I have the TS-570, I've had it for, almost 8 years now and that's a good
pick. The TS-2000 is too, that will probably be my next radio. A lot of
people like the TS480 as well, but I don't because you can't attach the face
to the radio and the antenna connectors are on pigtails which are both huge
drawbacks to me. If I had a great deal I may try one, but I'd never go out
of my way to buy one. Really though the hole line of Kenwood radios is
pretty accessible and good all around radios. The IC-706 you mention is not
a bad radio, I have 1 of those too, but there's no direct entry keypad on
the radio and if you're new, the radio would probably have you very lost
with the menus and multi function buttons though I have mine in my go kit
and love it when I need it. I don't know that I'd want it as an every day
user though. The Kenwood line, any of them are very accessible and good
quality.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bear in SFO" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 10:01 PM
Subject: advice on equipment
> Hello all
>
> I apologize if you get this long email more than once because I sent
> it to multiple email lists.
>
> I guess I am ready to have a more "permanent" setup at home and have
> some questions I would like to ask before going out and procuring all
> the equipment, afterall it is quite an huge investment...
>
>
> Objective:
> - To have 1 or more base/mobile radio so I can use all mode on all
> bands (70cm, 1.25M, 2M, 6M, 10M and below)
>
>
> Given/assumptions:
> I already have a 2M/440 J-pole and I know I will be getting the
> Kenwood TM-V71A to be used for 2M/440. Other than that everything is
> still open to suggestion (radio, antenna, etc.).
>
>
> Initial questions:
> 1 - Is it possible to use that J-pole for multiple radios?
> 2 - Can I also use that J-pole for 1.25M or do I need another one?
> 3 - Are there any radio that include 1.25M or do I have to get one
> "stand-alone"? If so are there any accessible models?
>
>
> Suggestion on radios:
> here are a few models I am considering, could anyone comment on their
> accessibility/useability, and if one is better than the others? Easy
> to use? Voice output good and easy to understand, and give enough
> info to operate the radio? Anything I should pay attention
> about? Certain features to look for? Caveats?
>
> - Kenwood TS-570S
> - Kenwood TS-2000 (what are the difference between the different models?)
> - ICOM IC-706MKIIG
> - ICOM IC-7000
> - any suggestion on other models?
>
> Again the goal is to cover all modes on as many bands as possible,
> and I am OK with multiple radios but not too many so they become
> confusing and cumbersome.
>
>
> Questions on antenna:
> I have a small backyard with no trees. The only thing about the
> backyard is that my house is on a slope so it is higher than the
> house in the back. Someone suggested a windom (off-center fed
> dipole?) and I think that is a good idea considering how much space I
> have.
>
> 4 - I noticed there are a lot of companies that make Windoms, is one
> better than the others as far as how it is built (material, design,
> etc.), post-sales support and performance?
> 5 - Can I use the windom for 6M or would I need yet another antenna?
> 6 - Can I make my own easily?
>
>
> Suggestion on power:
> Any suggestion on how much power supply I should get? I have also
> heard about power poles and rig runners but have no idea how they are
> set up or if one is better than the other. Other people also
> mentioned EmComm standard and batteries; so confusing...
>
>
> Again I apologize for the long email and the slew of questions and I
> appreciate all your help and suggestion. If I have left out anything
> please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you very much.
>
> --David
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