VIDEO
I'm Peter Waters (G3OJV) from Waters & Stanton. In this post I want to lay out some practical ways to keep the cost of ham radio equipment down, share a few product updates I think you'll find interesting, and explain how we try to help operators in the UK and worldwide with competitive pricing, bundles and part‑exchange options.
Quick product highlights and stocking updates
We try to stay on top of the market and pass savings on to you. A few things I’ve been talking about recently:
- UV‑5R / Baofeng‑type radios:
- TK‑11 (around £60):
- Yaesu FTM‑310DE:
- IC‑7300 Mk II:
Back in stock — we took 500 units and around 100 have already gone. These are entry‑level handhelds priced at under £20, ideal as a throwaway or beginner radio.
A cheap handheld I’ve mentioned — likely to include HF receive, though I haven’t dissected it in detail. Worth a look if you want basic receive capability at a very low price.
A new dual‑band transceiver supporting both digital and analogue modes. It’s due later in the year (availability from October) and details will appear on our website as they become firm.
Icom’s recent update to the IC‑7300 brings some useful user‑facing improvements (see below).
What’s new on the Icom IC‑7300 Mk II
The IC‑7300 Mk II is not intended as a replacement for the likes of the FT‑991A — it’s an evolution of the IC‑7300 with sensible improvements based on user feedback. The key upgrades I like are:
- HDMI output:
- Second receive antenna input:
- CW decode on the display:
- Receiver upgrades:
Plug a standard TV or large monitor into the back of the radio for a much bigger display — great for comfortable operation and for contest or DX spotting sessions.
Use a separate receive antenna (for example a loop) to reduce noise on receive while transmitting from a different antenna. That can make a real difference in noisy environments.
The radio can now decode Morse on‑screen. If you’re curious about CW but haven’t yet learned it at speed, this is a helpful learning aid.
Icom have improved the receiver performance — an overdue but welcome enhancement.
Overall, these tweaks make the radio more flexible for modern operating and monitoring setups.
How we help keep the cost of ham radio down
My aim is simple: for the hobby to thrive, equipment needs to be available at price points people can afford. We use a few practical methods to achieve that.
- Bulk buying and passing savings on
- Bundle deals — real savings
- IC‑7000 series reductions and discounts on current Icom models.
- IC‑7300 priced down to around £990 — and for that price you also receive a free 30A power supply.
- FT‑710 Field offered at around £890, again with a free 30A power supply in the bundle. Some bundles also include branded caps or other small accessories.
- Wide range of secondhand equipment with warranty
- Part‑exchange made straightforward
- Tell us what you’ve got to sell — condition, working status, original box and manual if available.
- We give you a price for the trade‑in.
- If you accept, we collect the gear and take payment for the new equipment from your card up front.
- After we inspect the traded equipment (a few days), we apply the agreed trade‑in value as a refund to your card, so the final charge is the net amount.
- Logistics, showroom and dispatch
Because we’ve grown considerably in recent years, we can do substantial deals with suppliers. We buy in volume, which lets us pass on discounts to customers. When a supplier gives us a good price, we try to convert that into value for you.
Bundle deals are a great way to reduce cost. We put together packages that include the transceiver and useful extras. Current examples include:
Bundles change regularly, so I recommend searching for “bundles” on the website or checking back often to catch the best offers.
Secondhand gear is where you can make significant savings. We handle a lot of used equipment — from current models through to older favourites — and every used item we sell carries a warranty. We don’t simply sell “as seen”; we check equipment works, inspect for damage, confirm accessories and documentation, and then list it.
If you prefer a bargain, the used section is worth a regular look. Prices there are often aligned to current new‑gear reductions, so it’s a sweet spot for saving money.
Part‑exchange is another way to reduce the net cost of an upgrade. The process is simple:
It’s clean, efficient and you don’t have to find a buyer yourself.
We’re based on the outskirts of Milton Keynes with three large warehouses and a showroom. Free parking, easy access from the M1 and plenty of space — so you’re welcome to visit. If you can’t make it in person, our mail order service is efficient: orders placed by about 13:30 normally dispatch the same day, and we ship worldwide.
Want an extra saving? Pick up the phone
If you’d like to try for an extra saving, call our sales team and mention you watched my update. That doesn’t guarantee a large discount, but you might get free carriage, a few pounds off or a small extra thrown in. Our sales staff are friendly and knowledgeable — it’s a good way to check stock, talk through options and feel confident about the purchase.
Upcoming: a discreet, low‑cost five‑band antenna
I’m working on a new five‑band antenna aimed at people with small gardens or antenna restrictions. The idea is a low‑profile, inexpensive build that’s effective on HF and so subtle neighbours will barely notice it. It’s cheap to make, quick to erect and could open HF for people who thought they couldn’t put an antenna up. I’m still testing it but expect a full video and write‑up shortly.
Supporting the hobby
We don’t only sell radios — we put money back into the hobby. We are supporting WRTC 2026 as a prime sponsor and are backing a number of RSGB events. Sponsorship and involvement in community events helps grow the hobby and benefits operators at all levels.
Final notes and where to find more
If you want the latest offers and product details, the website and our blog are the fastest way to get up‑to‑date information — magazine adverts are useful, but they take time to appear and can be out of date by the time they land.
Whether you’re starting out and watching costs, upgrading on a budget, or looking for a specific piece of kit, there are practical ways to reduce the financial burden: bargain handhelds, bundles, used equipment with warranty, and part‑exchange options. Keep an eye out for the antenna project I mentioned — it could help a lot of people get on HF without an intrusive installation.
Enjoy your radio, take care, and I hope to catch you on the air or in the next update. — Peter Waters G3OJV
For more information please visit our online store or alternatively contact us and our team will be happy to assist you.