Category Archives: Tips

Frugal, Learning, Tips

Where to Get Good Opinions on Hardware/Software

I’m always looking for real world opinions and thoughts on products that I will invest money and time into. I usually have a rough idea on what I need, and can get a loose grip on base requirements, but at the same time, I need to be open minded since I’m really learning about the ins and outs of ham radio.

One thing to always keep in mind for these reviews is that you have to read through the good *and* the bad to make an informed opinion. Lots of times you can find more in-depth reviews. I normally give those more weight, especially if there are real measurements involved (no “seat of the pants” performance metrics for me please).

Here, I’ll name off a few resources that I’ve found helpful.

#1 – eHam Reviews – http://www.eham.net/reviews/

This site is chock full of interesting reviews and opinions on everything! From new to old hardware, software, etc. this site has continually been the best resource for information about amateur radio related tools.

#2 – Universal Radio – http://www.universal-radio.com

Mostly reviews of transceivers here, but also has a great list of accessories for the unit you’re looking up.

#3 – Amazon – http://www.amazon.com

Great site for new things, but you won’t find all of the discontinued items to use as a comparison for swap meet and e-bay items. Great thing is that you can sort the reviews by stars, and make better use of your investigation time.

 

Kenwood TS-430S, Tips

Kenwood TS-430S Online Resources

I’ve not been real busy with playing around much, but starting to get a little more free time. Most of my time around ham radio recently has been centered around research on the Kenwood TS-430S. I’ll log the resources here, and try to keep them updated when I find more information.

Manuals:
Owners Manual
Service Manual

 

Common fixes:
Intermittent Drop in Power Output

 

Filters:
INRAD filters

 

More Information Links:
QSL Net resources

HF, Kenwood TS-430S, Tips

My New (to me) Kenwood TS-430S

Finally got a rig!

After a month of looking, reading, researching, and patience, I was finally able to purchase an HF rig that gives me just enough functionality to keep me busy for a while!kenwood_ts-430s_front

Why the Kenwood TS-430S? Because it fit my requirements!

Requirements:

  • HF rig < $300
  • Name brand
  • SSB/CW/AM modes
  • Operate in phone and CW
  • Frequency display counter
  • Lots of knobs and buttons
  • No integrated power supply or antenna tuner
  • Parts available
  • Plenty of documentation available on the Internet
  • Easy to repair
  • Modifications available
  • Good reviews on eHam.net
  • Non-smoking environment

How did I get to this list of requirements?

I’ll touch on a few of the “not so obvious ones” here.

I wanted a modular system that I can build with individual components that I can leverage in the future for expansion and extending capabilities. I especially didn’t want to trust an older system to have all of it’s components functioning flawlessly. Power supplies and antenna tuners are things that can often get abused, are easy to repair/replace, and would be much more difficult to fix if they share integrated circuits with a larger system.

I wanted to do phone operations and also have the ability to get into CW, all while actually knowing at a glance what frequency I’m on.

The name brand requirement is really just an extension of the “supportability” of the system. If you go with some off-the-wall brand, you are risking component availability, as well as others not being familiar with the system (because face it, you’re going to need some help!).

I’m a very hands-on kind of person. Having dials, knobs, and buttons that I need to manipulate just appeals to me. I like being physically involved in the tuning process.

This also feeds my want to fix things myself. With plenty of available parts and documentation, I can muddle through just about anything that doesn’t require a degree in electrical engineering to figure out. I want this to be a learning experience, and if I can’t open the case and solder a few components, I’ll never learn.

Finally, I want the ability to modify my transceiver to become whatever kind of Frankenstein I want it to be come. I want it to be mine, and fail or perform as a result of my sweat and hot soldering iron. If there’s no battle scars by the time I’m done, I’ll not have learned a thing.

In conclusion, I really just wanted something of value that I can work with as a base for learning. This is a great hobby that I’ll be able to have fun with for years. I want a setup that will allow me to fulfill this need, and I believe that the Kenwood TS-430S will allow me to succeed.

 

Frugal, HF, Kenwood TS-430S, Tips

Used Radio Market

Seems there are a lot of deals out there for good (older) used radios if you just look in the right places, and be patient. Places to look for the deals?

Depending on how adventurous and trusting of others, there are many places to turn. I’ll give you a run-down of sites I’ve browsed, with my opinion of safest to “feeling lucky?”

Safe: $$$ Places that won’t scam you

  • Ham Radio Outlet – Used equipment that they have looked at. http://www.hamradio.com/used.cfm

Some Risk: $$ Places that help to guard against scams

  • QRZ.com – This is the place where hams sell their gear, an are required to divulge who they are (callsign) and seems very geared toward reducing the risk of fraud. http://forums.qrz.com/forumdisplay.php?7-Ham-Radio-Gear-For-Sale
  • QTH.com – Lots of stuff for sale here, and great tips how to protect yourself. http://swap.qth.com/

Buyer Beware: $ If you know what you’re doing, you can make out with a great deal

  • Craigslist – Personal risk if meeting individual, but you should be able to see/test the equipment before you buy. http://craigslist.org/
  • eBay – Always understand what you’re buying, and check the sellers ratings. If *anything* looks fishy, don’t bite! Another thing I like to do is search for the product in google images just to see if the seller is using someone elses images for the item. If so, keep walking by.

How to buy?

You don’t have money to buy new, so you better plan so you can make the best of the money you have.

Always start with a budget, and (at least) general requirements of what you need, ie. $300 and HF operation with AM/CW/SSB capability.

Search for things that match your requirements, and start writing down the prices you’re seeing. Make notes as to the condition and sellers information. This may come in handy later if you have seen the item/seller often, and need to gauge how much the seller may be willing to negotiate.

You will start to get an idea of whether or not you will be able to purchase what you want within your budget quickly. The longer you can wait for a deal, the more success you’ll have in getting a lower price.

Also, the more open you are to things like wear and limited functionality, the more you can negotiate and save. If you’re not one that is handy with fixing things, be realistic and open your wallet.

Always remember that if you know what you like, don’t compromise! You’ll always be thinking “what if?”

Using this method, I was able to hone in on a used Kenwood TS-430S for $264 shipped from eBay. The seller said it functioned fine, and had a good seller rating and reviews. The pictures showed signs of wear and some oxidation on case screws. That meant that the photos weren’t edited, and ensured (to me) the “honest” nature of the posting. I took a gamble, and ended up with a radio that even contained an FM mode board that wasn’t even shown on the item description! Bonus! I’m very pleased with my purchase, and it didn’t break the bank, nor force me to compromise.

I hope your experience will be as good or better than my own venture. Good hunting!