what First amateur radio to buy?

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dxingagain
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what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by dxingagain »

I have been in to DX'ing for years but I have always used a CB, my best success was with a Uniden 2830 in the 90's. I have returned to 11m now but as you know it is extremely quiet at the moment. So I'm considering doing my foundation course now. Ideally I would like a 0-30 transceiver that has FM so I can still use the UK channels (not that there is much opportunity there either) or even just to listen to shortwave. I'm looking at a Kenwood TS-140s at the moment I have also thought of maybe a 757 or the like. I am more than happy with a "it was good in it's day" radio because my 2830 was good in its day and I am sure an amateur radio of that period would do me just fine, but I'm open to any suggestions. The Kenwood TS140 seems to be for sale for about what I want to spend.
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ch25
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by ch25 »

140 is old radio.
Before buy I would check if potentiometers are not wobbling or scratching, VFO encoder without skips both directions, all VCO's edges to verify if it's working.
Some time ago I had 440 on my bench, a lot of issues due it's age, same like 140. That was pain to trace failures and fix them. Never again.
If that 140 is about 250 quid I would take a chance. Otherwise I would stay away.
Chris
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dxingagain
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by dxingagain »

Thanks Chris, anything else you could suggest? I looked at the 140 because I have more than 1 hobby and I stretch my funds between them. It looked cheap enough but I'm sure there are a lot of options, I just never took any notice of radios other than CB before.

Cheers
Rick
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ch25
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by ch25 »

What is your cash limit?
it would be easier to suggest something.
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dxingagain
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by dxingagain »

Well the Kenwood was £300 so you was about right with the value. I'd say up to £400. I know it's low but that's about my budget for now.
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ch25
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by ch25 »

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26mb04
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by 26mb04 »

It depends on what you want to do. I'd seriously consider getting an FT817. They've been around for ages, and they're very good for what they are. It'll do HF, 6, V/UHF too, so you can use it on CB (multi-mode!) and That Other CB band on UHF. It's also got ports for remote programming, data in/out, PTT, CAT etc.
Sent from my GP300 using DTMF
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M3PIE
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by M3PIE »

well, having had a TS-140S in the past which was a silent key same at the time.
the slide controls can be a bit noisy and stiff. on some.
mine was fine yes it is a old radio. but the sound both TX/RX was very rounded and clear, never has any complaints about it.
for around a max £225 maybe a bit more it in great condition box etc.
tried 757 hated it even had the club one totally bin fodder.
anyway good luch which ever way you go and enjoy the hobby.
73
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Re: what First amateur radio to buy?

Post by Edd200sx »

Ft450
Ts570dg

Great starter rigs
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