My general question is what would be recommended as a good solid radio
for under $300 in the used market. I'd also like digital readout but
not required if the radio is better for the money.

If you're looking for a tabletop model, there aren't any new units in that
price range that I know of (but don't quote me, I'm no expert)... but since you
have no aversion to buying a used model, you've opened the field for yourself
with used gear from Universal, or eBay, or AES, etc. I've seen a number of
Yaesu FRG-7's at auction, and they all tend to go for $200 to $300 depending on
condition (or ego/ambitions of the seller!) They do not have a digital read
out, but one can be added to the radio (such a modification is documented
online at a few places) but the cost of the digital display and the fact of
altering what has become a classic may not be a comfortable option for you...
not to worry, as the FRG-7 is a dynamite receiver regardless. Very stable after
a short time powered up, and if it has the fine tune option present, is quite
suited to almost any SWLing you'd care to try. But if you're just getting back
into the hobby, the operation of the FRG-7 has a *moderate* learning curve with
the features and tuning requirements it offers. It's easy to get the hang of it
but it can be a little daunting if you're not used to it.
There are a lot of other tabletop models used or discontinued (Icom R71/A/B,
R72, other Yaesu models like the 7700 you mentioned, etc.) for around your
price point, and if you go to :
www.dxing.com
and look into their 'modern receiver survey' and reviews, you can get a lot of
info about the various features you may want. Really helps to narrow the
field..

But if you're not looking into tabletops only, you can find some great
portables for less than $300 which are also fine performers. Sangean's ATS909,
Sony's 7600G, and others.
With the tabletops you need to put up an external antenna, with the portables
you don't (not for starting out, at least) and they can be better suited to
'just starting back into the hobby' as far as ease of use and flexibility. IF
you can spend up to $300 on a portable, then try to get one new and with a
warranty and all, since it can be done for less than $300 fairly easily. That
way you're assured of the most current features and so on.
I'm probably being too vague, but really, the best thing to do is find sites
like the one I mentioned and educate yourself about the features you want,
need, and which are provided by the various models you may find on eBay and so
on... this way you scale down the search and then can get deep into auction
land, haha!
Best of luck-
Linus

Thanks for your comments. I've been watching a couple of Yaesu radio's
on ebay. Complex operation is not a problem. I'm a electronic tech and
computer engineer buy trade. I also have a passion for tubes (have all
tube audio setup) so I guess I'm a geek at heart.

I'm already planning a outside antenna. I'm hoping I can get some good
reception. I live about 50 miles from any large city and on top of a
hill.

It sounds like I've been on the right track looking for a radio. Just
was wondering what others thought.

Thanks again
Brian

On 05 Dec 2003 18:05:33 GMT, (GrtPmpkin32) wrote:

My general question is what would be recommended as a good solid radio
for under $300 in the used market. I'd also like digital readout but
not required if the radio is better for the money.

If you're looking for a tabletop model, there aren't any new units in that
price range that I know of (but don't quote me, I'm no expert)... but since you
have no aversion to buying a used model, you've opened the field for yourself
with used gear from Universal, or eBay, or AES, etc. I've seen a number of
Yaesu FRG-7's at auction, and they all tend to go for $200 to $300 depending on
condition (or ego/ambitions of the seller!) They do not have a digital read
out, but one can be added to the radio (such a modification is documented
online at a few places) but the cost of the digital display and the fact of
altering what has become a classic may not be a comfortable option for you...
not to worry, as the FRG-7 is a dynamite receiver regardless. Very stable after
a short time powered up, and if it has the fine tune option present, is quite
suited to almost any SWLing you'd care to try. But if you're just getting back
into the hobby, the operation of the FRG-7 has a *moderate* learning curve with
the features and tuning requirements it offers. It's easy to get the hang of it
but it can be a little daunting if you're not used to it.
There are a lot of other tabletop models used or discontinued (Icom R71/A/B,
R72, other Yaesu models like the 7700 you mentioned, etc.) for around your
price point, and if you go to :
www.dxing.com
and look into their 'modern receiver survey' and reviews, you can get a lot of
info about the various features you may want. Really helps to narrow the
field..

But if you're not looking into tabletops only, you can find some great
portables for less than $300 which are also fine performers. Sangean's ATS909,
Sony's 7600G, and others.
With the tabletops you need to put up an external antenna, with the portables
you don't (not for starting out, at least) and they can be better suited to
'just starting back into the hobby' as far as ease of use and flexibility. IF
you can spend up to $300 on a portable, then try to get one new and with a
warranty and all, since it can be done for less than $300 fairly easily. That
way you're assured of the most current features and so on.
I'm probably being too vague, but really, the best thing to do is find sites
like the one I mentioned and educate yourself about the features you want,
need, and which are provided by the various models you may find on eBay and so
on... this way you scale down the search and then can get deep into auction
land, haha!
Best of luck-
Linus