SSB Receiver Question (Yes, Another One)

[amytom]

My boat came with a Si-Tex HF3 that I never could get working. I snet it to a HAM freind who was able to get some intermittent reception but not reliable. I called Si-Tex and found that they charge $75.00 minimum for the first hour for repair then more for parts or more time.

I just want to be able to listen to the weather and download weather fax's for the Bahamas. Should I try for the repair or just get one of the Degen or Grundig portable units?


PS I will eventually get a transceiver like the IC802 or IC706 once I get a license.

[RDW]

If all you initially want to do is receive and you eventually want a IC 802, the station license and the initial operator license is easy to get with out any testing.
The license for amateur radio comes in grades, tech, general and extra. If you study the books and the test questions, it is not hard to get your general license. A general license really expands what you can do.
rdw

[amytom]

I already have the station license needed for SSB. I was referring to the tech and general exams. I've been studying but not as faithfully as I should.