before Buying my first HF Radio

slipknot · Post by **slipknot** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:43 pm

Hi everyone.
Im thinking of buying my first HF Radio and i was just woundering before go ahead and buy one if theres any partular features or considerations I should know about first.
Cheers.

Post by **VK6ZMS** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:00 pm

Buy an all mode radio, you may not be interested in 2m SSB etc now but down the track your interests may vary.
Digital Signal Processing or DSP is very handy as is a variable notch filter and variable AGC speed.

Post by **robbage** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:11 pm

What Martin said. I was thinking of the FT8900 for 10,6,2 & 70 until I realised it's FM only. I'd like to have a good go at 6m/2m SSB. Download the spec sheets for Yaesu FT-897 (and FT-857 if you want a compact mobile unit) and the Icom IC-706 MarkIIG (and the IC-7000 if you have $1700 to spend)
The IC-706 has a bit more power on 2m & 70cm and is around $1100-$1200 if the dollar doesn't drop any more.
The FT-897 can take two internal battery packs for portable and optional internal power supply for base use. Around the same price.
The spec sheets have all the guff and they're all available at their websites. I also downloaded the operator manuals for each model. You can get a better idea how they might 'feel'.
I've set my mind on the IC-706. The online reviews of the MarkIIG are all good. Changed my mind from the FT-450 (HF + 6m only) after I decided I need 2/70 as well, so I can move the dual bander to the car. The FT-450 is worth looking at if you want just the lower frequencies... you can get an integrated ATU for it as well.

How much are you willing to spend?

slipknot · Post by **slipknot** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:27 pm

$1100 for the radio itself. I have my eye on the Z-100 Automatic Tuner.

Post by **VK6ZMS** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:00 pm

I just bought the Z100, its a very impressive unit.

Post by **robbage** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:01 pm

slipknot wrote:$1100 for the radio itself. I have my eye on the Z-100 Automatic Tuner.

Well that covers FT-897, FT-857 and IC-706 if you want 2m/70cm

Blinky · Post by **Blinky** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:25 pm

What both Martin and Robbage said. The transcievers suggested above probably have all the features you would want. The consideration now is whether a small mobile size or a larger desktop style, how easy or not the menu system is to understand.

I would suggest downloading the operating manuals for the items and have a read to help make your choice. Should be able to find most or all via google.

I think you can't go wrong with LDG tuners. I have a Z-11pro mainly because of size and the fact it can be used on AA internal batteries or external 12v.

Post by **robbage** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:28 pm

All the spec and operator manuals are available from the manufacturers. Just find the transceiver on their web pages and there they are in PDF.

http://www.yaesu.com/?cmd=DisplayProduc ... dCatID=102

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/ ... fault.aspx

The best price I found in Au for the 897 and 706 is at Prestige (taking into account shipping)

Post by **VK6ZMS** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:31 pm

Prestige don't include the DSP board on the Icom 706, thats about $120 extra.
Most other vendors include it.

Blinky · Post by **Blinky** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:45 pm

VK6ZMS wrote:Prestige don't include the DSP board on the Icom 706, thats about $120 extra.
Most other vendors include it.

Thats because they are not Icom Dealers but an importer. Wonder what they do for warranty services or in fact even offer a warranty.

They are however a Yaesu Dealer and so the 3 year Yaesu Warranty goes.

caveat emptor

slipknot · Post by **slipknot** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:07 pm

hmm, I thought Prestige would have been an authorised dealer.
I just want to say thanks to everyone for your help and responses.
I really do appreciaite it guys.

Yes i was reading up about the dsp unit in the icom Icom IC-706 MkII and on andrews comms in sydney, thier site mentioned something about the dsp unit being included with thier price and to be aware of others that dont becuase it is standard inclusion in the american and australian version.

the Yaesu FT-857D Looks like a good model. after all that , All i have to do is work out all the antenna and balun stuff next, still dont have a clue on that, ill have to read up in my manual.

Once again, thanks everyone. anyway, i'm going to go make myself a pizza!

Post by **robbage** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:44 am

VK6ZMS wrote:Prestige don't include the DSP board on the Icom 706, thats about $120 extra.
Most other vendors include it.

Noted with thanks.. that would be why it's at the bottom of the page, with the model name only. If Prestige charge around $120 for the DPS then it's still around the same price as Andrews, taking into account freight; also keeping in mind freight costs if it breaks. I notice they call it Mk II and not Mk II G. I just e-mailed them about the Warranty issues and the G.

Blinky · Post by **Blinky** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:19 am

and Andrews don't seem to appear on a authorised dealer list either. At least they do have a service department to do repairs.

Looking at prices on various websites the prices of the IC706MKIIG is the same or similar from the non authorised and the authorised dealers. I know which I would prefer. It's not like there is a substantial saving of one over another.

Post by **robbage** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:06 pm

According to one authorised dealer (Kyle) who just mailed me back, all IC-706IIG Australian models are fitted with DSP. One would assume that any model being sold without DSP is not the Australian model. Kyle Comm quoted me $1222 all up to Perth. (Not $2222

)

Blinky · Post by **Blinky** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:11 pm

robbage wrote:According to one authorised dealer (Kyle) who just mailed me back, all IC-706IIG Australian models are fitted with DSP. One would assume that any model being sold without DSP is not the Australian model.

or a non Australian model which has the DSP fitted to match Australian models. After all the DSP module is only a plug in addition.

Kyle Comm quoted me $2222 all up to Perth.

For two of them surely. Either that or they don't want to sell them.

Methinks stick with NSW non dealer or Victorian Dealer.