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Onelasttime
Junior Member
Username: Onelasttime
Post Number: 23
Registered: 8-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2011 - 10:34 pm: | 
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Ok so I am looking for the lowest cost 10 meter and 12 meter radio for my son to start his Amateur Use with! I am well versed int he 2950 so I am sure that the 2950 DX is at least as good if not better then my old 2950. I know nothing though about the SS-158 other then what is listed in the white paper's for it. So knowing that radio's like the VR-9000 chirp on CW and are not well suited to real daily heavy CW use I was wondering about the SS-158. Can it truly be used as a legitimate 10 and 12 meter rig by a young Amatuer for CW and SSB?
The SS-158 occasional is on sale or you can find B-Stock but the RCI-2950DX is never on sale. Since work has been sporadic I like to keep my options open in case a deal comes along. I am not super crazy about bands I prefer continious tuning but I like wise am not going to turn down a good deal if this radio will work well him to get started. No way I can afford a commonly accepted high dollar radio like Icom,Kenwood etc.....At this point since RF Unlimited, Stryker,Connex,Galaxy has nothing to offer in this segment it is Down to RCI-2950 or SS-158. I have seen the SS-158 as low as $165 so that is why I am asking about it. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 2026
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2011 - 11:08 am: |
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I have used the 2950DX on CW, and even it will 'chirp' unless you key the mic while sending the CW. All keying the mic does is switch the radio into transmit mode. Actual RF does not come out unless the CW key is closed.
For a completely no-chirp CW rig, look for Kenwood, Icom, or Yaesu.
Used Kenwood radios go for the same price as a new 2950DX and will give him all the HF bands, not just 10 and 12!
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Bert
Intermediate Member
Username: Bert
Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2011 - 9:48 pm: |
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Stick with a real HF rig....... a used Kenwood, Icom or Yaesu. A lot of times an amateur will cut a deal for a youth looking to break into the hobby. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 2030
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 14, 2011 - 9:18 pm: |
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Yes, you are right.
I admit to even giving away radios to young guys just starting out.
There's two older guys I have been working on lately too. I offered to give them each a radio if they take and pass their exams to get their tech.
Shockingly, even with the offer of a radio, antenna, everything to get on the air for free, neither gent has even put forth the slightest effort.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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