Last I knew, Gary Lee, kb9ZUV has a 751A with keypad speech board, and maybe 
some other acs, which he was wanting to sell.  I can give you his info, and 
I'll foward this message to him. HTH, Danny.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Dresser" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: Recommendations for Beginner HF Rig


> David,
>
> If you can afford it, the Kenwood TS-480 is a good choice.  You could
> probably pick up a used one for around $700, and if it doesn't have the
> speech board you can buy one and have it installed.  You might also try to
> find an Icom 751A on the used market.  It's older technology, but it's a
> very good radio, and quite easy to use since it has no menus.  If you get
> one, though, you'll want to buy the keypad that plugs into the front so 
> you
> can enter frequencies directly.  You'll probably have to find the speech
> board, but they're around.
>
> Steve
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David thurmond" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 08:36
> Subject: Recommendations for Beginner HF Rig
>
>
>> All,
>>
>> I expect that this topic has been discussed over and over, so my
>> apologies in advance.  I am looking to buy my first HF rig, but I have
>> no idea what the best way to access the equipment is, and what
>> features on a particular model would be best.
>>
>> I have seen that speech processing is available on some higher-end
>> models, but is this really the way to go?  Is it just as good to
>> purchase a lower-end model that works with Ham Radio Deluxe, or will
>> any software available to control the rig through the PC work with a
>> screen reader?  I hate the thought that I am dependent on my PC to
>> access my rig, but if that makes operating more enjoyable, then that's
>> what I'll do!
>>
>> Lots of rigs seem to offer very basic speech capabilities, such as
>> parroting back frequency selection, but I think I want something much
>> more comprehensive than that.  So, what are experienced folks in the
>> real world using to make their equipment accessible for a blind user,
>> and how?
>>
>> Many thanks!
>>
>> David Thurmond, KK4ADV
>>