HF radio - Is the price right???
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 15:22
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Member - Melissa
Still on the HF thing...this morning we looked at a Barrett 550 with multi-tap aerial. Is in full working order and tuned with all the VKS737 and RFDS frequencies plus others. Taps on aerial coincide with frequencies etc. Unit itself is an ex-exploration jobby and as such is pretty grubby. I reckon I can clean it up OK, hubby reckons I'll never get it clean. Price is $800.
Other unit we are looking at is a Codan 8528 with 8558 auto-tuning aerial. It is in full working order but can't be sure until I get a fax off the machine at work tomorrow whether it is already programmed with the VKS737 or RFDS channels. Won't actually sight the unit until later this week but owner tells me it is in good condition and no cracks etc in the antenna casing. Price is $1100.
Which is the better buy and are there any particular things we should know about either of these units?
:o) Melissa
Reply By: Peter 2 - Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 18:00
Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 18:00
I'd go with the Barrett, the 8558 Codan antenna while it is working is ok but when it stops (and they do) you'll be up for a new antenna.
I usually advise anyone buying an older Codan with the earlier autotunes that they are basically buying the radio only as the older autotunes are notorious for probs and no parts available.
A barrett autotune antenna is much more reliable than a codan autotune too as no moving parts to vibrate and break, they are also much lighter so don't need as physically strong mounting bracket.
I've had a few codans and currently have a barrett (which is a 550 and autotune antenna now nearly ten years old.
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Reply By: Member - Raymond - Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:01
Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:01
Hi Melissa
I would go with the Barrett and the tapped whip. To listen to the skeds you only have to have the radio on and the antenna plugged into the 8022 plug and you can listen to all the frequencies with very minimal loss, you just have to remember to only transmitt on the frequency that you have the antenna tuned to. Mate has a codan 8528 which works perfectly, but the auto antenna went crazy and Codan will not repair it as they do not have the parts, so he is up for a new antenna $1500.
I only use the auto antenna as I use my radio for Amateur bands as
well so the tapped whip get a bit messy.
You will enjoy chatting on HF
Regards Ray
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Reply By: Footloose - Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:46
Sunday, Feb 06, 2005 at 19:46
Be aware that although the Codan 8528 is a good set, parts are becoming scarce. The 8558 is not a recommended aerial as they break easily, and once again parts are difficult to find. The internals often become brittle with time.
The Codan 9323 with a 9350 autotune is a much more reliable setup. These are availiable at the moment for around $1700 s/h. Fully cleaned, reprogrammed and tested to factory specs etc More money but a whole lot more radio, including emergency telcall , GPS facilities etc
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