| Author |
Message |
    
Znut
Advanced Member
Username: Znut
Post Number: 701
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 10:27 pm: | 
|
I have $200 to $250 for my birthday gift to spend on a new radio. As soon as I get my code down I will be upgrading to General class.
Should I wait for the new 257 that I want, or spend $75 to $100 extra for a 2950dx now?
I know the 257 has advantages as far as cost and things like power and audio. The 2950 also covers 12 meters.
What do ya'll think about the dilemna? |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 3747
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 6:43 am: |
|
Znut
Save up and get a IC-718 or if they are still around a FT-840 for $500 to 600 you will not regret this also if you can find a good one used they are both good starter radios. Both will go 160 to 10 meters in 10 hz steps both are stable radios with good receivers ... the 718 has DSP the 840 does not.
I have a 840 and had a 747 before it ( the 840 replaced the 747 ) It's not a IC-7000 or TS-2000 but I have worked the world with it.
There are older radios that work just fine but getting parts is a problem most radios over 10 years old are not supported well.
The problem with the Ranger is it only covers 12 and 10 meters otherwise it too is a good set.
............... AVOID FT-100D ................. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 9760
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 8:46 am: |
|
Znut,
Since your question was about the 257 and the 2950DX (both mobile radios) and using it when you get your General Class ticket I personally would suggest the 2950DX as it will offer you more options for operating on the general class portion of the ham bands.
While both of the radio's that Bruce mentioned are good radio's they are (both base radios).
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
Znut
Advanced Member
Username: Znut
Post Number: 702
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:15 am: |
|
Does the 2950dx have the same display lighting problems as the 5054dx? My beautiful blue backlight quit, I sent it back to Ranger (RMA) had great customer service, the radio came back with more power out, better alignment but the display illumination only worked for another month or so. Its aggravating during an opening when the batteries run out on my booklite which shines on the freq display. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 9785
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 6:50 pm: |
|
Znut,
Not sure about the 2950DX but our 5054-DX has not had a single problem with well over 3000 hours of on air time in the last year and 1/2.
Sorry, I cannot offer any help.
Maybe some of the 2950 DX owners can jump in.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2 |
