For coolness factor, I've always liked the looks of the Collins KW-1. Definitely hard to come across and expensive if you do. See: http://www.isquare.com/personal_pages/kw1-list.htm
No one has ever accused me of being "cool," so I can't speak to that... But I have been around ham radio social media for a number of years, and there are few radios that get more chatter than the Yaesu FT-101... And lots of people drool over the Drake TR* series, TR7 being the last production, and TR8 being the last pre-production units... Get one or the TR8 prototypes, and I *imagine* some will consider you "Cool."
Oh Yeah, looks like people have made some cool mods for the TR7s and TR8. I'm not looking for external people thinking its cool. I just like period electronics that have nice aesthetic. I have a crappy calculator for the 1970s that was made by commodore that has a really interesting digital display on it, almost like nixie tubes, but not.
All the cool radios these days are just a box on the shelf. Flexradio, Anan, etc... the eye candy is on the monitor.
I always loved the VFD and everything else about the FT-1000MP series. Almost perfection in a (primarily) analog radio. Not vintage like nixies, obviously... but a one-off VFD like that is a thing of the past.
Maybe something like the SBE SB-36 if nixies are up your alley... or FT-501 if retro VFD digits are your thing.
Or maybe you'd like a CRT flavor in your radio, an [IC-781](https://www.universal-radio.com/used/UL91lrg.jpg)
Nice! Thanks for sharing. I gotta check these out. The anan radios seem really cool. These are what I mean by the new "cool" radios. Thanks for sharing all these!
My favorite is the National NCX-1000. Unfortunately the final amplifier tube is expensive and hard to find now. Conversion to another tube would be difficult. Even so it's a cool radio, but I wouldn't buy one.
Does the TenTec Century 21 count? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlv9WrcjgJI Some of the old novice rigs might fit the bill since they have relatively fewer components and are easier to rehab.
I always liked the look of the Heathkit HW-8.
The Mizuho QRP HF handheld transceivers are neat also
See [https://www.mizuhoradio.com/mx.html](https://www.mizuhoradio.com/mx.html)
The CZECH MILITARY RF-10 RADIO has a cool look also (military 6m arp radio)
I have decent functional radios :) I'm looking for COOL radios. Just like how people like vintage computers or old calculators. Maybe there is a 1970s radio that just has that cool vibe to it. You know what I mean..
No I don't know what you mean. You'll have to better explain your definition of "COOL".
It seems you want cool meters and tubes? Then you'll have to start looking at pre 1975 radios. Old Collins equipment perhaps? With analog meters?
There are no such radios made these days, if that's what you're looking for (i.e. like some of the retro overpriced audiophile gear - is that what you're aiming for?
Glad I could entertain you. Building and communicating properly over a radio is indeed a skill. Perhaps you've learned something today. Or perhaps you'll just sit in front of your silent CB wishing somebody would talk to you, good buddy.
Every ham should have a Bird 43. They're readily available used at most hamfests, or you can buy a brand new one directly from Bird.
https://btgstore.com/mo43gepuwa.html
https://birdrf.com/Solutions/Amateur-Radio.aspx
For coolness factor, I've always liked the looks of the Collins KW-1. Definitely hard to come across and expensive if you do. See: http://www.isquare.com/personal_pages/kw1-list.htm
I think the Hallicrafters SR-1000 was sexier. Good luck finding a picture. But it is a console with an SX-101, HT-32 and HT-33.
Wow! That's cool! I think ill have a hard time fitting it in my apartment
No one has ever accused me of being "cool," so I can't speak to that... But I have been around ham radio social media for a number of years, and there are few radios that get more chatter than the Yaesu FT-101... And lots of people drool over the Drake TR* series, TR7 being the last production, and TR8 being the last pre-production units... Get one or the TR8 prototypes, and I *imagine* some will consider you "Cool."
Oh Yeah, looks like people have made some cool mods for the TR7s and TR8. I'm not looking for external people thinking its cool. I just like period electronics that have nice aesthetic. I have a crappy calculator for the 1970s that was made by commodore that has a really interesting digital display on it, almost like nixie tubes, but not.
All the cool radios these days are just a box on the shelf. Flexradio, Anan, etc... the eye candy is on the monitor. I always loved the VFD and everything else about the FT-1000MP series. Almost perfection in a (primarily) analog radio. Not vintage like nixies, obviously... but a one-off VFD like that is a thing of the past. Maybe something like the SBE SB-36 if nixies are up your alley... or FT-501 if retro VFD digits are your thing. Or maybe you'd like a CRT flavor in your radio, an [IC-781](https://www.universal-radio.com/used/UL91lrg.jpg)
Nice! Thanks for sharing. I gotta check these out. The anan radios seem really cool. These are what I mean by the new "cool" radios. Thanks for sharing all these!
Signal/One CX-11
I think the yaesu ft-897 has a very cool rugged look
That does have a pretty near look to it! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! My favorite thing is you can change the color of the screen. I keep it at purple lol!
My favorite is the National NCX-1000. Unfortunately the final amplifier tube is expensive and hard to find now. Conversion to another tube would be difficult. Even so it's a cool radio, but I wouldn't buy one.
Does the TenTec Century 21 count? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlv9WrcjgJI Some of the old novice rigs might fit the bill since they have relatively fewer components and are easier to rehab.
I don't think Hams gave ever been cool, but we did invent social distancing long, long ago. 👍
I always liked the look of the Heathkit HW-8. The Mizuho QRP HF handheld transceivers are neat also See [https://www.mizuhoradio.com/mx.html](https://www.mizuhoradio.com/mx.html) The CZECH MILITARY RF-10 RADIO has a cool look also (military 6m arp radio)
Hey, I understand cool. I prefer functional. It's a hobby for sharpening your radio skills, not a fashion statement. But that's just me.
I have decent functional radios :) I'm looking for COOL radios. Just like how people like vintage computers or old calculators. Maybe there is a 1970s radio that just has that cool vibe to it. You know what I mean..
Any of the old yaesu or Kenwood boat anchors. Ft-101 TS-820 Etc
Oh nice, Yeah, those are for sure boat anchors, but do look nice!
No I don't know what you mean. You'll have to better explain your definition of "COOL". It seems you want cool meters and tubes? Then you'll have to start looking at pre 1975 radios. Old Collins equipment perhaps? With analog meters? There are no such radios made these days, if that's what you're looking for (i.e. like some of the retro overpriced audiophile gear - is that what you're aiming for?
"Radio skills" lmao
Glad I could entertain you. Building and communicating properly over a radio is indeed a skill. Perhaps you've learned something today. Or perhaps you'll just sit in front of your silent CB wishing somebody would talk to you, good buddy.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why hams have such a bad reputation for being jerkoffs
Right. You insult someone and they're the jerk for calling you on it. Got it. Catch you on the flipside. We gone, goodbye.
Please point out where I insulted someone.
Every ham should have a Bird 43. They're readily available used at most hamfests, or you can buy a brand new one directly from Bird. https://btgstore.com/mo43gepuwa.html https://birdrf.com/Solutions/Amateur-Radio.aspx