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Re: Topband: Results summary of preferred CW transceiver

To: Dennis Peterson <dennisissure@comporium.net>
Subject: Re: Topband: Results summary of preferred CW transceiver
From: mstangelo@comcast.net
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 13:29:33 +0000 (UTC)
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Dennis,

Please keep in mind that in the event of a failure replacement parts may be 
hard or even impossible to come by. The TS-850, while an excellent performer, 
has had issues with their DDS chips and Kenwood no longer supplies them:

http://n6tr.jzap.com/850repair.html

It's wise to do a search on a particular rig before purchasing it to find out 
the 'gotchas'. I'd also check with the manufacturers to see if they stock parts 
and still support a particular model.

It's ironic that I can fix my 1940's boatanchor but I can't get parts for a 
1990's radio.

73,

Mike N2MS


----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis Peterson 
To: Topband Reflector 
Cc: kh6ty , Tom K4RPA , Vic , Dennis Sparks , Bill WA4GZK , Mike Sewell , 
Wb4nbe@aol.com, Jay Hammett , Doug k4ly , tedk7om@yahoo.com, Rick WK4R , Dave 
Garner , W4TMR@aol.com, Guy W4NUS 
Sent: Sun, 4 Apr 2010 11:30:53 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Topband: Results summary of preferred CW transceiver

Well, what a pleasant surprise and welcomed response from so many with regards 
to the most promising cw transceiver in the USED market.  Thanks to EVERYONE 
who replied to my question and inquiry.  The following RESULTS speak well of 
public and personal preference and opinions.  There were only 9 rankings 
recorded and tallied in the results.  These are not etched in stone, nor are 
they the gospel for critique.  They are opinions and personal hands on 
experiences from some of the hobbys well known operators.


RANK                    Rig Description                                         
   percentage of total votes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     1           Kenwood TS-850/loaded filters                                  
           27%

    2            Elecraft K3                                                    
                        16%

    3            ICOM-746 & 761; FT1000MPMKV                                   
14%                           

    4            ICOM 765 Pro                                                   
                  12%

    5            Ten Tec Orion                                                  
                     10 

    6            Kenwood TS-830                                                 
                8.0%

    7            Elecraft K2; Icom 751A                                         
               6.0%     
                       
    8            Kenwood TS-930, TS-2000, Flex 3000                             
  4.0%                              
                  Ten Tec Omni VI; Yaesu FT-1000D                 

    9            ICOM 736, IC-746ProIII, IC-781, IC-7700                        
3.0%                                
                  Kenwood TS-940, Yaesu FT-2000, FT-9000
                  FT-950; Flex 1500; Ten Tec Omni V and
                 Ten tec Orion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
                               100%


I examined the results posted by W*JI on his web site as well as the Sherwood 
Engineering web site and found the results here were very similar in spite of 
the time frame.  Actually, I was very surprised to find the Kenwood TS-850 at 
the top of the list as I was really expecting to see the Elecraft K3 on top.

I have personally owned Tempo One, Yaesu FTDX 570, FTDX 400; FT-101E, FT-101EE, 
IC-735, Alinco DX-70 and Kenwood TS-870.My favorite was the TS-870 followed by 
the present IC-735.  One responder went as far as to say that he had an IC-735 
and traded it in for an OMNI VI and found he was hearing additionally with the 
OMNi VI and working DX he wasn't hearing with the 735.

I am pleasantly swayed in one direction at this time and hopefully I will make 
the correct decision and end up with a nice new USED CW transceiver.  Got to 
wait and see if my ship comes in or I win the Lottery or anything else that 
could solidify the current scenario.

In conclusion, many operators who responded to this inquiry are also or were 
DX-Peditioners themselves.  Many were Contesters and others just casual DX 
chasers.  Thank You again and I respect your comments and suggestions which has 
enabled me in making a better decision.  Great job guys and your DX peditions 
and expertise greatly appreciated.

73s de K4CKDennis
_______________________________________________
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

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