On Mar 14, 11:18 am, "NE1RI" wrote:
On Mar 13, 7:44 pm, "Jeff" wrote:

OK, I just passed all the exams necessary to obtain an amateur extra
license. Now I'm thinking I'd like to buy a rig for my home office/
den. The question is...do I buy a new or used radio? I have found
several used that are recommended, but to start out I'd rather not
have to jump right into the repair of my only transceiver. :-{ So,
I'm somewhat inclined to go for a new radio, but then there's the
difference in price to consider. Does anyone have any opinions on
this matter? How tough is it to work on a used radio that may/may not
have some minor/major issues when you receive it? Do used radios
generally have major issues or are the generally fairly cosmetic (i.e.
a meter that's dead, etc.)? Thanks for any info/advice.

Thanks for the advice....by the way..do you have any opinion about the
IC-746PRO?
I'm inclined to go for the 718, but I'm thinking...If I'm gonna spend
$600, should
I think about paying more or just plan on buying another rig at some
point?

Thanks again.


Hi and welcome to the hobby. My opinion is that it is far better to
spend the money for a new transceiver as a new ham, rather than pay
for someone else's problems. My first transceiver was an Icom IC-718,
their inexpensive entry level transceiver - it performed exceptionally
well when the DSP module installed and I worked plenty of DX on a
G5RV.

Another fine inexpensive choice, I think, is a new Yaseu FT-857D. I
am operating this radio mobile with a ham stick with great results.
Both the IC-718 and the FT-857D would make great entry level radios,
not terribly expensive, and will really let you get your feet wet on
HF.

Good luck & 73 de NE1RI - James