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KB1KIX
05-01-2007, 02:24 PM
OK, whether you go or not, there is almost always some neat products unveiled at Dayton.

This is my first time going - and most of my time will not even be at Hara (QRP Four Days in May!!!).

I am looking to see some new radios, like....

Ten Tec Omni VII - neat rig! #Seems to live up to the tradition, but.... methinks it's a little too close in price to the Orion II (one of them is in my not too distant future).

Kenwood and Yaesu seem to be taking a step backwards in design and creating radios that look like some older mobiles.

Kenwood has a new dual bander the TM-V71A. #This is the one that caused marketing confusion with all their advertisements being upside down in the magazines. #The purpose for the ad in that fashion was they were trying to demonstrate that you can have this radio with the speaker on the top, or bottom by flipping the face plate. #Which, when you think of it, could’ve been done so long ago! #It’s a dual band radio with ten dedicated echolink memory channels as well as echolink sysop mode. #Connect to your pc via the optional cable kit – seems interesting (though I’m not much of an echolink kinda guy.

This radio, interesting enough, looks like their older radios (remember the tribanders you could have 2M, 1.25M and 75cm? #Really looks a bit like those radios.

Yaesu has a new compact HF radio (FT-450, FT-450A with built in ATU-450 autotuner) that looks like an older radio (kinda). #No flashy display or anything, but seems to be a neat HF/50MHz 100 watt all mode radio. #This radio has many of the features that you’d expect in an HF radio but has a built in function for those with visual disabilities – Digital Voice Announcement..

Built in digital voice recorder, CW Beacon, amongst others. #The picture of this rig looks like there is an RS232 port in the back. #This is rather interesting….. since you think we’d go USB by now! #I wonder about mobile HF radios without the option for VHF/UHF. #After owning a 706MKIIG for several years now, I don’t think I’d want to have multiple radios when I can have one radio do it all. #I questioned that with the Kenwood 480.

Yaesu has another new radio that has some interest, the FTM-10R. #This is a dual band radio that seems to be a bit more ruggedized mix between an HT and a mobile. #Looks kind of like a military FT-90. #This radio seems to be able to be operated from the front panel alone (lower power). #This was interesting, since I wondered about how it would seem operating a radio from the removable face. #Very interesting. #

There is a neat innovation here on this radio as it’s the first I’ve seen with a Bluetooth option. I wonder what wireless speakermic will be an option. Maybe something like we use on our cellphones? This can be a great direction for other manufacturers since many states now have driving and cell phone use laws on the books.


This is a 40W radio that can be mounted on your “toy” vehicles like a snowmobile, ATV, etc. #Looks like it would make a decent radio for those that have radios mounted on a motorcycle. #Nice blue screen on this one!

Icom has a new IC-2820H dual band mobile that has a few neat features. #D-Star isn’t so new now (this is an upgradeable feature). #But the GPS features are neat. #GPS built in (I don’t think this is optional, but I’ve only seen their current advertisement) The GPS displays latitude and longitude, compass heading etc. and can allow you to connect to a PC for map plotting and such.

As mentioned above with Yaesu – we’re back to the legacy RS232! #It’s time they actually just started making these things USB!!!! #Like the Kenwood TV-V71A – this radio is a dual color radio. #This you can switch between green and amber. #

Look at this one closely if you’re considering it – the dual band seems more like dual receive and transmit on one side – so no dual VFO’s on this one! #

One thing I’m looking for since I’m going to be in the market for a new HF base radio soon, is the Hilberling PT-8000. #This is from a German manufacturer that I have not heard from before. #This radio does remind me of another German company, Rohde and Schwarz. #Has a similar look and feel. #If it performs anywhere in the same category, this can a HUGE contender. #

This radio was conceived by a ham, Hans Hilberling, DK7LG, who envisioned the perfect radio for his shack as having a single, high quality transmitter, 2 receivers, VHF operation with equal performance to the HF side of the radio. #It’s frequency range must be easily expandable through the use of transverters and have independent sideband operation. #Analog and digital signal processing and high output power.

This radio has a nice color screen but seems to have the same dreaded serial port that the other radios have.

You’d think that that would die out when PC’s no longer came with serial ports!

Amongst a lot of other neat offers from accessory manufacturers, seems this might be a neat year for lots of new toys!

Jonathan

N2RJ
05-01-2007, 02:33 PM
I'm just going to hang out.

I am actually in the market for a rotor and some odds and ends.

But mostly I am just going to hang out.

However, if the price is right, I may just order a new amp.

But the one I have is fine right now, to be honest.

WA3KYY
05-01-2007, 02:44 PM
Do stop by the Elecraft booth and take a look at the just announced K3. This will be available as a semi-kit or factory built and aligned. A 160-6M 100W all mode (SSB, CW, AM, FM, PSK, RTTY) competition grade radio. It comes with both IF and AF DSP. Options include both 5-pole and 8-pole roofing filters in a variety of widths and a complete sub-reciever with its own DSP and filters identical to the main receiver. It also has built in decoders for both PSK and RTTY. A 10W version is also available that can be easily upgraded to 100W in the field.

At $1749 for the basic 100W unit in semi-kit form or $1989 factory built, the top end YaeComWoods have serious competition.

Mike WA3KYY

ai4ep
05-01-2007, 02:58 PM
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Me ?

Still waiting for the " dick tracy tv wristwatch " from the 1960 s to come out .

KB1KIX
05-01-2007, 03:23 PM
http://www.redsave.com/productimages/tv_watch_400.gif

Couldn't resist.

Out of stock though.

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/71281.asp#

No word on when the HDTV version will be available!

***

The Elecraft seems neat.... though a bit pricey!

Jonathan

WA3KYY
05-01-2007, 05:09 PM
Quote[/b] (KB1KIX @ May 01 2007,10:23)]The Elecraft seems neat.... though a bit pricey!

Jonathan
Compared to prices of the 756ProIIIs, FT9000s, IC-7800s or Orion IIs and Omni VIs?

The specs are better than the K2 by a ways and the K2 stacks up quite well compared to the above.

One example, the Blocking Dynamic Range of the K3 was measured at -143 dBm at 20Khz, 5Khz and 2Khz. #Compare this to the IC-7800 at -135 dBm at 2KHz.

The K3 is not competing with FT-897s, IC-7000s or TS-2000s, it is aimed squarely at the top end radios by Yeasu, Kenwood, Icom and Ten-Tec. #The K3 will likely out perform all of those at 1/2 to 1/3 the price.

73,
Mike WA3KYY

KC5SAS
05-01-2007, 06:51 PM
I'm hoping to see a prototype of the replacement for the Kenwood TM-D700 dual band APRS mobile rig. Last year, at the TAPR conference, Kenwood met and discussed features that some would like to see in this new radio. Personally I like the TM-D700 but an obvious improvement would include built in GPS to eliminate having to wire one up externally. #Combine this with a color display and street level maping and I'd be standing in line for that radio. #
Kenwood has teamed up with other manufatures to make APRS add-ons which are easy to use with their radios but a Mobile and Handheld with the features built in would be great rigs.
Uniden already has a VHF Marine band radio with built in map and APRS like station/vehicle tracking capablilties. It's called the "Uniden Mystic" and a quick Google search turns up lots to read about this radio. #
For years Gramin has marketed a series of radios using FRS and GMRS channels which incorporate built-in GPS and mapping. Called the "Garmin Rhino" these radios have many of the features I want to see in a new radio which could replace the Kenwood TM-D700.
That's what I'm looking forward to from Dayton this year.

ve2nsm
05-01-2007, 07:26 PM
Is Kenwood going to make a replacement for the FUGLY TS2000?
I would love to see a TS2050 (to go in the same blood line as the 450, 850 and 950) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

w5klb
05-01-2007, 07:42 PM
Quote[/b] (ve2nsm @ May 01 2007,12:26)]Is Kenwood going to make a replacement for the FUGLY TS2000?
I would love to see a TS2050 (to go in the same blood line as the 450, 850 and 950) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
"Ugly" is in the eye of the beholder.

At least my TS2K has charactor and it's owner is a "charactor" too. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

AC0H
05-01-2007, 09:07 PM
<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:blue'>K3 !!</span></span>

KB1KIX
05-01-2007, 09:48 PM
Quote[/b] (WA3KYY @ May 01 2007,13:09)]Compared to prices of the 756ProIIIs, FT9000s, IC-7800s or Orion IIs and Omni VIs?

The specs are better than the K2 by a ways and the K2 stacks up quite well compared to the above.

One example, the Blocking Dynamic Range of the K3 was measured at -143 dBm at 20Khz, 5Khz and 2Khz. #Compare this to the IC-7800 at -135 dBm at 2KHz.

The K3 is not competing with FT-897s, IC-7000s or TS-2000s, it is aimed squarely at the top end radios by Yeasu, Kenwood, Icom and Ten-Tec. #The K3 will likely out perform all of those at 1/2 to 1/3 the price.

73,
Mike WA3KYY
It's hard to compare it to the higher end radios.

dual VFO's, larger, easier to use screen (yes, usability is important, regardless of what many say), there are many things that make those other radios mentioned a good buy.

Yes, there are a few percentage points to gain in performance here and there - but the price vs what you get for it just doesn't justify it in my opinion.

Why do the radios cost so much? Because they can.

Even though I don't like the price, I'll most likely be building my K3 after I finish a few other projects this year (like the bitX 20).

I like the Elecraft, used a bunch of 'em and I want to build one/and will build one.

That price is just hard to swallow for the power and such.

I am looking forward to seeing the K3.

Jonathan

kg6top
05-02-2007, 04:49 AM
I plan on taking a good hard look at the Buddipole. I live in an apartment so I need something portable and quick to set up and tear down. I also plan on taking a good hard look at the new FT-2000 by Yaesu. Looks pretty cool http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

N2RJ
05-02-2007, 10:44 AM
Quote[/b] (kg6top @ May 01 2007,23:49)]I plan on taking a good hard look at the Buddipole. I live in an apartment so I need something portable and quick to set up and tear down. I also plan on taking a good hard look at the new FT-2000 by Yaesu. Looks pretty cool http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have one. The buddipole tears down quickly but can take a while to put up.

It's a good antenna though, and very versatile. You can do all sorts of configurations with it. It even lets you do a J-pole for 2m. That's what I used as my 2m antenna in 9Y when I was there last Nov.

WA3KYY
05-02-2007, 01:19 PM
Quote[/b] (KB1KIX @ May 01 2007,16:48)]It's hard to compare it to the higher end radios.

dual VFO's, larger, easier to use screen (yes, usability is important, regardless of what many say), there are many things that make those other radios mentioned a good buy.
Actually in the case of the K3, it is not that hard. The K3 can have dual VFOs and is larger than the K2. The display is over twice the size of the K2 display, about the same size as the alphanumeric portions of the IC-7800, 756Pro or FT9000 display. Elecraft has chosen not to include the panoramic band monitor as part of the display. Wayne posted a very reasonable explanation for that design decision to the Elecraft reflector and it will be on their web site soon if it is not already there. Sometime in the next 6 months you can expect to see an external bandscope that will work with any radio with an IF output and out perform the built in bandscopes on the top end radios.

I do agree with you that there are enough differences between the radios that you need to look at more than just the performance specs and price when making a decision. One person's superfluous bell and whistle may be another operators must have feature. One of the nice, in my opinion, design features is that all of the most used controls are directly available on the front panel and not buried in a series of sub menus needing multiple button presses to access.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you actually see and touch a K3 at Dayton and can run to one of the other manufacturers booths and touch their radios for a direct usability comparison.

Now to figure out how to convince the XYL that I must have one of the K3s.

73,
Mike WA3KYY

KB1KIX
05-02-2007, 02:52 PM
I was the same way with TenTec radios.

Then they had a display at the Boxborough fest almost 3 years ago and I was really interested after actually "playing" with one.

Then an elder ham I know had an old Omni - used that for a bit on a weekend and I was hooked.

As stated.... I'll most likely build one - but to get the 100W version is a bit pricey.

Jonathan

ky5u
05-02-2007, 04:59 PM
Waiting for Ranger to introduce their new 80-10M HF rig...

kf4vgx
05-02-2007, 10:03 PM
The price of gas will keep a few away, car pooling would be another option.

Have you ever tried riding with several hams in a small car to Dayton http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .

I dont think so . " GRIN "

KA7RRA
05-03-2007, 09:11 AM
Quote[/b] (kf4vgx @ May 02 2007,15:03)]Have you ever tried riding with several hams in a small car to Dayton http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .
Well has long has they took a shower I think it would be ok

KA7RRA
05-03-2007, 09:14 AM
Iam hopping to by a remote head for my BCT15

Iam paying 370.00 for airline tickets about 160.00 for a hotell and about 150.00 for a car just ot get a 10% discount on the remote head life is good

n9lya
05-03-2007, 10:37 AM
I will not be attending ths year..

Lets see spend $3+ a gallon of gas
or make $65/Hr working..

DUH...

I would rather go.. but working is not optional this year...

73 jerry N9LYA

I hope everyone has a good time..

KB1KIX
05-03-2007, 05:01 PM
Quote[/b] (KA7RRA @ May 03 2007,05:11)]Quote[/b] (kf4vgx @ May 02 2007,15:03)]Have you ever tried riding with several hams in a small car to Dayton http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .
Well has long has they took a shower I think it would be ok
Dunno,

After that Q-Street article last month - many hams might have made microphones outta 'em.

Guess they figured they weren't getting used anyway!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Jonathan

K0RGR
05-03-2007, 05:46 PM
Wow - now we have two U.S. companies building HF transceivers again - it's been a long, long time. I think both Ten Tec and Elecraft are giving YaeComWood a run for their money.

That K3 looks great - I really like the transverter ports on the back, so you can enjoy that great performance on VHF/UHF too.

I guess I should also mention the third U.S. manufacturer - FlexRadio Systems with their SDR. That's also an exciting rig.

Next thing you know, somebody will start making consumer electronics here again.