[VHFcontesting] rig recommendations for portable operation

[k4gun at comcast.net]

I'm pretty happy with my IC7000 for roving.  Its quiet, reliable and as clear as I can expect.  The voice keyer is nice, as is the memory functions, once you get the hang of using them.  I do have a cooling fan, but that's not a big deal. 



My only complaint is the factory mic.  The PTT switch failed and I haven't been able to fix it.  I bought a replacement, but haven't been happy with it.  There are up and down buttons that don't work, even though its an ICOM mic and rated ofr use with the 7000.  



Steve 

K4GUN/R 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph Shupienis" <jshupienis at ccac.edu> 
To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com 
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2008 7:11:42 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] rig recommendations for portable operation 

Hi Ted - 

I am currently using the Icom 7000 which I specifically bought for roving and general mobile operation. 

The IF-DSP (in actuality a Software Defined Radio) provides the ability to pull out the weakest of the "weak signals" we are trying to work in these contests. The rig compares favorably with the single-band IC-271A and IC-471A, and has the advantage that it is already mounted in the Rover Wagon. 

Out of the box, the 2M and 440 MHz total receive gain is set artificially low in deference to channelized FM operation in urban intermod situations. This was an easy "problem" to fix -- a visit to the service manual, a magic button combo, and an HT for use as a signal generator resulted in a world class weak signal receiver in about 5 minutes. 

The bandscope is another very useful feature, both for seeing other activity while running a frequency, and especially when 6 opens up. 

Finally, the built-in CW and Voice memory keyers are very useful. 

If you can, take some time to put one through its paces before you buy anything else. If you give it a thorough workout, I think your choice will become clear. 

73 de Joe, W3NC 



_______________________________________________ 
VHFcontesting mailing list 
VHFcontesting at contesting.com 
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting