Heathkit VF-7401 reviews

I first picked up my Heathkit VF-7401 about 10 years ago at a local hamfest, I just liked the way it looked! plus the price was right! $30.00 However after playing with the radio for a bit, I really loved the way it preformed and worked!

The following description depends on build quality to a degree, but i would rate mine as excellent build quality and alignment procedures, cuz mine works great!

The radio has "by todays standard" very basic scan features (But useful) and I have always gotten above average comments on the transmit audio. The radio is 20 watts (at least mine is) and has a nice sensitive and tight receiver, picking up weak signals, it seems much better than the earlier HW-2036 model.

I would say the receive is just as good as my Yaesu FT-8900 or Kenwood TM-732 and Transmit audio is better! I get reports its nice full sounding audio, not "tinny" or compressed like the typical rice box radios!

The controls are laid out nicely, it also has a GREAT nice sounding speaker in the radio, and has an adequate heat-sink on the back to dissipate heat from the PA deck for extended key-down periods, (not the $2.00 fan as found on the radios of today)

Its by no means a small radio by todays standards, and its not DC to Daylight, But for a good hunk of sturdy and reliable radio, made with some good USA steel, you cant go wrong!

My advice would be, if you can find one that was built correctly for the right price, grab one up! Its a keeper!!! Tom K8CNN 73