I agree, but we do a lot of multi-op in VHF contests and that drives us
to separate stations. I also, am not able to spend the money on new
equipment, so I use whatever is at hand that works and all the IF radios
added up doesn't come close to the cost of an FT-817. Even the 2 meter
allmodes are 15 years old or better (TR-751, TS-711, TS-700SP), I think
I paid a max of $250 dollars for the 711 several years ago, and the only
"new" style rig is a 706MKII that I take out of the mobile for multi-op
VHF efforts. Even my towers and antennas systems are very low dollar.
I would venture to guess I have put together "fun" 6 meter through 1296
station for less than $2500 counting one tower, feedline and antennas.
Actually, I wish I had an arrangement where I could use one IF radio
with 3 or 4 transverters for the mobile so I could play Rover and fit
everything into my pickup. Maybe you could pass on your methods for
switching between several transverters without spending a lot of cash?
Danny