I plan on studying for my General and intend to put in my JK an "all mode" rig.
I am looking at three rigs...
Yaesu FT 897-D
Icom IC 7000
Kenwood TS-480

These three radios seem to be very similar in abilities. I plan to use the one I purchase in my shack and in the Jeep when needed. I like the idea of having one radio rather than having a whole room full of radios. And limited budget points to the "all in ones" as well.

Anyone have pros and cons?
Favorites?

The Kenwood is the least menu driven... I like that about it.
Anyone have either rig?

I am just planning ahead for future use.
Thanks
Ralph

 

Whoa dude, i had no idea what you were talking about
had to google the kenwood to figure it out.
sorry no help here. that looks like a great hobby though

 

I was also looking for a do everything single radio and I am also studying for General. I don't have it but...

Until I read this post I had my heart set on the Yaesu FT-8900. Quad band, Dual receive, Small enough that the body can fit under the steering wheel, etc.

The IC 7000 looks A LOT better on the spec sheet. And it has dual antenna connectors. A Tuner Output?!? A Video Output Jack.

Someone tell me that is too big to go under the steering wheel with the face on top of the dash. Please.

Anyway, take a look at the FT-8900. It WAS on my list.

 

Yes the 8900 looks much smaller... I was first thinking about the FT 897... doing a bit more research I found the IC 7000 with a much bigger screen. then I realized that both of them are operated with a lot of MENUS. I then favored the 7000 due to it's larger "color" screen.
then looking me in the face... several qst magazines where on my work center with the back page up.... showing the TS-480... looks pretty good to me. I called HRO and they have a $300 discount on it now.
I like it because of the big screen and much less menus. I think the three all do about the same thing... all mode... kinda like an "all-in-one"

I hope I can get some good ideas on these thru this forum.

Ralph

 

FWIW, another site to get opinions on the radios iwould be here:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/
Hope this helps.

 

Altho I am a big Kenwood fan, the TS-480 does not have 2m. And the FT-8900 does not go down below 10m. If you want "all band/do everything" radios, these wouldn't do it for you.

I know the Icom 706 all versions are SUPER popular radios, especially if you didn't want to have to buy new. But as far as a newer rig on the market, I'd have to give IC-7000 the But, the real nice thing about the FT-879 is that it can also be a great portable rig (take anywhere) when fitted with the internal batteries.

 

I knew I could count on you for info! We spoke before on another topic... "local club & field day".
Well I learned another thing.... the TS-480 does not have 2 meter! I had not known that... thanks! Good golly I would have been upset if I bought it and did not know that! THANKS
So it is back to the Yaesu 897 and the Icom 7000

I went on echo link the other day.... first time I made a DX contact! I talked to a guy in Wales for some time... then made contact on the Island of Malta. ( I had been to malta some 40 years ago in the Navy)
Do you use echo link? maybe we can talk someday.

I have not been able to go to a meeting yet of our local club... I think I just missed one. I am listening to our repeater for the last few days... I have not heard anyone on it at all. I scanned the 2 mtr freq. and listened for the last two days. I heard one person talk... but not the other... must have been out of range.
I am not giving up on Amature radio... I just got to keep going on my own!
it is actually a shame that the capital of Kentucky has such an inactive amature radio club.

Keep in touch
Ralph KG4ADQ