I am thinking trading my now unused IC-746 Pro for one of these two options. I travel a lot for my work where I am in hotels and like the beach. I am also thinking as a survival radio using a battery or solar. I have heard good things about 817 and there are tons of accessories but I have an SDR receiver and its just a lot of fun on the road to use it as an SWL receiver. I have seen a few 5-10 watt SDR transceivers and was looking for opinions as the pros and cons for each. I am leaning towards the 817 simply because its "real"radio and has the bonus of 2 and 440. Let r' rip gents! Thanks, Pat KA4VNM
KX2 and a wide band handheld. So you can listen to local FM with working Botswana on your 5 watts HF rig. CW of course....
I'm an 817 guy; I've got the solar/battery solution sorted to my satisfaction. I like the fact that the 817 is rugged (for an amateur rig) as Peter says. I like the internal battery, even though I rely on it as a backup only, it still has saved a few QSOs when my primary battery died. I like that it is all mode and all band, 160 and up. Bring on the Zombie Apocalypse. I don't like that I have to use a Signalink USB for digital; I'd LOVE it if it had an internal soundcard. I don't know enough about SDRs to comment, except that my dream SDR is one that is integral to a Panasonic Tough Book. Open the lid, attach the antenna, operate. 73, Al
From a performance standpoint, you can't beat a KX-3. It's not as portable as the 817 and it doesn't cover 440 MHz, but its receiver will compete with many "big radios" and there are some smokin' deals out there on used ones (many people buy one and then realize that QRP isn't for them). Dual-band HTs are really cheap these days. Get a KX-3 and an FT-60R (available used for $100-ish). You'll be all set!
Check out OH8STN's youtube channel. He runs an 817 and has done lots of videos on portable operating and battery and solar solutions. 73, Al
Really? I think, that mcHF no worse than KX3, but much more cheaper I solder my mcHF for about 250 usd included metal case
