26-09-2021, 01:12 PM
Hi Terry,
when you consider the use of SSB has almost dried up on 50 MHz it is hard to be positive about what use you may get from a FT690R style radio. If your happy with the occasional contact via Es during peak summer then you will probably have some fun.. It would be handy to get the power level up to 100w if you can as many stations have local suburban noise to deal with and a QRP radio may not get the job done. In general USB (as in Upper Side Band) is the main mode used and do not recall ever having a need to swap sidebands in my time on 50 MHz. Many of the older IC-706's are around on the market and might be a viable option for around $500 if the budget stretches that far. Also may of the medium age HF radio's included 50 MHz but that might be a stretch too far. If you hear me on give us a call.
when you consider the use of SSB has almost dried up on 50 MHz it is hard to be positive about what use you may get from a FT690R style radio. If your happy with the occasional contact via Es during peak summer then you will probably have some fun.. It would be handy to get the power level up to 100w if you can as many stations have local suburban noise to deal with and a QRP radio may not get the job done. In general USB (as in Upper Side Band) is the main mode used and do not recall ever having a need to swap sidebands in my time on 50 MHz. Many of the older IC-706's are around on the market and might be a viable option for around $500 if the budget stretches that far. Also may of the medium age HF radio's included 50 MHz but that might be a stretch too far. If you hear me on give us a call.
Peter Sumner, vk5pj
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
- Winston Churchill
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
- Winston Churchill