What Rig are you running?

**stormdog76033** · Mon 27th Sep 2010, 02:04

I almost got the 8900 but I couldn't find a "single" antenna that had any range to it without buying two dual band sticks,how is yours in dx?

Originally Posted by Orion

Ft8900r + uhv-4

**2E0JTP** · Sun 3rd Oct 2010, 14:10

Originally Posted by KC9LJT

What ham rig are you running in your mobile and what antenna are you using?

I'm running an Icom IC-F620MPT (a converted 32 channel 70cm commercial PMR) with a Watson W-77LS dual bander antenna on a mag mount.

Works pretty well (25W/5W/2.5W), mind you we have pretty decent 70cm repeater coverage across the South East of England. If we had more distance between places, it would have to be a 2m rig!

I have thought about installing an FT-8800E for the additional 2m capability. Just not sure it's worth it though, most (98%) of my mobile operation is via repeaters and the UHF repeaters work pretty well.

**_2E0OZI** · Wed 27th Oct 2010, 18:02

Nothing yet! But I have my eye on a basic HF rig that I can use on my foundation licence - I take the test in a few weeks time. As for antennas - well that depends on South hams local council and the wife. Jill being the more powerful of the two entities!

Demitrious put forward excellent reasons as to why I should NOT get an Icom 703 as my first rig. So now I am looking at beginner radios that can be turned down to 10w. The Yaesu FT840 looks very good to me, but I am a newbie on a tight budget.

**2E0JTP** · Wed 27th Oct 2010, 19:16

If you were previously looking at the IC-703, then the Yaesu FT-857 or the Icom IC-706 Mk.2G would be my suggestions.

It will be the only radio you ever need to buy. HF, VHF, UHF - all modes. Either of them will do it all.

Both are tried and tested and generally always available on the 2nd hand market.

**_2E0OZI** · Wed 27th Oct 2010, 20:03

Thanks mate, will have a look at them. Where would you recommend is the best place to buy from; Ebay, or a meet? Or from a supplier like Lynch?? Money is tight so new is probably out for me.

all the best,

Scott

**PA2EFR** · Thu 28th Oct 2010, 21:47

Kenwood TS-130V, 10 watts, Drake MN-4 antenna tuner, home made memory keyer and paddle, Juncker key,
FD3 OCF-dipole, DIY, Kenwood TR-7200G 2 meter FM transceiver, 10 watts

**2E0JTP** · Fri 29th Oct 2010, 15:37

Originally Posted by PA2EFR

Kenwood TS-130V, 10 watts, Drake MN-4 antenna tuner, home made memory keyer and paddle, Juncker key,
FD3 OCF-dipole, DIY, Kenwood TR-7200G 2 meter FM transceiver, 10 watts

You're running that mobile?!?

Talk about driving a desk!

**2E0JTP** · Sat 30th Oct 2010, 13:03

Originally Posted by MotoGuzzi750

Thanks mate, will have a look at them. Where would you recommend is the best place to buy from; Ebay, or a meet? Or from a supplier like Lynch?? Money is tight so new is probably out for me.

all the best,

Scott

I guess you will need to keep an eye on the likes of ebay.

There are bargains to be had, you just need to be patient.

**PA2EFR** · Sun 31st Oct 2010, 18:24

Originally Posted by 2E0JTP

You're running that mobile?!?

Talk about driving a desk!

The mobile was my first rig when I got my license in 1976.
Lately I saw it on a second hand site and bought for nostalgic reasons, for 25 euro. ;D

**w0cpm** · Thu 13th Jan 2011, 16:34

i have an Icom 2100 and an Antennex (commercial grade) 5/8 wave mounted on the rear right fender

**SM5JAB** · Fri 14th Jan 2011, 12:28

Re: What Rig are you running?

I'm practically only below 30 MHz and use a TenTec Jupiter as the main rig. Truly the best rig I have ever listened to and used. Before that (and I still use it now and then, still a good radio) a Kenwood TS-930S. For portable work a small Elecraft kit, the KX-1. For more power there is a 600 W transistorized amp (TenTec Hercules) or a valve PA Dentron MLA2500 for even more power...

Perhaps more important is the antenna and that is constantly changing. Wires galore in the trees

**M3MUU** · Thu 14th Apr 2011, 15:20

A jsb176 ssb marine transciever for the main hf bands does nt tx on lsb to be worked on for that!, brilliant recieiver, never heard one better and a alinco dr610 for 2/70 cms aircraft etc

**AE6ZW** · Tue 3rd May 2011, 03:49

Ten Tec OMNI-V and Yaesu FT-2800M

**Orion** · Wed 8th Jun 2011, 18:21

Works great...especially now 10m is opening up.
Last year I put a random call out on 29.6...heard the squelch open but nothing much more. A few days later I received an email from some chap in Brazil telling me he heard me....not bad eh?

Originally Posted by stormdog76033

I almost got the 8900 but I couldn't find a "single" antenna that had any range to it without buying two dual band sticks,how is yours in dx?