Land Ops ARC - HF Radio Recommendation

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HF Radio Recommendation

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10 Mar 2021 6:53 AM

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Message # 10182346

Sergio Sanchez

Hi everyone,

I'm studying for my general class. I'm planning on taking the exam at the beginning of April. In the meantime, I want to get an HF radio to practice listening and tuning. I'm looking for something that works well with WinLink, FLDigi and other software. My budget is $1200 for everything (radio, power supply, antenna, antenna tuner, other items I may need). I've been looking at the Icom 7100 and Yaesu 891. What other radios do you guys recommend?

11 Mar 2021 7:59 PM

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Reply # 10187515 on 10182346

Candy Kawahara (Administrator)

I would consider an Icom 7300. It’s not a mobile radio but it includes a sound card so you can do any of the digital modes. The 7300 is a extremely popular radio with lots of support on the internet and YouTube. A all around antenna I have had good luck with a “MyAntennas.com” EFHW-8010. This will cover all the bands from 10 to 80. It’s a bit pricey but it came very well recommended from many members of my local club. I use this antenna both at home and when I setup for an op. My first few antennas were simple wire dipoles with wire from Home Depot that worked just fine but I got tired having to change it antennas each time I wanted to change bands.

Good luck with upgrading to General.

Greg

11 Mar 2021 9:25 PM

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Reply # 10187890 on 10182346

Jim Biram (Administrator)

I’m a plus one for the Icom 7300. For the money it’s the best performing HF on the market. Yaesu has a good radio too in the same price range but it’s display is inferior to the 7300. If you’re patient, check out Main Trading Company in Texas. They often sell “repacks” at a discount. And no sales tax, either. You should be able to get it for about $1,000. The Antenna is a whole other discussion...my portable was about $400 or so. Then you need a power supply which is about $100-$200. Then you may need an external tuner if you use wire antennas with SWR greater than 3:1, as the 7300’s internal tuner will only tune antennas that are already under 3:1 SWR. For the money though, you can’t go wrong with the 7300.