Michael Coslo wrote:

Getting on the air on a budget:

Go to a hamfest and pick up one of the older radios. There are some
deals to be had with old hybrid radios. Kenwood made some really nice
ones. There are some old Yaesu hybrids out there also. Of course, if you
get lucky, there are some deals on more modern ones also. I picked up an
Icom IC-745 for 250 dollars at a hamfest.

Your advice got me to thinking. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of buying ham gear at a hamfest, versus buying it on eBay
or via the various classified ads?

There's no doubt that going to a hamfest is fun. It's a place to meet
people, see equipment (both old and new), and generally have a rich
social and learning experience. There's likely to be some interesting
gear for sale, especially at the larger events. You can see what you're
buying, and you don't have to worry about shipping (or the seller just
taking your money and not sending the gear).

But buying via eBay or classified ad has its advantages, too. You can
research the features of the rig, using things like the eHam reviews, to
be sure that it really meets your needs. If you're willing to wait,
there's a more complete selection of equipment, so if you're in the
market for something specific you're more likely to find it. You can
check recent sales to build an idea of a "fair price".

I'm a bit hesitant to suggest to a new ham that they go to a hamfest and
buy equipment. I'm afraid that the equipment-buying experience at a
hamfest is too intimidating to a new ham. It requires more knowledge of
what's what, and how to size up what's a good deal, than most new hams
possess. Now if they have a buddy to help them, that's different.

Which gets us back to the point that several have made in this thread --
the importance of making contact with the local ham community.

73, Steve KB9X