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
>
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