I bought a used IC-718 with dsp and voice chip on ebay for $425. Like new with box and manual. There are plenty of used but like new rigs out there for under $500. I see a new 718 is selling for $545 with dsp installed (Universal Radio), so for $605 you could get this rig with dsp and voice chip. The 718 is a great rig for the budget minded. 73, Ken -N5SWR -----Original Message----- From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Buddy Brannan Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 2:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: budget minded Sure, you can find an HF rig under $500, but it won't be new. If you can shake a bit more than that loose, look for a Kenwood TS-450. A TS-440 would be a good choice, too. Hey, I know a guy who has a complete Ten-Tec Triton IV (I think it is) station. Radio, power supply, antenna tuner. (Ten-Tec 540, no WARC bands.) If he still has it, you can have it for $250...and of course shipping. Sure, it's an older rig, but it should be usable. Here's his info: David, KJ5VY (I knew him when I lived in Austin) Phone: (512) 924-5255 Email: [log in to unmask] If you don't mind playing with tube finals, you can't go wrong with a Kenwood TS-520 or TS-830...both have fantastic audio on SSB. -- Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV: Executive In Training! Independent Watkins Manager #361534 Shop our catalog of over 350 products for your home and health...and check out our fabulous 2006 Holiday Gift and Entertaining Line! http://www.tastyshop.net ...And see how a Watkins business can improve your life in our free Ebook: http://www.tastybiz.com