Welcome to ham radio!  I have primarily owned ICOM rigs, so I will present a couple of those for you to consider.  The ICOM 718 is a great entry level HF rig which also has an excellent general coverage shortwave receiver included in it.  It has a digital signal processing (DSP) unit built in which is helpful in reception.  The ICOM 7200 is also a great rig and the comments for the 718 apply to it as well, but it has a few more features, including digital programmable filters and wider frequency coverage (150 kHz to 60 MHz versus 150 kHz to 30 MHz for the 718).  Since you're into shortwave listening, you want to be sure the rig you buy has a good general coverage receiver!  The 718 will cost you roughly $600 to $650 if you shop around, the 7200 roughly $1000.  These are assuming you buy new; if you buy used you should be able to knock a quarter to third off those prices, depending on age, condition and features.  I sold my 718 for about $400 recently, but it did not have the DSP unit that comes standard with the newer ones.  I now have a 7200 and am enjoying it! 

All the best to you as you explore the hobby! 

That's actually a tough call!  If the Dentron really never was powered up, it's still possible that the filter capacitors have deteriorated over time since it was built (back in the 60's or 70's?), and it may not work right when you power it up.  If mylar electolytics were used when the amp was built, they might be OK; if paper electrolytics were used, you need to replace 'em!  Mylars started being used in the '70's, so take the amp apart and check to see if you have those.  If so, your amp might be OK as they don't deteriorate as fast as paper caps.  

If it turns out this amp has paper caps, I would replace all of them on the power supply if I were you, in fact, probably all the electrolytic caps period with modern mylar ones.  They can be expensive for ones that can handle the high voltages linear amps use.  

The tubes themselves should still be good even after 40 or 50 years of no use, if they were properly made to begin with.  

If your SB-220 is working fine, you might be better off sticking with it.  Those Heathkits are good amps and are easy to work on.  If your SB-220 is working as it should, it's likely it's already been recapped.  

73,
Raf

I've had my IC-718 since August (bought it at a hamfest for about $500, plus tax) and used it as a SWL and ham receiver until getting my General ticket about a month ago.  It is a great performer on SWL;  I often listen to BBC's African service on 7160 kHz (virtually always comes in at S9+).  Then I started having a lot of fun TXing on the HF ham bands!  As mentioned previously, a simple dipole antenna gives you the biggest bang for the buck.  Sure, beam antennas give you more gain on both transmit and receive, but it takes a LOT more effort to build one or even put one up.  

The IC-718 is a great choice for a first rig, and packs a lot of features for the price.  Judging from my experience and the reviews here on eHam, it seems hard to beat.  

Congrats on getting the General ticket!  I agree with one of the previous posters who said that you might have so much fun hamming on HF that you won't be doing much SWL'ing.  

73,
Raf

How can you access European repeaters that require a 1750 Hz tone using a U.S. handheld?  Is there a DTMF tone on the keypad that will do it?  In particular, I have a Kenwood TH-G71A that I would like to use in an upcoming trip to Germany.  Any help greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks and 73,
Raf

You have my curiosity aroused as well!  I bet you've got a couple of IC's in there and are not counting them as transistors!  Anyway, please send me the details at rafiq_98@yahoo.com.  

73, Raf

Hello!  I just passed my General exams last weekend and so am preparing to set up a G5RV antenna in the backyard.  In order to avoid drilling holes in the side of the house, I am running the feedline (about 60 to 70 feet of it) through the eaves, into the attic and then down through the ceiling into my shack.  I was thinking of using RG58U cable for this purpose, since it is more flexible and easier to snake through tight spaces.  My question is this:  what is the dB loss per 100' for RG59U versus RG8U?  Will I notice any difference in loss at the HF frequencies (80 through 10 meters)?  Any help is greatly appreciated!  

Thanks and 73,
Raf