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Author Topic: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth  (Read 789 times)

K1KIM

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Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« on: December 05, 2020, 07:27:20 PM »

I am looking to  buy an HF transceiver to give to a local youth interested in becoming a Ham. He is currently studying for his exam.

I have a budget in mind of $300-500 for an easy to navigate rig that won't be in need of multiple repairs in the near future. Ie caps, ps etc.

He would be best with as much a "Plug & Play" style unit as possible. Something as simple as the Kenwood TS-430s but not as old to as to have potential near term issues. I am not going to support the repairs etc going forward.

I welcome your thoughts and or perhaps offers to sell any radios that would fit these requirements.

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W4AOK

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2020, 07:41:12 PM »

I may be able to help.   You can contact me via email (on on qrz).
Win, W4AOK
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K7AAT

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2020, 09:30:54 PM »

Just wanted to point out an Alinco DX-SR8T brand new HF Xcvr with warranty can be had from HRO for under $500.  .....and its eHam Product Reviews are quite good.
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KG4RUL

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2020, 05:32:54 AM »

Just wanted to point out an Alinco DX-SR8T brand new HF Xcvr with warranty can be had from HRO for under $500.  .....and its eHam Product Reviews are quite good.

I will give a thumbs up for the Alinco!
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N9LCD

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2020, 07:55:34 PM »

Before you buy any rig:

Download the user's manuals.  And insist the the prospective user familiarize himself with each rig.

If possible, arrange for him to get his "hands" on the top two or three "preferred" rigs.

REMEMBER:  You'll be the buyer.  But he'll be the user who'll have to"live" with the rig.
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K1KIM

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2020, 05:04:21 PM »

Still Looking.

Somebody out there must want to be "Santa" (for a price of course ;D)
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KD6VXI

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2020, 03:01:09 PM »

Kenwood TS440 gets my vote, if it has the goop removed.

--Shane
KD6VXI
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WI3U

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2020, 07:43:06 PM »

FT 450D will fit your criteria.
Bill  WI3U
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W7XTV

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2020, 07:55:08 PM »

FT 450D will fit your criteria.
Bill  WI3U

I've owned one for almost 5 years.  It's a very good radio, but the received audio quality is less than optimum, even with an external speaker (let's just say my old TS-940 was much better, but it was far more expensive).  But since I operate digital modes over 90% of the time, it's not an issue for the most part.  Transmit audio is fine with the included microphone, and it's an excellent rig for FT8.
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VE7REN

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2021, 03:26:40 PM »

i say the icom 718 used market. solid radio with fantastic reputation
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K1KIM

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2021, 03:34:10 PM »

Thanks for all the replies.
Radio has been purchased a while back.
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N1IG

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2021, 04:27:49 PM »

Thanks for all the replies.
Radio has been purchased a while back.

what did you get???
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N6XJP

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2021, 05:16:45 AM »

Andrew...I have a very nice Yaesu FT450D, bound manual, mic, power cord.  Works perfectly.  Full power on all bands.  Tuner does it all.  For a youth....I’m good on QRZ.  I’ll cover shipping in original box.  Dave
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K1KIM

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2021, 06:08:36 AM »

Thanks for all the replies.
Radio has been purchased a while back.

what did you get???

Kenwood TS-430s
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K1KIM

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Re: Looking to buy an HF radio for a youth
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2021, 06:09:46 AM »

Andrew...I have a very nice Yaesu FT450D, bound manual, mic, power cord.  Works perfectly.  Full power on all bands.  Tuner does it all.  For a youth....I’m good on QRZ.  I’ll cover shipping in original box.  Dave

Bought. Thanks.
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