Check the physical size of the FT-857 and see if your friend has the
room for it.

Smaller radios with similar specifications are the FT-100D, and the ICOM
706 MK IIg. All of these units, 857, 100D and 706, run 100 watts and can
easily cover your 3000 mile range [with decent antennas] on the various
ham bands between 20 meters and 10 meters depending on atmospheric
conditions. I routinely cover 3000 mile range from my truck using a 100
watt radio, an antenna tuner, and a reasonable whip antenna.

My only question has to be with the size of the radio, not it's
performance. If you friend has the room for the 857 go for it! If not,
the FT-100D or the 706 should meet his/her needs.

Deacon Dave, W1MCE

farah nur wrote:

Gurus,

My brother who is working for an NGO is east africa wants me to buy
him an HF ham radio where he can communicate with his colleagues in
other parts of the world. His colleagues use CODAN, but he can't
afford that brand.

A local dealer is recommending that I buy FT-857 with ATAS-120.

Here are my questions?

1- Is this combination a good fit and how reliable is it?
2- Can he communicate with other radios as far away as 3000 miles?
3- Do I need a duplexer if he is using just the HF band?
4- The radio will be mounted on a land cruiser? Where you recommend
the antena mounted on?

Many many thanks for your help.

- Nur