Could you give me some advice/direction on purchasing a HF Transceiver for use in emergency communications events. Money is limited (like when is it not) but I want something that is a good all around investment. Most bang for the buck so to speak. I have background in radio/tv. Thank you so much!
JWR’s Reply: Your best bet is a probably a “pre-digital” vintage rig from the 1970s–perhaps a Kenwood. Just make sure that it is set up to run on 12 VDC so that you can use a vehicular mount or run it from a retreat solar power/battery bank or generator/battery bank power system. And be sure that it is guaranteed for “no DOA”–you wouldn’t want to get one with burned out finals. The “pre-digital” models sell at deep discounts. Why? Like car buyers, most hams want to own the latest and greatest. Just do a search on eBay for “HF Transceiver”, and sort by price. You may get lucky and find one for under $175 if the other bidders are sleeping.