From: samodena@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu (S. A. Modena)
Subject: Re: HF rig suggestions for a Novice
Keywords: Novice Rigs Radio Beginning Questions
Organization: Crop Science Dept., NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620
Distribution: triangle
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 11:00:02 GMT

In article <Bzq8py.HKs@unx.sas.com> saswel@cardamom.unx.sas.com (Warren E. Lewis) writes:
.....
>  I also have been pondering what kind of HF rig I should start out 
>with?  I have been reading and looking in the Ham Rags (73 and CQ) 
>and the variety of equipment and models is quite perplexing.  I really 
>don't want to spend much more than $700 to set up my "Shack."  What 
>kind of rig/shack can I set up for this kind of money?  What kind of used 
>rigs are out there?  What brands and models should I stay away from?  
>Where can quality used rigs be found?  When are the next local HamFests 
>scheduled? 
>        - Warren

Warren:

It's fairly easy to set up a HF shack for $700....using Used Equipment.

Radios that I've used or own:
	TenTec Triton IV: 80-10 meters CW/SSB 100 watts out.
		Still repaired by TenTec, analog dial, super audio
		quality, "matching" power supply/speaker/VOX unit
		is optional if you use battery and forego overload
		protection.  Rigs are hard to come by because of their
		simplicity, reliability, stability and quality.  Price
		is probably $300->$400 even though they were built
		at the end of the 70's.

	KenWood 530: Unlike the Triton, it has a pair of 6146's in the
		final amplifier stage, so it is one step shy of being
		all transistor...so it doesn't run from battery,  but
		does have a built-in power supply.  Very nice radio
		for 80-> 10....about 100 watts CW and SSB.  You should
		be able to find one for $350.

       Both the TenTec and Kenwood 530 are ham-band-only radios.

	Kenwood 430: General coverage but transmits only on hams bands
		160->10 including the WARC bands (if you snip out 2
		diodes).  All transistor, and like the Triton takes
		12.6-13.1 volts in, so you can use the matching PS,
		or a 20 AMP 12 v PS or Battery.  Has some memories,
		selectable mode, some have NBFM (for 10 m), compact,
		case is not fragile because it is primarily designed
		for portable/mobile use.  Unlike the above two radios,
		this one can be operated "split" which is indespensible
		for DX contests and rare DX where you must transmit
		on a frequency *differrent* that the other station,
		sometimes seperated by 200 KHz.  Probably going for
		$500 currently.

I recommend these three models of radios without reservation.  Quality
items at a good used price.  The real differences (besides prices) have
to do with *how* you plan to operate, with the TS-430-S being to most
versatile, use-it-anywhere.

BTW, if you come in for your license exam with RARS in Feb., be sure
to introduce yourself, as I'll be working the in-take desk, most likely.
Also, I'm tentatively scheduled to give a talk on antennas for the
Cary ARS in January.

Steve
---
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|     In person:  Steve Modena     AB4EL                           |
|     On phone:   (919) 515-5328                                   |
|     At e-mail:  nmodena@unity.ncsu.edu                           | 
|                 samodena@csemail.cropsci.ncsu.edu                |
|                 [ either email address is read each day ]        |
|     By snail:   Crop Sci Dept, Box 7620, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695 |
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