Probably the cheapesst hf radio that I think is still being made, not 
sure, is the icom ic 718.  You'd need the optional voice board.  If you 
could find a used 440 that would be good, (kenwood 440), again optional 
voice, but builtin  antenna tuner.  Lots of options out there.
73
Butch
WA0VJR
Node 3148
Wallace, ks.


On Thu, 7 
Mar 2013, Karl Belannger wrote:

> I live in a house where I can do prety much whatever I want, but could end u=
> p moving soon depending on what happens with jobs so I want to be flexible w=
> here antennas  are concerned. As to what I can afford, I can potentially sav=
> e up for whatever, but would really like to know what the cheapest options a=
> re. Anything that gets me on more bands than my 2m/440 HT is an improvement a=
> t this point.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 7, 2013, at 14:00, "Howard, W A 9 Y B W" <[log in to unmask]> wro=
> te:
>
>> Hi Karl,
>> =20
>> Welcome to the list.
>> =20
>> First, what is your housing arrangement?  Do you live in an apartment, con=
> do=20
>> or do you live in a house either rental or your own?
>> =20
>> The answer to this question will determine your antenna possibilities.
>> =20
>> Also, in order for us to give you any recommendations as to an HF radio, w=
> e=20
>> will need to know how much money you have to spend for radio and antenna=20=
>
>> combined.
>> =20
>> Answer these and we will go from there.
>> =20
>> Howard Thomas, W A 9 Y B W, Springfield, Illinois
>> =20
>> ----- Original Message -----=20
>> From: "Karl Belannger" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 12:00 PM
>> Subject: HF operation on the cheap
>> =20
>> =20
>>> Hi,
>>> Before I get into what i'm looking for, I r1lize I may be vague on a few=20=
>
>>> thi=3D
>>> ngs, but that's only because I either don't know what options I have or=20=
>
>>> don'=3D
>>> t care about that particular point. I'm planning on getting my general=20=
>
>>> licen=3D
>>> se rather soon, so I'm looking for some hf rig recommendations. I'm=20
>>> looking f=3D
>>> or a rig that przvides at least basic accessibility, an antenna(s) that=20=
>
>>> don'=3D
>>> t require permanent installation, and to do it as cheaply as possible. I=20=
>
>>> rea=3D
>>> lize that I'm not going to get a ton of power out of what I'm looking for=
> ,=20
>>> a=3D
>>> nd I'll probably need to make some decisions requiring bands. As for mode=
> ,=20
>>> I=3D
>>> 'm looking for the various voice modes.
>>> On the antenna side, the one that looks most like what I want is the MP1=20=
>
>>> ant=3D
>>> enna. Does anyone have experience with this antenna? Are there any other=20=
>
>>> goo=3D
>>> d ones that are similarly portable/relocatable?=3D20
>>> Any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>>> Karl
>>> =20
>>> Sent from my iPhone=3D=20
>
>