First Transceiver

[DawgBone]

Hi. I'm new to ham radio and am in the market for a used transceiver.

Ebay has several TS-520 and TS-530 radios which generally sell for about $300 - $500. Would these be a decent first radio? What other models, Kenwood or otherwise, would be appropriate?

Thanks.

[John_D]

I have 2 of these, TS530sp and TS830s as well as the yaesu FT101zd. These are old radios, about 30+ years old. Unless you are skilled in repairing such boat-anchors, I'd leave well alone. Most of the parts are no longer manufactured and you will need to seek out second hand ones. Also they are tube PAs and there is a knack in tuning them. the TS520 doesn't cover the WARC bands. Better go for a modern rig which has transistors. You should be able to get a decent ICOM 718 for around $400-500. They are still being manufactured and can be set up almost immediately.

[DawgBone]

I have 2 of these, TS530sp and TS830s as well as the yaesu FT101zd. These are old radios, about 30+ years old. Unless you are skilled in repairing such boat-anchors, I'd leave well alone. Most of the parts are no longer manufactured and you will need to seek out second hand ones. Also they are tube PAs and there is a knack in tuning them. the TS520 doesn't cover the WARC bands. Better go for a modern rig which has transistors. You should be able to get a decent ICOM 718 for around $400-500. They are still being manufactured and can be set up almost immediately.

Thanks, John.

[DawgBone]

John, which power supply do you use with your Icom 718?

[John_D]

DawgBone...Hi
I have the Watson W25AM (25 AMPS) which is the traditional transformer type and have just bought second hand an almost new Watson Power Mite LF, which is a switch mode PSU. This weighs only about 2 pounds and I have no problems with switcher noise on any of the bands. It goes up to 20Amps. The 718 I use only for digital (JT65).