SDR Radios

[sufusodak]

Are SDR radios a good choice for ham beginners? Thanks!

[KK4Z]

The radio (HF) that I recommend for new hams is the IC-7300. it's a great radio, with great features and a reasonable price. Performance wise, it's the most bang for the buck. The Yaesu equivalent would probably be the FTDX10 which is also a nice radio, but a bit pricier. I have a friend who has both. He likes the Yaesu receiver but prefers the Icom's ergonomics.

[ke2yk]

I own a 7300. Been around Ham Radio since the 90s. For a CW op like myself, I am wondering what a more expensive HF rig would offer over the 7300? I have seen the Yaesu menu system on the mobile HF radio 9100A? It made me cringe! 72 de ke2yk

[K4SWL]

Honestly? You can't go wrong either way.

Most modern HF transceivers are based on SDR technology. Some (like the IC-705, TX-500, X6100, etc.) have spectrum displays which do give you an idea of what's "in the neighborhood" as you band scan. Some SDR-based transceivers also make digital modes a little more accessible and easy to configure, especially if they have internal sound cards.

At the end of the day, though, any transceiver will work for you as you learn the ropes! I would suggest considering those radios in your budget that you feel you'd enjoy operating. Most modern HF transceivers pack enough performance; it's often more about the radio suiting your operating style.

Cheers,
Thomas
K4SWL

[w4mkh]

Honestly? You can't go wrong either way.

Most modern HF transceivers are based on SDR technology. Some (like the IC-705, TX-500, X6100, etc.) have spectrum displays which do give you an idea of what's "in the neighborhood" as you band scan. Some SDR-based transceivers also make digital modes a little more accessible and easy to configure, especially if they have internal sound cards.

At the end of the day, though, any transceiver will work for you as you learn the ropes! I would suggest considering those radios in your budget that you feel you'd enjoy operating. Most modern HF transceivers pack enough performance; it's often more about the radio suiting your operating style.

Cheers,
Thomas
K4SWL

Well said.

The only thing I would add is that I don't think QRP is the right choice for a first HF radio for most people. It will work but if you are hunting POTA or chasing DX then the lower power level makes it harder to bust the pileups. That can be very discouraging for new hams and it can turn them away from the hobby because they are not making contacts. If you want to activate a POTA or SOTA site or you are the desirable DX then you should do alright.

The IC-7300 is a good radio for learning the ropes as is th FT-891 though the latter's menu driven interface can be intimidating.

And with any radio the antennas system is critical. A crappy radio with a good antenna is better than the best radio with a crappy antenna.

[sufusodak]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Very helpful!

[anothergeezer]

I agree that the 7300 is probably the best all around radio for beginners or thrifty (cheap) hams like myself. It seems to do everything at least reasonably well. It has a clock battery which, if not powered at the power connectors, will discharge in a few days. That was the only not positive part of the radio that I remember. Great rig. 73