I gave you a short answer about “secure” at Post #21 and just got back on a regular computer so I can expand on answers to your #10. I also see you’ve had lots of other responses which have raised other questions. Let’s see what I can cover as 30-year licensed ham, Extra Class, Volunteer Examiner who has also taught Technician courses several times.
Shopping list for HF: you’ve been given lots of guidance already and I would suggest you carefully consider the ICOM IC-7300 that some others have posted about in the thread. My amateur radio club bought a couple for our mobile operations trailer and I got to try it at Field Day back in June. It worked really well and got good signal reports with just a dipole antenna about 30’ in the air.
Most of the current radios offer easy connectivity for data transmission. Older radios will require some outboard equipment and cabling to interface with a computer for the various data modes. As others have mentioned, the current hot data mode is FT8 and is very good for long-distance contacts.
Thanks T,
Based on what I’ve heard or learned so far, I am definitely leaning toward the 7300. It seems like a good fit for my needs. I would like to avoid earlier stuff where I’d have to look for that outboard equipment to get the capability I’m seeking. Plug and play suits me for this. :)