someone here imply the TR-7 had a tube or tubes in it?
Not sure how that idea floated around...
http://wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeCatalogsBrochures/Brochure_TR7_01B.htm
TR-7 employs no tubes, runs 250W PEP input power (~130-140W PEP output power) and is continuous coverage 1.5 ~ 30 MHz both RX and TX using all solid state plug-in subassemblies in a card cage (mother board/daughter board construction). Unlike "modern" SS rigs that "fold back" output power when VSWR reaches 2:1 or so, the TR-7 was designed not to; it is rated "10% power foldback at 2:1 VSWR, 25% at 3:1 VSWR and 50% at 4:1 VSWR" and mine does a bit better than that. 28 years of hard use and no failures to date.
Rig was WARC-ready as designed and delivered in '78, although WARC didn't occur until '79 and the new bands weren't available until '81. Rig was also 60m-ready the day those frequencies became available.
I don't know of any other "older" rig capable of that.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 9, 2007
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What would be really great would be to rebuild a TR-7 using the same design lines, but using the latest updated solid state componets. I am sure there are some transistors out there that would offer more gain, without any additional noise figures, probably a little broader response too.
You know a lot of people think that the modular design of the TR-7 was to improve user repairability, but in fact it was part of the over all design to improve shielding thru out the entire radio. Everything in the radio is completely shielded from everything else.
Alan
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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yup, sheilded better than my harris in fact. If one does a TR-7a redux, better make it easier to add filters and NB.
I guess the NB could be made much smaller. I would also like to add 10 turn pots to the regulator card.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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I got the idea for a TR-7A kit last night. On e-barf, someone is selling a clean, never used motherboard for the TR-7.
It appears as Drake was going under, many purchased
boards and other parts.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by W4LGH on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
What would be really great would be to rebuild a TR-7 using the same design lines, but using the latest updated solid state componets. I am sure there are some transistors out there that would offer more gain, without any additional noise figures, probably a little broader response too.
You know a lot of people think that the modular design of the TR-7 was to improve user repairability, but in fact it was part of the over all design to improve shielding thru out the entire radio. Everything in the radio is completely shielded from everything else.<
::Yes, and it was an innovative approach for a consumer electronics design at the time; PCs weren't even on the market yet, but the TR-7 took the building block approach of old VME bus chassis and such (which are still in use, mostly in military/aerospace systems) and their predecessors for modularity, serviceability, improved shielding and electromagnetic compatibility.
As for newer transistors and such: Not really. Any "noise" generated in the TR-7 is generated by the phase lock loop in the synthesizer, and it isn't nearly as much as in more modern DDS designs because the TR-7 is not DDS. It generates signals by mixing an analog PTO with the output of a bandswitching L.O. synthesizer which eliminates the need for dozens of crystals to accomplish the same task. Its single sideband phase noise characteristic is just about the same as a fully analog signal source and far cleaner than several generations of DDS sources, which is one reason the receiver's so easy to listen to, even when you have CW signals spaced only 100 Hz apart.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AE6RO on January 9, 2007
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It's more likely that the seller dismantled a Drake TR-7 to sell the parts separately--more money that way. Disgusting.
As long as I'm on, how about this: receive sensitivity 0.35 microvolt @ 6 dB signal+noise to noise.
What marvelous technological wonder am I talking about? The venerable Heathkit HW-101 using ever reviled vacuum tubes.
Chew on that for awhile. Oh, by the way, NE3U: Some people enjoy having dog for dinner. And I don't mean as a guest. AE6RO
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KC8WUC on January 9, 2007
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Any military/government radio users reading this thread? I'm not licensed above Tech privileges as an amateur, although have a lot of experience with military HF. How about the PRC series radios. I'm partial to the early version of the SINCGARS, although have become pretty well acquainted with the Harris 5800H HF/VHF radios (one of the newest issued radios). They are pretty easy to learn to operate in most modes and are, by their nature, extremely forgiving, durable, and offer many modes of operation. Add an auto-match and ground stake antenna or random wire and you're in business.
A lot of the earlier "prick" series radios show up from time to time on eBay and occasionally here on eHam and can be had from a couple hundred (Viet Nam era UHF or VHF) to $1500-2000 (early years of SINCGARS-1980's). Parts for the 'Nam era radios are fairly prevalent, although the govt. is rather stingy with replacements for newer radios and more difficult to come by.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by AE6RO on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
It's more likely that the seller dismantled a Drake TR-7 to sell the parts separately--more money that way. Disgusting.
As long as I'm on, how about this: receive sensitivity 0.35 microvolt @ 6 dB signal+noise to noise.
What marvelous technological wonder am I talking about? The venerable Heathkit HW-101 using ever reviled vacuum tubes.<
::With a $0.79 MGF1402, I can build a 25 dB gain, 0.2 dB NF (at 30 MHz) preamp into any HF receiver in the world and come up with probably 0.10 uV sensitivity for 10 dB S+N/N, easily. Doesn't mean anything. This is all marketing/specsmanship BS, because when you plug an antenna in, you'll never hear a 0.1 uV signal, or a 0.35 uV signal, either. There's an outside possibility you might hear something this weak on the ten meter band, at night, when the A index is zero and your beam's aimed into a dark sky. On 40m, or even 20m, impossible -- you'll never hear a signal that weak, no matter what your receiver is.
WB2WIK/6
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K3MD on January 9, 2007
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My current radio, IC-7800. Never had one of the "top-end" radios previously. Very easy to use, almost impossible to overload, automatically gets you 10 to 15 percent more QSO's in a contest for stations you otherwise would not be able to copy. Built-in DVK. A joy to operate. The band-scan is actually useful.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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>What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by K3MD on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
My current radio, IC-7800. Never had one of the "top-end" radios previously. Very easy to use, almost impossible to overload, automatically gets you 10 to 15 percent more QSO's in a contest for stations you otherwise would not be able to copy. Built-in DVK. A joy to operate. The band-scan is actually useful.<
::Good choice. It's my favorite, too. I didn't write that because I don't own one! But in using the '7800 in "other peoples' stations," I'm in love.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AE6RO on January 9, 2007
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Did you actually design this preamp or did the computer say you could?
As we are talking real world, when you actually build it and use it the next lightning storm will smoke it.
Furthermore, the dynamic range will be terrible. Your local AM station will come loud and clear all over the band. Lastly, the noise gets amplified with the signal.
Dynamic range was never specified nor worried about in good 'ol tube days. 73, AE6RO
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by AE6RO on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
Did you actually design this preamp or did the computer say you could?<
::I could, and I have, and anybody can. High gain, low-noise, high intercept point GaAsFETs and other devices have been around for a long time and are very inexpensive, high performance devices that are easy to use.
>As we are talking real world, when you actually build it and use it the next lightning storm will smoke it.<
::Not any more so than the front end you already have. If that survives the next lightning storm, so will my preamp.
>Furthermore, the dynamic range will be terrible.<
::Not for the preamp, it won't. Now, the "system" (preamp plus your receiver) might degrade a bit, but that would be caused by receiver overload not by the preamp itself. With even a 12Vdc source, one dollar devices are abundant that have intercept points >20 dBm.
>Your local AM station will come loud and clear all over the band. Lastly, the noise gets amplified with the signal.<
::The part about the local AM station doesn't make much sense. If you build a preamp with a tuned input circuit, as is usually the case with most high performance front ends, energy down in the 1 MHz range is shorted to ground and not seen by the device at all. But the second statement about noise being amplified with the signal is absolutely true, which is why "more sensitivity" doesn't matter in the HF spectrum. The HF spectrum becomes noise limited when using a very modest 0 dBi antenna, even if you don't have any preamp (RF stage) at all! A low-noise balanced mixer has all the sensitivity one would ever need for use below 30 MHz. Preamps make S-meters read higher and do nothing to improve actual reception. The only way you can improve reception, other than by filtering (which has nothing to do with "sensitivity"), is to reduce antenna noise threshold. Easy to do above 500 MHz, pretty easy to do even at 150 MHz, impossible to do at 14 MHz because 100% of the time, atmospheric noise exceeds the noise figure of any kind of "front end," almost no matter how bad that is. To "hear" a 0.1 uV signal on HF, you'd have to disconnect your antenna, and connect a 0.1 uV signal from a signal generator. Once re-connecting the antenna, you'll never hear a 0.1 uV signal again.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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I like the new Harris FALCON-V 1.6-42 mhz manpack with singars,byte, and A.L.E. options. For a $145,000 price tag it must be the best QRP transceiver.(30W)
Oh no, it is only speced at .35uv! Yes CW is one of the modes. USB/LSB @ 2.4kc as well as 1.6kc. Digital, and 2 modes that are software defined.
Guess, I will have to wait. However I am sure it would be my favorite.
Charles funny about the great jumps mil. gear makes.
Racal syncal,PRC-1099's and others with 1980's technology are still in use.
The TR-77 and R77 are very sought after. They are still used by some militarys.
I added a 3erd party DDS VFO to my TR-7. It is rock solid. I just saw the Drake DDS external VFO sell for $1800 ON EBAY.
Ever see the Drake R-8000. It is simply an R8 in a rack mount and a front mounted speaker. The 30-174mhz downconverter is still available for $300. BTW the R8 is a different animal than the R7A. I have an R-8. It is just o.k. The PBT is a joke.
I like Drake because it seems their products do not depreciate as much. In some cases, many turn profits when they sell. A R7A when you can find one, will sell for around $2000.
Drake is still making other types of comm gear for OEM use.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 9, 2007
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We dont need no stinking pre-amps! ;0
Like Steve and Allan pointed out, it just makes the S meter read higher. I have a pre-amp in my R7a.
I never use it. The Drakes have always were able to produce 2W of audio with little distortion.
Problem with most other rigs is that if you do increase the volume to compensate for bypassing the pre-amp, the noise and audio distortion will make it seem better when the pre-amp is in.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AE6RO on January 9, 2007
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I still think unwanted mixing can take place in the preamp. The modern DC-to-daylight radios can't have a tuned front end. They have to be broadbanded to suck in everything. But you are right that the higher levels would cause intermod in the receiver's front end.
Actually, I just dislike modern radios. As far as lightning storms go, I didn't mean a direct strike. I meant static buildup on the antenna could break down the gate, where a vacuum tube grid would not break down.
Yeah, the modern rigs are more stable, and all the vfos and memories make them much better for contests. But the processors generate noise which degrades the sensitivity. 73, AE6RO
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 9, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by AE6RO on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
I still think unwanted mixing can take place in the preamp. The modern DC-to-daylight radios can't have a tuned front end. They have to be broadbanded to suck in everything.<
::This is the case with "low end" rigs, like mobile rigs and such, although they're getting better. The higher-end rigs (home station transceivers) don't have broadband front ends; they use frequency selective circuits that track the bandswitch, or in some cases, even track the tuning (frequency). Many with built-in ATUs (automatic antenna tuners) run the received signal through the ATU (as well as the transmitted signal), providing still an additional stage of RF selectivity ahead of the front end.
>But you are right that the higher levels would cause intermod in the receiver's front end.<
::Intermodulation distortion from preamps can be a problem, but doesn't have to be. Look at the RX IMD figures for the K2, IC-7800 and many modern rigs with have very sensitive RF preamplifiers having tons of gain built right in. The IC-7800 has two RF preamp stages which can be selected individually or cascaded and its RX IMD performance is excellent. This is a case where an external preamp wouldn't do anything: It's already got two!
>Actually, I just dislike modern radios. As far as lightning storms go, I didn't mean a direct strike. I meant static buildup on the antenna could break down the gate, where a vacuum tube grid would not break down.<
::Static build up, like ESD, doesn't harm modern equipment. It can be pretty high voltage, but there's no energy there so the static is just drained. While a "nearby strike" might contain sufficient energy to damage sensitive transistors, this is pretty rare. I won't say it doesn't happen, but it's never happened to me, even when I lived in New Jersey where we had lots of lightning storms. I lost an Astron power supply and several household appliances from a very near strike without damaging any of my solid state front ends in receivers, all of which were connected to antennas for the incident.
>Yeah, the modern rigs are more stable, and all the vfos and memories make them much better for contests. But the processors generate noise which degrades the sensitivity.<
::Kind of. But modern rigs with modern DDS and DSP have just about eliminated this issue. My older all solid-state TR-7 doesn't use DDS or DSP, but uses an analog PTO (VFO) mixed with a synthesized L.O. and has close-in signal performance as good as or better than any vacuum tube receiver ever made. I use as my "standard" my 1955-vintage Collins 75A4, which of course is all tubes and all analog and a pretty good receiver.
In all, I think what we "like" is often times what we're comfortable with. No more, no less.
WB2WIK/6
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Revised Favorite Rig
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by KA4KOE on January 9, 2007
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Let me revise my last. My current fave is a Datron-Transworld PRC-1099, 1.6-30 MHz manpack, 20W. Why is it my favorite?
Simple. It's cool...and, it's green.
PHILIP
KA4KOE
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RE: Revised Favorite Rig
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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THE K2 is also ham band only. The K2 uses a low gain bipolar grounded base pre-amp. This is a very good compromise. The single conversion design is unusual today.
I had a K2 for a while. I sold it. It was a great CW rig. On SSB the audio was rather "lack-luster''.
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RE: Revised Favorite Rig-mil. stuff. luv it!
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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Philip, my TWT-100 DALTRON/TRANSWORLD was sold under the RACAL name. Gee, if I could get the RACAL sticker, I can get more for it on ebay!
The TWT-100 is a 150w base unit. A look inside reveals every field replacable module is in it's own solid metal box. Sma connectors are used to connect each module.
I would love to trade it in for a Harris 5000 series
receiver/tx exciter. One of the previous posters said he had one or used on in service.
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RE: best kenwood repair dude back in business!
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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Sorry for being a 'thread hog'. Cliff from AAVID is back in business repairing all KENWOOD radio's.
If you cannot fix it your self, Cliff is the most honest and best repair dude.
This is good for those that own TS-850's, and TS-950's(s,sd,sdx).
He does ICOMs but only the older ones.
I will be sending back one of my TS-850's. I did the noise blanker mod, and ruined the radio.
I would rather keep my 5 Kenwood HF rigs, then buy that new Yeasu FT-2000.
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RE: best kenwood repair dude back in business!
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by W4LGH on January 10, 2007
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Well I was hoping for more out of the FT-2000. everyone I have talked to says its not that much different than the FT-1000MP. I would love the new BLUE display, as it would match my Drakes, but certainly can't see spending that much on a "fashion" statement!
Just ordered a new calibrated RF Signal generator, so I am going to find out for myself if all my older rigs are up to snuff, and if not, put them there.
Yep its really looking like the newest stuff coming out of Japan is all bells and whistles, but that looks like what everyone wants.
Again, thanks to all the posters who have contributed to this thread...its been a pretty good run, and still room for more!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
PS: Still have some TR7 parts for sale, see website.
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RE: best kenwood repair dude back in business!
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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I bet a TS-870 would be as good, if not better than the FT-2000. Problem is have you ever seen a TS-870 for sale?
It would be as rare as finding a Drake R-7A. I got mine on ebay. Some dude that does not sell ham radio's
sold it to me. He got it in a gvt confiscation sale.
The worlds biggest collector of Drake did give one of his up as the main door prize at Dayton. I think that was 2 years ago.
I wonder if it was a fellow E-hammer. If so and you do not like it, Puhleeese let me know!
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I love KENWOOD Ts2000X
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by YO3FXF on January 10, 2007
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Verry good performer!...
The TS-2000 is the most versatile rig I've owned. I will probably never use every feature this radio offers. As with almost any Kenwood, the transmit SSB audio draws compliments!!!
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RE: I love KENWOOD Ts2000X
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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I would very much like to have a QSO with you.
Also a group of us meet on 14.289 every sunday@3PM EST, or around 19:00 UTC.
Of course band cndx have been poor.
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RE: Revised Favorite Rig
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by WB2WIK on January 10, 2007
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>Revised Favorite Rig Reply
by KA4KOE on January 9, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
Let me revise my last. My current fave is a Datron-Transworld PRC-1099, 1.6-30 MHz manpack, 20W. Why is it my favorite?
Simple. It's cool...and, it's green.<
::"Green is the only way to go!"
-Kermit the Frog
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RE: Revised Favorite Rig
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by WA2JJH on January 10, 2007
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LEAN, MEAN, -N- GREEN MACHINE.
PHILIP, ever get a VFO in that thing?
I know with my RACAL twt-100, I can mod. the freq. up down buttons to scan faster.
I guess I could use 2 optocouplers with a disk with holes in it. The disk would be bolted to a flywheel then a vfo knob.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by CLEBOT on January 10, 2007
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Icom IC-718.
It's my first HF radio, and I had been drooling over it since I first saw it.
It is affordable, performs well, is well laid out, and does everything I need it to.
I use it for Navy-Marine Corps MARS and it has been a champ.
I passed my Element 3 exam and can't wait to use it to talk on the rest of the bands other than what I use for MARS.
I won't bore everyone with the specs, but I will say that it has a lot of sentimental value that goes along with it. I will never part with this radio. I made that mistake with an old Bearcat 20/20 scanner I used to listen to when I was a kid. I loved that radio, but got rid of it in college. Thanks to E-Bay, I was able to get another one, but it still wasn't 'mine'.
As I continue to grow in this hobby, and undoubtedly acquire more equipment and sell some of the lesser used accessories, the Icom IC-718 will keep a prominent place in my shack as a reminder of the good times spent using it.
Gerrit
KE5HVM
NNN0XPDT
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by NI0C on January 11, 2007
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For nostalgia, my Johnson Viking Navigator 40 w. (input) CW only transmitter and Drake 2-B receiver was my coolest station.
With regard to performance, though, my newly built Elecraft K2 hears better than anything else I've used.
73,
Chuck NI0C
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K3PZ on January 11, 2007
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My two favorite (oldie but goodie) rigs are the the Drake TR-7 and the Kenwood TS-830S with the slight edge going to the TS-830S (on receive). Both of these radios in great shape can be had for around $400.00 or less. New hams coming aboard can be on the air with a complete HF station for $500.00.
Paul Zora
K3PZ
www.k3pz.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 11, 2007
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nostalgic homebrew. The tuna-tin2 qrp tx. I modifed the design a lot. Used 2N3866's instead of the 2n2222's.(got over 1w out) Changed emmiter swamp resistor values.
made it switchable for 80 and 40M Added a vxtlc. I Could change xtal freq by +- 5KC.
I then built a mosfet amp for it. I got about 7w out.
I built an AM and DSB modulator for the TT-2. Sorry I lost interest in it. When the TS-520s came in(1978), I put the nice qrp tx in the old junk box. So sorry I did too!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N1BEC on January 11, 2007
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For sheer operating pleasure, it would have to be the Johnson Viking 500 coupled with the Collins R-388 receiver.
I'd run the transmit into a Johnson Kilowatt Matchbox, out through homemade ladderline to a 600' loop.
Stick the shack out into flyover country where there's no manmade noise, and I'd be in Ham heaven!
73's, Tom N1BEC/7
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K4JF on January 11, 2007
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"I bet a TS-870 would be as good, if not better than the FT-2000. Problem is have you ever seen a TS-870 for sale? "
Rarely! That's why mine is going NO-where!! :o)
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VE3WGO on January 11, 2007
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well,... going against the grain here a bit I guess, but my favourite HF radio is the Heathkit SB-101.
I have a second hand one. I like it because it is really fun to use, works fine, and it is kind of a pretty looking radio.
Why should appearance matter? Well, most of the time during QSOs we are looking at the rig, and it should look nice, and I think the SB-101 really does. It's green not just grey. It has brushed aluminum, not plastic. It has real switches, not buttons. Front panel layout is very pleasing too.
My next favourite is my newer Kenwood TS-2000X, because it does everything on 1.8 to 1300 MHz, and does it very well. I think it's ugly, but it sure performs!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA4UF on January 11, 2007
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I'll have to say the TS-830. As a kid I drooled over Kenwood's ads -the TS-830 forever defined for me what a ham radio OUGHT to look like. I used to bug dad to sell that old Collins stuff and buy a cool radio like a TS-830 (how little did I know!). Now I've got the S-Line *and* the -830. I even cart the -830 around as a portable rig; all I need is an AC outlet and a couple nearby trees for the EDZ and I'm good to go :-).
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W5LZ on January 12, 2007
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Without a doubt, the TS-850. I think it has the best receiver Kenwood ever made. Wore out the first one, working on the second one. If #2 lasts as long as #1, it'll out last me!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 12, 2007
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~"well,... going against the grain here a bit I guess, but my favourite HF radio is the Heathkit SB-101."~
Don't think that is going against the grain, I think most of us either owned or at least used a piece of Heathkit gear over the past. Heath had a great run for many years and touched us all one way or the other. Still think the old SB-200 amp is the most band for the buck out there today. Heath must have sold a boat load of them...and 700 watts for $300 is
hard to beat. Sorry I sold mine. I also built a SB-101 when they were out and used it until 1985 ,when I fell in love with a Kenwood TS-430 and had to have one.
But over the years, I always wanted to own Drake equipment, now I can, and they are still super performers.
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by G0VHS on January 12, 2007
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I have never owned a Drake to add any comments for that, but I do own a couple Kenwood TS850SAT's and DSP-100's.
Yep, the first generation DSP's didn't do much for the RX, but what the heck, it made the TX sound sweet. Not bad for a late 80's rig.
Having used the Pro's, MP's and the 850's in CQWW I still have to say that the 850 can cut it. Maybe it's a familiarity thing or maybe it's the fact that they don't have any gimmicks that you never really use or colourful onboard TV screens auto this, auto that.
16 years and no faults is pretty impressive too,(that'll be the kiss of death!)and if there was a fault it isn't microscopic SMT either, so with a bit of patience it can be fixed.
A real radio.
73 Good DX and good hunting,
Terry W5/G0VHS
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K9ZF on January 12, 2007
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I'm thinking about buying a vintage receiver, primarily for SWL use. I remember my old Swan 500c used to have beautiful receive audio.
SSB, and general hf coverage is a plus, but not required.
What would you recommend?
73
Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA3DPW on January 12, 2007
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Ok with the consideration described above and the fact that many different taste preferences exist among us I respect that. So here are my considerations:
1) I have a preference to ragchew.
2) I don't need the speed when changing frequencies.
3) I use some CW and some side-band for HF. Little of FM but I am mostly HF opeator.
4) I came up the ranks with tube vintage gear and dabbled a bit with the more modern to see the differences. It's good to have a more well rounded knowledge. Which leads to:
5) I don't mind tuning stages peaking and dipping and the time it takes. My shack is my sanctuary form the rest of the world I'm on my time there. I'm off the clock as they say. No need to rush. Relax and enjoy for me.
So with the scenario presented, I say the best raciever I ever found was the R-390A. The mechanicals behind the face panel are a marvel and the incoming signal is heard comfortably with anything I need to adjust. Which by the way I perfer dials and knobs and switches, to menus.
As far as my faverate vintage gear I prefer my TS-830S since it has what I need without extra bells and whistles that I don't need. My eyes aren't what they used to be so a frequency counter is a plus.
I have had my 830 for about 30 years. I liked it so much and endured with it thru hard times that I'm comfortable with it. To tune it takes little time for me since I've been doing it for so long. I can repair it with my training too
I like it so much that I comparesd it to other gear (some newer). The things I like on more recent gear come upon the pricier ones. To me for the value, I can keep what I have going for now.
I bought a second 830 for a fraction of that cost and I got acessories that came with the Kenwoods of that time.
These radios have a good signal to be heard by others and are among the last gear you'd be able to work on. Tube finals are a little more forgiving of higher SWR too.
My choice of mikes is not so defined. I like the Astatic D-104, the shure 444 and the original mike wasn't to bad either. There is a variation of the D-104 outthere which I have not had the pleasure to try but I hear it's just a little better for side band.
Now the 830 doesn't come with AM. I had AM before and the neighbors could tell me clearly what I said. So I got rid of the gear long ago.
CW I like straight key and I have iamic paddle keyer. Someday I'l get a bug to dabble with the differences of the old time bugg.
If you look at my station you'd see paer QSO cards and maps on the wall. A fewer newer era items but no computer there.
The reason is not that I dislike the computer you see, but I moved the station to an out building to get away from the electrical noise of the house. I can hear a weaker signal much better with the quiet background.
The TS-830's I have are original and few mods were done, just good maintennce and a little TLC. The specs for an 830 are something to be considered even today for other hams. Good front-ends give good selectivity and good sensitivity. The 830 was such a radio.
Call it vintage, call it old, call it a boat anchor, I don't care just call me if you like my signal and want to know what I'm using. "It's not for everybody, but then again, it's for me".
Thank you for asking and thank you for the space and thank you for your time and hearing e=what I had to say on the subject.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AF9J on January 13, 2007
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I've posted a couple of items on this thread. I just have a question for some of you. I like to contest (please, no groans & grrs from contest haters - besides, all of my contesting is done low or QRP power). I've been contesting since the mid 80s. My two main HF rigs are the ones I mentioned earlier: my TS-820 & my FT-897D. The TS-820 has a quieter receiver than my FT-897D by quite a bit. BUT, it isn't as freqency agile (I hop around quite a bit from band to band, to keep up with changing band condx.; I also mainly do search & pounce).
I'd really like another rig (mainly for HF contesting) that's quieter on the ears (I live in an RF noisy environment with 250 kV powerlines, and mini flourescent lights in my apartment building - DSP doesn't completely solve my FT-897D's noise issues), with decent audio (both transmit & receive), so I don't feel like my ears have been nuked, after several hours of wearing headphones during a contest. It would have to be solid state no-tune, so it's as frequency agile as my FT-897D. It wouldn't necessarily need a general coverage receiver. AM capability would be nice (I dabbled with it a little bit in the mid 90s & wouldn't mind trying it again), but isn't absoloutly necessary. I'm also not swimming in money, so the cost for it shouldn't kill my budget. It could be from the 70s, 80s, or 90s (I doubt [although I could be wrong] that anything sold at the present time, would meet my criteria]). Any ideas people?
73,
Ellen - AF9J
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N5YPJ on January 13, 2007
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Hallicrafer SX-100 caught my attention to the world of radio when I was nine years old. Favorite HF rig was a Heathkit HW-5400 my first solid state rig it had a really decent receiver and was pretty bullet proof for someone who moved around a lot with his rig and used makeshift antennas.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W7TEA on January 13, 2007
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After selling my HW-101 to a new novice, I moved to a TS-820S. Would have loved a Drake C-Line but that was out of reach on a beginning teacher's salary. After the 820S, came a TS-830S and then a TS-940S/AT. Final Kenwood purchase was a TS850S/AT. They all were very good rigs and I filled them with the InRad filters. Somewhere in there came a Drake B-Line and a magnificent C-Line in which I had fun installing Sartori and Sherwood mods.
But then as a retirement present, I bought the Orion. Its front end and near magical NB and NR were unbelievable. Finally, came my favorite rig of all, an Omni VI+ with an InRad roofing filter. I like it so much, the Orion often sits as the backup. I became a Ten Tec convert after decades of Kenwood gear.
Gary W7TEA
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA1GOS on January 14, 2007
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Icom 765: With all filter options and all mods (i.e. PBT, FL-44A, FL-80, etc.,…). Bulletproof front end, quiet rcvr, nice “feel”, and easy access to all controls. Used on all modes, even AM sounds great. Had a few minor problems with it that were corrected: VCO cap’s, internal tuner motor crap out, 250 Hz 455 KHz CW filter crap out, and PA driver transistor crap out. Not bad for an “older” rig. Great in contests.
FT-990: 100% reliable! No problems ever! All filter options. Some mods: wider AM receive. I like the ability to select any xtal filter in any mode. Great on PSK. Pretty close to the Icom 765 performance, IMHO.
TS-830S: 100% reliable! Pair of 400 Hz Inrad CW filters. All mods incorporated. Once set up on a band, and using the external DFC-230 to slow the tuning rate, it easily keeps up with the 765 and 990. Love the ability use both IF-Shift and VBT at the same time. Quiet rcvr. GREAT CW rig. Tuning and dipping never a problem.
First setup circa 1966: ARC-5 rcvr’s, Knight Kit “Star Roamer” with Lafayette “Beat Bander” external BFO, Knight Kit T-60, home brew xmtr. A fun and challenging station! I had LOADS of fun back then, and still do today!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB2WIK on January 14, 2007
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>RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why? Reply
by AF9J on January 13, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
I've posted a couple of items on this thread. I just have a question for some of you. I like to contest (please, no groans & grrs from contest haters - besides, all of my contesting is done low or QRP power). I've been contesting since the mid 80s. My two main HF rigs are the ones I mentioned earlier: my TS-820 & my FT-897D. The TS-820 has a quieter receiver than my FT-897D by quite a bit. BUT, it isn't as freqency agile (I hop around quite a bit from band to band, to keep up with changing band condx.; I also mainly do search & pounce).
I'd really like another rig (mainly for HF contesting) that's quieter on the ears (I live in an RF noisy environment with 250 kV powerlines, and mini flourescent lights in my apartment building - DSP doesn't completely solve my FT-897D's noise issues), with decent audio (both transmit & receive), so I don't feel like my ears have been nuked, after several hours of wearing headphones during a contest. It would have to be solid state no-tune, so it's as frequency agile as my FT-897D. It wouldn't necessarily need a general coverage receiver. AM capability would be nice (I dabbled with it a little bit in the mid 90s & wouldn't mind trying it again), but isn't absoloutly necessary. I'm also not swimming in money, so the cost for it shouldn't kill my budget. It could be from the 70s, 80s, or 90s (I doubt [although I could be wrong] that anything sold at the present time, would meet my criteria]). Any ideas people?
73,
Ellen - AF9J<
::Okay, Ellen, here goes. I'm also a contester and have owned these rigs. The FT-897D isn't any kind of contest rig, except that it can be computer controlled. But its performance is lackluster, since it's a mobile rig that covers 160m through 70cm in an enclosure you could put in a purse.
If you want something that reminds you of your TS-820S but is better in every single way, and also can be 100% computer controlled for contesting, consider a TS-850S or TS-870S. They're both discontinued, so you'd have to find one used. I have a TS-850S/AT since it was new in 1990, and it's very similar to the TS-820S except it has no tubes; an automatic internal antenna tuner that's very good; not just a few, but EIGHT selectable I.F. filters in two I.F.s; and complete computer control operation available via a plug-in interface, which makes it very easy for contesting.
Readily available on the used market for $800-$1000 depending upon options.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AF9J on January 14, 2007
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Cool, thanks for the input Steve! I was sort of heading in that direction.
73,
Ellen - AF9J
P.S. - I remember back in the late 80s, when you used to do 73 Magazine's VHF & UHF weak signal column. I used to read it all of the time (been doing VHF & UHB, SSB & CW since 1986). It was a good column.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W7TEA on January 14, 2007
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"Cool, thanks for the input Steve! I was sort of heading in that direction.
73,
Ellen - AF9J "
Also owned a TS850S/AT for many years with cascaded InRad CW filters. Super rig! My unit was stock until I had some mods done on it when the battery was being replaced couple years back. For power line noise, a well documented noise blanker mod worked magic. There is a good yahoo group on the 850 I'd investigate.
73, Gary W7TEA
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 15, 2007
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Looks like every ham has a favorite for far different reasons.
1)For very high performance junkies, like WIK,LGH,and my self. Design and rapairablity are our reasons.
2)New hams gravitate for the DC-daylight mbile rigs.
They have their current privs. 50mhz and above. They can then use HF when the happy upgrade day arrives.
3)For some, nostalgia. First rig.
4)Tube rig owners, like the glow of tubes. Also plug in and out finals are a big plus.
5)Home brew hams or kit builders, like a rig they made with their bare hands and a soldering iron.
6)Contesters have their specific needs met.
7)We have hams that like the latest or new rig introduced by ICOMSUWOOD,and Ten Tec. Kenwood does seem to be losing it in Base rigs.
8) No menus,and real knobs.
9) A GOOD DSP attracts some.
10)Some like the simple fact, their rig will output more than the defacto standard of 100W.
Some rigs TS-850,TS-870,TS-950S(SD),SDX, Orion, FT-1000D, Icom 756,775,746,and others fit a number of needs.
No ham will change your mind. Some will.
Seems like many like a number of rigs.
Enjoy, what ever you choose.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by AF9J on January 15, 2007
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Hi Gary,
Thanks for the info. I did a Yahoo groups search, and 3 groups came up: one for the TS-850, TS-690, etc. (it has about 775 members); two were for the TS-850S (one was called TS-850 [it has 175 members], and the other was called TS850 [it only has 9 members]). Which do you recommend (I assume not the 9 member group, :) )
Ellen - AF9J
<SNIP!>
There is a good yahoo group on the 850 I'd investigate.
73, Gary W7TEA
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KI8DJ on January 15, 2007
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Steve just want to mention that the htx 10 was not built back in 1988. The htx 100 was though. Yes this radio was made by Uniden and was essentially the same as the 2510 and the 2600,although it lacked am and fm capabilities. I had one and liked it for its simplicity and ruggedness. I find this big sensivity debate amusing as I usually have at least s-3 noise levels.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WO7T on January 15, 2007
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Clearly a favorite HF radio, is the first HF radio owned. What possibly brought more excitement, or sealed your commitment to our great hobby.
73,
Mark
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 16, 2007
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~"Clearly a favorite HF radio, is the first HF radio owned. What possibly brought more excitement, or sealed your commitment to our great hobby. 73,Mark"~
Yes, there is something about your first, even with radio! However my first was real junk, and have no intensions of ever owning anything like it again. I like my Drakes, as they built really nice radios that performed to specs, very well built, easy to repair, and still hold their own in todays world. I do have new radios, but they just don't have the charm or servicability.
Well we had a great run here..I will have to come up with another good topic, and see if we can as many responses as we did here.
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by N9JR on January 16, 2007
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Well, I have not owned a TR-7, I had a TR-7A with the RV-7 and all the trimmings. A sweet radio indeed.
For me it is my T4X-C / R-4C and MN-4C combo. Only because in college they came out and I couldn't afford one. Spent a whole lot of time and a heck of a lot of money to assemble this station. Plays great and reminds me of my ill spent youth. Second would be my TR-4C / RV-4C station. For the same reasons.
I remember once about 10 years ago when I bought a NB-4 from W0AIH who had converted his contest station to FT-1000Ds, "If you really want to work the really weak Europeans on 160 you can't beat the R-4C".
Do I have more advanced radios? Sure. But fireing up the Drakes brings back memories, and a lot of QSOs. My IC-756 Pro might be better, but it has no soul.
73,
Joe N9JR
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB4ENI on January 16, 2007
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Ten Tec Argonaut 509. Bought it in 1975 from Grand Central Radio 3 months before taking the test and used it for code practice. As soon as WN license arrived, got the 405 50 W linear and got on the air with an attic dipole.
Got my General a year later and got a Triton IV for the occasion (from Arcade Electronics in Annadale, VA). Over the years, I added all the bells and whistles (dig. display, 2nd VFO, 160 m transverter, etc.). Used both rigs on CW, RTTY and SSB, sometimes driving an FL 2100B.
Still using both rigs. I sent then back to Tennessee a couple of times for a lube and oil chcnage and they're still soldiering on. Been looking at Ten Tec lineup and was often tempted, but their ever rising prices kept me from "upgrading". Then they went digital, menu-driven and all that crap, and I lost all interest (I own--and work with--too many computers to trust anything running on software, especially when it costs more than what I paid for my pickup truck.
Also had an FT 101 (Sommerkamp version) when operating reciprocal as F0DEN. I should have kept it but it was too heavy to haul back as cabin luggage.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 16, 2007
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My first Novice radio's were ultra junk. So they only have nostalgic value to me. I would not want one of my first(EICO-753) in my shack wasting space.
However I can kick my self in the butt for not having my Tuna-Tin two with all the mods I added.
I started with the basic design in QST(1976).
I made my own PC board for it from the supplied etching mask.
I then added many mods that came to mind. Beefier final, rubber xtal,AM/DSB modulator, and the 7 watt
amp of my own design using a switching MOS transistor.
Self biased and clean.
With new parts available today, I could have made it into a dual band tranceiver with VFO.
I miss my TT-2 with all the my design of mods. I am sure I could have made a 50W final. Also mini-circuits sell multioctive VCO's. One covers 5-25MHZ. One can get a Ne-555 timer to oscillate up to 500kc. With a 10 turn pot and a constant temperature source, I have a VFO to mix with the 5-25mhz VCO(band selector).
I could have then made an RX using the same VFO. A direct conversion RX would be the way to go.
So the humble TT-2 was one favorite because it was homebrew and my mods were too. Most important I think of what it could have become!
I do have warm feelings for the TS-520S. It was my first 160-10M 100W rig. I relate to another poster about that fresh smell of a new rig just out of the box.
After owning and trading up,(about 25 radio's) I discovered the TS-850SAT. WOW! All those filters. The famouse Kenwood RF speech proc. is a hard act to follow.
The Drake TR-7/R7A came later. I worked for BARRY electronics when the NASA looking TR-7 came in around 1977. All solid state final and general coverage RX too! All I could do was use it at the stores shack. As an 18 year old, I never thought I would own one today.
One fringe benefit of working in a ham radio store was that I got to try EVERY rig that was produced from 1977-1981. I would say the late 70's saw the most innovation in ham radio. Tube finals were out. Digital readouts were now the norm, not an expensive option.
Too many rigs...too little time!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by VE7REN on January 16, 2007
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it amazes me how these threads get taken off course!!!!!!! the question was,what was your favorite rig and why!! not to compare emails and argue!!! geez guys!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by KA5ROW on January 17, 2007
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RE: VE7REN
Remember when you were in 2nd or 3rd grade and the teacher told one student a secrete and that student told another, by the time the last student said what was told to him it was nothing like what the original secret. Well we are 40 years older nothing has changed.
My Favorite rig was my Kenwood 830-S
Reason: No Memory, No Menu's No extra Junk that nobody uses. Just tune up and talk.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 17, 2007
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Thats why I love my Drake TR-7... I believe the Nissan Commercial said it best.. "Everything you WANT, and NOTHING you don't NEED!" And I still say after 30 years, no one has made a radio that was better looking! The new ones look like Home Stereo equipment, including my Yaesu Mark V. Its hard to believe that Drake engineers were so ahead of their time.
My 4B line ain't 1/2 bad either, pretty Hot receiver there too! And I run it everyday. The L4B amp, what can I say..built like a battleship, just add a Peter Dahl 3000V xformer and you have a full legal limit+ amp that will run forever, and talk about that warm GLOW! Nothing like it!!
Just finished building my workbench in my shack, have rf-generator, Techtronic 30Mhz dual trigger/trace scope coming, and will be looking for a nice freq. counter at the up coming Orlando hamfest. Getting ready to do some serious restoration work. Photos are on line @ http://www.w4lgh.com then see shack tour...
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 17, 2007
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Alan, as I keep working on Drake TR-7's, I see so many area's that could be simplified. However certain circuits should not be changed.
One prototype TR-7 I am working on is a QRP version.
Remove a bad P.A. in one scaper. Keep in the driver board. A 5-10W rig is do-able. In the place of the final one could put in an ATU.
The bulbs would be replaced with carbide blue LEDs.
Replace the PTO with a VCO. The display board is only a frequency counter and provides logic for that very complex, but stable band oscillator.
In fact one can buy ultra stable multi-octive VCO's.
I see one here that goes from 1-10mhz,10mhz-20mhz,and a whopper that is 20-200mhz. So you have your up converter and a replacement for 3 boards that cover the band switch.
Add in a LCD frequency counter readout with an ultra bright LED back light.
The IF,AF,front end,agc,alc,nb, and final could stay.
The PBT gets tricky. It uses 22V from that regulator card.
I will let you know if I build my revision of a TR-7.
I have one working TR-7. The other is my TR-7X.(my stripped down TR-7) No general coverage or digital readout. One of the extenders has 2 IC's on it.
This allows the TR-7 to work as a ham band only,(no warc) no digital readout rig.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W4LGH on January 17, 2007
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Yes this could be done, but then it wouldn't be a Drake? There are a bunch of mods out there from the TR-7 , such as using a SBL mini-circuit on the front end of the up converter, using Schokley diodes as the mixers on the 2nd IF board. I actually have 2 of the SBL 1a mini-circuits and a BAD up converter board, bene thinking about giving it a try, as it is supposed to be a tad hotter, and offers some overload protection that usually wipes out the up converter. I now have my workbench in place, and may tackle that project to see what happens. Have a calibrated RF generator, a newly calibrated Techtronic 30mhz dual trace/triggered scope due in any day, so I am getting setup to be able to do some serious receiver work, as well as testing, alignment etc. Should be fun as well as functional.
Already did some sensitivity tests between the TR-7 and my Yaesu Mark V. The Mark is a bit more sensitive on measurements, but not to the human ear. Which has been my point in several discussions on here. What good does this extra gain do for you if you can not hear it? Looks great on a spec sheet, but nothing in the real world. Kinda like distortion rating on hifi equip. .0005% distortion, and the human ear can't hear distortion much below 5%!! So specs 10000 times better than you can hear?? What good does that do?
Called the point of demishing returns!
73 Alan
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 18, 2007
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The one mod. that is worth doing is replacing the 2 pole monothic filter after the first mixer. The R7a uses a 4 pole monolithic instead.
The first mixer was made by Vari-L(a defense contracter). The Mini-circuits replacement has lower loss ferrite xformers on the input and output of matched schoctty(spelling) diode's in the ring.
Sherwoood has a contraption. You remove your Drake 2.3khz filter from the filter board. Add a Sherwood filter in place. There is a cable that goes to a box.
The Box uses your Drake filter in a real RF speech Proc. You can then use the Sherwood filter and the Drake cascaded on RX. So you have 16 Poles of filtering in the 2nd IF.
The box also allows you to transmit through 2 other filters you place inside the Sherwood box.
I guess I like a radio that is good from the get go, and you can add 3erd party upgrades 30 years after the radio was sold.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by W8KQE on January 18, 2007
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Am I the only one that thinks the *original* IC-756, built-in bandscope and all, was the coolest HF rig to hit the marketplace at that time? Especially on 6 meters, where you could now SEE the openings! I had more fun with that rig when it came out than all my radios combined since first licensed in 1977!!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K7PEH on January 18, 2007
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<Quote>
Am I the only one that thinks the *original* IC-756, built-in bandscope and all, was the coolest HF rig to hit the marketplace at that time? Especially on 6 meters, where you could now SEE the openings! I had more fun with that rig when it came out than all my radios combined since first licensed in 1977!!!
</Quote>
No, you are not the only one.
I didn't own an original (non-Pro) 756 until February 2004. I bought it used from another ham via eBay and I believe I got an excellent deal. I still have it and I still operate with it now and then even though I also have my new Icom 756 Pro III. I will be keeping all of my Icoms.
I think that all rigs should have a real-time Spectrum display.
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K2JX on January 18, 2007
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My favorite rig was my first new one, the Kenwood TS-520 with matching VFO, speaker and 500hz CW filter. Always solid audio reports, it's now in Poland being used by a Polish amateur, right I shudda kept it !
Next, my Ten-Tec Paragon II circa 1995, filtered and optioned out it's easy to use, has BETTER QSK than my Orion, no relay clicks. General coverage, TX-RX, 100 watts out no matter what freq I'm on, so it's great also for MARS op's. Beautiful 6kc filter in the AM mode driving a 10'' full range speaker fills the shack with great sounding Vintage Rig audio. The keypad is easily read without glasses, great for us senior op's.
Yes, I know it has a "few" birdies due to it's wide range receive coverage, and yes TT could have done a better job in that department considering it was a high end rig, but I still love it. No it's not for sale ! Nice post !
73, de K2JX
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RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard
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by WA2JJH on January 18, 2007
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OK seems like many favorite rigs were because they performed well, required little maintainance, were highly mod-able/up gradable.
So far I have seen the usual favorites.
TS-520,TS-830,TS-850,TR-7,ic-746,756,C line,Ten Tec old and new.
Nobody liked the Ten Tec Pegasus. That is easy to understand. No knobs at all. Manditory computer that may cause RX problems. Selectivity and RX DSP was lack luster. Ten Tec gave up on writing free firmware and software upgrades.
Many FT-101's were sold. However they were nothing to write home about. Once Kenwood came out with the TS-520, the FT-101 seemed to be a freebanders favorite.
Why? 11M was right on the band switch. The FT-101 had AM too. One simply had to cut a certain wire for 11M havok! The FT-101 also sported sweep tube finals.
The high power varients of the FT-101 did not far well either. The FT-401,FT-560DX seemed not to be the bargain some hoped for. A HF rig that would never need a linear amp. The FT-401 with 4 sweep tubes only could deliver 225W. The FT-560DX claimed 560Watts. That was input power. When all was said and done....300W out on 20M.
National did not fair well either. I used an NCX-3 at my high school station. I was impressed....I was 16 then, what did I KNOW!
Anybody own the National NCX-1000? A 80-10M rig with a Kilowatt input final built in.
That would be nice to have in the NEW $10,000+ radio's. For that kind of bread, they could have used 4 MRF-154's MOSFETs. If they used a 48V switcher supply that is double sheilded, 600W out is not too shabby.
I see nobody said the ICOM 7800 was thier favorite rig. Gee all those features. An RX with DSP and front end roofing filters. The RX specs sure look good ON PAPER.
ATLAS did not make the cut either? The ATLAS rigs used a pre-ampless front end like the Drake TR-7.
Lets not forget the inexpensive DC-daylight ALINCO.
Ohhh.....thats right, the noise blanker does not work in the ALINCO. I guess that kills it as a mobile rig :)
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RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard
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by W4LGH on January 19, 2007
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I own a National NCX-5 that touted in 1964 to not drift. (HAHA) but was in its day a nice radio. Still works pretty good today. Actually has a fairly hot receiver in it, and puts out an honest 150watts!
But boy does it drift!!
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RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard
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by WB2WIK on January 19, 2007
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>RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard Reply
by W4LGH on January 19, 2007 Mail this to a friend!
I own a National NCX-5 that touted in 1964 to not drift. (HAHA) but was in its day a nice radio. Still works pretty good today. Actually has a fairly hot receiver in it, and puts out an honest 150watts!
But boy does it drift!!<
::National was hoping hams were stupid enough to confuse resolution for accuracy, by using a digital mechanical dial for the NCX-5 VFO. Not a great rig, never was; however, paired with the NCL-2000 it was a great looking station. An HRO-500 would pretty it up even more.
I had, at various times, an NCX-3, NC-200 (cheapie 5-bander, around the same vintage as NCX-5 but half the price), and an NCX-5. Never did own an HRO-500 or NCX-1000, they were too rich for my blood back then. It would be "interesting" to own these now, but I'm not sure where I'd put them.
WB2WIK/6
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RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard
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by W4LGH on January 19, 2007
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Well it was my understanding that National offered the NCX-5 in 2 flavors. One had a wooden case, or at least trimmed in wood, mine is just the ole green metal case. I would have never bought it, and was given to me by the original owner. I cleaned it up, did a few minor repairs and it works fairly well taken all the considerations. The NCX-5 with the wooden trim, I was told, had a special solid state VFO was NOT supposed to drift. I have never seen or used this model, so I do not know. I do know that mine does, and never really seems to settle down. Even some of the old Swans would eventually settle down after they got good and hot. Only had one of those for a short period of time, the good ole 3-Drifty!
My Drake TR-3 will drift some, if you are talking a lot on it due to the heat. Put a fan on it and it helped a bunch. Now the Drake 4B Line, once warmed up, will sit right there. My TR-7 is pretty good to after about 15mins of run time, usually one touchup after that period and your good.
The TR-7 is still my favorite, a great solid performer on all levels.
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE:Mustard that will not cut rigs!
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by WA2JJH on January 19, 2007
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<<<<< but I'm not sure where I'd put them>>>>>>>>
Oh...that is not a problem at all. Simply send your obtuse/adiposly disproportionates to "THE WA2JJH FOUNDATION" (;
The foundation does wonderous things.
1)A radio is used for a few QSO's. Then broken down into parts and sold on EBAY.
The Money from said proceeds support my frequent trips to Thailand. Some of your kind donations are skimmed off the top to corrupt street crossing guards, and UNICEF Trick-or-Treaters.
The "JJH" foundation also has a cottage industry in affordable Manhattan living. The foundation takes discarded refrigerator boxes and transforms them into
trendy "sidewalk condo's". Some of our street condo's use recycled energy. We have stategic placement over manhole vents. This allows free heating and limited plumbing.
Our advanced energy directorate has made Cold Fussion a reality! Our future exploration to the sun will make cold fussion viable. We have found that if we travel only at night, the suns heating effects will be minimal.
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RE:Rigs that did not cut the mustard.
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by WA2JJH on January 19, 2007
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I was given an EICO-753 when I was 15. I fixed it.
However of all the rigs of the early 1960's, the Eico-753 was hit or miss, after you built it.
The VFO had only 10kc divisions. The HW-101 had 5kc in contrast.
Seemed that the first 753 tribanders had a tube VFO.
The EICO 753 looked very much like the NCX-3. In fact one could use the 753 power supply on HW-101's.
You want to talk about DRRRIIFFT. The 753 even after hours of warm up woud drift 5kc during a 30min QSO.
Perhaps that is why the rit was +/- 10kc from center.
However the VFO ony hade 10KC markings.
One Ehammer claims he must have worked me. The time period adds up 1976. The drift factor matches too. He said he never had to move 25kc's during a 25 minute QSO. The Eico deceived the operator. Since the RIT almost worked like a bandspread fot the VFO, the EICO-753 operator really did not have a clue how much he was drifting. The RIT seemed to take care of the drift!!!!
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by K5MO on January 19, 2007
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Drake TR7... I own 3 of them, and have operated them for over ten years, and have never had any report of key clicks. Maybe it takes a golden ear. Simple, intuitive, they still work fine, and they are styled in a classic way that still looks up to date. One of Drakes finest efforts.
Close on its heels is my Omni VI and the CorsairII. Great radios without fishfinders. The controls that are there are usful and not just there to to compete in the "how many buttons can I cram on a front panel" race that the JA radios seem to be in. (I swear, all some of those YaeWoodSu things need is lots of chrome and tail fins, and they'd be perfect!)
John K5MO
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What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WB6MMJ on January 19, 2007
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I`ve had so many different radios. This is a hard one for me. I liked my Collins KWS1 75A4 combo. I had two of those set-ups. Talk about built to last. Not good for contesting, though. I had many Kenwood radios. I liked the TS 820s. The digital display in those radios had problems but the receivers were great. I have one of those with the MC50, SP820, SM220, VFO 820. I don`t know why but I have stayed away from Yaesu radios. Drake made some good old stuff. I think second to the Collins S Line the Drake C line was very good. I have one of those now. I have never bought a new HF radio I have always been able to find good deals on used equipment. I have a Kenwood TS 850s that is my main radio now. I love that one. There are so many radios that when you are on SSB they don`t seem to be putting out much power even though they will do 125 watts on CW. The TS 850S puts out the power and sounds great at the same time. It has a great receiver also. I use it to drive my 4-1000 amplifier and, Boy, does it drive it. I have never had anyone complain about it splattering side to side. Now if I could only afford the DSP 100 for it. Used, they are as much as the radio used. They must work good.
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RE: What Was Your Favorite HF Radio & Why?
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by WA2JJH on January 20, 2007
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From reviews I have read the DSP-100 is nothing to write home about. It was Kenwoods first dip into DSP.
The DSP-100 did not perform like the DSP in the TS-950 or TS-870.
You get Digital noise reduction, that is chock filled with artifacts. The Pulse shaping on CW....well ok, however I neber knew a TS-850 that had key clicks
As for variable TX width, if you did the very simple mod. and have the optional 1.8khz xtal filter and add a graphic eq......You can emulate the same trick.
I do admit the one DSP funtion that I do use on MY TS-950SDX is the digital noise reduction. I do not think the DSP-100 did that funtion well.
in conclusion, you mght want to spend money on INRAD filters. You will eleminate filter pass band blow by. Something DSP could not do as well.
The RF speech proc. in the TS-850 will improve your transmitter envelope far better than some DSP trick.
What concept the rig makers WILL NOT tell you is that some rigs got DSP to reduce the cost.
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