Karl,  As Butch indicated the IC718 would be a reasonable choice.  The only
problem with getting one of the older kenwood radios like the TS440, 450 etc
is that they need to VS1 speech module which may be hard to find.  Also if
they need repair, some of the parts are hard to find.  I haven't done any
pricing recently so I couldn't even guess what anything may be worth on the
used market.

Bob KD0BR


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Karl Belannger
Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 2:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: HF operation on the cheap

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