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What kind of radio do I want for contesting?

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Hello gentlehams,

 

Some time ago I sold off my radio gear (boy, what an idiot!) and am now trying to build myself back up again.  I presently am using a Icom IC-718 with no filters.  I tried to play in the CQWW-SSB recently and it was just so utterly miserable I actually shut the radio off in anger.  Don’t get me wrong, the 718 is a nice little starter radio for rag chewing, but if there is anyone nearby to you, forget it.

 

In the past I had a Kenwood TS-2000 and thought with the adjustable DSP filters it was pretty good.  Since then I have listened to you all and believe there may be something better out there for a contester that would like to play without getting my ears burned off with QRM.

 

As the holidays are approaching soon to be followed by hopefully a nice tax refund check, I will be searching for a nice contest radio.  What are your opinions with pros and cons on what I should get?  What kind of budget should I set?  I was thinking around $1,000 to $1,500.  I think I should find something nice in that range.  If I look at certain models, are there options I should verify it has?  Have you upgraded to the new Binford 6100XLT and maybe thought you would keep your old 756Pro3 around as a back up and now think you may sell it?  I will be combing the QRZ ads as well as a likely trip to NEAR-Fest this spring.

 

FWIW, I am hoping to pick up 6 meters in the new radio also, but not a deal-breaker.  I see many of the later radios do that already.  You should probably know, I want an amp too!  I am tired of sitting there trying to bust pileups with 100 watts!  Baby steps!

 

Thanks to all for your consideration,

Chuck -ka1cqr-

7 comments on “What kind of radio do I want for contesting?”

  1. G’morning, Chuck:

    I edited your posting to add the “News” category so it would show up on the home page that comes up on accessing the web site. It is supposed to default to that, but I have found that sometimes it does not 🙂

    73, Ken K3iU

  4. Hi Chuck and Mike:

    The only transceivers I have had *recent* experience with is the Elecraft K2 and K3. Prior to that my contesting was done with a Drake C-line with Sherwood filters and a couple of other mods. As in all cases, the budget will determine what you will end up buying, but I just gotta say that I really think that for the money, there isn’t much out there that will top the K3.

    Mike, I have no experience with the TS-590S but I hear a lot of folks talking about them favorably.

    73, Ken K3IU

  5. Hi Chuck, there are a lot of great radios available. If you buy a new one it will most likely come with newer digital signal processing and, importantly, the coveted warranty. A disadvantage of buying new are the hidden costs of additional filters and options, second receiver, antenna tuner, etc. Filters can add hundreds to the cost. So you have to do your homework. The reviews on eham, etc., come from a wide range of users so you need to sift through and see what features are important to you as a contester. Filters for CW and RTTY are a must.

    Personally I favor in order: The higher end Yaesu, Elecraft, Kenwood, Icom. Yaesu on my list is only ahead of Elecraft (K3) because of price advantage. I don’t have the Binford 6100XLT on my list since I haven’t been able to get my hands on one yet. Must be a long waiting list. If you are comfortable with an older used radio as I am you can do well within you $1000-1500 budget and get all the needed filters. If you increase your budget, possibly you can find a used FT2000D for around $1900 or a bare bones K3/100 for around $2200 that you can can grow over time.

    The TS2000 with its poor selectivity is not a great contesting radio for HF. It cannot handle strong adjacent signals. It is improved somewhat when you add the INRAD roofing filter mod. It does do well as a shack in a box. Great for general operation and some VHF/UHF work. I enjoy mine.

    Mike, the Kenwood TS-590S has some decent reviews, but again you will need to look at what the options will cost and see if anybody has used it heavily in contesting. I don’t think anyone in the club has actually operated one and I have seen no reviews on it by contesters.

    73, John, W1AN

  7. Thanks a lot Ken. I never even dreamed of a new TT Eagle being in my range. I sure hope that sale continues through tax time! The Omni 7 looks pretty darned good too:)

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