The most versatile would be the TS200 with the 1.25 mhz band added. it would be the best choice at this time. Gary KB2YAA ----- 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 > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.13.25/1018 - Release Date: > 9/19/2007 3:59 PM > >