If you just want a solid HF rig without VHF/UHF but relatively small,
low current drain, fantastic receiver...look at the Elecraft K2! Yes,
it's a kit, but there's a whole list of folks who will build it for
blind hams for low or no cost. You can get it QRP--with internal auto
tuner, SSB, noise blanker, 160 meters and separate receive antenna,
battery, and either DSP or audio filters in addition to the crystal
filter; or you can get the 100-watt amp and an external auto tuner
specifically to match. Or both. Yes, you can spend quite a lot for it,
but I don't think you'll find many--if any--who don't like their
K2. BTW, the KRC2 (band switch decoder box and other stuff) is
out. We're just waiting for the firmware to make the accessibility
stuff work so that it can announc **virtually all** K2 settings in
cw. If I'm not very much mistaken, the K2 will be the most
blind-accessible rig out...yes, even more than the Kenwoods, unless
you don't know code of course. (That problem, however, is one that can
be overcome, where being blind will always mean you can't see.)
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV/3    | But I will lay my burden
Email: [log in to unmask]   | in the cradle of your grace,
ICQ: 36621210              | And the shining beaches of your love,
http://www.ycardz.com      | and the sea of your embrace.--Dave Carter