Greetings Top Band,
I follow with interest the threads on antennas and transceivers and thought I
would throw in some comments and opinions. I've been teased and jeered by the
guys that have spent fortunes on their station equipment. Most of which I
think looks very impressive and many of which have far more buttons and knobs
than what I would ever be able to deal with. Most of the $4K+ radios have
great performance. This is not to say you can not get value and performance
for the money.
I very seldom operate from home anymore except for occasional mobile or semi-
mobile (running antenna feed from mobile inside the house). With that in mind
my remote station is based on the lowly Kenwood TS480HX. It servers my purpose
in being compact, reliable and an over all quite good performer. The thing is
rock solid remote performer. The control software and operation is glitch
free.
Even in the contest mode of operation where I operate at it's controls on site
I use a radio control program to expand it's features and operating. Why not
since a logging program needs to be run anyway? For that I use HR Deluxe. You
can pick these up for a song these days and have a full featured transceiver
with CW filter for about $1175. If diversity reception is needed by a second
and add a solid state TR switch. You will still be ahead cost wise.
The DSP effectiveness is as good as any other I've heard. When used with the
narrow CW filter option the little box offers very good close in operation and
strong signal handling capability. Just turn the Preamp Off.
I think you would be surprised with this little box. It's served me well in
Top Band contests for the last three years.
see http://members.cox.net/midnight18
73,
Bob :)
--
Bob Kile, W7RH
DM35OS
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Linux is like living in a teepee. No Windows, No Gates,
Apache in charge.
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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