Well, I've used the IC-706MK2 and with the Voice board, it's useable, the
menus are a bit of a pain, but if you get that radio with the QSYer unit,
it's useable. As for the 718, it's the size of the IC275, 375, 475 and
similar radios if that helps you, a little bigger then the 706, but if I get
a few things straightened out with my deal on mine, I think I'll run it
mobile, it is definitely small enough for that. It's a little bigger then
the 706, but really only in height, I don't think it's that much bigger if
it is at all in length and width, that has a direct frequency entry pad on
the front so you wouldn't need the QSYer, and I think it's a little easier
in the menus to use.As for the TS-50,  no voice board for it,  I didn't find
it that comfortable to use for that reason, it's a good radio but that is my
only problem with it but it's being replaced soon and the new radio from
Kenwood I believe will have the speech option, the FT-100D, stay away from
it in my opinion, I know sighted people who don't like them because you need
to be a rocket scientist to run a yaesu radio with the menus and the newer
the radio, the worse.   Again, all from my experiences,  other people might
say something else.
John Miller N1UMJ
Owner: J E M Racing need sponsors and crew help
to chat with me  AOL instant messenger JEMracing3
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nathan, Kevin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 11:49 AM
Subject: Which Small HF Radio


> Hi All,
>
> I may be in a position to purchase a small HF radio for travel purposes
and
> the like.  I know the question of accessibility for various radios comes
up
> here often; but, I have to admit, I don't usually read all of them unless
> I'm interested at that point.  So, if the things I am about to ask are
> already in the archives, someone please tell me how to get there.
>
> Here goes.  The radios I am very interested in are the Icom IC-706 in some
> flavor, Yaesu FT-100 and Kenwood TS-50.  I am also interested in looking
at
> something like the Icom 718 but I don't know how big it is.  My emphasis
> here is size and accessibility.  I am totally blind.  Can any of these
> radios be operated by a totally blind person with help from an external
> source such as the QSY'er for the Icom and Yaesu?  Please feel free to
share
> your opinions with me off list if you choose.  Please send cc as well to
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Thanks for your patience and 73.
> Kevin, K7RX
>
> Kevin Nathan, Independent Living Coordinator
> Dept. of Services for the Blind
> 3411 S. Alaska
> Seattle, Wa 98118
> Voice:  (206) 721-6450
> Cell:  (206) 604-4767
> Toll Free:  (800) 552-7103
> Fax:  (206) 721-6403
> Email:  [log in to unmask]