[VHFcontesting] Best integrated package for VHF

[John Geiger]

Having run a couple of these rigs, I would have to go
for the Kenwood TS2000X.  You get all the VHF bands of
the other, except for 222 mhz in the FT736.  However,
you cannot get 6, 222, and 1296 all in the FT736 at
the same time either.  The receiver works very well,
with the IF DSP and digital filters.  Other
considerations that make me lean towards the TS2000X:

1. It has a built in CW memory keyer
2. Built in autotuner for 6 meters
3. Can get built in voice keyer as an option.  The
FT920 and 756PROs offer this, but also offer only 6
meters.
4. Can set power levels independently for each band. 
Great for using amps on different bands.
5. Has built in sub receiver.  Great for monitoring
the local simplex frequency for making FM simplex
QSOs, or for the VHF repeater for contest spots.
6. One ACC port controls all switching and audio input
for WSJT, PSK, etc.  Contrast this with the Icom 746,
where their ACC setup is the dumbest thing I have seen
yet.  Need one cable for audio in and 6 meter PTT, and
a different cable for 2 meter PTT (but no audio in on
this cable).  It looks like the 706 series is set up
the same.

I am interested in seeing how people rate the FT100D
for VHF contesting.

73s John NE0P

--- Eugene Zimmerman <ezimmerm at erols.com> wrote:
> Scott N3RA recently asked a very useful question on
> this reflector -- what
> radios do people use on VHF.  I would like to go one
> further and ask which
> integrated radio - one that covers on 6 meters
> and/or above - works the
> best.  Initially I do not want to discuss
> transceiver/transverter
> combinations - we should talk about them separately
> next.
> 
> So I would like to know how this group would compare
> Yaesus like the FT920,
> FT847 to ICOMs like the IC756/746 in their various
> iterations [Pro, non-Pro,
> etc], FT736 with Mutec mods [without the mods I
> think these would not
> qualify] and the Kenwood TS2000.  I would also like
> to hear about their
> noise blankers - in many locations 6 meters is
> unusable without a decent
> noise blanker.  Price should not be a deciding
> factor - I am looking for the
> best radio at any cost.
> 
> What I am looking for is the equivalent of a
> discussion of FT1000MP/D vs
> IC781/775/756ProIII vs Omni whatever vs the high
> power Elecraft K2 on HF
> with an emphasis on features YOU think are important
> to VHF and VHF
> contesting.
> 
> Let me start by start by giving a plug to the lowly
> FT847.  IF and ONLY if
> you add IRC filters [2.1 and 400 ~] it is a
> surprisingly good radio and its
> transmitter power is ideal for driving amplifiers. 
> The noise blanker can be
> rated only fair.  Without the IRC filters it is
> mediocre at best.  This is a
> clear case where the extremely cheap Yaesu ceramic
> filters greatly
> debilitate the radio and Art Collins no doubt is
> turning over in his grave
> when he thinks about the "Collins" mechanical filter
> they sell as an option.
> But I don't know how this "souped up" 847 compares
> to a TS920 with the
> cascaded IRC filter mod [2 filters in each IF] or
> the 756/746.  It is better
> than the stock 920 but I have never listened to any
> version of the 756 or
> 746.
> 
> What say you all?
> 
> 73  Gene  W3ZZ
> Director, CQWW VHF Contest
> FM19jd  MD
> 50 => 10 GHz
> Grid Pirates VHF Group K8GP
> Member, CQWW Contest Advisory Group
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> VHFcontesting mailing list
> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
>
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com