Good Used HF Rigs [Archive]

N5LRZ

04-05-2007, 11:30 AM

Re N0IU

I thought that he did ask the question right. By NOT stating a price limit he at least acknoledges that some things are not cheap. If you have to work within a limited budget in Amateur Radio then you are absolutely in the wrong hobby.

IF we were to insist that the license manuals list and print the average cost to assemble an average and proper station composed of all new out of the box equipment from a decent mic to antenna on top of tower we would have fewer people dropping out due to sticker shock and the reality of the real world economics smacked them in the gonads for the "Good Stuff".

For all who would disagree with me I state ONLY cold blooded, blunt, harsh, cruel reality of the real world be it pretty or not...

A homework assignment for those who may disagree with me. Prove what I say to yourself. Suspend all that y ou believe or think to be true. Look at a picture of the average home based station (not the superstation that can do moon bounce/NOT the little hole in the wall station either/the "Average Station") as shown in QST. Make a listing of every piece of equipment you see that composes that station (even the little personalized clock). Add to that list a modest antenna system of 60 foot tower, install cost of tower, simple triband HF antenna/mid priced of course, low loss coax for each antenna, a rotor that is actually capable of handling the antnna without any problem and a VHF and UHF beam (for your VHF/UHF radio). Add up the cost yourself for all the equipment band new/out of the box/absolutely nothing 2nd hand gear. See for yourself what a simple MODEST average station actually costs brand new.

And please spare me the used equipment comments. Used equipment sucks--just buying someone elses broken or soon to be busted stuff. I have just seen toooooo many people quit the hobby in disgust when they bought OLD used radios only to find out that when it needed repars the factory would NOT touch it and there were absolutlely no repair parts for it. I, myself, know this to be a fact because I called Yaesu and they ademately refused to retune much less even touch my old Yaesu FT101E.

At least IF the new out the box stuff breaks you can send it back to the maker for warranty repairs.

KC0W

04-05-2007, 11:43 AM

A couple of good inexpensive rigs would be the Collins Gold Dust Twins. (75 A-4 and the KWS-1) See if there are any gone over by Howard Mills. This might add $50 to the total cost.

I would also go Collins with the amplifier, say a KW-1.

You should be able to find this complete setup at most hamfests or even garage sales......Expect to pay in the $350 range for everything. Don't get suckered into paying anymore than $500 (unless it's all in PERFECT shape)

Tom kcØw

kj3n

04-05-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote[/b] (N5LRZ @ April 05 2007,07:30)]For all who would disagree with me I state ONLY cold blooded, blunt, harsh, cruel reality of the real world be it pretty or not...
BS. You only spout your narrow viewpoint of ham radio.

Quote[/b] ] I, myself, know this to be a fact because I called Yaesu and they ademately refused to retune much less even touch my old Yaesu FT101E.

If you can't retune an FT-101E yourself, you don't belong in the hobby, IMHO.

ne3r

04-05-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ April 04 2007,21:45)]Hello folks. Well, the HF bug has bit hard.. and I think I want to get a second HF rig. With the hamfest season right around the corner up here... what good old used rigs do you folks recommend?

**edit: actually lets throw in an amp in there too while we're at it.. not looking for full legal limit (takes the fun out of it) mind you, but something to give the signal a little more oomph when i need it**
What rig do you have now? I have 2 HF rigs, a Ten-Tec Jupiter (these can be found used for as low as 700, that is what I paid for mine), and a Yaesu FT-857D as my backup, hopefully mobile one day. If you already have a mobile style rig, look for something more geared for the shack, or vice versa. Mobile style rigs also make good portable stations. My 3rd rig is going to be a kit, I haven't decided on which one yet, but that would be another thing to look at, besides just being a box you plug in and make contacts with, you know that your hard work has paid off when you make those contacts!

Also, and you'll probably hear this a million times and the thread will become a big debate, but, before getting an amplifier, work on the antenna system, you'll get a lot more bang for the buck and unlike an amplifier, it will help you hear more stations too.

73
NE3R
Joe

kn4ds

04-05-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote[/b] (N5LRZ @ April 05 2007,06:30)]the factory would NOT touch it and there were absolutlely no repair parts for it. I, myself, know this to be a fact because I called Yaesu and they ademately refused to retune much less even touch my old Yaesu FT101E.
If you can't at least align an FT-101E that you purchased new, you, sir, have long been in the wrong hobby.

I'll grant you that appliance operators have no business buying the older gear, because they can't fix it, and repair shops are expensive... so expensive that you might as well buy new stuff.

Not everybody's an appliance operator. Believe it or not, there are some who actually understand the material that was covered on the Advanced and Extra exams.

W4HAY

04-05-2007, 12:47 PM

Rigs I've had and liked: Kenwood TS-520S, IC-751, and IC-746. Get the 500 Hz filter if you're at all serious about CW.

I've used an AL-811 for years and really like it. You do have to be careful here, because 811As don't stand up to abuse. But they are cheap to replace.

nm5tf

04-05-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote[/b] (KC0W @ April 04 2007,22:43)]A couple of good inexpensive rigs would be the Collins Gold Dust Twins. (75 A-4 and the KWS-1) See if there are any gone over by Howard Mills. This might add $50 to the total cost.

I would also go Collins with the amplifier, say a KW-1.

You should be able to find this complete setup at most hamfests or even garage sales......Expect to pay in the $350 range for everything. Don't get suckered into paying anymore than $500 (unless it's all in PERFECT shape)

Tom kcØw
a little late Tom... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

the 1st was 4 days ago... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

tho....it would be nice wouldn't it http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

W0BKR

04-05-2007, 01:03 PM

You need to define your "second rig" needs before anyone can give you a recommendation.

1. Do you need 6 meters?
2. Do you need it to operate off AC or DC or both.
3. Do you need DSP.
4. Do you want TFT display or analog or just digital.
5. Do you need 160-10 or 80-10 meter capability
6. Does it need to be able to go mobile.

Etc.

w3dub

04-05-2007, 01:15 PM

Okay.. some asked for guidance..

As for price range, I'm open -- but for sake of argument, lets set the ceiling AOA $400. Current rig is a Yaesu FT-857D, DSP is not awfully important. It would not need to have 6m, and I'd like it to be a fixed station.

Thanks for the info so far.. i'm writing it down. Also, tnx KJM and KC0W for the price points, thats always good to know where to bargain down to if need be.

n9vo

04-05-2007, 01:23 PM

KI4NGN

04-05-2007, 02:15 PM

Quote[/b] (N5LRZ @ April 05 2007,04:30)]Re N0IU

I thought that he did ask the question right. #By NOT stating a price limit he at least acknoledges that some things are not cheap. #If you have to work within a limited budget in Amateur Radio then you are absolutely in the wrong hobby. #

IF we were to insist that the license manuals list and print the average cost to assemble an average and proper station composed of all new out of the box equipment from a decent mic to antenna on top of tower we would have fewer people dropping out due to sticker shock and the reality of the real world economics smacked them in the gonads for the "Good Stuff".

For all who would disagree with me I state ONLY cold blooded, blunt, harsh, cruel reality of the real world be it pretty or not...

A homework assignment for those who may disagree with me. #Prove what I say to yourself. #Suspend all that y ou believe or think to be true. #Look at a picture of the average home based station (not the superstation that can do moon bounce/NOT the little hole in the wall station either/the "Average Station") as shown in QST. #Make a listing of every piece of equipment you see that composes that station (even the little personalized clock). #Add to that list a modest antenna system of 60 foot tower, install cost of tower, simple triband HF antenna/mid priced of course, low loss coax for each antenna, a rotor that is actually capable of handling the antnna without any problem and a VHF and UHF beam (for your VHF/UHF radio). #Add up the cost yourself for all the equipment band new/out of the box/absolutely nothing 2nd hand gear. #See for yourself what a simple MODEST average station actually costs brand new.

And please spare me the used equipment comments. #Used equipment sucks--just buying someone elses broken or soon to be busted stuff. # I have just seen toooooo many people quit the hobby in disgust when they bought OLD used radios only to find out that when it needed repars the factory would NOT touch it and there were absolutlely no repair parts for it. #I, myself, #know this to be a fact because I called Yaesu and they ademately refused to retune much less even touch my old Yaesu FT101E. #

At least IF the new out the box stuff breaks you can send it back to the maker for warranty repairs.
Jeez, you have got to be kidding me.

You honestly believe that the average ham has a tower?? Rotors? Beams?

You honestly believe that most hams do not operate within a budget?? (By definiiton a budget is setting limits.)

Quote[/b] ]Used equipment sucks--just buying someone elses broken or soon to be busted stuff.

My used 756ProII and PS were in pristine condition when purchased used, both electrical and physical. I'd think myself pretty ignorant to believe that I'm the only one who ever got used equipment in that shape.

What planet are you from?

This has to be a troll!

nm5tf

04-05-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ April 05 2007,00:15)]Okay.. some asked for guidance..

As for price range, I'm open -- but for sake of argument, lets set the ceiling AOA $400. Current rig is a Yaesu FT-857D, DSP is not awfully important. It would not need to have 6m, and I'd like it to be a fixed station.

Thanks for the info so far.. i'm writing it down. Also, tnx KJM and KC0W for the price points, thats always good to know where to bargain down to if need be.
KC0W was just pulling yerr leg... both of them...at the same time....

the last Collins KW-1 I saw on e-pay was listed for ~ $15K or so....the Collins "Gold Dust Twins" go for ~ $5K - $7K.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

KC0W

04-05-2007, 03:18 PM

QTH.com always has a great selection of used amateur stuff for sale. They have over 1000 used rigs listed right now!!! QTH used gear listings (http://swap.qth.com/)
Should give you some idea what is out there & how much it will cost.

Good luck,

Tom kcØw

N2RJ

04-05-2007, 03:36 PM

How about buying and building an Elecraft K2?

n0nwo

04-05-2007, 03:39 PM

What is a good one is easy. ANY RIG THAT WORKS! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Older rigs like the knwd ts 520 or yaesu 101 are solid rigs, but no one will work on them anymore. So unless you can do your own work, think twice.

Kenwood 440 is a nice rig. I still hear alot of them on the air.

When it comes to the newer used rigs, people want nearly new prices for then so why not buy new and get a warrenty.

Perhaps one of the newer no frills rigs in the 500 to 600 dollar range might be in order. I would think that they cannot be any worse (and probably alot better) than the ts-520 that I ran for 12 years with no added filters.

Also take another look at the smaller rigs like the Icom 706 and knwd ts-50, if you are concerned about price. These rigs put alot in a small package and at a price less than many used rigs.

MInton

wd0ct

04-05-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote[/b] (n3jja @ April 05 2007,04:57)]Quote[/b] (N5LRZ @ April 05 2007,07:30)]For all who would disagree with me I state ONLY cold blooded, blunt, harsh, cruel reality of the real world be it pretty or not...
BS. You only spout your narrow viewpoint of ham radio.

Quote[/b] ] I, myself, #know this to be a fact because I called Yaesu and they ademately refused to retune much less even touch my old Yaesu FT101E.

If you can't retune an FT-101E yourself, you don't belong in the hobby, IMHO.
Best I've read so far!

KI4NGN

04-05-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,08:36)]How about buying and building an Elecraft K2?
That is a most excellent suggestion!!!

Lot of fun, experience, and you end up with a great rig.

ky5u

04-05-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote[/b] (k9kjm @ April 04 2007,22:48)]Proven good radios:
Icom 735- 300-375 dollar range good used.
Icom 718 -500 dollars range
Icom 756PRO -900-1200 dollars good used (Lots of radio for this price range!)
Kenwood TS-2000- 1500 Dollars, Swiss army knife of radios, Including cross band repeat and remote control!
Also don't discount a tube or hybrid tube/transistor rig as a backup. The Yaesu FT101s are solid state except the driver and final and are selling in the $200 range. Another rig is the Atlas 210X and 215X which is all solid state and is selling in many cases under $200.

Yaesu made a FT301 which is all solid state and a nice rig. If it has a digital dial (they made both digital and manual dials) ensure all the displays are working. I bought one at a hamfest for $100 in 9 out of 10 scale condition.

Another cheaper rig are the Drake TR3 and TR4 which are all tube and are in the $250 price range at hamfests. Finally there are the Swans, which like the Drakes are all tube construction. Swans were known for drifting and my 350 drifts until it's been on for an hour. I located a guy who makes an addon to stop the drifting for $70. Swan 350, 500, and 700s all put out much more than 100W. My 350 will do 250W easily. They sell on ebay for under $300 in most cases. All tubes are still easy to get.

Used amps:

The best bang for the buck is still the Heathkit SB200. They sell in the $300 price range for 600W PEP OUTPUT out of two 572 tubes. Amp Supply, Swan, Dentron, and older Ameritrons used 4ea. 6LQ6 sweep tubes. Be careful as some advertize 1200W Input power which works out to a maximum of about 500W output. But that is alot of power for the $250 price range you often find.

The AL80A is a great amp in the $800 price range. On 110AC with 100w drive you can see 1KW if your AC is good. The biggest band for the buck are the Heathkit SB220s. Where the AL80A uses one 3-500 tube, the HB220 uses TWO. So on 110AC the put out easily over a KW with 100W drive. These fall in the $700-850 price range. You can often find better deals at hamfests.

Hope this gives folks another option or two.

k4kyv

04-05-2007, 04:09 PM

My advice is to check around at some of your local AM broadcast stations and see if any of them have an older tube-type broadcast transmitter in the 250-1000 watt power range they are willing to part with. In many cases, those transmitters are in perfect working condition and free for the taking. Stations are getting rid of them because they run them as much as 24/7/365 and the superior power efficiency of the newer solid state transmitters saves them a lot of money on their power bill.

But that isn't so much a problem with a ham rig because an amateur transmitter only operates intermittently for short periods of time each day, and the electric bill is rarely a significant concern.

Yes, you will have to open up the cabinet of the transmitter and do some work on the circuitry to convert it to ham use, but isn't that what amateur radio is all about? It probably can simply be retuned to make it work on 160, but it takes some involvement with the rf circuitry to get it on the other bands.

It would susggest converting the crystal oscillator to serve as a buffer stage for an external VFO, although many hams simply get crystals ground for their favourite frequencies. With many of the present-day operators on 75m this shouldn't be a problem anyway, since so many of these hams voluntarily confine themselves to one and only one frequency, where their "group" has declared ownership, and talk to the same 5-6 stations night after night after night.

I was given a Gates BC1-T by a local station free of charge, simply for agreeing to remove all traces of it from the transmitter building, spare parts, tubes and all. I had to do some repair work to get it working again on the original 1230 kHz broadcast frequency (into a dummy load). Then I changed out a couple of fixed mica transmitting capacitors and retuned the tank circuit, replaced the final amp grid coil and took some turns off the buffer stage tank coil, to make it work on 160. I was able to fire it up on 160 using some crystals on hand, but I eventually converted the oscillator stage to serve as a VFO buffer. I had to wire up a transmit/receive function into the relay system, and a few other tweaks to make it more suitable for amateur operation. Once I got it working well on 160m AM, I then added a conversion of my own design to make it capable of switching from phone to CW by resetting my added-on mode switch.

There are many AM broadcast transmitters in action on 160 and 75, and even a few on 40m and higher in frequency. Besides the Gates BC series, you will hear RCA BTA series and Collins 20V's, as well as others.

I can't complain about the cost because practically everything I used to make the conversion was already on hand in my parts storage area, accumulated from years of hamfest fleamarkets.

If you don't have a collection of transmitter parts, almost anything you need can be easily found on the net. Check out some of the ham radio web pages and e-mail reflectors.

ad5st

04-05-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote[/b] (KC0W @ April 05 2007,05:43)]A couple of good inexpensive rigs would be the Collins Gold Dust Twins. (75 A-4 and the KWS-1) See if there are any gone over by Howard Mills. This might add $50 to the total cost.

I would also go Collins with the amplifier, say a KW-1.

You should be able to find this complete setup at most hamfests or even garage sales......Expect to pay in the $350 range for everything. Don't get suckered into paying anymore than $500 (unless it's all in PERFECT shape)

Tom kcØw
Ooh! I'll take your Gold Dust Twins and the KW-1! I hear you also have some oceanfront property for sale in Zero Land? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

But man, shipping a KW-1 would be a pain and expensive. So I'll pass for the moment and leave 'em for somebody local. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

ar

Back to the first guy, I'm plenty happy with my SB-301/401 station that I paid $150 for a couple of years ago; I'd recommend that in a heartbeat .. or there's the HW-101 or SB-101 as well, though you can't split the TX and RX vfos.

Pretty soon I'm gonna dive into a Viking II, and I'm looking for a good receiver like a NC-300 to go along with it. This in addition to the Ranger/HQ-110 station and the 301/401, and the DX-60A.

You might also consider a Johnson Desk KW instead of the KW-1: with the Desk KW you get a kilowatt, a place to put the exciter (which should be a Ranger or maybe a Viking), and a desk all at once!

K5UOS

04-05-2007, 04:59 PM

"Older rigs like the knwd ts 520 or yaesu 101 are solid rigs, but no one will work on them anymore. So unless you can do your own work, think twice."

For TS-520 repair and restoration:

http://www.k4eaa.com/

There are other choices. It can be a little pricy for any "deluxe" restoration.

My new ham buddy, KE5LPB, purchased a fine TS-520. I had noticed several other recomendations for this older rig here on QRZ recently and subsequently suggested he find one on E-Bay.

He built a 150W dummy load and put up a simple dipole. He also purchased an MC-50 mic. We have a homebrew watt meter completed and just finishing an L tuner for a long wire (his backyard is 1,000 feet). He was given a 60' tower but likes wire.

All costs were about $275 to 300. The mic was approx $80 of the total cost. Glen has been having great fun with his "experienced" rig and mic. No WARC bands but for a first rig it is quite useful with a good resale value.

Last comment: He has been getting nice audio reports. This follows the #comments I have read that the TS-520 is well know for good audio. Glen enjoys the tune up procedure, too.

73

K5UOS

KA4DPO

04-05-2007, 05:48 PM

I.m surprised I haven't heard any mention of Ten Tec equipment. Some of the older Ten Tec rigs are excellent.

n9vo

04-05-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ April 05 2007,10:48)]I.m surprised I haven't heard any mention of Ten Tec equipment. Some of the older Ten Tec rigs are excellent.
I just picked up a used 2kw ten tec tuner. What a solid piece of gear. Works great. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

ne3r

04-05-2007, 06:07 PM

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ April 05 2007,10:48)]I.m surprised I haven't heard any mention of Ten Tec equipment. Some of the older Ten Tec rigs are excellent.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Ten-Tec Jupiter -- mentioned this morning. That probably wasn't what you were thinking of though. They can be found 2nd hand, I got mine for $700 at the Berryville hamfest last summer. It needed the speaker reconnected and the power switch replaced, but other than that it was in great condition.

k9kjm

04-06-2007, 05:07 AM

The question has been asked again, WHERE to find radios at the prices I listed. #Try EHAM!!!!!!
I recently actually BOUGHT an Icom 756PRO for 900 bucks! #(Great radio, NO mic, or original box) #AND saw another one listed in the same price range after I bought mine! # I see them on there for 1100- 1200 bucks all the time! # Same with the other prices I list! #
Ebay is NOT the place to buy radios in my opinion. The water is way too deep and lots of sharks swimming there..........
And NO, You are Not likley to find a radio on Eham, (Or anywhere else) at the attractive prices the FIRST time you look. It takes some time to WAIT for the right deal.
Some of my good buys and prices have come from ads right here on QRZ classifieds too. # #I just happen to find more of the great deals over on Eham.

KI4NGN

04-06-2007, 10:44 AM

I disagree that Ebay is not a place to buy radio. I got my 756ProII with PS-125, original manual, mic, cables, etc, (no box) for a little over $1600 over a year ago on Ebay. Not a rock bottom price for sure, but less than I have seen the rig alone selling for, and it was all in pristine shape and has not had any problems. The seller was not even a ham.

I'm not sure why anyone sees such a big difference between Ebay and, for example, Eham. Either way you are dealing with an individual remotely, with all of the same associated risks. The key is to ask questions, communicate. I had several email chats with the seller before I even bid, and then on the telephone after I won the auction. Again, I'm not sure how that is different than just making an offer to a seller on some other web site.

ne3r

04-06-2007, 11:41 AM

3 out of 3 used radios I bought from eBay had major functionality problems that required repair that was not identified in the auction, with the seller pointing out, oh, this is an AS IS sale, no returns, sorry, your loss, you must have broken it or something like this:
ME: did you know that the VFO doesn't work on this rig?
SELLER: No, it worked fine when I tested it.
ME: I would like to return the radio, it does not work as described?
SELLER: Are you accusing me of something? This is an AS IS sale, no returns as I stated clearly in the auction. If you give me negative feedback, I'll give you negative feedback!

3 out of 3 2nd hand radios I've bought at hamfests, have worked out great (one had some minor problems that were disclosed and I knew I could fix), of course, I knew that before I forked over the money because before the buy it would actually be turned on and made a QSO or two.

Don't buy a rig on eBay unless the seller will accept its return if you are not satisfied.

There are hams that will cheat you too, on Eham, QTH, or QRZ classifieds, I'm sure everybody has heard about k7vo/k9ni etc. (if not, google it). One difference between your average eBay seller and a ham is that a ham with a call sign isn't exactly anonymous, where finding the true identity of an eBay seller isn't always easy.

eBay is good for some things, I just ordered a cheap pixie II qrp kit. If it never shows up or it doesn't work, it isn't a big deal, less than $20, but spending $100's or $1000's on a radio is a different story.

Just my 2 cents

73
Joe
NE3R

K8YZK

04-06-2007, 12:08 PM

Well this is how I go about looking for a new used rig.
1. Determine what I want to do or what kind of operation am I looking to use the radio for i.e. portable, mobile,bike mobile etc.
2. Determine how much money I want to spend on the radio and accessories.
3. Make a list of the different radios that meet or exceed number 1.
4. Look on QRZ/Eham and other sites for reviews on the radios, to include good and bad points.
5. Narrow the selection down to 2 or 3 different radios and go look in the local area to see if any are for sale, so I can make an offer, and go see the radio and check it out.

I perfer to make a purchase face-to-face, that way as I said I can check the radio out and if it is what I want, money passes hands, and we both go home happy.

n9vo

04-06-2007, 12:42 PM

Quote[/b] (k9kjm @ April 05 2007,22:07)]The question has been asked again, WHERE to find radios at the prices I listed. Try EHAM!!!!!!
I recently actually BOUGHT an Icom 756PRO for 900 bucks! (Great radio, NO mic, or original box) AND saw another one listed in the same price range after I bought mine! I see them on there for 1100- 1200 bucks all the time! Same with the other prices I list!
Ebay is NOT the place to buy radios in my opinion. The water is way too deep and lots of sharks swimming there..........
And NO, You are Not likley to find a radio on Eham, (Or anywhere else) at the attractive prices the FIRST time you look. It takes some time to WAIT for the right deal.
Some of my good buys and prices have come from ads right here on QRZ classifieds too. I just happen to find more of the great deals over on Eham.
When (actual month) did you buy a pro for 900http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Searches on eham are limited to the last (first) 50 hits. I did a search for 756 Pro:

The search revealed that since 12/07/06 there have been 11 756 Pro's on eham. Not a real large number for four months. The LOWEST price was 1100. 6 of them were 1200 or HIGHER! No where near approaching your 900-1000 figure.

I'm not doubting that you may have found one for a low price but to come on here and give new guys low ball figures does them no good in the realistic world. I challenge you to search eham/qrz/qth/ebay and give us a few ads down in your price range. Maybe I am searching wrong.

Oh and by the way, even for 1200 the 756 pro is a great rig. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KI4ODO

04-06-2007, 01:03 PM

I recently picked up a used Kenwood TS-450sat that I love! However, for not much more, I could have gotten a new Icom 718, but then I would have needed power supply and tuner (which came with my Kenwood). That may be some good ones to look for, 4-series Kenwood, or a slightly used Icom 718. Both affordable, with good basic features.

w3dub

04-06-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,11:36)]How about buying and building an Elecraft K2?
Looked at that.. that's down the road a bit.. need more experience in kit building.

The Elecraft folks advise against building the rigs unless you've built a few kits.. and I'm not there yet. But it is in the plans... looks like fun.

ne3r

04-06-2007, 02:15 PM

Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ April 06 2007,07:08)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,11:36)]How about buying and building an Elecraft K2?
Looked at that.. that's down the road a bit.. need more experience in kit building.

The Elecraft folks advise against building the rigs unless you've built a few kits.. and I'm not there yet. But it is in the plans... looks like fun.
I just ordered a K1, it isn't my first kit, but it is my first transceiver kit http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif.

ky5u

04-06-2007, 02:28 PM

Anybody have experience with the Kenwood Twins? They just look really nice.

K3VR

04-06-2007, 04:45 PM

I actually dated the Kenwood twins, Buffy and Muffy. They are *really* nice.

KA4DPO

04-06-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 06 2007,09:28)]Anybody have experience with the Kenwood Twins? They just look really nice.
I had the Kenwood T and R-599D twins back in 1978. The receiver was quite good and I had the converters for 6 and 2 meters also. The only problem I had was when I replaced the S-2001A finals with 6146Bs I couldn't get the neutralization set correctly. I finally fixed it by installing a second air variable in parrallel under the chassis to add some capacitance.

I wound up selling them and got a TR4-CW RIT, loved it but wish I had kept the twins, they really look cool.

One line I remember from the user manual was " the modern styling of these rig enable the user to compose a far pleasant shack". It was engrish.....

K3VR

04-06-2007, 05:22 PM

They did look cool. I owned them, and the TR4-C, but the TR4-C was a much better rig, imo. The TS-520, TS-820, and TS-830S are good low cost performers too. For about $800 you can get an FT-990 with built in AC ps, 500 Hz CW filter, and 2.0 and 2.4 SSB filters. That's a good one too. Bonus: Easily modified for 60m.

NL7W

04-06-2007, 05:50 PM

Good old rigs found at hamfests:

TS-520S

TS-530S

Both are bulletproof and excellent rigs.

End of story...

kj3n

04-06-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 06 2007,10:28)]Anybody have experience with the Kenwood Twins? They just look really nice.
Ya mean like these, Charlie? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

http://mysite.verizon.net/dgilmore/112_1248a.jpg

kr9d

04-06-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote[/b] (ne3r @ April 06 2007,04:41)]3 out of 3 used radios I bought from eBay had major functionality problems that required repair that was not identified in the auction...
For every method of purchase, there will be examples that worked well and those that crashed and burned. At a hamfest, you can look someone in the eye, but on ebay you can develop that skill as well, with probably similar accuracy (read: marginal at best).

With ebay, if you get screwed, you can at least identify the guy, and if he lied, you have a chance of giving him grief. The guy you bought from at the hamfest might have all the existance of a ghost after the hamfest is over.

I bought my TS-430S on ebay from "cwman", and felt comfortable with his business practices. The radio exceeded my expectations, though my expectations were appropriate for buying a used radio. When I got it, it received WWV right on the money and everything worked perfectly. The light bulbs weren't burned out, or any of the other common faults for these when they are sold used. I was making DX contacts within minutes of hooking it up to an antenna. I didn't get the cheapest one offered on ebay that day, nor did I get the very best possible deal. But I bought from the guy who seemed to know how to sell stuff on ebay over the long haul.

I also read his feedback to make sure I didn't see any veiled negatives. I'm sensitive to ebay damning with faint praise.

It isn't the cheapest way to buy used stuff, but it's always available while the local hamfest isn't. And I paid less on ebay than an identical unit was being offered for at the hamfest last weekend.

I've learned to apply the 2/3rds factor to ebay descriptions, but in this case it wasn't needed.

If you buy used stuff, there is a risk of getting burned by it, not matter whether you buy it online or not. My experience suggests that in the long run, it's probably more fun and at least as economical to buy used stuff, and ebay is no worse than other sources. We may have to buy a lot of stuff to explore "the long run", however, and it sounds as though you have been particularly unlucky.

Rick "still kicking himself for letting an SB-201 get away last week" Denney

WA7KKP

04-07-2007, 07:06 PM

There are sooooo many good rigs out there that it all boils down to price and availability.

I second the vote for the Kenwood TS130 -- I own the 120 (no WARC) and you can't beat it for the basic radio.

There are gobs of bargains in the boatanchor (tube) category, including the Heathkit SB100 series, Drake TR4's, and some of the old Hallicrafters transceivers. I'd love to get my hands on the SR2000 -- 2kw PEP on the desktop!!

Do your homework, and pinch your pennies, and start looking around. There are bargains to be had, if only one knew they were there.

Gary WA7KKP

w3dub

04-07-2007, 09:28 PM

Okay guys.. I may have the opportunity to pick up an Ten-Tec Omni V. Looks to be in fair to good shape.. although apparenty its missing some screws so it was probably tinkered with. I'm seeing $380 on eBay, but that one looks immaculate. I'm thinking right around $300 for it. Thoughts?

The eHam reviews (except for one) are all 5/5.

n9vo

04-07-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ April 07 2007,14:28)]Okay guys.. I may have the opportunity to pick up an Ten-Tec Omni V. Looks to be in fair to good shape.. although apparenty its missing some screws so it was probably tinkered with. I'm seeing $380 on eBay, but that one looks immaculate. I'm thinking right around $300 for it. Thoughts?

The eHam reviews (except for one) are all 5/5.
There was a nice TT Omni at the Columbus Indiana hamfest last saturday for $250. No body grabbed it so it went back home with the owner.............. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

N2RJ

04-07-2007, 10:47 PM

Quote[/b] (KB3JGU @ April 07 2007,16:28)]Okay guys.. I may have the opportunity to pick up an Ten-Tec Omni V. Looks to be in fair to good shape.. although apparenty its missing some screws so it was probably tinkered with. I'm seeing $380 on eBay, but that one looks immaculate. I'm thinking right around $300 for it. Thoughts?

The eHam reviews (except for one) are all 5/5.
Do yourself a favor and go to a hamfest.

Not a small rinky dink one, but a nice big hamfest.

You'll find lots of deals and you can even try before you buy.

w3dub

04-07-2007, 11:42 PM

$250 eh. Well this one is through an estate sale that our club is getting first dibs at before the general ham public. So the member thats helping this YL out in selling the equipment is going to test it. Since it was opened up, i'm wondering what was done to it.

Guess we'll find out.. but if its going at hamfests for $250.. i think thats what i'm going to offer for it.

ai4ep

04-08-2007, 01:47 AM

I own a used KENWOOD ts - 940, virtually scratch free, with matching external speaker and mc - 80 desk mike.

The receiver is clean, and hardly any distortion, the rig has the OPTIONAL ssb & cw filters installed in the rig, it is quiet but hears most every thing you might need to hear.

I have owned a ---
yeasu ft - 840
yeasu ft - 897
kenwood 440
kenwood 450
yeaus ft - 100
icom 706

and the receiver is the 940 is far superior to all of them.

transmits well, too. Every one I call answers on the second, if not the first try.

I dont exactly LIKE the rig but, I never will find another that I can afford that has such a top - notch receiver built in it.

The fool thing weighs around 45 pounds, with the built - in antenna tuner, and power supply for plugging in the AC outlet.

No, no MENU options, there is a real KNOB or switch for all the rigs possibilities.

Like stated earlier, I dont especially LIKE the rig but I wont ever have another that is so quiet, yet hears what it is supposed to.....clearly.

I have owned this rig for about 6 weeks - 2 months, and still enjoying it.