wrote in message
. ..
I am a newly licensed technician, study for the general exam. I plan to
purchase an HF rig soon and would appreciate suggestions on a good starter
rig. I am budgeting $800 for a rig and antenna. I would be happy with a
good used rig but I am not sure where to start looking for information.

Thanks,

Jim KI6ISQ


Jim if it were me, I would first decide on whether your station will be base
or mobile or possibly both.
The same rig can be used for base and mobile - but in this case it narrows
your choice of rigs to the smaller compact ones.
If mobile and base, then two separate antennas are needed- one for the
vehicle - other for base use.

Decide whether you want an all solid state rig or can tolrate one with
vacuum tubes

Be aware that most recent rigs require a 12V power supply which for your
vehicle is simply wiring to the car 12V system, preferrbly directly to the
car battery. But for base use, a 12V power supply is needed i.e., 117V to
12V. Current requirements vary, but 12V at 25 Amps works for many rigs. So
another expense is a power supply for base use.

Next decide if you want to make your own antennas, saves lotsa money. Use
Google to look up "Homebrew Ham antennas"
If you opt for a commercial antenna, consider a used one and refurbish it.
Incude the cost of coax and maybe an SWR meter

After the antenna with the money left over, perhaps check e-bay and swap
listings for rigs in your price range.

Then check E-Ham reviews for what users have to say about the various ones
URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/14

So you need to make some decisions before anyone can recommend a rig and
antenna and keep into the $800 range
Base? Mobile?, Both?,
{Antenna, Homebrew , used, or new)????
Solid state or tubed, or hybrid??

Then repost

73 Lamont