Either can send a card first. Usually the ham who wants the other guys QSL the most will be the first to send his out. Incidently, whether or not you send a SASE with your card usually depends on how badly you want a QSL in return. The 30th time you've worked Florida or Italy, maybe just send the card or use the bureau. Your 50th state for WAS or rare DX, make it as easy as possible for the guy to send you a card back.

Check out the reviews of the IC 746 here on eHam. I did , and decided to buy one. Is it the best radio money can buy? No. But almost all agree that for a combination of features and price the 746 gives you the "most bang for the buck." I believe Icom may be coming out with an updated version of the 746. Some things to consider:

- Does the updated version justify a higher price tag?
- Prices on new equipment tend to remain high for a while as the "early adopters' rush to get one right away. If a new radio is introduced at the beginning of the year it may be 6-8 months or longer before you see much discounting.
- When new models are introduced, retailers like HRO and AES tend to reduce prices on the old model to clear them out.

All in all, I think the 746 is a great radio at a great price. You can easily spend $1000 more for other radios. What's tough to do is get that much more radio for the price.

73
Bob KO4E