HF radio recommendations

Submitted: Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 20:44

ThreadID: 138919 Views:6095 Replies:2 FollowUps:7

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Daniel S13

Hi All,

I have been viewing from a far for awhile now. Great forum.

I was hoping someone can advise from personal experience on two HF radios I am interested in.

Currently looking into a Barret 4050 SDR with 2019 auto tune or a Codan Envoy X2 with 3040 auto tune.

Both have similar features, however the major differences and plus for me is the size of Codan hand piece and dash real estate needed to mount it. I have also heard the 3040 works really well. The plus for the Barret is the touch screen.

Price wise I can get both at a similar price- so it comes down to performance and features.

Any personal expenses would be greatly appreciate. Thanks I’m advance

Dan

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Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:22

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:22

Do you have a licence?

AnswerID: 627211

Follow Up By: Daniel S13 - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:32

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:32

Hi, I plan on joining Austravel as a first step this week. Then I may look at amateur license.

Thanks Dan

FollowupID: 901178

Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:43

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:43

You need a Amateur licence to use a HF. No legal reason to own a transmitter without one

FollowupID: 901179

Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:52

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:52

Hi Ivan

No, as long as you are a member of one of the clubs (eg VKS737) who have a licence, they can authorise users to operate under their licence.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy

FollowupID: 901181

Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:48

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 21:48

Hi Daniel

I have owned both Barrett and Codan over the years and my preference is the Codan from an ease of use perspective, based on the units I have owned.

I have the Codan NGT purchased new over 10 years ago and it has performed flawlessly. It is coupled with the Codan 3040 self-tune antenna.

The radio unit is stored in our canopy.

Good luck with your deliberations.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy

Codan

AnswerID: 627212

Follow Up By: Daniel S13 - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 22:12

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 22:12

Hi Baz,

From what I have read the NGT is a great unit and Envoy carries on from that.

Both units seam relatively good in terms of intuitiveness also.

Thanks for the pics, the mounting of the hand set is really good.

Can I ask if your experience with the 3040 are good? As good or better than other auto tunes?

Thanks
Dan

FollowupID: 901182

Follow Up By: Baz - The Landy - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 22:26

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 22:26

Hi Daniel

No problems with the 3040, we swapped out the 9350 self-tune when the 3040 became available.

Digital unit that is fast...

Cheers, Baz

FollowupID: 901183

Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 23:16

Monday, Aug 12, 2019 at 23:16

Hi Daniel

I have the same set up as Baz and likewise I have also had a Barrett. I have also had multi tap whips, and the early tuneable aerials. I now have the 3040 and find it super quick to tune. The tune also holds rather than requiring to retune. Lower profile means it is easier to mount and gives more mounting options (in terms of protection).

I would love to own a newer Envoy - simply because I like bright shiny things. I have used one and find that it's like getting a new phone. Does the same thing but has more bling. If you don't need the bling, the NGT is still a good, reliable, easy to use unit and is available at good prices second hand. Yo can even get good refurbished ones from time to time.

If money is no option - go the Envoy you won't regret it.

Cheers

Anthony

FollowupID: 901186

Follow Up By: Daniel S13 - Tuesday, Aug 13, 2019 at 01:15

Tuesday, Aug 13, 2019 at 01:15

Thanks Anthony the Codan is a really good package and the reviews on the 3040 have been really good. As you have said the lower profile will help with mounting options.
I will be mounting it to a Kaymar spare wheel carrier on my 200 series

Thanks
Dan

FollowupID: 901188