Topband: G3YRO Just Joined !

[Roger Kennedy]

Hi All

Despite being a keen 160m DX-er for the past 45 years, I've just finally
joined this Reflector !  So I'm looking forward to reading 160m related
posts.

What made me decide to join was reading through the 160m receiver
comparisons - very interesting.  I stayed with my FT101E (with 250Hz crystal
filter) and R4A (with audio filter) for years, as I could hear all the DX
fine, even in contests.

However, about 18 months ago I decided to get something a bit more agile and
with more features.  After a lot of research and talking to previous owners,
decided on a TS930S (even over a 940 or 950). I've done several repairs and
mods, and fitted 250Hz filters in both IFs.  It's reliable now, and overall
I'm very pleased with it - I particularly like the adjustable CW offset and
audio filter - using the same pitch all the time can get tiring!

Having tried them at other people's QTHs, I've never been convinced that a
rig with DSP would be an advantage . . . and although there are possibly
slightly better rigs (FT1000MP?) they use surface mount and obsolete
processors - I wanted a rig I can repair and keep going myself. I think the
TS930S is probably the last flagship rig that fits the bill.

Never having had room for Beverages, I've just made a 160m receiving Loop
which is up in my loft. Really pleased with how this is working on DX - I
will post details later.  And apologies for this first long message!

73s Roger G3YRO