Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes
Reviews Home

Reviews For: SGC SG-2000 PowerTalk ADSP

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : SGC SG-2000 PowerTalk ADSP
Reviews: 5MSRP: 2,100
Description:
This is the current model of the classic SG-2000 PowerTalk but with digital signal processing added. It comes with ADSP1 (the original which is great) and ADSP2 which is the improved version that they sell.
Product is in production
More Info: http://sgcworld.com/2000ProductPage.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0054
N6YW Rating: 2014-09-11
Very well built and engineered. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If you are considering this radio as a primary choice for communication based on need, please consider your objectives first. This will save you from frustration. The SG-2000 radio series is a "designed for application" type system. It was never intended for being a specific Ham Radio platform compared to your common choices on the market. This system requires the user to completely understand the architecture in order to obtain the intended result. This system is not designed for contesting or typical Ham type band/mode changes we have grown accustom to. However, the beauty of this rig is it's well engineered brick like quality that assures the user of consistent reliable communication capability with plenty of enhancements. The first impression I encountered when placed into operation was confidence. The reports of the signal quality and strength were all very good with an emphasis on good copy. Bottom line on my list. The extra effort involved with learning and manipulating the features of the radio put aside, I found that I really enjoyed the need to be vigilant of operator ability to make use of it's tools and while it is a bit dated compared to many of the current crop of gear, I find it is still a very useful and relevant radio system. My biggest complaint is the absence of an RF gain control. It would also have been a good idea to have some sort of adjustable AGC and a more standardized access to driving a linear amplifier.
It is a bit quirky and "by the book" but I still love this rig. It's different but man is it cool and built with a quality that reflects it's original price tag. If ever there was a need for a deployment ready rig that, with time spent pre-programming your operating requirements beforehand, is surely one of the best I have owned. There are others that are better but with a close look into what this one does, it's hard to complain about it. I would also insist that if you are considering purchasing one, be sure to download and read the manual cover to cover. It will likely save you from buyers remorse in case it doesn't fit your style.
73 de Billy N6YW
VA6DWH Rating: 2013-03-06
ADSP2 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have both heads....the ADSP1 and the ADSP2....use one in my base station and one aboard my boat....I have had these units for a while now and can't imagine using anything else....the SGC-2000 radio's with the "Powertalk" heads are not "toys" and are definitely not for everyone...the are of a commercial configuration and can be a little tricky to use till you learn their language...they are super tough....not fiddly showboat ham radio's....but they can stand toe to toe with many ham rigs....and for reliability they can't be matched...Never thought they could improve on the original version of DSP found in the first generation "powertalk head....but to my surprise...what the new ADSP2 head can do to clean up a signal is very impressive...makes the whole ham experience that much more enjoyable...the filtering does a great job of cleaning up engine interference (boat)...never could use a SSB unit easily while underway before...Last production of these units I believe was 2008....so there is still some near new units out there....but they are getting fewer and the pricing is always high for top condition radios....Highly recommend this radio.....but its not for everyone...If you are looking for one....maybe try and find a user to talk to before you spread the cash...."old" hams who are used to the conventional layout of amateur radios may not fit this rig.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by VA6DWH on 2012-05-13

Hello all....Had this radio (loaded) for a few months now.....got from original owner with the 230 smart tuner and the HD power supply from SGC....My first impression is that is more commercial than amateur....that in my opinion is a plus....built tough to military specs...full of features that have only a few things in mind..
reliability....function and upgradeable....These rigs were primarily designed for marine use so they can take it....there is a learning curve to getting the rig to perform....but once you speak its language...wow....a little large in size but with so many capabilities and an easy 150 + watts out (thats loafing) one can understand the need for a little size....when matched with the legendary SG-230 smart tuner this rig is unstoppable....I will have mine till its sold at my estate sale....My wife and I are planning to retire soon and will purchase a large boat to spend much time on on the west coast....this rig will be on board...
Anything negative ?....I find the audio a little weak (not full) even when I use an excellent quality external speaker....but I have plans to solve this very minor issue...also the stock mic is a little poor....but the good news is Kenwoods TS-43s mic hooks up with no mods with excellent results....nothing is perfect ...but this rigs faults are very few and minor...They demand some good $$ when you find one...if its been cared for its worth the effort and expense...Ever need anything like service from SGC...I heard they are top notch...!
EI6DP Rating: 2010-01-29
MAC2000 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hello Brethren,

Further to my impression of the SGC2000PT and the "scream" MAC2000.
The 2000 is performing brilliantly, as for the "scream" MAC200 it is deceased - it is the MOST USLESS atu I have ever come across.
What a waste of money and NO satisfaction from SGC
FORMER_K0PD Rating: 2007-11-11
Not Too Bad !! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just recently aquired the SGC 2000 ADSP 1 and tho not having it more than a few day's i still felt i should share my thought's on it.I think the previous 2 post's pretty much cover it. It is a different type of Ham(commercial)type of radio to use but very well built. To do just about anything on it you must push a button. A feature that surprised me was when i whistled into the mic there was not that much power going out but as soon as i said hello it instantly showed 150 pep. The recieve is good and the DSP is typical of digital DSP performance. Since this radio was part of a trade i'm not sure if i'll keep it or not,but if sold or traded off it will be only because it was excess to my need's.Would i tell anyone to buy one,well yes i believe i would since it can be used mobile or base. By the way i also have the sgc230 ant tuner and the book say's it will tune just about any thing like a 8-9 ft whip or wire. Maybe later on i'll give the tuner a shot. But mean While i'm enjoying using the radio....
W7GSA Rating: 2007-05-19
Designed for high quality communications Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have an ADSP1 model and I am looking for the ADSP2. I am very satisfied with the ADSP1 version, I don't know how they could improve on it. The radio is designed primarily as a marine radio. The purpose is to provice high quallity, reliable CW and SSB communications between two points. There are NO BELLS and WHISTLES. Just usable features to improve your communications. It has continous transmit and receive from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz. There are factory programmed channels and channels you can program. Plus it has a regular tuning knob. It comes with the pre-programmed marine channels. The hi power is for 150 watts output and low power is 50 watts. It is build like a brick house to provide consistantly reliable communications. This is the Collins equipment of the 21st century. If you look around you can sometimes pick up a used one for about $900 to $1000. Check eham.com or qth.com for the best prices.