[VHFcontesting] IC-705 vs. XXX

[Pete K0BAK]

 I love my IC-705 for its small size, bandscope, and coverage of 3 VHF bands. I use it in my vehicle with an amplifier on HF for POTA activations and mobile in QSO Parties, and as a rover in VHF contests to drive amplifiers on 6,2,432 as well as the IF radio for 222 and microwave transverters. Great in my tight vehicle space to use just one radio for all that.
But ... in my opinion for a first radio, QRP is always going to be frustrating for a beginner. For coverage up through 432 on all modes, a beginner would be better off with a 50-100w radio like the IC-7100 or similar. No beginner should have to face a contest with 5-10w, no less trying to make everyday contacts.
-- Pete K0BAK

    On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 07:29:35 AM EST, Ev Tupis via VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting at contesting.com> wrote:  
 
  Oops.  Add "lower cost". :-)  

    On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 07:07:42 AM EST, Ev Tupis via VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting at contesting.com> wrote:  
 
 Are the Icom IC-705 and the Xiegu X6100 the only waterfall-included SDR's with 5-watts or more covering the HF+ frequencies?  I'm looking to recommend a "first radio" to folks *and* assure that radio can be used for VHF (contesting) in the future. :-)

For the '705, it's HF+++ (6, 2, 70).  For the 'X6100 it's HF+ (6).  

Yes, I know stuff can be added to other SDR's, but I'm thinking about a radio for new licensees who are not yet "makers".  Entry level folks with minimal access to radio coaches.
Ev, W2EV
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