Advice needed...

[G1STQ]

:confused:Hi,

Thinking of buying my first HF radio but cannot decide which from these 3 is best.

Icom 718.........will I miss FM?
Yaesu FT450
used Kenwood TS-570DG/E

Looking to use it for ssb and psk31 mainly, little cw.

Your help will be appreciated, many thanks

John
G1STQ

[G4TRN]

Hi John

I don't think you will miss FM. It will be years before it opens up again on 10m.

73 John G4TRN

[NN4RH]

Thinking of buying my first HF radio but cannot decide which from these 3 is best.

Icom 718.........will I miss FM?
Yaesu FT450
used Kenwood TS-570DG/E


Between the Icom and Yaesu, if it were me I would go with the Yaesu especially if there's interest in CW and data modes. It has IF DSP (Digital Signal Processing) which is better than the audio DSP that the Icom uses. Also has down to 500 hz filter built in but with the Icom a narrow filter for CW or data use is a separate option purchase. Otherwise there's pretty evenly matched. The Yaesu is smaller which may be either a good thing or a bad thing. Also, I just like Yaesu radios and have had good luck with them.

[G1STQ]

Thanks guys for the advice...

interesting no one recommended the older Kenwood. Would love the Yaesu, but Icom more affordable.....

[PH5E]

Here's the specs side-by-side: compare rigs (http://rigreference.com/rigs/compare/3135,3494,4298)

[NN4RH]

interesting no one recommended the older Kenwood.

I don't generally consider buying used equipment, myself. If your lucky you might get a bargain, but I think most used equipment is overpriced anymore, plus if it needs service that can be hassle.

[N0AZZ]

It would cost more to bring the Icom up close to the 450 and have a lot more money invested. For what you describe the Yaesu sounds like a better fit for the modes tou want to work.

[G1STQ]

Thanks for the advice.

Now the hard work........convincing she who must be obeyed to hand me the cheque book. :)

I'll let you know the outcome

[W0GI]

Thanks guys for the advice...

interesting no one recommended the older Kenwood. Would love the Yaesu, but Icom more affordable.....

If you are going to look at a used Kenwood, for the same amount of money, or less ($600-650), you can find a TS-850. A much better receiver then any of the three listed.

I saw a used FT-450 on EBay that went for $428. Now that is a bargain.

As for used, I have had 20+ HF radios over the years. All except an FT-817 were bought used. Never a bit of trouble, other then the FT-817, that blew the drivers and finals after the warrany was up. The warranty is up before you know it, and then you are in the same boat.

HF rigs are pretty dependable with proper use, so unless you are unlucky, buying used can save you some serious money.

[PH5E]

...will I miss FM?
I have the FT-450 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/view/4298/Yaesu-FT_450_AT) myself, but have never used FM to this day. I doubt if you will ever really miss it. On the other hand, why buy something without FM if you can have it included for about the same price?

[G1STQ]

Well I went along to the Leicester rally and a good job I did as I had the opportunity to see and play with most of the radios on the market - both new and used.

The Yaesu ft-450 I thought was too small and build down to a price. Think I would have been really disappointed if I had bought one of those. It just did'nt feel right somehow and the small vfo knob is a joke...

So I came away with a new Yaesu FT-950:D and am really pleased with it. Only another 70 pages of the manual to go!

Swithched it on and the first contact to Toronto on 40watts from UK.

Happy.

[W9MMS]

Thanks for the advice.

Now the hard work........convincing she who must be obeyed to hand me the cheque book. :)

I'll let you know the outcomeBest of LUCK on that part. :D

[W1EBB]

Get the Yaesu FT-450AT and you will not regret it. Shop around for the prices vary greatly from dealer to dealer. Had mine 6 months and love it. I have double bazooka antennas and work into central Europe and Tasmania on a regular basis.