Looking for another rig

[X-Rated]

I won't be back to the computer for a while but I thought I would ask about opinions on a new HF radio.

It's gotta have great CW functionality. I'd like to spend under a grand but a little over would probably work for the right option.

FT-991. Thinking hard about the non-A version. Looks like there have been more than a few complaints about it blowing up. I like the specs but the burning up scares me.

FT-1000MP. What can I say? Great radio. I know that much. I never owned a new rig before because I have always been too broke so buying another used radio is no big deal if it performs great.

TS-870S. I saw this on YouTube and the sound seems pretty incredible.

IC-7300. For the WOW factor, this takes the cake short of much more expensive radios. But A) I don't really want to spend over 1k and B) the bad publicity on the IC7100 scares me for not functioning well.

Anyway, I may end up getting something cheap like a Xiegu. Gotta get me something for Xmas.

Thanks in advance.

[N8YX]

CW functionality...does it have to be new, and does it have to be in the 100w class?

Omni VI+ or Opt3, Omni VII, Cubic Astro 103 - those rigs have excellent CW performance.

Heathkit HR-1680 + HX-1681 + HP-23C + HS-1661 = a CW-only, full break-in hybrid station. Perfect for SKN.

Let me clear off the Vintage Junque bench and see about a few others...

[X-Rated]

CW functionality...does it have to be new, and does it have to be in the 100w class?

Omni VI+ or Opt3, Omni VII, Cubic Astro 103 - those rigs have excellent CW performance.

Heathkit HR-1680 + HX-1681 + HP-23C + HS-1661 = a CW-only, full break-in hybrid station. Perfect for SKN.

Let me clear off the Vintage Junque bench and see about a few others...

Thanks Fred. The omni vi plus sounds great. I can start my search for them. Tentec supposedly has lower noise oscillator and amps than do the competition. I will look at the others. I don't mind something used. Just looking for something dependable and performs well.

[N8YX]

I love my Omni VI, Jerry - though it remains to be seen if Dishop's incarnation of Ten-Tec will service them.

(To me it's a non-issue. I can handle anything in the way of repairs and sourcing parts that might be required, but this might not be true with other owners.)

A Corsair II is another good choice. I have a couple of N4YG's DDS VFO kits that are eventually going to make their way into both of mine. PTO drift isn't a big deal for the CW op but mechanical problems with the tuning mechanism most assuredly will be if you can't get rebuild kits from Ten-Tec.

[KC2UGV]

I'd personally go with the Xiegu. That looks like one neat damned toy there. And, from what I've heard, it's a full SDR in it's guts, and therefore subject to much modding (Can you say Codec2?)

[N8YX]

I'd personally go with the Xiegu. That looks like one neat damned toy there. And, from what I've heard, it's a full SDR in it's guts, and therefore subject to much modding (Can you say Codec2?)

I would love a waterproof, remote-able head version of that radio for use on my bicycles.

[KC2UGV]

I would love a waterproof, remote-able head version of that radio for use on my bicycles.

Like the FTR-10? I'm sad they discontinued that.

[WØTKX]

Yea, if it is CW only, a good 'ol used Ten Tec is amazing.
My Omni-D's and Corsair "One" are freaky great on CW.

The Yaesu MP's kick ass, especially when modded.

Why buy new? Well, maybe in SDR land.

Or Elecraft.

[N8YX]

Like the FTR-10? I'm sad they discontinued that.

Every year at Dayton saw me haranguing them with the same comments:

Built that rig in a 10M-440MHz version (including 222) and I'll buy 5 right now.

I have four at the moment. Three on current motorcycles, one in reserve for a future dual-sport.

[X-Rated]

I'd personally go with the Xiegu. That looks like one neat damned toy there. And, from what I've heard, it's a full SDR in it's guts, and therefore subject to much modding (Can you say Codec2?)

I am leaning heavily towards the Xiegu. Sounds pretty interesting. They still have the FT-991's in stock at HRO as well for under $900. I need to see if I can get the dosh appropriated for the expense first. I will probably be flipping a coin or watch more YouTube videos going, "Oh, I want this one. No wait. I want this one."