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How to choose the right new device
Are you thinking about buying a new, used or new device and you are not sure what to get? I'll tell you how I decided and you'll see if it doesn't help you decide too.
Why do you want a new device?
Maybe you just got your license and want to broadcast. Maybe you've recently acquired a license with more rights or just started with an old rig that still works (like me… I started with a Heath HV-9) and want something more advanced. Maybe your device doesn't suit you anymore and maybe you just want to own the best device.
To clarify the situation, I will now assume the role of a classic radio amateur who wants to get on the HF band and make connections using all the popular modes (SSB, CW and HF digital modes like PSK31). In this situation, I cannot afford the most modern equipment, powerful...stable frequency, crystal filters, the possibility of computer control and good sensitivity and selectivity. New or used?
Today's mid-range devices like the Icom 746 Pro, Yaesu FT-920, and Ten-Tec Jupiter perform as well or better than devices from the 1990s. They are even more resistant to QRM and generally easier to use. So if you're looking to buy a brand new device and don't want to spend more than 00, there are plenty of good options out there. On the market, we can find used devices that are no longer sold in stores, but a few years ago they were top performers, and they are still among the best that can be found. We're talking about the Icom 756 Pro, Yaesu FT-1000 MP, Kenwood TS870, Drake TR-7, and Ten-Tec Omni VI and VI+. These devices are undoubtedly so good that it is possible to do them all QSO as on today's devices. If you don't mind buying used equipment, you can get them for half the price they were selling for new.
A big advantage of buying used equipment is that if you buy it at a good price, you can probably sell it for the same price in a year or two. Many radio amateurs buy used equipment this way and then sell it if they decide they want something else. In this way, a person can familiarize himself with various devices and find out which suits him best.
What features?
Many radio amateurs choose devices based on how many controls they have. However, the benefit is important, not just the features.
I would not buy a device that does not have electronic digital tuning. Almost all mid-range devices have dual VFO (they can transmit on one VFO frequency and receive on another frequency). This is a very important feature for DX and contests, I would not take a device that does not allow this. You can approximate split mode via RIT and XIT, but your frequency offset will be limited. For example, many European SSB operators will broadcast below 7100 kHz on the 40 meter band, while listening above 7150 kHz and without the possibility of split or another receiver will not be able to work with them.
I mentioned selectivity as an important trait before. Selectivity is the ability to dig out hard-to-hear signals on a very noisy band. Selectivity and sensitivity make it possible to dig out weak signals (DX) in the interfering band where there are strong local signals. Mechanical and crystal filtering along with band tuning and DSP are properties that improve selectivity.
Crystal filtering can be used for any type, not just CW. It is useful against QRM when running PSK31 on USB. But not many devices allow to use CW filter, if they are not CW types. An exception is the Ten-Tec line.
Band tuning is another way to eliminate QRM. I will give an example. When you cut out a rectangle of paper the size of your monitor and place it next to the monitor and move it left and right against the monitor to the screen to one side or the other... That's probably how band tuning works. It can be very effective in SSB.
NB allows us to eliminate regularly occurring QRMs such as starting a car, although at the expense of some sensitivity. If you live in an area with a lot of interference, this may be necessary. NB circuits don't do well with the discontinuous, irregular noise that's often audible in the lower bands... but DSPs do.
Notch filter is another thing to eliminate disturbing sounds at specific frequencies. It works great if, for example, someone decides to tune in or transmit narrowband signals close to your frequency during a CW or HF digital QSO. Most notch filters work on the audio-frequency part of the radio station, so even if you eliminate the interfering sounds, it can still affect your signal reception due to fluctuations AGC (thus crystal filtering and band tuning are desirable features).
DSP - reduction of disturbing influences is a new feature where you can see the differences. It's amazing to hear faint CW signals from the background when you push the DSP. It would be very difficult for me to go back to a non-DSP device once I've tried it, although in my opinion it's not that important for an HF digital type or SSB operator.
Where to learn more
My first recommendation for anyone who doesn't know much about radio stations is to do a little research. If you are thinking about a new device while reading this article, you have no doubt discovered that www.CQ.sk is an excellent source of information. For those who want to buy used radio stations, I recommend reading reviews. For information on prices, a good source is e.g. Foreign eBay. You can find equipment there cheaper than anywhere else (mainly in Slovakia and also in the Czech Republic).
So… what do I own?
I still have the HW-9, although I haven't used it in a few years. I will probably sell this radio in the future to buy something more suitable for me. Then I have an Elcraft K2 that I put together from a kit. The main reason I bought this is because I wanted top-notch performance and I wanted to put my radio together. I am also a supporter QRP.
My best rig (albeit used) is a Ten-Tec Omni VI/Option 1 that I bought from a guy who decided he wanted to try the new Ten-Tec Jupiter (he now has the new Ten-Tec Orion). I'm a big fan of Ten-Tec so I definitely recommend it. Of the used devices, I would definitely buy the Omni VI/Option 1, as I think it is the most advantageous purchase. Works very well for any HF type, mostly CW and HF digital types. The Icom 756 Pro is also a good buy, especially for an SSB or HF digital operator. Used Icom 746/Pro, Kenwood TD-570SG, Yaesu FT-920 or Ten.Ten Jupiter (here you can update the firmware via the Internet and thus have the same radio station that is currently sold) deserve your attention.
At the higher end are devices like the Yaesu FT-847 (good for HF broadcasts but accepts VHF/UHF satellite broadcasts), the Kenwood TS-570DG (same as the –S model but without the 6m), and the Ten-Tec Pegasus (requires computer control…like the Jupiter without the front control panel…but usually available for several hundred dollars less than the Jupiter). The Kachina (also requires computer control… the first device of its kind) is equally affordable.
Summary
Decide which features are important to you, get to know which radio stations have these features, how manufacturers improve them, through cq.sk, ARRL, eHam.net and other reviews. Then just take the saved money and build a proper antenna!
John Clifford (KD7KGX)
Translated by YL of MW3SDO, corrected and accepted by MW3SDO