[VHFcontesting] Ideal contesting rig

[Bob Naumann - N5NJ]

I agree with some of the other comments that a single radio is not the right
way to go.

As many of you may be aware, the idea of using more than one radio for HF
contesting is becoming mandatory to be competitive, and I see no reason why
VHF should be any different.

I have a Yaesu FT-847 which I think is adequate for all but the most
demanding VHF contesting - after installing Inrad filters of course.

I'm focused on 6, 2 and 432, and I think that for me, the ultimate station
will be comprised of a Yaesu FT-1000MP- Mark V, and the FTV-1000 Transverter
for 6m, and use the FT-847 on 2 and 432 only.

>From here in Texas, 6m is the 'money' band, and 2 and 432 occasionally yield
a few qsos, but it's nothing like what you have in the New York City region
on 2 meters for example.

I think you have to look at what your greatest opportunities are for making
qsos, and I think in most cases that would involve more than one radio, more
than one tower/rotor and also more than one antenna per band for switching
directions rapidly.

I cannot imagine meeting all of those criteria with one radio.

73,
Bob N5NJ



----- Original Message -----
From: "John Geiger" <johngeig at yahoo.com>
To: <VHFcontesting at contesting.com>; <vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu>;
<wsvhf at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 6:30 PM
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Ideal contesting rig


> SO what is the opinion of list members as to the best
> VHF/UHF radio for contesting?  I have used several,
> with varying results.
>
> If it were up to me, here is what the ideal rig would
> look like.  Lets call it the Yaesu FT746 (an upgrade
> from the 736, as the 847 was a step backwards)
>
> 1. 6 meters, 2 meters, 70cm and 23 cm out of the box
> 2. 100 watts on 6,2, 70cm, and 20 on 23cm
> 3. Modules for 222, 902, and 2304 (covers both weak
> signal and satellite portions)
> 4. Rig can hold all 3 optional modules
> 5. Built in memory keyer and voice keyer
> 6. Separate antenna jacks for each band
> 7. ability to put 12 volts on each antenna jack for
> preamps
> 8. Transverter port
> 9. Ability to set power levels separately for each
> band and mode-so you could run 100 watts on 2 meter
> SSB, and 20 on FM
> 10. Built in soundcard interface for WSJT
> 11. True dual receive, can be set up for duplex for
> satellites, or listen on 6 meters while running
> stations on 2 so you don't miss the quick band opening
>
> So, how long do you think it will be before such a
> radio is produced?  And who will be the first one to
> produce it?
>
> 73s John NE0P
>
>
>
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