I agree.
They can be had on ebay for around $400 to $600 depending on condition and
so on.
that is allot of money for some folks, but its worth the investment since it
will give you access to HF if you so desire to become HF qualified in the
future.
If you have any way of getting involved in the local ham club, you can offen
find hams who have extra rigs around that will loan you, on a fairly
permanent basis a radio power supply and antenna to use until you can get
your own.
However, this will mean actually getting on the air to find these guys which
would require a radio.

73
Colin, V A6BKX
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Scott" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 4:30 PM
Subject: First Rig!


> Well,
>
>    We have all been there.  Trying to figure out what to get for our first
> radio and not enough money.
>    There is a lot to be said for just biting the bullet and buying
> something like the old Icom 706 mark 2 g with a good speech synthesizer.
> That's what I would do, but that is looking back at some years ago.
> Whatever you do, you will have a great time!
>
> Richard  K F 5 U B
>