Everything below is stuff I’ve actually bought, fitted, or field-tested —
not a manufacturer’s spec sheet. If I haven’t used it, it’s not on this
page.
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Rigs
ICOM IC-7100
Covers HF, UHF and VHF. It shows its age with the monochrome screen and no real waterfall display; used mostly for the higher frequencies.
ICOM IC-7300
My first choice rig for day-to-day use. Excellent display and user-friendly menu system.
Obsolete with the introduction of the Mk2 Version but a good second hand buy.
Xiegu G90
HF radio with very capable ATU. Rugged construction and 20W output work well for portable use.
Hand held Radios
ICOM ID-50E
Dual band handset with D-STAR and GPS. Nice clear display and compact size.
Radtel RT-6D PRO
Dual band handset with DMR and GPS. Budget price for what you get.
Buy the Radtel RT-6D PRO on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Antennas
MFJ-1795
Portable/permanent HF antenna covering 10/15/20/40M.
Less than 3m tall so it conforms to planning rules while providing good performance.
Test Equipment
Rig Expert 500
Simple and powerful antenna analyser. It incorporates Bluetooth for connection to PC or mobile device with a free app to control the analyser remotely.
Full review being prepared
Miscellaneous
Messi & Paoloni POTA kit
Comes with reel, cable, and bag. Terminations are weatherproofed. Flexible coax with low loss.
Xiegu DE-19
Add on for Xiegu G90 enabling digital modes to be used. Comes with all cables required for connection to PC.
Buy the Xiegu DE-19 on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Soldering Helping Hands
Compact set of clamps with magnetic base and carrying case. I find this more useful than the more traditional helping hands with magnifier attached. The nuts are easier to tighten.
Buy the Soldering Helping Hands on Amazon (opens in new tab)
