Any thoughts or concerns? The average eHam reviews are 4.15
I considering using this as a base and mobile. I took your advice AK4Dave and have been selling some items from other hobbies I used to have. I am shooting for my GENERAL by end of March.

Features of DX-SR8T/E
Coverage of All short-wave and HF amateur bands
(DX-SR8T North American /DX-SR8E European and other regions)
Covers the 160m to 10m amateur bands including 5.3MHz (T-model only) in SSB, CW, AM and FM modes. Output power is 100W SSB/CW and FM, 40W in AM with low and super-low power settings for QRP operation. In addition, the general coverage receiver covers 135KHz to 30MHz in all modes.
Detachable front control panel
Completely detachable front control panel with large LCD display lets you install the radio with greater flexibility whether in your car, boat or your shack. (Optional EDS-17 cable required)
Direct DATA entry via the key pads
While the main dial tunes at the default 10Hz/resolution (adjustable in set mode), the numerical key pads can be used for fast direct frequency input, band selection and more.
Fight QRM with these STANDARD features
Reject unwanted signals with the IF shift. Choose a narrow filter, a noise-blanker or use RIT/TXIT to stay out of QRM.
Emphasis on CW Operation
An electronic keyer unit is standard. You can receive CW using either upper or lower side of the carrier frequency. Choice of side tone pitch, FULL (QSK), Semi or Auto break-in, split, narrow filter, AGC and RF gain.
World-class transmit audio quality
A dynamic microphone (T/E models) and a speech compressor come standard for sharp, clear and powerful transmitting audio.
Enhanced scan modes
A variety of scan modes are available including Priority, Search, Busy, Timed, Memory and Programmed search. Timed scan setting does not require squelch-mute so you are able to monitor data-modes and broadcasts simultaneously with memory search scan.
Additional convenient features include
RF Attenuator and Pre-amplifier selectable in 4 steps, / 3 TX power output levels with a Super-Low setting (QRP 0.1W~2W variable) / Dual VFO / 600ch memories in 3 banks / Connections for Auto-antenna tuner and Liner amplifier ALC output / Fully independent AF level, squelch, RIT and IF shift knobs / Dial lock and key lock / TX-RX lamp / Alphanumeric display / Auto-power-off / CTCSS encode for 10m FM repeater accesses / Microphone, Headphone and External speaker jacks on the front panel / Large, temperature-controlled internal cooling fan with anti-overheat output power limiter/ High-SWR protection�cand more!
[Standard accessories]
EMS-64 (SR8E/SR8T: Dynamic)
DC cable
Microphone hanger EBC-7
[Optional accessories]
EDX-2 automatic long-wire antenna tuner
EDS-17 Front control remote kit (5m cable, front panel bracket, unit cover and hardware)
EMS-14 Desktop microphone
DM330/340MV series DC power supplies
MI-litaria

 

Hi, this does sound like a nice radio, but I don't see that it has 2meters or 6 meters.But I may be wrong. It gets pretty good reviews on eham, and the price seems good for a HF rig. If you are getting a mobile rig I would truely think you would want a rig that will transmitt on 2m. I really like my Icom IC706 mkllg for that reason. You can find a gently used one for 5 or 6 hundred dollars if you do some shopping around. I really like the QTH.com classified ads, they have really good sellers there and you can check the feed back on the sellers before you buy anything. And there is usually a very good selection there. I would check them first before I did any thing on ebay.., you never know what you are going to get there. I hope Dave and others will jump in an give some suggestions as well. I have found that one of the funnest things is shopping around for radios and equipment . This is just my opinion. Have fun

 

I'd have to agree with Highlander about the 706.......any version, if you are considering a used rig. If not then the Icom IC-7000 is the newest that replaced the 706, and it has better filtering and such.

As what was mentioned, the Alinco doesn't have 2m so keep that in mind. If a general coverage rig without 2m is what you want, then I would definitely look at the Kenwood TS-50 (used) or the TS-480 http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communicat...S-480HX-480SAT The 480 has a 200 watt version w/ internal tuner.

Not bad mouthing Alinco, but if it was me, I'd stick with one of the big three....

 

Personally, I use the Yaesu 857D, for the capability you want in a radio and it has 2m, 6m, air, commercial FM, WX, etc. In my Jeep, it pretty much stayed tuned to 2m. As a base station, I use it for all bands.
It is a good start up radio and can take a real beating. Many of my Jeeping friends also use the
ICOM 7000 for the same purpose. No one I run with has an Alinco radio, so I can't provide you with any
first hand knowledge. But I do know that you won't go wrong with a Yaesu 857D or a ICOM 7000.

 

Today, I took my first leap into the realm of DXing. I went with TS-480SAT, because it has the built in AT and can be run thru my PC. Hope I made the right choice I was looking for radio that would DX and has alot built in features. I should get her next week Thanks for all the suggestions and help.
Any suggestions for base and mobile antennas? I live in a rented house so putting up a mast my be difficult. Is there anyway to put an antenna in my attic? QRV
KC9VHA

 

Nice leap into the world of Ham DX. That would be my second choice for radios for a mobile. Actually it might of been my first, since I really like the AT in it as well. But I got a really good deal on my 706.
Wire dipole for your antenna would be my choice. I actually bought a jetstream fan dipole with 4 bands 80,40, 20 and 10. I got and still get alot of contacts with it. My choice now would be a G5RV they can be had for under $60.00 and will tune 80 to 10 meters. I am sure you are going to hear alot here on antennas, so like everyone has told me, every antenna works different for every one. I would start with a G5RV. I also invite you to checkout my web site www.okcarc.org and go to the antenna section. there is alot of links and info there FREE and you do not need to sign up for the web site to check it out. Have fun. Oh if you don't mind saying- where did you get your Radio? I LOVE new toys!!!!!
Mike
W7MCM

 

Right on.....congrats on the new rig!!! I'm sure you'll have TONS of fun with it, as everybody that I know that has one really like theirs.

As for antennas, as was mentioned a dipole is a "good" antenna, but if you can put up a dipole then you can put up other antennas just as easy that provide more gain. I have built a number of antennas, as that is really a part of the hobby I enjoy. Even built a 10m monoband yagi out of old CB antennas that worked excellent. But I, (and a bazillion others),have always been a fan of wire loop antennas.....either vertically or horizontally polarized, or oriented. You can use them as monoband antennas and feed them with coax, or feed them with 450 ohm ladderline and use them as multiband antennas. I ran a homebrew G5RV for awhile, and yes it will get you on the bands, but again a loop will provide more gain. Another popular antenna that provides gain over a dipole and is easy to build is the Moxon antenna. Google it. Yes you can put an antenna in your attic. I've talked to a number of guys using attic antennas so it is possible, but if you can utilize any trees on the property then you may not need to put up a mast if you want to try building a wire antenna. You might want to consider picking up the "Antenna Handbook" through the ARRL. It is a monster of a book with anything and everything you ever want to know about antennas.

Again, congrats on the Kenwood. I have run all of the big three over the years, but have pretty much always been a Kenwood fan. Kenwoods are known for quality audio which I really enjoy.

73 & Have Fun...!!!