Noon-Air wrote:
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:8xFPf.2411$Uc2.454@fed1read04...

Whatever happenet to a simple to operate 100watt HF rig that transmits
and
recieves??... something in the way of an inexpensive, baseline, HAM band
*only* rig... maybe along the lines of the re-production of the TS-130S.

-n6ojn


With the advent of microprocessor based Ham rigs- many more features and
wide band (HF, 6M, 2M, 440 and SWL) coverage is easily obtainable at
about the same price as a new TS-130S (about $700 new 1980's). See ICOM
706 Mark II G. The "G" is an all-mode transceiver provides 100 watts on HF
and 6 meters and 50 watts on 2 meters plus 20 watts on 440 MHz. It
receives from 30 kHz to 199 MHz and from 400 to 470 MHz. For $899

In the 1980's you would have paid twice that for separate radios to cover
those bands all mode

Lots bang for the buck

As far as complexity -- most have a menu presets -- choose your options
and will operate much the same way as a TS-130S


You completely missed the point..... A *simple to operate* 100 watt HF rig,
NOT microprocessor based, HAM BANDS ONLY...
What was $700 over 25 years ago, should be able to be produced today for
just a hundred bucks or so. When the latest electronic toys come out, they
command a premium price, and after a couple of years, the price goes down to
where a working stiff can afford them.


"I feel your pain." Seriously, you have a great point. I am now
studying to re-acquire my General license (I'm 50). Yes, things have
changed quite a bit since my days with a reasonably priced HW-101.

But, I think QRP is where some neat high quality stuff is available,
especially in kit form. It's also a great way to start into ham radio.

Regarding CW as a barrier to many new hams, I don't know. The "old
school" approach is part of what I like about amateur radio. Nostalgia
is not worthless. I hope we don't lose CW.

Nostalgia is attractive in other areas. Audiophiles have returned to
tube amps for many years now. Some of the units are set up so the owner
can enjoy the tubes' cool purple-blue glow varying with the music.
Baseball is largely nostalgic. I'm sure there are other examples.

I guess my point is that amateur radio shouldn't try to compete with
internet, or whatever. It has a sort of historical niche...it can be
pretty cutting edge and nostalgic at the same time.

I would recommend QRP as the best entry into ham radio.

john