low cost 10 meter rig

[Robert E. Seastrom]

Bill Liles <lilesw at gmail.com> writes:

> Folks, the new techs hams can use the old novice and tech HF spectrum.
> I am trying to find a low cost way for these new hams to get onto 10
> meter SSB.  Does anyone have any ideas?  There are some 10 meter kits
> available but still expensive.

The solution that comes immediately to mind is CB-inspired rigs from
the likes of Ranger that weigh in at a bit under $300 street price.
Not QRO, and not cheap compared to a 2m only mobile, but they'll get
you on 10 and 12m for a budget price.

http://www.bigrigcbradio.com/rci_2950dx.html

> Most of the high school students I run into have computers.  Is there
> a cheap SDR option of using their computer for most of the processing?

Not sure that this is necessarily cheaper, all-in, and in any event
it's generally QRP compared to "real rigs", and while that's fine for
those of us who are up for a challenge, with the still dismal solar
flux numbers we're seeing it would be even worse for sustaining
interest than:

> I find that some kids get the tech license and all they ever find out
> about is 2 meter repeaters and give it up.  I want to help their
> interest grow.

that.  I agree.

-r