the Icom 703 does have the voice board available, I've been looking very
hard at that, trying to decide what my best portable option is and I'm not
so sure that's not it, even though I'd like the 706 for mobile and backup
here, it might be cheaper to get the 706 and the 703, and just use the 703
portable and 706 for everything else, it would cost a little more that way
but not enough to keep me from thinking about it.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 6:35 PM
Subject: Re: FT817 accessibility?


> John is correct. There is no voice option, and no keypad entry.
>
> For another $100, you can purchase an external keypad called the QSYer,
> which is made by a w2 whose call I forget at the moment.
>
> If you want something that is reasonably portable, look at the Icom IC703.
> Ask the dealer about the voice option for it. I think it has one, but I'm
> not sure. The same company whose name I have forgotten also makes an Icom
> version of the QSYer.
>
> The IC703, unfortunately, does not cover 2 meters or 440 like it's big
> brother, the 706. This is, I think, unfortunate.
>
> The most accessible portable rigs out there are from Elecraft. The K2 can
> be
> fitted with an option for SSB, but again doesn't cover anything on vhf
> without a transverter. It has an accessory which will read frequency and
> menu settings in cw.
>
> The Elecraft KX1 is a cw only 2 watt rig for 40, 30, and 20 meters. It too
> includes the cw readout. Elecraft will put blind hams in touch with
> builders, since their rigs are only sold as kits.
>
>
>
>
>
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