Consider an All-Band Radio

[Jerry]

Do you have your TECH license? Consider an all band transceiver. You are already licensed to talk on a portion of the 10 meter and all of the 6 meter bands, and all-band mobile radios like the Yaesu FT-857D, the Icom IC-706MKIIG and the Icom IC-7000 are also capable of 144/440. The neat thing is that these radios cover the 144/440 bands and HF is at your disposal in case you need it for emergencies. Remember, anyone can broadcast real emergencies on any frequency. And if you are into Morse Code you are already licensed to dit and dah on the 80, 40 and 15 meter bands. Try that as you drive down a bouncy dirt road, key in one hand, cell phone in the other and somehow manage to operate your CB radio, FRS walkie talkie, GPS and hopefully turn the steering wheel before a puff of wind whips open your folding map obliterating your vision through the windshield. Whew! Anyway, you can buy these radios used for a reasonable price.

[Does that scenario remind anyone of Ryan on the Crowly Road?]

[Mike S]

I think my next radio will be an all bander. The IC-7000 is definitely on my wish list, but more realistically, I'll probably get a used 706 because of the cost. Are the 706's fairly reliable to buy used?

Currently, all of my radios are 2 meter, single band. In fact, they're all commercial radios that I use on 2 "part 90" frequencies, as well as 2 meter ham frequencies. I'd like to get into 220, 440, and 50MHz (not to mention HF, when I get my general). So I think the next logical radio to buy will be an all bander that I can use in the house, and in the car.

73's
Mike

[Jerry]

Are the 706's fairly reliable to buy used?

I have three 706MKIIG's, two of which I bought used and the other one was an Icom factory refurbished unit. One is set up as a base station and the other two are mobile. So far no problems and I highly recommend the MKIIG's as their used price is relatively inexpensive and they are fairly easy to program...at least as compared to other brands.

If I could justify the price I would buy an IC-7000 because of the built-in filters and increased memory, but alas, beggars can't be choosers. I would also consider a Yaesu FT-857D all bander. In comparison reports the 857D beats the 706MKIIG in most categories, but the Icom is easier to program on the fly. On the upside, there is an excellent software program available for the 857D that I would most certainly purchase if I owned that model.

My first radio was a dual-band Yaesu FT-7800R (currently FT-7900R) and it is a wonderful little radio, but like other new style transceivers with all their files and sub-files it is real hassle to program manually. I bought a software program immediately after reading the Yaesu instructions!!! That radio went in our daily driver. Shortly thereafter I bought a used IC-706MKIIG that I installed in our pickup, the rig we drive to remote areas. I wasn't licensed for HF, but I wanted all-band capability in case of emergencies.

Long story short, after watching sale prices, finding some good deals on the used market and moving radios from one location to another, today my humble base station consists of an IC-706MKIIG and an FT-7800R, there is a MKIIG installed in both the Bronco II and the F-150 and a 7800R resides in our daily driver. Thank goodness for used radios!!!

[Mike S]

Thanks for the review. I'll continue my search for a used 706MKIIG or maybe the 857. Okay, next question (and I fear this one is more complicated); What kind of mobile antenna do you run for the HF side of the radio?

[Jerry]

Thanks for the review. I'll continue my search for a used 706MKIIG or maybe the 857. Okay, next question (and I fear this one is more complicated); What kind of mobile antenna do you run for the HF side of the radio?

I carry 4 Hamstick knockoffs (different brand) for 10m, 20m, 40m and 75m that can be used stationary or on the go. I also carry a 66' length of insulated #12 stranded copper wire for stationary NVIS contacts on 75m.
Lakeview Company manufacturers of Mobile Antennas and Accessories By WD4BUM.The Ham Stick Folks.
N.V.I.S. Portable Antenna

There are better antennas available, like the screwdriver style, but considering that we drive through tunnels of foliage that are known to chew up various protuberances I decided to keep mine simple and inexpensive. I was sort of in a hurry when I bought my "hamstick" assortment and had not completely investigated all options. So if you check around and find something that suits your needs better please let me know.

[Mike S]

I like the idea of having dedicated antennas for each band. That seems to make more sense than a one-size-fit's-all solution. Hmm, taking notes here.

[hutchman]

Jerry, I am thinking of another one for the truck......one of these days. And I agree, an all bander should be a good choice!

[Jerry]

I have been talking with a few hams about various antenna tuners that can tune a 102" stainless steel whip to all HF bands including 6 meters. Stainless steel will take a beating on the trail, especially if mounted on a large spring, and one antenna would be a whole lot easier than several. The drawback is that the tuner must be mounted close to the base of the antenna. They are sealed, but vibration, extreme temperature changes and road debris will eventually take their toll. I plan on making some calls to the manufacturers of these tuners and see if I can learn something first hand. You will be the first to know my findings.

[Jerry]

I have been talking with a few hams about various antenna tuners that can tune a 102" stainless steel whip to all HF bands including 6 meters. Stainless steel will take a beating on the trail, especially if mounted on a large spring, and one antenna would be a whole lot easier than several. The drawback is that the tuner must be mounted close to the base of the antenna. They are sealed, but vibration, extreme temperature changes and road debris will eventually take their toll. I plan on making some calls to the manufacturers of these tuners and see if I can learn something first hand. You will be the first to know my findings.

It sure has taken me a LONG time to get back. I did make some calls and the electrical engineers at SGC (they make the only unit that works on 75m; the others start at 40m) told me NOT to mount their tuners under the hood. Temperatures are too hot for the plastic case as well as the electronics. That leaves someplace outside (in front of the grille in my case) or in the pickup bed or inside a canopy/camper/SUV. The tuner should be located within a foot of the base of the antenna for best results. We are talking about loading a 7' to 9' whip. Considering the advantages and disadvantages I think I will stay with hamsticks and Hustler verticals for the time being.

[Mike S]

It sure has taken me a LONG time to get back. I did make some calls and the electrical engineers at SGC (they make the only unit that works on 75m; the others start at 40m) told me NOT to mount their tuners under the hood. Temperatures are too hot for the plastic case as well as the electronics. That leaves someplace outside (in front of the grille in my case) or in the pickup bed or inside a canopy/camper/SUV. The tuner should be located within a foot of the base of the antenna for best results. We are talking about loading a 7' to 9' whip. Considering the advantages and disadvantages I think I will stay with hamsticks and Hustler verticals for the time being.

Good information Jerry. I still haven' gotten my HF radio but I plan to. I've been wondering what I'll do for an antenna. If I agonize over the best place to mount my 2 meter antenna, I'll probably loose even more sleep over what my HF set up will be. Hamsticks look interesting. How many different 'sticks do you have? Which bands do you use them for?