ArizonaShooting.ORG

I think back in the day they were called short wave radios. I need suggestions for a radio receiver that would pick up most HAM bands. External antennas are not a problem if required.

That's pretty open ended.

How much do you want to spend?

Fair enough. The budget is under $2000. A transceiver is also fine for my purposes, although my HAM radio license expired many years ago and I haven't had time to study for a test yet. Assuming I don't transmit I can use one for monitoring so if you can recommend something that fits the bill that's fine. Rather than have to deal with several radios and antennas I would prefer one base station with antenna that can pick up most common bands. I am very weak on radio theory so simple is good for me.

I would certainly just go with a transceiver. They are general coverage as well.
The hottest thing on the market currently (bang for buck) is the Icom IC-7300.

That gets you all of HF. If you want a HF/VHF/UHF "shack in a box" then maybe a Yaesu FT991A.

AZF350PSD wrote: ↑September 22nd, 2020, 9:02 pm I would certainly just go with a transceiver. They are general coverage as well.
The hottest thing on the market currently (bang for buck) is the Icom IC-7300.

That gets you all of HF. If you want a HF/VHF/UHF "shack in a box" then maybe a Yaesu FT991A.

Thank-you!

CC Radio 2E picks up 2 meter Ham Bands for $170.00.

https://ccrane.com/products/ccradio-2e- ... radio.html

I recently bought a software defined radio, to be exact the rtl-sdr . Hook it up to your PC, android tablet or phone. This will pick up mostly everything. Downside you can only listen. You still need antennas. Kit cost me 30USD. So far I've been able to pick up some UHF VHF chatter.

Lots of reviews on radios here:
https://swling.com/blog/

Something along the lines of a Yaesu FT991A , which is considered a "shack in a box" , would be ideal for what you want. gives you access to all the ham bands, and monitor some additional informational frequencies. There are mods available for expanding the transmit capabilities if desired. Not legal if you transmit on them. Gives you lots of capabilities.

I have an Icom IC-7600 (shack in a box) with an automatic antenna tuner and mic that I am willing to let go if you're interested.

javelinadave wrote: ↑February 1st, 2021, 2:35 pm I have an Icom IC-7600 (shack in a box) with an automatic antenna tuner and mic that I am willing to let go if you're interested.

That's a helluva nice radio...

-WRM

WRMorrison wrote: ↑February 1st, 2021, 4:09 pm

javelinadave wrote: ↑February 1st, 2021, 2:35 pm I have an Icom IC-7600 (shack in a box) with an automatic antenna tuner and mic that I am willing to let go if you're interested.

That's a helluva nice radio...

-WRM

I'm up to my ears in HAM gear that I need to sell.

AZF350PSD wrote: ↑September 22nd, 2020, 9:02 pm I would certainly just go with a transceiver. They are general coverage as well.
The hottest thing on the market currently (bang for buck) is the Icom IC-7300.

That gets you all of HF. If you want a HF/VHF/UHF "shack in a box" then maybe a Yaesu FT991A.

What do you think of the IC-705 with an amplifier vs the FT991A? Or if I pick up the IC-7300, what would you recommend for VHF/UHF?

I ended up buying an Icom 7300. I’m currently studying antenna theory for my general class ham license. It’s fascinating stuff, and I hope to be set up and transmitting by summer.

I almost got my ham license a few times over the years. A friend of mine 15 years ago was very involved with the local radio clubs but I was always too busy at the time. Then for awhile I worked on software defined radio systems but figured I spent enough time with them at work that I didn't get licensed at home. Pretty sure this time it's going to stick.

I'm primarily interested in data transmissions and protocols and not as much in voice, except for staying familiar for backup emergency comms.

So for people who have a "shack in a box" vs separate HA & UHF/VHF solutions, can you elaborate on how much you use each? Since I'll end up with a handful of handsets anyway, I'm wondering how much I need a base station to be all-in-one.