Advice for new station.

[KF4UVG]

I am setting up a home shack and only have room for one rig, computer, tuner and power supply. I will operate mostly on HF and already have a portable for VHF/UHF. I have narrowed to 3 radios the FT-897D, TS-480SAT, and the Icom 7200. Any specific thoughts on these 3 would be appreciated. (the 7200 would be pushing the budget but still an option)

Thanks
KF4UVG

[NA0AA]

You will get plenty of opinions.

I only have one of them, and I like my FT-897, but I use it mostly portable not fixed.  This choice also gives you a nice 50 watt VHF/20 watt UHF station included.

The IC-7200 is definatly the newest design, I have not read any reports on that radio yet.  I want to like it but you are buying a 'mystery rig' at the moment.  I've not even seen one in the shop yet.

I know nothing about the Kenwood.

[W6CD]

I have a TS-480SAT and find it an excellent radio and value.  While different, it's form factor (separate control head and radio unit) is space saving of your desk area.  The built-in tuner works well.  It's digital and remote control ready.  I like the display readability and controls layout.

Kenwood has an in-depth manual in addition to the regular manual - it has a wealth of good info and insight into the radio.  http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/ts_480/pdf/TS-480_manual_E.pdf

[WA9AFM]

All three radios play quite well.  EHam reviews are about equal.  If there were a 'tie-breaker', I would have to say the IC-7200's direct USB connection feature would move it out front just a bit, i.e. no digi/CAT interface needed.  The TS-480SAT seems to be more versital in features.  If you shop around, I'm sure you would find the prices to be fairly close.