Community Forums

JohnT · 11-30-2015, 08:21 AM

Today's the day I make my choice.
I'm leaning toward the TS-480HX as I don't like tuners (TS-480SAT) as my Tar heels doesn't need one. The IC-7100 is priced between the 480HX/SAT. It does the UHF bands. Not sure of my useage of the UHF bands. I do own a IC 2M rig.

My questions to those that may own the either of the 480's, how long is the cable between the base and the head? I want to mount the base in my computer cabinet and the head on the cabinet top. Same question for those that own the IC-7100.

If I switch to the Eagle One then a tuner is required.

Decisions. Decisions.

Thanks
John N8CXX

Ranger Smith · 11-30-2015, 08:37 AM

From what I remember on the 480 the mic needs to be connected to the base unit and not the faceplate where the 7100 mic plugs into the head unit

JohnT · 11-30-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

From what I remember on the 480 the mic needs to be connected to the base unit and not the faceplate where the 7100 mic plugs into the head unit

Great info. I'll ask that question when I call DX Engineering today.

1bigmess · 11-30-2015, 09:00 AM

I own the IC-7100.

You can get a shielded ethernet cable for the control head of the IC 7100 and put it wherever you want. The mic connects to the control head, so you only need one cable to the radio box.

The audio of the IC 7100 control head sucks, so I recommend headphones if there is any noise to overcome to listen.

I know nothing about the Kenwood line. The IC7100 has a built in sound card for direct USB connection to a computer for digital modes, which is nice for me.

JohnT · 11-30-2015, 11:51 AM

1bigmess Thanks. Good info. I'm familar with Icom's lousy audio. I have a IC-751A.

Now I'm looking at the new FT-991 by Yaesu. Need to see how it "fits".

vsheetz · 11-30-2015, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

From what I remember on the 480 the mic needs to be connected to the base unit and not the faceplate where the 7100 mic plugs into the head unit

Correct.

vsheetz · 11-30-2015, 01:12 PM

I have a Kentwood 480 and the Icom 7100. Used both in the Motorhome. Base unit in a compartment at the rear near the antennas on the ladder. Control head inside the coach near the front. This is s great configuration. Less stuff inside, radio unit close to antennas, etc.

I don't have the name of the interconnect unit I use, but it allows for up to 100' of cable between the unit and head. Uses a common VGA cable for the run between a interface box at each end where the head/unit connects. It's advertised commonly in the back of one or more of the ham radio magazines.

As for which radio, I really like the Kenwood. However replaced it with the Icom 7100 for the Motorhome for the 2M/440 in the same space and remote setup. Also love the touch screen.

JohnT · 11-30-2015, 05:49 PM

Thanks Vince. Great Info.
Each radio has something I don't like:
IC-7100 - audio
TS-480HX - none of the latest technology
FT-991 - too new (I bought an FT-101ZD when it first came out. Took Yeasu 3 months to fix the key click issue)

Sooo. I just don't know.

Tom N · 12-01-2015, 06:43 AM

I would wait for the soon to be introduced ICOM IC-7300.

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downlo...x?Document=746

IC-7300 HF/50MHz TRANSCEIVER - Features - Icom America

I have a Yeasu FT-991. Had to send it to Yaesu for warranty PA repair. It is back on the air as of last night. The FT-991 has a great receiver and covers 2m-160m.

I plan to purchase a IC-7300 when they are available. The NEW IC-7300 has a SDR receive section with a real time spectrum band scope.

-Tom, W3TLN

JohnT · 12-01-2015, 08:28 AM

Thanks Tom.

Well I just ordered the FT-991. Lets just hope I'm in the group of good rigs. I'll have it tomorrow.

I'll hold off selling the IC-751A until the FT-991 has proven itself.

Ranger Smith · 12-02-2015, 04:24 AM

I also had a FT 991 I was going to use in the RV. Had it here in the home for a few weeks and BOOM. Had to send it back as finals in mine also went. Was without it for a month.

JohnT · 12-02-2015, 06:35 AM

DX Engineering says that they'll stand behind it if it dies within the first 30 days. I guess we'll see.

Should be here today. So I'll be on the band tonight.

JohnT · 12-05-2015, 08:05 AM

The rig arrived Thursday by 10 am. Sucks to be at work.

Saturday Report. Thursday I hooked the rig up and set my call. Otherwise I've just been listening and reading, and reading and reading. All 147 pages. I've checked the power on all bands into a dummy load and the antennas I have; 10-80 HF and 13 element 2m beam. The power output is as advertised.

I've made a couple of contacts; stateside and Europe. The only complaint has been the audio. Its not very crisp. I haven't found where to make adjustments.

Otherwise, I like what I purchased. Time will tell. 10m meter contest next weekend.