HAM Radio 1/HamRadio.cdr/misc/rigguide/rigguide.txt

Text File | 1989-11-04 | 9KB | 182 lines

The following article is supplied by the editor of the
Raleigh (NC) Amateur Radio Society's EXCITER. Permission is
granted to copy for use in any amateur radio newsletter,
provided proper credit is given.

If used, please send a copy of your newsletter to:

                    Vince Yakamavich, AA4MY
                    220 Carriage Trail
                    Raleigh, NC  27614

(I like to see what other papers look like -- I'll mail you
one of mine in return!)
==========================================================


             Newcomers Guide to HF Ham Rigs

I recently overheard two fairly new to the hobby hams
discussing (bemoaning) the high cost of ham radio gear,
specifically HF transceivers.  They were discussing top
brands, and top-of the line models.  (Sorta like two
teenagers with newly earned learner's permits, bemoaning the
prohibitive costs surrounding Porsche 924's...)  "You really
can't get much for under $1,000." said they -- "Horse-
feathers!" sez I.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a virtual explosion
in electronic technology.  The technology of "yesterday"
(tubes, and linear VFO's) have been replaced with ultra-
sophisticated computerized, marvels of engineering and
packaging technology (for which, we pay most dearly).  But
let's look seriously at some of those "antiques" of the late
70's and early 80's (which are now in the $400 - $800
range).  Did they work?  Most assuredly.  How well did they
work?  Many a DXCC and 5 band WAS earned, with untold
millions of hours of enjoyment, to boot!

Unfortunately, new comers won't find ads for the "antiques"
in today's ham mags.  All they see are the ads for the new,
(multi) kilo-buck transceivers from Japan Inc.

After reading some of the spec sheets on the new rigs, a
newcomer to the hobby will probably think I'm off my rocker
when I say most of the "features" found on the new HF rigs
in the kilo-buck range are USELESS!

Just for an example, lets talk about "digital VFO's" and
"Memories".  A "digital VFO" is in actuality, a frequency
synthesizer.  Synthesizers are characterized by extreme
frequency stability (a very desirable trait), on the order
of 20 Hz or less per hour (based on thermal changes in the
crystal time base).  But lets look at some of those
"antiques".  They too can boast of frequency stability.
Like 100 Hz or so per hour.  "But," you say, "that's FIVE
TIMES WORSE than what a new rig can do!"  And you're
absolutely correct.  But the key question is: "Will you
notice 100 Hz per hour drift?"  Using a tight CW filter,
yes, you would -- after perhaps a FULL HOUR QSO.  On SSB,
you'd probably want to touch the frequency knob after about
2 HOURS of rag-chewing!   Yes, those older rigs sure made
hamming rough...

"But the new rig offers 100 "memories", while some of the
"antiques" don't even offer a digital display!"  Yup, you're
right again!  But remember, unlike the VHF/UHF FM spectrum,
HF is not "channelized".  HF stations will be scattered
randomly on the band -- NEVER will you find them exactly
where you programmed your memory for yesterday!.  Net
operation??  "Plus or Minus QRM" is often heard on many a HF
net preamble.  Your HF "memory" will NEVER get you exactly
on the frequency of your favorite net.  You'll always be
tuning up and down the band anyway.  Unless you plan to make
heavy use of autostart RTTY, HF packet, or AMTOR, I doubt
you'll ever need a memory on HF.

Keyboard entry of frequency?  Perhaps good to get you in the
desired band segment, but not much more.

Digital display?  Impressive to look at, and perhaps nice to
have.  But crystal calibrators (about $20 to build, if your
"antique" doesn't already have one built in) and mechanical
displays have been the frequency reference for years -- and
yes, the new rig's high-tech synthesizers have to be
calibrated against WWV, just like the $20 calibrator...

Solid state finals versus tubes.  No doubt about it, tubes
are getting more difficult to find.  But they CAN be found.
"Tubes are expensive!"  Yes they are -- but YOU can replace
them.  Ever try to get 4 matched RF type transistors?  Ever
changed a set mounted in a heat-sink buried within the
bowels of a tightly packed maze where even Japanese sized
fingers fear to go?  More likely than not, the average ham
wouldn't even ATTEMPT to replace the finals in a solid state
rig (IF he could find a matched replacement set!), while
changing a tube presents little, if any, problem.  Tubes DO
have other advantages, too.  They're infinitely more
forgiving when it comes to that "ideal" 50 ohm resistive
match we hams are always seeking, but seldom obtain.  A 2:1
SWR, a tube will work just fine -- a newer rig will probably
go into a limited "foldback" to protect the transistors.
Three to one??  Tubes are still perkin' along... Transistor?
Forget  it!

One disadvantage though: You will have to learn to peak the
grid, and dip the plate.  Hand-eye coordination.  Watch the
meter -- twist the knob.  Yup, those "hams of olden days"
sure had it rough...

Speech compressor?  Some DXers swear by 'em.  Most  rag-
chewers swear AT 'em!   If  you need one, they exist as
"after-market" devices for the older rigs, not to mention
the "build your own" method.

Enough of my rambling on features.  Suffice to say, a lot of
the "features" on the newer rigs amount to high priced,
useless frills.

What newcomer's in quest of a good hf rig REALLY need to do
is seek out an EXPERIENCED ham who has knowledge about the
older rigs.  ASK what kind of rig THEY USE.  Ask what they
LIKE or dislike about it.  Most hams would be DELIGHTED to
show off their shack, and give you HANDS ON exposure to
their set-ups.

Allow me to offer my personal thoughts on the matter.  In my
humble (?) opinion, I'd recommend any of the following, as
they were the "standard of performance" in that "classic"
age of 10 or more years ago.  Most can be found in ham-fests
or in Trader Publications for around $200 - $600.  Collins
KWM-2A, Drake TR4-C, & TR-7 transceivers; Collins S Line,
Drake T4C, R4C (separate Receiver & xmtr).  Again, these
were the "Cadillacs" of 10 or so years ago.  Solid, proven
performers, and parts still readily available.

Be cautious though -- not all the rigs in this era were
"gems."  Although some of their rigs were winners,
manufacturers such as SWAN, National, EICO, et. al., have
had models that left a sour taste in the ham community...
Until you're more knowledgeable about the in's - and out's
of specific models, stick to the "Cadillac's" like Collins &
Drake!

Got a little more to spend?  Icom 745 (my current HF rig),
Kenwood TS-830, TS-430.  $600 - $800 range.  SOLID
performers (even if they ARE transistorized!).

Just for fun, let me play devil's advocate.  Lets assume
that you, Joe New Ham, just HAS to have that kilo-buck+
special.    It's a steep price to pay, no argument.  But the
thing you have to keep in mind is that the "cost" of this
hobby is mostly "up-front money."  In the long run, hamming
is NOT that expensive when you look at dollar cost versus
hours of enjoyment.

Let's compare it to some other hobbies:  Bowling -- pretty
in-expensive, eh?  After you buy your equipment (about $75
or so), you can look forward to dropping an additional $10
or so every time you visit the lanes for a couple hours of
fun.  A couple times a week, over the course of a SINGLE
YEAR, you've already paid MORE than that new transceiver
costs!  Golf has it's greens fees, and you're limited to
daylight and (for all but the fanatics) fair weather.  Not
so with HF ham radio.  Twenty four hours a day, rain or
shine, you can sit down and enjoy your INVESTMENT, making
new friends, learning about far away places, & perhaps
helping others in life-threatening situations.

My opinion: if you're still doubtful about the hobby, seek
out an experienced ham to consult and / or go shopping with,
and go for one of the "classics" of recent time.  Get on the
air.  I'm convinced it won't take you long to become
"hooked" on HF hamming.  It's day & night compared to VHF
repeater operation.  Besides, you'll always be able to sell
it at a hamfest if you ever loose interest.  But if you're
CONVINCED that ham-radio is for YOU, then go ahead and look
at those kilo-buck+ specials, visit your friendly Credit
Union if necessary, and GO FOR IT!

Vince Yakamavich, AA4MY