15. Equipment
Use this chapter to browse through some potential equipment to consider after passing your radio amateur exam. Note that the below-mentioned equipments are known to have been approved for use by Singapore licensees. Approval however, is on a case by case basis. Please check the specifications for other licenses from other countries.
| Name | Cost (USD) | Description | Features | Modes | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-718 | 729.95 | HF all band, all mode transceiver | DSP unit (may be an optional module) | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, CW | |
| Icom IC-7300 | HF/50 MHz all band, all mode transceiver | Software defined radio (FPGA based processing, 100W of RF output power) | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, CW | ||
| Kenwood TS-670 | HF Quad Band, all mode transceiver (7, 21, 29 and 50 MHz bands) | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FM, CW | Out of production | ||
| Yaesu FT-817ND | 739.90 | HF/VHF/UHF mobile transceiver | Portable and small, easy to carry in a bag. | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, FM, CW | Low power (5 watts) |
| Yaesu - FT-857D | 994.41 | HF/VHF/UHF mobile transceiver | Also portable, can deliver 100W of RF power | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, FM, CW | |
| Yaesu - FT-897D | HF/VHF/UHF mobile transceiver | More ruggedized version of Yaesu FT-857D, has internal battery compartment for field use | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, FM, CW | ||
| Yaesu FT-1000MP | HF all band, all mode transceiver | Advanced DSP Filtering to combat noise and interference, 100 W of RF power | SSB (LSB & USB), AM, FSK, FM, CW | Contest grade radio, Likely out of production |
Practical considerations for your station:
- Antennas are a vital item in your station!
- Consider how you would want to install an antenna:
- How would you ground the antenna?
- How would you install the antenna without compromising safety? (Especially for antennas sticking out a building)
- Can a person unwittingly come into contact with the antenna while it is in use?
- Matching antennas:
- If you are using a reduced size antenna, consider a proper impedance matching method like an antenna tuner or RF transformer.
- This will help to ensure maximum power transfer from your radio to your antenna.
- If you are using a reduced size antenna, consider a proper impedance matching method like an antenna tuner or RF transformer.
- Consider how you would want to install an antenna: