WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Ok.

I've noticed alot of bits in multiple threads here.. so for ease of use for anyone else that might come along after me (and to use your collective brains!)...

What would peoples suggestions be for a first rig? Either with or without HF as an option? I've looked at alot of radios but still haven't come to a conclusion as to what is best for me. Big one for me is mobile use as the home base is something I need to work on (renting, no tv antenna, fairly new house etc). Of course, the other big one is the ability to wind output down to 10watts PEP to stay within the regs.

Anyone?

(perhaps we can start a sticky with suggestions.. as we'll hopefully drag more people kicking and screaming into an f-call course?!)

Fastlane wrote:we'll hopefully drag more people kicking and screaming into an f-call course?!)

Kicking and screaming? or sneaking onto a course quietly without letting too many people have any idea at al??

Fastlane wrote: What would peoples suggestions be for a first rig? Either with or without HF as an option? I've looked at alot of radios but still haven't come to a conclusion as to what is best for me. Big one for me is mobile use as the home base is something I need to work on (renting, no tv antenna, fairly new house etc). Of course, the other big one is the ability to wind output down to 10watts PEP to stay within the regs.)

Icom IC 706 or Yaesu FT 857.
They are both HF & VHF all mode radios.

Without HF, the FT-7800 seems to be pretty popular. Quite a few happy WARSUG users with them

I got 706MkIIG - and i am wrapped with it

I did consider the 857 - however i felt that the menus were a little hard to understand and the buttons small - especially for my mobile operation. I mainly use it for mobile - however it is easy to set up back at home for base operations.

I am still getting used to it - programming it - but it DOES help if you read the manual - rather than just go and play with it - its amazing how much more you pick up after you stuff up and cant get it working - then reading the manual - makes sense

It does all that i am wanting and more - i am only F caller at the moment as well - but when i decided to upgrade to full call - i can grow into the 706 without really needing to upgrade anything

Thats my $0.02 worth

robbage wrote:Without HF, the FT-7800 seems to be pretty popular. Quite a few happy WARSUG users with them

I'm one of them. I've found it pretty straightforward to program, simple interface to use, and (a plus for mobile use) the buttons light up unlike the 8800 and 8900.

I'll back the 7800. I've got that one in my car, and will more than likely get it for a home base VHF/UHF too, and get a different HF set. Unfortunately if you want to do remote mounting unless you're building the cable etc yourself you need to buy a remote mounting kit which has extension cables and a bracket to hold the head.

Heya Faaaaastlane.

Well done on getting your callsign! The first question I would ask is what is your budget?

Fastlane wrote:
What would peoples suggestions be for a first rig? Either with or without HF as an option? I've looked at alot of radios but still haven't come to a conclusion as to what is best for me. Big one for me is mobile use as the home base is something I need to work on (renting, no tv antenna, fairly new house etc). Of course, the other big one is the ability to wind output down to 10watts PEP to stay within the regs.

Anyone?

(perhaps we can start a sticky with suggestions.. as we'll hopefully drag more people kicking and screaming into an f-call course?!)

vk6jrc wrote:Heya Faaaaastlane.

Well done on getting your callsign! The first question I would ask is what is your budget?

Mr jrc...

Well suffice to say, I'm ready to do the CC a whole lot of pain

Fastlane wrote:

vk6jrc wrote:Heya Faaaaastlane.

Well done on getting your callsign! The first question I would ask is what is your budget?

Mr jrc...

Well suffice to say, I'm ready to do the CC a whole lot of pain

Well in that case I'd go for an Icom IC7700.

Fastlane wrote:as the home base is something I need to work on (renting, no tv antenna, fairly new house etc).

For those of you with antenna mounting issues, I just saw this on another forum and thought it might be food for thought

The Ladder Mast

LOL

That might gain the attention of the local ranger!

A Yaesu FT101B was a good worker for my mate Nick when he got his Novice licence. I started with the Kenwood TS430S - another good rig.

Meg I'm quite sure they didn't teach me that on the Operate Communications Systems and Equipment course nor the General Rescue course, maybe it's part of the Field Equipment course.

meg wrote:For those of you with antenna mounting issues, I just saw this on another forum and thought it might be food for thought

The Ladder Mast
(Pic)

Not something you'd want to use if you have kids!