New Here. Studying for my Technicians’ License. Equipment Questions

[UFO411]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the shared info you all provide here. It’s become one of my major “go to” sources for information through this journey.

I’ve recently experienced a renewed interest in amateur radio after about thirty years away from it. I’ve been studying for my Tech’s License and hope to test by the end of this month. That said, I’ve been listening to the local Ham Club on my scanner and talking skip mostly on SB on 11 meter while getting through the exam process. Some of my equipment is capable of talking both 10,11, and 12 meter bands.

I recently came across an INSANE deal on a RCI-2990DXCF that I couldn’t pass up. This thing is cherry. Like, practically new. I’d like to see if there’s been any mods made to it and ultimately, get it back to factory condition (i.e. NOT illegal).

Would any of the experts here happen to know the best way to help determine if there have been any mods and if so, which ones? I understand that some mods aren’t necessarily illegal but I know that some are. I would like to make this thing pull in distant stations and I read somewhere about a high receive more but I don’t really know anything about it.

Also, what mic would you guys recommend for this particular unit. I’ve been looking at a Delta M2 mic but again, I don’t really know much about them.

Thanks again for being here and I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[The20poundhammer]

I have a Delta M2 that i have used on my 2995dxcf and it works great. I also have a D104 thats does as well. If you are studying for the technichan i would strongly advise studying a lil more and get the general at the same time.

 

[Slowmover]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the shared info you all provide here. It’s become one of my major “go to” sources for information through this journey.

I’ve recently experienced a renewed interest in amateur radio after about thirty years away from it. I’ve been studying for my Tech’s License and hope to test by the end of this month. That said, I’ve been listening to the local Ham Club on my scanner and talking skip mostly on SB on 11 meter while getting through the exam process. Some of my equipment is capable of talking both 10,11, and 12 meter bands.

I recently came across an INSANE deal on a RCI-2990DXCF that I couldn’t pass up. This thing is cherry. Like, practically new. I’d like to see if there’s been any mods made to it and ultimately, get it back to factory condition (i.e. NOT illegal).

Would any of the experts here happen to know the best way to help determine if there have been any mods and if so, which ones? I understand that some mods aren’t necessarily illegal but I know that some are. I would like to make this thing pull in distant stations and I read somewhere about a high receive more but I don’t really know anything about it.

Also, what mic would you guys recommend for this particular unit. I’ve been looking at a Delta M2 mic but again, I don’t really know much about them.

Thanks again for being here and I look forward to reading your responses.

Welcome.

A radio that debuted in 1999 may have quite a history.

Have you run thru the owners manual and put the radio through its paces?

Some might say not to do so until other inspections are done. Those ought to reveal any non-factory work.

Good luck with all

.

 

[Tokin]

Welcome!
A lot of hams will tell you the ranger 10/12 meter radios arent very good amateur rigs.
If it were me id sell the ranger if it works like it should and put that money on an icom 7300 since you plan to get your ticket. A much better choice that will still allow you to sound good on 11 meter. If you're studying the question pool you better hurry as the pool changes in a couple months. I found www.hamstudy.org to be very helpful.
Nomadradio imo is the go-to person for knowledge on the "big black base stations".
Open it up and post some clear pics of the inside and im sure folks here will look it over and offer up their opinions.
The dxcf like all previous versions have issues that need to be fixed from the factory. It has a mosfet amp section that has proven to be problematic compared to the old school toshibas. I have a 2003 2995dx with the toshiba 2290's and it's finally getting a proper refurb. How it survived this long with the old school iron power supply ill never know.

 

[9C1Driver]

I would agree on the above, the 7300 is a nice rig. Right now you can get crazy money for that 2990. There are some major parts in that RCI that are no longer made, if they break you might not be able to get it fixed. The Toshiba 2290 finals are over 100 bucks each now as well, if you can even find them. Your call.

 

[UFO411]

Thanks for all your feedback. I actually made a typo in my post as the radio is a 2995DX, not the 2990 DX. I’m not sure how much difference that’ll make in the resell value but I’d hope it may make it better.

I’m also expecting two Kenwood units (TM-241A and TS-520S) I bought from an estate auction so maybe between the three I could get enough to cover nearly the entire cost of the 7300. It is a really impressive radio based on what I’ve read so far.

I wasn’t aware the question bank was being changed soon. Any idea why or when?

Thanks again!! I look forward to talking soon.

 

[BJ radionut]

Question Pool : Changes June 2022....
Here it comes. The IC-7300 is and entry level radio...LOOKS Great...but IMHO there are much more functional gear.
I would venture to say that 80% of the 7300's being sold end up on 11 meters.
I have NO issue with that, if run correctly and the ALC and power levels left untouched.
They sound pretty good, and they are fairly clean.
Again MHO...the receiver leaves much to be desired.
OK no wish to start the 7300 The Greatest rig ever wars again.
All the Best
Gary

Personally...you'll have a great starter rig in that Kenwood TS-520S...if working correctly that is a good old rig...The 7300 will NEVER hear anything that old 520S does not hear also. The transmitter is stout (tube finals) run correctly the 520S will work as well as the 7300...I would keep that for a spell.
Again MHO
All the Best
Gary/W9FNB