I would whole heartedly suggest the TS2000.
You must have heard about its various features by now, but it is one of the
most accessible 160 to 70CM rigs out there.
It has a well regarded HF receiver even in the dx gooroo camps, and sounds
great on air as well.
Also, the FM receiver sensativity is second to none.
Unfortunately, it does not transmit on the 1.25 meter band.
You can however get 1.2GHZ or 1296MHZ as an option for around $1400 more.
This would effectively leave you with only 2 more radios to get for full ham
band coverage from 1.8MHZ all the way to 1296MHZ.
You would still require a 1.25 meter rig as well as a 33CM rig.
Where do you live?
You have to be in or close to a fairly significantly populated area in order
to get much use out of 220 or 900MHZ.
Those may be options you can look at in the future.
As for antennas, your J poll will work on the bands it is designed for, but
won't be resonant on the bands it wasn't designed for.
It would be better for you to invest in a co-liniar vertical for 2M and 70CM
and another mono-band vertical for 220 if you go that route...as well as
what ever other mono band antennas you need for 1.2GHZ and 33CM.
That said, a good quality discone antenna will provide you with good swr and
unity gain from 6 meters to 1.2GHZ on all the ham bands.
the windom is a popular and well regarded HF antenna.
You will need a minimum 22 amp power supply to run the ts-2000 and its
always better to have a little extra in case you ever run more 13.8VDC
devices or radios along with the ts-2000.
A 35 amp power supply would probably be your best bet.
You can use anderson power polls, or a rig runner, which is essentially a dc
power bar with fuses.
If you are looking at building an entire operational station right off the
bat, you will be making quite an investment, but if you have the means to do
it, go for the best you can get within your budget and you won't be
disappointed.
73
Colin, V A6BKX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bear in SFO" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 8:01 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
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date:
9/25/2007 8:02 AM
>
>
|
