Quote Originally Posted by Jerry View Post
I'm not cheap - but I can't spend $1500 for a used radio right now and I don't want to buy a boat anchor.
Lots of room between those extremes. BTW, $1500 for a used radio is $1500 you've just wasted. You can have a brand new FT-950, TS-2000, or IC-7000 for less.

$150-$300: A few of the old hybrid radios like the TS-520, 530, 820, and 830 are available.

$350-$600: Many good used radios in this price range. TS-50, IC-718, IC-706, FT-857, and IC-751A, just for some examples.

The people on Ebay are so crazy right now - you can buy a brand new radio that works with a guarantee / warranty for abotu $150 more then a old crappy radio that probably has issues.
You're learning.