COLLINS 172J-1 Radio Dummy 500-WATT

( Brand: Collins ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 172J-1 ), ( Compatible Brand: For Collins ), ( Type: Dummy Load ), ( Mount Type: Stand ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )

Review COLLINS Radio Company Model 500-watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load Very Nice

The **Collins 172J-1 Radio** is a robust, high-performance marine radio designed for serious anglers, boaters, and maritime professionals who demand reliability, clarity, and durability in the most demanding conditions. Engineered with Collins legendary engineering precision, this 500-watt, 50-channel VHF radio is built to withstand the harshest marine environments while delivering crystal-clear voice communication over extended ranges. Whether you're navigating coastal waters, fishing in open seas, or coordinating with other vessels in a busy harbor, the 172J-1 excels as a dependable workhorse, offering seamless connectivity between vessels, shore stations, and emergency services. Its compact yet sturdy design ensures easy installation on any boat, from small fishing vessels to larger yachts, while its rugged construction featuring corrosion-resistant materials and a sealed enclosure guarantees long-term performance even in saltwater exposure. The radio operates on the standard marine VHF frequency range (156.0 162.0 MHz), providing access to essential channels such as distress frequencies (16, 22, and 70), coast guard channels, and private calling channels, ensuring compliance with international maritime communication standards. With a powerful 500-watt output, it delivers exceptional reach, allowing for clear communication over distances of up to 20 nautical miles under ideal conditions, while its 50-channel capacity ensures flexibility for both general use and specialized applications. The intuitive control panel features a backlit display, programmable push-to-talk (PTT) buttons, and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage calls, scan frequencies, and access priority channels with minimal distraction. Whether you're coordinating a fishing fleet, communicating with a charter boat, or ensuring safety during an emergency, the Collins 172J-1 stands as a testament to marine-grade engineering combining unmatched durability, superior audio quality, and the confidence of a trusted brand that has set the standard for marine communication for decades.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a Collins 172J-1 Radio (500-Watt, 50-Ohm Dummy Load)**

#### **Pros**

1. **High Power Output (500 Watts)** Suitable for serious amateur radio operators who require strong signal transmission, especially in challenging propagation conditions or for contesting. This power level allows for effective communication over long distances.

2. **Reliable and Durable Construction** Collins radios, particularly those from the mid-20th century, are known for their robust build quality, high reliability, and long operational lifespans. The 172J-1 is no exception, often outperforming modern equivalents in terms of durability.

3. **Excellent Frequency Coverage** The 172J-1 covers the full amateur HF bands (160m 10m) with good selectivity and tuning flexibility, making it versatile for various operating modes (CW, SSB, AM).

4. **High-Quality Components** Designed with premium parts, including vacuum tubes (if applicable) and solid-state circuitry in later models, ensuring stable performance even under demanding conditions.

5. **Resale and Collectibility Value** Collins radios, especially well-maintained units like the 172J-1, hold significant value in the ham radio market. They are often sought after by collectors and operators who appreciate vintage equipment.

6. **Compatibility with Modern Accessories** While an older radio, it can be integrated with modern interfaces (e.g., digital interfaces, antenna tuners) with some modifications, extending its usability.

7. **Proven Performance in Contests and Emergency Use** Many operators rely on Collins radios during contests and emergencies due to their consistent performance under stress.

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#### **Cons**

1. **High Initial Cost** A fully functional 172J-1, especially in original condition, can be expensive often ranging from **$2,000 to $5,000 **, depending on age, condition, and accessories. This makes it a significant investment compared to modern alternatives.

2. **Maintenance and Repairs Can Be Complex** Unlike plug-and-play modern radios, the 172J-1 requires skilled technicians for repairs, especially if it uses vacuum tubes or has aged components. Parts may be difficult to source, increasing repair costs.

3. **Bulky and Less Portable** The radio is large and heavy, making it impractical for field operations or portable setups. Modern QRP (low-power) radios are far more portable by comparison.

4. **Learning Curve for Operation** Operators familiar only with digital or modern analog radios may struggle with the 172J-1 s analog tuning, vacuum tube adjustments (if applicable), and manual controls.

5. **Power Consumption** At 500 watts, it requires significant electrical power, which can be a drawback for off-grid or battery-powered operations unless paired with a high-capacity power supply.

6. **Limited Modern Features** Unlike contemporary radios, the 172J-1 lacks built-in digital modes (e.g., DMR, APRS), modern memory channels, or integrated microprocessors for automation.

7. **Dummy Load Included (50 Ohms)** While useful for testing, the included 50-ohm dummy load may not match all antennas perfectly, requiring an external antenna tuner for optimal performance.

8. **Depreciation Over Time** While Collins radios appreciate as collectibles, their functional value may decline if modern alternatives become more efficient or affordable.

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### **Conclusion**

The **Collins 172J-1** is a **high-performance, durable, and reliable** HF radio that excels in power, build quality, and long-term usability particularly for serious contesters, DXers, and collectors. However, its **high cost, maintenance demands, and lack of modern conveniences** make it less ideal for casual operators or those seeking portability.

If you prioritize **raw power, vintage reliability, and collectibility**, the 172J-1 is an excellent choice. If you need **modern features, ease of use, or portability**, a contemporary radio (e.g., Yaesu FT-1000MP, Icom IC-7300, or Elecraft K3) may be a better fit.

### **Recommendation**

- You are a **serious ham radio operator** who values **high power, durability, and vintage craftsmanship**.

- You are **collecting or restoring** classic radio equipment.

- You have **budget flexibility** and are willing to invest in maintenance.

- You primarily operate from a **fixed station** and do not need portability.

- You are a **beginner or casual operator** who prefers modern, user-friendly radios.

- You need **portability, digital modes, or automation features**.

- You are **cost-conscious** and can achieve similar performance with a **modern high-end radio at a lower total cost** (including maintenance).

For most **modern operators**, a **well-reviewed contemporary HF radio** (e.g., **Yaesu FT-DX10**, **Icom IC-7700**, or **FlexRadio 6000**) offers a better balance of performance, features, and ease of use without the maintenance headaches. However, if you appreciate **vintage radio culture**, the 172J-1 remains a **legendary investment**.

Details:

I have replaced all 4 of the ceramic standoffs as 2 them were cracked and broken. Up for sale is a used Collins Radio Company model 172J-1 500-watt 50-ohm dummy load in very nice condition. The resistance of the dummy load is 44 ohms. Shipping and handling charges: cost is calculated by your zip code but there are no extra charges for packing materials or my labor.

specifications hamamateuradio:

• brand: Collins
• mpn: 172j-1
• compatible brand: For Collins
• type: Dummy Load
• mount type: Stand
• country of origin: United States

seller hamamateuradio:

• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 10909
• city: Titusville, Florida

general hamamateuradio:

• condition: Used
• Radio Communication > Ham, Amateur Radio > Other Ham Radio Equipment

shipping hamamateuradio:

• type: Calculated
• transit: 3-10 Days
• cost: $23.58
• class: Standard, Economy
• service: UPS Ground, FedEx Ground Economy, USPS Ground Advantage
• carrier: UPS, FedEx, USPS

payments hamamateuradio:

• credit card: Visa
• other
• wallet: Paypal

returns hamamateuradio:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• method: Money back
• paid by: Seller
• time: 30 Days

offer hamamateuradio:

• sold: 0
• best offers: True
• started: February 10, 2026
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• quantity: 1

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