| Author |
Message |
    
Joey_migs
Junior Member
Username: Joey_migs
Post Number: 47
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 11:49 am: | 
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I how found myself needing the replace a radio (Alinco DX-77)that has filter problems and no longer transmits any power except on 160, 80, and 60 meters. Instead of spending money on repairs, I have opted to buy a new radio. Any suggestion that wont brake the bank? I have been looking at the HF radio IC-718, but now I am leaning towards a radio the also includes 6 meter, 2 meters and 70 cm - maybe the IC-7000. Can anyone lend any insight as to whether the aforementioned radios are a good choice? Or is there another brand and/or model that is of good quality and fits my needs?
Thanks, in Advance,
Joe |
Moderator636
Moderator
Username: Moderator636
Post Number: 71
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 2:02 pm: |
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IC 7000 all the way...i love mine
Jeff
Moderator636
CEF0636
CVC68
CEF HAM#245
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1786
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 1:32 pm: |
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The Icom IC-718 is a fine choice for those looking for minimal hassles (also known as 'features') and an eye on budget.
If you're looking for a radio that will last you a long time and not fail, my personal favorite in the 'minimalist' category goes to the Kenwood TS-480SAT for its performance, audio quality, and overall quality.
Second favorite is the Yaesu FT-857D for similar reasons.
Icom quality hasn't been up to their previous standards the last several years. I have personally been very disappointed with their HF products for a while now, whereas Icom used to be my top pick.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 5229
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 2:54 pm: |
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DO NOT BUT A TS-2000
Receiver is a noisy dsp nightmare .....
On 2 meters you need a good preamp while the IC-7000 runs rings around it ...
I REPAIR ICOMS nothing wrong with them .... |
Joey_migs
Junior Member
Username: Joey_migs
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 5:24 pm: |
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Thanks, I have had my eye on the Icom 7000, but it is time to start looking at Kenwood and Yaesu. How bout the Ten Tec Jupiter - any good.
Thx, Joe |
Joey_migs
Member
Username: Joey_migs
Post Number: 50
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 5:37 pm: |
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I have Ia Alinco that I loved, except the noise floor was not as good as I would like. The comparison with a dummy load reception and a essentially 1.1:1 to 1.4:1 depending on band antenna load proved this. the trouble seems to be the filter board because 160, 80 and 60 meters do put out RF, the rest of the bands - nothing i.e. ougots. I don't hear the relays clicking so I assume it is the filter board, Any advice or suggestions on trouble shooting?
Thx, in advance,
Joe |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 5232
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 7:40 pm: |
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Alinco are known for filter board failures you might see if it's worth fixing.
AVOID A FT-100D they have big problems and EARLY IC-706's had mainboard problems does not apply to MK or MKG's
Otherwise your good to go on most others. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 1787
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 9:01 pm: |
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Am I the only one that found humor in Bruce's line above?
"I REPAIR ICOMS nothing wrong with them "
That was pretty funny.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 4720
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 11:44 pm: |
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that was the point paul! bruce has so much free time to 'have all the radios on, 2, 6, 10, 11m' as well as be on the computer! he's just like the maytag repairman!
i love ALL the icom's i've ever owned-551d, 735, 751a, 765, 706mk2g....i REALLY love my 746 pro....or else i wouldn't keep repairing it  |
Joey_migs
Member
Username: Joey_migs
Post Number: 51
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 1:07 am: |
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Bruce,
do u think if i listen with an open ended stethoscope to each relay , the contacts may have fused shut(arcing)on one., swap it out w/ a good one. good to go.
Worst case, encoder is bad I have to send it to Georgia at 55 bucks an hour, i pay shipping both ways.
Thx, all. Appreciate it,
Joe |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 5234
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 6:21 am: |
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From what I have heard that just MIGHT be worth a try since $55 a hour is a bit pricy ... I would think some switching diodes are bad ...
I have a lot of alinco radios mostly 10, 6, 2 and 220 but years ago had 2 of the DX-70's |
Airplane1
Senior Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 1366
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 7:23 am: |
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Joey_migs, I love my IC7000. I think you would too. I have it two years and it performs wonderful. I run it just about 24/7 with no problems and I always get great reports. Lots of features and I think easy to learn all the bells and wistles.
AP |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 1256
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 12:07 pm: |
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I am on my second IC-706. The first (with a very low SN -as I was an Icom Dealer when they first came out) I sold 10 years back to help pay immigrations costs, and I know that it is still running with no problems.
My current one I bought used and use it both in the car and, at times, in the shack. Again I am more than happy with. The only difference between the two was I spent the time on the first one to completely go over it's alignment and adjustments, adn as such it received just a little bit better.
Would I buy another one. Too right I would, although if money allowed I'd go for a 7000 for 756-Pro.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS
.
I thought he said, "there was no rust for the wicked, and I own an MGB"
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Joey_migs
Member
Username: Joey_migs
Post Number: 54
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 12:16 pm: |
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What's the story on the KENWOODŽ TS-2000 or Yaesu FT-950
Thx,
Joe |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 5235
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 2:02 pm: |
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The TS-2000 is a very old dsp design and is near it's end. The receiver is VERY noisey I have to run a preamp on all bands 2 meters is really bad.
NOW it does have everything built in so it does a bunch .....
I don't own a 950 .... |
Norm
Junior Member
Username: Norm
Post Number: 31
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 28, 2009 - 12:06 am: |
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YES I WOOD GO WITH THE IC7000 AS AIRPLANE1 HAS SEAD. LOOKS GOOD TO |
Mikefromms
Senior Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 1042
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 10:00 am: |
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I have found Icoms to have some of the cleanest receivers on them. Good filters already installed in that IC-7000. Just be aware of the fact that the receivers being so sensitive are sensitie to frontend overload. Don't run another transmitting antenna too close to the one you have your Icom hooked up. I have a friend who learned the hard way. Otherwise, if I was starting over (have too much invested in Yaesu) I'd likely start over with Icom. Not to say I don't like my Yaesu FT-857. That radio for the price can do every thing most people here need. Lots of neat accessories can be bought that hook right to it and the menu operates them like tuners and antennas, s-meters. |
