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Upgrade?
10 June 2013 | by A couple of years ago I attempted to upgrade my rig to a more ‘vase’ station type. I really like my IC7000 and have thoroughly enjoyed using it but I have also enjoyed operating from larger rigs more. There’s less need to get a PC up and running and to use that to drive the menu’s. The reason why I didn’t get a new rig last time is because a more pressing need was there, we needed a new car.
Well now I get to think about it all over again. I’ve got a figure of around £1500 in my head and thought that the TS590 might do me well. Other options would be a second hand K3 but they are rarer than hens teeth and likely to be more money and an ideal would be a new Hermes SDR, but then again that would be more like £2000+.
I found this decision quite difficult before but the issue doesn’t seem to want to go away in a hurry. New or second hand I’m not really bothered. I just want the best I can for the money. HF & 6m are a must. 2m would be great and 70cm’s as well so i can do some satellite work but I’ll happily drop the VHF for a better HF rig. The TS590 does seem like the best choice so far.
2 Responses to “Upgrade?”
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After agonizing for awhile over the TS-590, Yaesu 950, Ten Tec Eagle, and the K3, I chose the 590. I’ve had it for about 2 months now and I’m extremely pleased with my decision. It’s a really great value and a good performer. One item I hadn’t considered in my decision was the free Kenwood software that goes with it. If I had known about that at the time it would have been a no-brainer decision. The menu is a breeze compared to my Yaesu FT-897 and 817.
Any of the radios you (and K3NG) mentioned will be an improvement upon the IC-7000 in a variety of ways. I think you’ll be happy with whatever you select. The TS-590S is truly a good deal for what it is, especially on the second-hand market. (I also believe that the K3 is an outstanding deal for what it is, but it’s also a lot more money.)