Qmac hf-90

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 21, 2013 at 20:37
ThreadID: 101809 Views:6629 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
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I'm looking for an inexpensive hf radio and I've an opportunity to buy a qmac hf-90.

I understand that it's limited to 50w, but I like e simplicity and small size.

Is this a good radio? Is there any reason not to buy a qmac hf90?

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Reply By: yagon - Sunday, Apr 21, 2013 at 20:39

Sunday, Apr 21, 2013 at 20:39
Ps. I'm happy to use a multi-tap, but can this radio use an auto tune?
AnswerID: 509495

Reply By: GrumpyOldFart - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:03

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:03
I believe that in its day, the Qmac was a better quality radio than the Codan or Barrett. Only 50 w but it could punch further and clearer than the 100 w units. There is an adaptor to let you use a Codan auto tune antenna. They have selcal & etc and are easy to use, everything is on the mike.
My Qmac books are about 2500 km from me but I think It was Codan in Perth that I rang and one of their techs used to work for Qmac. Very helpful and the radios are still fixable and programable.
Hope that helps.
Dru
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AnswerID: 509512

Reply By: olcoolone - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:31

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:31
As said above the Qmac was a good radio but Icom, Codan and Barrett have left them for dead now.

Barrett bought out Qmac about 5 years ago so limited support is still available through Barrett but saying that on the road support would be very very limited to non existent and finding help would be near impossible (unless through Barrett direct).

Spare parts in the near future may be non existent meaning something simple could force the radio to the scrap heap.

The Qmac were originally designed for use as a portable HF radio that one can carry on foot, they never made an impact into the mobile HF market.

Why I wouldn't buy one.......
Lack of support.
Lack of spare parts in the future.
Lack of service centres.
Lack of knowledgeable people.
Not recognised in the 4x4 market.


AnswerID: 509513

Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:43

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 08:43
Don't worry about it being only 50 W PEP. You can loose more range with 100 W by not having your antenna mounted well.
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AnswerID: 509517

Reply By: yagon - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 10:47

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 10:47
Thanks for your feedback.

Clearly there are some issues with the Qmac as an HF Radio option, but I can't rule it out as a budget way to get HF Radio capability. It should cost me around $500 to buy and install this kit: significantly lower than any other alternatives that I've seen.

Thanks again, I will reflect on this option a little more.
AnswerID: 509523

Follow Up By: wombat100 - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 19:37

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 19:37
Another happy HF90 operator. Just back from a 3 week trip thru west NSW, Victoria etc, Had good copy both ways into Adelaide all the way around. Easy to use- very sturdy- compact to install,

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FollowupID: 787444

Reply By: Davo53 - Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 12:24

Monday, Apr 22, 2013 at 12:24
Hi yagon.

I've had an HF-90 for several years . Compared with the latest computerised whiz bang Codan and Barrett radios , it it certainly is a simple piece of kit with no frills , however it gets the job done . It is physically quite small , which can make finding somewhere to mount it easier .
I have had no problems getting service through Barrett in WA. While it is true they don't make them any more , this is also true of all the obsolete Codans and Barretts out there !

The 50W is really no issue at all . In the right conditions it will work across Australia.

Cheers

Dave
AnswerID: 509528

Reply By: yagon - Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 07:02

Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 07:02
In terms of value for money, is $500 a reasonable price for a QMAC HF90 with a multi-tap antenna?
AnswerID: 509579

Follow Up By: Tim Owen - Monday, May 13, 2013 at 21:31

Monday, May 13, 2013 at 21:31
I reckon it's excellent value.
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FollowupID: 789120

Reply By: Member - Keith B (QLD) - Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 12:28

Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 12:28
Yagon, Where are you? I have a HF90 and have had it serviced recently in Brisbane with excellent outcomes.
AnswerID: 509601

Follow Up By: yagon - Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 12:54

Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013 at 12:54
I'm Sydney based. PM me if you're interested in selling your radio.
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