Author Topic: Best HF band  (Read 5585 times)

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asatrur

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Best HF band
« on: April 06, 2012, 09:13:07 AM »
I am in the market for a new to me HF rig and since funds are tight, I am looking used. I have looked at a bunch of rigs on eham.net and there is a local hamfest this weekend, so I am confident I can find something in my price range ~3-4 hundred dollars, but I do have a question about HF bands. I would love to have a rig that 10-160 meters, but they can hard to find and pricey, so what would you say are some good HF bands to use as an extra class if I am looking for a more targeted rig bands wise? I am mainly looking for phone and SSB, but might be getting into CW soon also.
Thanks and 73,
Asatrur
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AD

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Re: Best HF band
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2012, 10:45:08 AM »
What kind of antenna space do you have?  Moblie or fixed?
The only dumb question is the one that did not get asked!!

asatrur

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Re: Best HF band
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2012, 10:46:42 AM »
To begin with, I would go with a mobile antenna.
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AD

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Re: Best HF band
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2012, 11:19:32 AM »
There are several types of single band antennas that are cheap.  Down side is you have to pull over to change bands.  http://www.hamstick.com/hfmobile.html is one brand and the most popular.  There are several other brands out there.

On the high end side there are "screwdriver" types.  Meaning that they have a motor in them to change bands on the run like a electric screw driver.  http://www.tarheelantennas.com/

These can cost more than what you want to pay for the rig. 

There are no real "best bands" Look at our landing page  http://www.preparedham.com/on the far right of the table there and see what bands are open "now".  This will change with the time of the day and sun activity esp the BZ index. If it goes negative use smoke signals


20, 40 and 80 are probably the most popular in my opin. Was listening to a giant pileup 2 nights ago on 20 with KC4AAA http://www.southpolestation.com/news/ham.html and everyone trying to hit them.  The holly grail of continents. 

Sometimes 10M is wide-open and you can talk around the world. 

So best bands........ It depends. 
« Last Edit: April 06, 2012, 11:44:11 AM by AD »
The only dumb question is the one that did not get asked!!

BTPost

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Re: Best HF band
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2012, 01:58:17 PM »
I would be looking at, maybe a Kenwood TS-430 HF Rig... They are going for about that kind of money, on eBay.   These can be opened up for full 200Khz to 30 Mhz TX with a single diode Clip, and have a fair filter selection, available. I have used my pair for Temporary LF Nav Beacons up in the Arctic, and also they can do AM on 570-1400 Khz should you need to spread information, during POST SHTF Operations.  Just say'en....
Bruce in alaska AL7AQ