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Reviews For: Gonset Communicator

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

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Review Summary For : Gonset Communicator
Reviews: 1MSRP: 289.50
Description:
6 or 2 meter AM transceiver
Product is not in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
KA2AYR Rating: 2010-02-22
My first 2 meter rig Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had a "Gonkulator" (Gonset Communicator II) as my first VHF rig in the late 70's. I had a box of crystals and was able to call CQ and then tune around for other stations calling me back on a different frequency. Eventually I pieced together a varactor modulator and modified a Heathkit VFO to replace the crystal. My first solo repeater contact resulted in me sweeping through the repeater input trying to find the passband. This resulted in a call from the trustee asking not to use the repeater until I got a proper FM radio. I continued to use it in AM until about 1980. The receiver tuned images from aircraft band throughout 2 meters, so listening to airplanes was fun, too. I also had a yellow Civil Defense one for 220 MHz (I never heard or talked to anyone on it). Today, I would buy one in good condition as a nostalgic collector's piece, and to show my kids, but I would not spend more than $20 for it and I wouldn't expect anyone to talk to if I called CQ. If you do get one, and unless you have a buddy with a similar radio, don't expect much (any?) AM activity on 2 meters. This is not an FM rig and you can't effectively use it on a repeater, so _know_what_you're_buying_! You will also need a box of (big, probably not made anymore) crystals or a VFO. Remember to protect today's satellite, digital, weak signal, and repeater subbands. Otherwise, this is what a real radio feels like. Complete with a green monster eye for tuning (yes, kids, tuning!) and flushing transmit lever. Wow!