David,
The TS-2000 is all-mode. If you get the regular version for around $1550 it
covers 70CM, 2 meters, 6 meters, and 160 thru 10 on hf. You can also get a 23CM
module for it for another $600 or so but it does not have 222MHz capability.
The VS3 will read your menu settings, freq, and s-meter. Not quite as
accessible as the TS-480 which even reads power and mike gain, but very much
easy to use. More accessible than the Icom although that is also usable.
As far as a windom, or off-center-fed dipole, that would work. Don't have an
opinion on particular brands, but you could build one yourself also. You may
need a tuner to handle all the bands though. Check the reviews at eham.net to
help you select a particular manufacturer. They are categorized by equipment
type; you'll want to look under HF Antennas, and then I think wire antennas.
Steve K8SP
----- 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, 0M 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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