Opinions wanted!

[W5BRM]

Getting ready to purchase a new rig. I have been watching and reading reviews over the last few weeks. Over the last few months I have been hemming and hawing over getting the Elecraft KX3 or the Yaesu FT817nd as both are QRP rigs and I was wanting one to take with me in the big truck.

Over the last few weeks I have been trying to parse out a plan for setting up power and antenna in the truck and I have come to realize that HF just isnt going to happen without making some serious alterations to the truck. As it isn't my truck, these alterations just ARENT going to happen. So I am changing my plan and considering a base or mobile to use as a base at home. I am now looking at 100w instead of QRP. For my antenna I have decided on getting a MFJ 1788 or 1786 magloop. This is a compromise antenna I know but I just am not interested in installing a permanent antenna on my house. It's a rental and I just dont feel like messing with the landlord about what I can install and where.

So this leaves me on what to choose for a rig. I had REALLY had my heart set on a FTdx1200 but that is just outside my financial ability. I am wondering what opinions are on Icom ic7200, Yaesu FT450d, Kenwood TS-480SAT.

I have always like Icom products. I have a out of service IC-706mkiig that lasted a long time as well as a IC-721A. The 7200 has a nice look to it. It doesnt have a tuner in it though but as I will be using the magloop or the High Sierra motorized antenna, thats really a moot point. I have heard it has a good reciever. I'm not really sure how good the DSP is though. The radio has built in USB port which I am excited about as I want to get into digital modes and being able to interface the rig to computer is a big help. Gigaparts has it for $889

The Yaesu FT450d I know really nothing about. I have never owned a Kenwood product so I have no real backgound to make a comparison with. Looking at the EHAM reviews I cant really decide if this is a good rig or not. Anyone here ever owned one? Pricing is a factor I am looking at and Gigaprts has it for $808

The Kenwood TS-480SAT kind of intrigues me. Reading the reviews on EHAM, I kind of like what I am reading although I know to take several grains of salt with most reviews there. The radio has an auto tuner in it which I wont really use. The ts-480HX is a 200w radio without the AT but once again I will be using a magloop that can only handle 150w. I Kind of like the look of the 480 but thats not really a deciding factor. Gigaparts has it for $919

I have considered looking at others like TenTec and Elecraft high end radio's but they are just too far out of site pricewise so arent really in consideration. Looking at the FT-897/857 I'm not really considering these as they are the end of life for manufacturing. I cant get my 706mkiig fixed for the same reason so I wont go down that road with those 2 rigs

Anyone have any opinions or suggestions on what I should do?

[N8YX]

IB43N (In Before Jim):

TS-480, hands down.

If you would consider a used rig, one of the later model Ten-Tecs. Should you insist on QRP, that would be an Argonaut V.

Find a used Elecraft K2. Or a TS-590S. I hear great things about the IC-7000 and have a NIB unit waiting to be installed in my car next year.

Etc. ...

[KC2UGV]

I'm a Yaesu guy myself (Mainly, because they are the least expensive option for the features you want), but I've heard nothing but good about the TS-480SAT. I would have likely gotten that rig had I not been looking for one that does VHF/UHF/6M as well as HF.

I just got a FT-857D a couple of days ago. It's lain out pretty much like my 817ND, which means lots of menus to do what you want, but super compact (Slightly longer than a 2M single band mobile radio). The fan turns on every time it's keyed. And, finding out how to adjust output power was a challenge of sorts. It comes with the remote head kit now at most places, so you get that option (Protip: Remote head kit means a clip to snap the head into, and long RJ11 and Cat5 cables). The "minuses" for the 857 are outweighed (For me) by the functions the box has. The 857 might be EOL (The 897 is), or they might continue to run it for a while.

I passed on the 450 because nothing onboard blew my skirt up to justify the price bump from the 857. I passed on the Icom unit you named, for a couple of reasons: a) It didn't have the feature set I wanted (VHF/UHF), b) It's ugly as sin.

[KJ3N]

IB43N (In Before Jim):

Only because I didn't bother to respond last night. My bias is pretty well known around here. ;)


TS-480, hands down.

If all you want is HF/6, I would agree.


If you would consider a used rig, one of the later model Ten-Tecs. Should you insist on QRP, that would be an Argonaut V.

Find a used Elecraft K2. Or a TS-590S.

I have no opinion on Ten-Tec. I've never owned one. I got a chance to play with an original Orion (monochrome screen) and I didn't like the way it operated. Ten-Tec seems to be of a different mindset when it comes to ergonomics.

A K2 is probably a good choice if you want portable operation. A used TS-590 would be the better choice of the 2, IMO.


I hear great things about the IC-7000 and have a NIB unit waiting to be installed in my car next year.

Etc. ...

As I said, my bias is well known. Even a used IC-7000 would be a great choice. That's why I have 2. ;)

[W5BRM]

Ok thanks for the replies. I was going to wait a few days for some more info but after talking to a few friends who have the 7200, i pulled the trigger on it this morning.. I ordered from gigaparts and i also bought an Astron rs-35m PS. That should cover all i need to run it.

I didnt really consider used rigs. Theres way too much scambaggery to risk that much. $$$. I pretty much have trust issues when it comes buying other peoples stuff. Ive always had the belief that when you buy used, You're pretty much buying other peoples problems.. On a low cost item thats not much of a problem but on $1k+ You're taking a big chance. I would just as soon buy new and warranty and guarentees etc

[wa6mhz]

I'd vote for the FT-857D. It does it all, and is not much larger than a 817. I chose it for my radio of choice in my Ultimate GoKit and it works great! Nice to have the 2M & 450 in it for working repeaters during demos.

[N2NH]

I'd vote for the FT-857D. It does it all, and is not much larger than a 817. I chose it for my radio of choice in my Ultimate GoKit and it works great! Nice to have the 2M & 450 in it for working repeaters during demos.

Totally agree here. There's been a few small problems with the 817 that could turn into big ones. I've had both and the 857 is a great multi-band multi-mode rig if you can deal with the menus. Want QRP? Then I'd just dial back the power. Just my 2¢.

[K0RGR]

I think you will be happy with the 7200. It has ICOM's IF DSP system, same as the IC7000, and that one is superb, I think certainly the best in this price class. I've only played with a 7200 at the radio store, and diddled with a TS480 at Field Day one year. I am an ICOM fan, so the 7200 would be my choice.

[KC2UGV]

Totally agree here. There's been a few small problems with the 817 that could turn into big ones. I've had both and the 857 is a great multi-band multi-mode rig if you can deal with the menus. Want QRP? Then I'd just dial back the power. Just my 2¢.

Ok, for my edification, you turn back the power in menu #75, correct?

[NQ6U]

A friend of mine brings his IC-7200 to Field Day every year. It seems to have some problems with phase noise which manifest themselves when operated in the vicinity of other strong signals but that's not likely to be an issue for you. About the only other negative thing I can think of is that it doesn't do FM, so no 6m repeaters. I will say that, with the rack handles installed, it's one of the cooler looking rigs out there and rugged as hell.

[w6tmi]

Moot point at this point, but given where you are, and temp setup and all I would have gone with the 7000. that would give you uhf/vhf. But yeah, would have been used unless someone had old stock. The 7100 is close, but you are paying for DSTAR.

I have both the 1788 and 1786 (and I always wonder what happened to the 1787??) with 1 controller.

I would probably go with the 10-30meter one, rather then the 15-40 (or whatever it is, I forget which is which) as they are pretty efficient on 10, not so much on 40.
But again a tradeoff as 10 isn't open so much.

They def work really well for digi modes, since most of your operation is within a couple k anyway so the re-turn thing isn't a huge issue. They are pricey though.

[KJ3N]

I have both the 1788 and 1786 (and I always wonder what happened to the 1787??) with 1 controller.

I would probably go with the 10-30meter one, rather then the 15-40 (or whatever it is, I forget which is which) as they are pretty efficient on 10, not so much on 40.

Interesting thought. I don't know that I would agree. Efficiency aside, 40m is a band that's usually open to somewhere 24/7. I'd prefer to have it, than not.


But again a tradeoff as 10 isn't open so much.

Not open a lot during the summer months, but it has its moments during the rest of the year...

10m PH 03/01/14 1414 TA1CR
10m PH 03/01/14 1426 A92GR
10m PH 03/01/14 1436 HB9EYP
10m PH 03/01/14 1438 ZR9C
10m PH 03/01/14 1444 ES5RW
10m PH 03/01/14 1506 PZ5RA
10m PH 03/01/14 1512 M7X
10m PH 03/01/14 1518 CO6LC
10m PH 03/01/14 1613 FM5AN
10m PH 03/01/14 1616 EA6FO
10m PH 03/01/14 1623 SV9COL
10m PH 03/01/14 1629 P40L
10m PH 03/02/14 1253 IS0BSR
10m PH 03/02/14 1322 OH0JFP
10m PH 03/02/14 1515 9L1A
10m PH 03/02/14 1530 V26M
10m PH 03/02/14 1546 HC1JQ
10m PH 03/02/14 1553 TO22C
10m PH 03/02/14 1913 PJ6A
10m PH 03/02/14 1915 WP2XX
10m PH 03/02/14 1923 GI4SJQ
10m PH 03/02/14 1928 CX5TR
10m PH 03/02/14 2014 V31AJ
10m PH 03/02/14 2039 OA4SS
10m PH 03/02/14 2116 KH2/N2NL
10m PH 03/02/14 2158 JA3YBK
10m PH 03/02/14 2211 VK3GK

10m PH 03/30/14 1200 RK7A
10m PH 03/30/14 1202 DK1MM
10m PH 03/30/14 1203 PJ2T
10m PH 03/30/14 1206 OH2XX
10m PH 03/30/14 1208 EA5IDG
10m PH 03/30/14 1211 UW5ZM
10m PH 03/30/14 1214 J43TR
10m PH 03/30/14 1217 OH9A
10m PH 03/30/14 1222 OH0JFP
10m PH 03/30/14 1224 SN2M
10m PH 03/30/14 1225 G9V
10m PH 03/30/14 1226 EA1FA
10m PH 03/30/14 1229 DR7B
10m PH 03/30/14 1230 LA3S
10m PH 03/30/14 1231 3V8BB
10m PH 03/30/14 1233 IW2HAJ
10m PH 03/30/14 1235 M5BFL
10m PH 03/30/14 1236 YT0Z
10m PH 03/30/14 1240 CT9/R9DX
10m PH 03/30/14 1242 TM6M
10m PH 03/30/14 1243 TM0T
10m PH 03/30/14 1245 M8C
10m PH 03/30/14 1249 RA1QD
10m PH 03/30/14 1252 A61ZX
10m PH 03/30/14 1254 DR800BI
10m PH 03/30/14 1256 YL6W
10m PH 03/30/14 1257 EI1A
10m PH 03/30/14 1259 HB9DDO
10m PH 03/30/14 1300 J42T
10m PH 03/30/14 1301 S50XX
10m PH 03/30/14 1303 YP7P
10m PH 03/30/14 1305 CT7AEQ
10m PH 03/30/14 1306 OM1DK
10m PH 03/30/14 1306 SO2O
10m PH 03/30/14 1308 OO4O
10m PH 03/30/14 1310 EA8MT
10m PH 03/30/14 1311 OM5XX
10m PH 03/30/14 1319 ET3AA
10m PH 03/30/14 1321 ED3V
10m PH 03/30/14 1322 DL7OK
10m PH 03/30/14 1323 CQ3L
10m PH 03/30/14 1324 ON6NL
10m PH 03/30/14 1327 OH7CW
10m PH 03/30/14 1330 R7NK
10m PH 03/30/14 1331 UZ7M

Adding a 10m dipole to complement the 40-15 mag loop might be a better idea. Even a 10m attic dipole will do, in a pinch. Something like an AR-10 Ringo is light enough to mount to a deck temporarily. You could, I suppose, add a 40m dipole to the 30-10 mag loop, but a 65 foot antenna may be harder to get under the landlord's nose.


They def work really well for digi modes, since most of your operation is within a couple k anyway so the re-turn thing isn't a huge issue. They are pricey though.

Some people swear by them, a few swear at them. What the determining factor is, I have no idea.

[N2NH]

Ok, for my edification, you turn back the power in menu #75, correct?

Lost all the rigs in FL 4 years ago I'm afraid. The manual is HERE (http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=8CBB7C4BDBAF40129AD4253A4987523C&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0) and Yep, it's #75 - Max HF RF Power is Adjustable from 5-100W.

https://forums.hamisland.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=12816&stc=1

[W5BRM]

Moot point at this point, but given where you are, and temp setup and all I would have gone with the 7000. that would give you uhf/vhf. But yeah, would have been used unless someone had old stock. The 7100 is close, but you are paying for DSTAR.

I have both the 1788 and 1786 (and I always wonder what happened to the 1787??) with 1 controller.

I would probably go with the 10-30meter one, rather then the 15-40 (or whatever it is, I forget which is which) as they are pretty efficient on 10, not so much on 40.
But again a tradeoff as 10 isn't open so much.

They def work really well for digi modes, since most of your operation is within a couple k anyway so the re-turn thing isn't a huge issue. They are pricey though.

If they still made the 7000 I would have looked hard at that. I liked what I saw of them before they stopped production. I REALLY liked the screen it had. The one thing I saw repeated complaints of was the radio had a overheating issue if I remember. That would have really been my only complaint.
As to which Magloop, I will most likely get the 10-30 loop as its quite a bit cheaper then the 15-40. At some point I might possibly consider getting the 15-40 but not right away. I DO still have my motorized antenna which covers all they way to 80m but isn't very good down that low. I used to run 40m on it quite often when I had it mounted to the bigrig.



A friend of mine brings his IC-7200 to Field Day every year. It seems to have some problems with phase noise which manifest themselves when operated in the vicinity of other strong signals but that's not likely to be an issue for you. About the only other negative thing I can think of is that it doesn't do FM, so no 6m repeaters. I will say that, with the rack handles installed, it's one of the cooler looking rigs out there and rugged as hell.

I shouldn't have any sort of strong signal interference. I do live on a city block but there are no towers of any type within a couple miles of me. There is one ham who lives about a mile and a half away who is very active on HF. He has quite the antenna farm. He has a Hex but i dont know which bands he runs. He has a 50ft tower that has quite a few V/UHF antennas on it and also supports a few sloper's He has 2 S9 43ft fiberglass antenna's and a bunch of stuff. He was one of the ones who gave my extra exam back in September. Both he and his wife are extras. They have quite the radioroom as well but I didn't get to see much of that when I visited him to take my exam. We are far enough apart that he shouldn't blow my front end when he keys down. Last I knew, he was more interested in the digi aspect which is a low power mode anyway so I don't see any issues.

As to the 6m FM, thats a loss I can take. One of the selling factors is the ruggedness it does have. I don't have a full on shack to keep the rig in so it's going to be moved around quite a bit. The operating area is probably going to be the living room which has the front door to the porch and front yard where the antenna will be set up on tripod and PVC mast. When done operating, it'll be taken down and the radio will be put away in the bedroom. We have WAY too much junk in the house to consider setting up a permanent shack. I do have a garage but there is no A/C nor insulation and its filthy in there. I like ham radio but I'm not willing to operate in 140 degree temps during the summer and 15 degree temps in the winter...lol

[W5BRM]

I LOVE youtube! Found THIS video on how to set up digi stuff in the IC-7200! I think I'm really going to enjoy this!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFnnwBCilI

[N2ADV]

My vote is also for the TS480 (SAT). It is fantastic for Digi work and the functions seem to be intuitive. I've run it full tilt running RTTY and it didn't break a sweat. The fan gets a tad loud but I kept the base of the unit under the desk and hardly ever heard it. The antenna "tuner" works really well. Many people are turned off by the remote head being separate from the main unit. I found that to be a plus for desk space and the head unit doesn't really move so I don't find that I'm "chasing" it across the desk at all. Sure, you don't get 2 meters/440 but I see so little activity around here that I don't find that to be a problem. I have an Elecraft K3 here as well but I still use the 480 quite a bit because it's so good. I've said this before but if the DSP were IF based instead of AF based, I'd probably not have bothered with the K3 but even being AF based, it is pretty darn good. The optional filters work extremely well (though soldering them in are a bit of a PITA, make sure you have a steady hand. A Panavice comes in handy there as well). I use my 480 primarily for CW and digital modes. The relay click is noticeable when running CW but again, with the base of the unit away from the desk, it isn't really something I hear.

http://prtclmn001.smugmug.com/Other/SmugShots/i-wKQBRDf/0/L/smugshot_5019030-L.jpg

[W5BRM]

I did come real close to getting the 480sat. You mentioned a lot of the things i wanted in a rig. The one that sold me on the 7200 is something u mentioned. The dsp on the 7200 is based at the IF! That means no filters to install.

Theres a real good video on the icomamerica youtube page that goes into the details on the IF dsp. They give a graphical demo on how it works using a 7800 with the graphic screen.

[NQ6U]

I did come real close to getting the 480sat. You mentioned a lot of the things i wanted in a rig. The one that sold me on the 7200 is something u mentioned. The dsp on the 7200 is based at the IF! That means no filters to install.

My 746PRO does the same thing and it's a great feature.

[N2ADV]

I did come real close to getting the 480sat. You mentioned a lot of the things i wanted in a rig. The one that sold me on the 7200 is something u mentioned. The dsp on the 7200 is based at the IF! That means no filters to install.

Theres a real good video on the icomamerica youtube page that goes into the details on the IF dsp. They give a graphical demo on how it works using a 7800 with the graphic screen.
Well done and good choice :)

[W5BRM]

Well, Got my radio via UPS today and the Astron PS. Got everything hooked up and wired in the screwdriver antenna and it worked for about 30 seconds!... Antenna motor quit. Don't have a spare motor either... Thank goodness the magloop arrives tomorrow. Not sure if I should consider getting a new motor for the High Sierra antenna or just junk it. I REALLY do like it but if it's going to be eating motors then im not sure what to do next. I DO have wire that I could whip up a dipole but I don't have a way to get high enough into the trees.

Frustrated!

[WØTKX]

Ummm, I'd talk to High Sierra about that. They have a well deserved reputation for making a good antenna.

I have a Tarheel 400, and it works well, when I bother to use it.

[W5BRM]

lol they stopped producing antennas like 10 years ago. They still offer replacement kits but beyond that they offer no support anymore :(

*** just looked at their site. they dont sell the motor i need anymore. Can't use the one they sell now. Blackhawk motor wont work with my antenna as the shaft is offset and I need a center shaft motor. Guess it's a done deal :(

[W5BRM]

Well I got the Magloop in the mail today. Set it up at about 6ft off the ground. I have to change something. I can't get any match below 3.0 for SWR on any band. I THINK I know what the problem is. Gotta move the truck and see if that big honkin piece of garbage is the issue. It's about 10ft away and the antenna is also about 10ft away from the house as well. I need to move the loop into the center of the yard and see if that helps the issue. Hope I didn't get a bum unit. Also noticed the control head SWR indicator doesn't match the rig SWR meter but thats not a huge issue i don't think. The Control head may need a bit of adjuting. I'm basing the SWR readings off the radio meter using 5w RTTY signal.

I'll look into it later. Its the XYL's birthday so I'm taking her to dinner

[N2ADV]

Well I got the Magloop in the mail today. Set it up at about 6ft off the ground. I have to change something. I can't get any match below 3.0 for SWR on any band. I THINK I know what the problem is. Gotta move the truck and see if that big honkin piece of garbage is the issue. It's about 10ft away and the antenna is also about 10ft away from the house as well. I need to move the loop into the center of the yard and see if that helps the issue. Hope I didn't get a bum unit. Also noticed the control head SWR indicator doesn't match the rig SWR meter but thats not a huge issue i don't think. The Control head may need a bit of adjuting. I'm basing the SWR readings off the radio meter using 5w RTTY signal.

I'll look into it later. Its the XYL's birthday so I'm taking her to dinnerI will be interested in your outcome. I was considering one just to try someting different :)

[W5BRM]

It's not working at all. I can receive stuff but the SWR's wont drop below 3.0 on any band. Got a call into MFJ and they gave me some things to try. Tried them and no joy. It's not working. Working with them on a return.

Thinking just as a spare, i might order another 50ft stretch of coax.

http://www.gigaparts.com/Product-Lines/LMR-400-Coax-W-PL-259/50ft-RG8-LMR-400UF-Coax-Jumper-w-PL259-Ends.html this stuff. not sure if its any good. Never heard of ABR before

[NQ6U]

Thinking just as a spare, i might order another 50ft stretch of coax.

http://www.gigaparts.com/Product-Lines/LMR-400-Coax-W-PL-259/50ft-RG8-LMR-400UF-Coax-Jumper-w-PL259-Ends.html this stuff. not sure if its any good. Never heard of ABR before

Sounds like a competitor of Times Cable LMR-400. If it's truly comparable, then it's good stuff.

[W5BRM]

Sounds like a competitor of Times Cable LMR-400. If it's truly comparable, then it's good stuff.

Is that price about right for LMR400?

[NQ6U]

Is that price about right for LMR400?

$1.40/foot seems high to me. You can buy the genuine article for less than a buck a foot, although that price doesn't include the connectors.

[W5BRM]

Well the Magloop is on its way to MFJ. Talked to the service rep and he said they will look at it and will ship a new one if they find something serious wrong with this one. Otherwise I think they will repair it and ship the original back. Either way it's gonna be at least 10 days before I get it back with shipping delays. That sucks cuz I'm on vacation and it wont back to the house until the day I go back to work!

I been going through my junkpile and I am seriously disturbed with how little stuff I actually have to build anything. I can't even assemble a dipole at this point without having to mail order crap...lol. I got a solder gun and wire but I cant even build the center support to hang a dipole of any type...lol No wood or plastic tough enough to handle the stresses in hanging wire. Gotta get rope too.

I priced out building a hamstick dipole and thats even a $100+ project including shipping.

I gotta figure out SOMEWAY to build an antenna that will keep the landlord happy BEFORE my vacation ends. Sucks living right next door to them.

[NQ6U]

Everything you need to build dipoles is available at the Home Despot. I make my insulators out of polycarbonate glazing material or, sometimes, 1/2" PVC conduit—the gray stuff, because it holds up to sunlight better than white water pipe.

[N2ADV]

Everything you need to build dipoles is available at the Home Despot. I make my insulators out of polycarbonate glazing material or, sometimes, 1/2" PVC conduit—the gray stuff, because it holds up to sunlight better than white water pipe.
Ditto on the center supports!

[PA5COR]

Get the el cheapo white "plastic" cutting planks for the kitchen, you can make isolators, dipole center supports etc from it.
Saw them in any form you like, test a piece in the microwave, if it gets hot, don't use it, does it stay cold it's fine.