It appears that you failed to mention the receiver types on these. The FT-991A has a triple-conversion super-het receiver with an SDR front end. The IC-7300 is a pure ADC SDR. This might be a big talking point to some. The IC-7300 has a better receiver than the FT-991A. The FT-991A does not suffer from RX overload like the IC-7300.
You can't compare these radios together, totally different frequency allocation. Icom don't have a radio with the same spec as the 991. For HF IC-7300 is a no brainer, had the 991 and hated it and it's screen. Currently have the IC-7610 and IC-9700 which are two fantastic radios.
I have both radios. I have been an ICOM user for many years and I LOVE the human interface on the IC-7300. It is intuitive and so simple to find what you want to change that I hardly ever have to refer to the manual. I bought the Yaesu FT-991A because the local repeaters change to a C4FM capable machine and I thought it would be nice to be able to use that mode. After receiving it I thought the interface was absolutely horrible. I have owned it about a year and the manual is already dog eared from me constantly have to look up how to use its features. For that reason, I never use it for HF and relegate it to VHF/UHF/C4FM only. It may have great specifications and VHF/UHF functionality, but I really regret buying that radio. On the plus side, the C4FM mode is easy to operate. I bought an ICOM ID-5100 to get D-Star capability for the vehicle and that mode is a bit harder to use.
Usability is the only complaint I've ever had with yaesu radios. They are undoubtedly incredibly equipment, and very robust. However they are a notorious P.I.T.A. to operate. They're about as un-intuitive as any radio I've ever used.
I have the FT991A, I love it. My favorite mode is CW, the 991A has the APF (Audio Peak Filter) button for CW which works great. Also, I love having the option to do 2 meter SSB and CW :)
I do enjoy my 7300 because it’s so easy to use. I bought a 991a and had it briefly, but having to look up every function via a long numbered menu list got tiring. Sure after a lot of use I’d get used to it, but I didn’t have to do that for the 7300. So I sold the 991a and hello 9700.
I've had an IC-7300 for about 6 months. It was a huge upgrade from my TS-570S, particularly as I mostly work digital modes. The Signalink and my botched up CAT control cables went back into the parts box. I'd love something to cover 2m and 70cm but that would be a hard sell for the wife. Cheers, VK3TTT
I looked at both and decided on the 7300. I like the form factor better and ultimately did not want an all-in-one radio. I picked up a 9700 for my VHF/UHF needs. I like ICOM’s base radio line better for the shack radios. It’s a different story for mobile and HT. I have a FT-3DR for my HT and I am going to pick up a FT-400XDR for mobile use.
Yaesu also release firmware updates for the 991/A series from time to time. I like my FT991 but I agree the menus are a little tedious. I do like having 2m/70cm all mode to play with and am having trouble justifying a 9700 here in the NT where distances are vast and operators are few. All that aside I would happily take an Icom 7300 and a 9700 if I had the cash. 73, Phil VK8MC
The 2m 70cm question is where I’m getting hung up… as a newbie I have no experience yet on these bands in Australia and I’m wondering if they are actually used much? I recently purchased a two-pack of GME TX6160’s for UHF 80 channel CB use in Australia and between Perth (big city) and Esperance (13000ppl) and points in between most channels were deserted. We can pick almost any channel except 3 and 4 (repeater use) for conversation. In Esperance today we were with a client and had channels 5 and 52 entirely to ourselves. Compared to my memory of the 70’s of how busy CB channels were I’m shocked.
Thanks for a good comparison based on personal experience. A bonus for UK amateurs is that the IC300 has capability for the 4m band allocation. In some parts of the country, 4m is more popular than 6m.
At 10:10, DSTAR is also found in the Icom ID-5100. Does dual RX, even has a diplexer built into it so it can act as a local repeater with a dual band antenna. Work in the back garage with the 440 handheld and the 5100 repeating out on 2m. Capable little radio.
“Need to have one of these in your shack?” Almost... I think you nailed it Hayden, but I went one further... both need to be in the shack! Separating these two great radios is like being asked which child you love the most! I enjoy them equally, just for different reasons. Good video - all good points made - as usual, Hayden. Thank you! Peter, VK3ACZ
@@HamRadioDX I have both but I love the IC-7300, the 991a is OK but so clunky to operate. For digital modes I have FTM-400XDE (C4FM) and a IC2820 (D-Star). One advantage for the 7300 is 4m support which is missing from many others (incl 705, & 7610!). In the case of the 991a it can do C4FM on HF bands if required, it's the only radio that can to my knowledge. That is good for 10m and above on sporadic E. de HA5RV
Just ordered one from DX Engineering! Was supposed to not be in stock until about July 29th, but was refreshing tabs and 5 popped into stock. Still out everywhere else. As of 6:54 PM Pacific 6/08/2022 there are two left. Hope I like it. Very little chance I wont.
Pros of Yaesu: VHF&UHF, APF for CW (it's quite useful for very weak signals), for someone its DNR might be better than Icom's NR, ZIN for zero-beat a CW signal works much better than Icom's Auto-Tune Pros of Icom: *mature* waterfall (due to SDR, actually useful), much better screen, better UI controls ergonomy, SD card (recording, fw update, ...), audio spectrum graph Yaesu FT-991A suffers from many UI-related flaws that might annoy you: 1) pre-recorded CQ messages cannot be auto-repeated -- each CQ is a touch-button press 2) F-menu is messed (e.g. playing CQ messages is few pages from "BK-IN" (which switches whether these go on the air or not)) 3) main menu has 150 entries, no hierarchy, you will be scrolling and scrolling 4) too many functions for only one multi-knob -- if you press anything that might be adjusted (contour, width, shift, DNR, key speed...), knob turns to adjust this thing, you have to switch it back to e.g. tuning or memory stepping again and again... would be nice if e.g. in memory mode it would automatically switch memories and in VFO mode it would tune in coarse steps... and we should huve another multi-knob for the rest 5) not well handled tuning steps -- you have fast or fine and the "fast" can be adjusted by "5/10" button how fast it is -- basically you'll keep pushing the FST button, because Fine tuning is normally usable for tuning and for jumping elsewhere in the band, you need Fast; Icom has progressive tuning, it's very handy, you just rotate the main dial faster and it will move much faster The progressive tuning is used by Icom for everything -- so for reducing power from 100 to QRP, just rotate the multiknob fast and you're there -- on Yaesu, one multiknob click is one watt less, so from 100W to 5W it's 95 clicks. Yaesu FT60 has a cool feature -- with lower power set, you can press F and PTT and you transmit with full power (to try if I break in)... This would be nice on 991 too -- click on PWR button and you toggle 100w and the previous lesser value... There are so many UI things that Yaesu might fix!
I own both at the moment..FT-991 (not A). I also own an ftdx10, which I like way better than the 7300. I may sell both the 991 and the 7300 and pickup a 991a for the scrolling waterfall.
I have both Yaesu FT 897 and 991A. Both of them lose against my old Icom IC-751A in HF mode. Looking back, I should have bought a separate HF and just consider VHF/UHF dual band radios.
Near future 991a owner once it is shipped. Love my 857D so the 991a was an easy win. But with the exception of the larger display and record feature I was very tempted.
I have both. I use the IC-7300 more as it looks good next to my IC-9700. I was going to use the Yaesu for my RV but have decided to just see vacations as getting away from everything, including Ham Radio. LOL
Surely an IC-7100 is a better comparison to the FT991A I have the FT991A for VHF and UHF and often find myself using as an HF rag chew radio as the receive audio is better ! Also the IC7300 in UK has 70MHz TX/RX which it is very good at
Nice little comparison there Hayden. I have both the 991 not the A and the 7300 and in fact two of the 7300's The 991 is an awesome radio, but I prefer the 7300. The 991 just leaves me stone cold. Although in saying that, I have just taken it back out its box and using it for 2m ssb. So hopefully get some value out of it for a change
I reality and they are not that similarly. One has 2M and 70M in one radio. The 7300 has a very nice display but don’t take it to field day. Simply if you do you may not hear a anything.
I have a 7300, and love the menus and display, plus it look better together with the ic-9700. Yea the Yeasu is a newer radio with the last new tech.....again, dont like the menus and the look of the new Yaesu line
I have the 991A love this radio it has VHF/UHF which is a plus when you don't have alot of room. I also like it has C4FM which I don't only use with my hotspot but there is a group of guys on 29.250 on C4FM Its also nice having 2m ssb I thought about buying a 7300 since i have never owned a Icom in my life but I love all my Yaesu radios!
Great video! I've got the FT-991a so I can work all bands and modes. I wanted the IC-7300 originally but since I wanted VHF/UHF as well and would have to get the IC-9700 on top of that. I decided to start with the FT-991a and if I keep doing stuff with VHF/UHF I might give the IC-9700 a try. I am really surprised Icom has not put together a full power SDR HF/VHF/UHF radio to compete with the FT-991a. 73s Ben
The IC 7300 would have limited appeal for me as it only operates on one band I normally use. The IC 9100 would better meet my needs. Have you ever got your hands on one to check its frequency stability for digital work?
Got the 991A last week. I'm a relatively inexperienced ham however I don 't find the menu system daunting at all. I think most people can learn it fast as the options are labelled well and you can scroll through the options fast. I chose the 991A because I live in a block of flats and I don't yet have the option to put up a large antenna for HF. I can put up a 6m/50MHz antenna though. I made some contacts using FT8 on the 2m band which was fun. Clearly the better radio given my living situation.
@@HamRadioDX Well, I only have a fan dipole here at my QTH to compare it with. It was my original antenna. (I’m a nube!) The DXC out performs the fan dipole 75% of the time. The DXC is my “go to” antenna now. I occasionally flip the antenna selector switch over to the dipole just to compare, but I usually end up switching back to the DXC. DX contacts seem to happen more easily the the DXC than the dipole. Is that a coincidence because of improving propagation?? 🤷🏻♂️. This is the best analysis I can give you!! 😂. But I’m very pleased with the DXC. Hope to make a contact with you some day Hayden! 73!
I own the Icom-IC 7300 since Tuesday. I’m still waiting for a commercial portable antenna, I have attempted to connect simple wire (speaker cables) but haven’t heard anyone so looking forward to getting the real antenna and setting it up in assorted picnic locations and mixing it with camping when it gets warmer.
Does the FT-991A sold in JAPAN Tx frequencies exactly match the version that was sold in Australia? I’m aware that a number of Yaesu models sold JDM do NOT exactly match US/Aus band plans.
Thank you for your excellent comparison. I just got my General recently and have been using a Yaesu VX-6R. There’s a 2 Meter Repeater within a quarter of a mile from my house so that’s nice. I used to operate on SSB 40 years back. To say things have changed really doesn’t cover it. Everyone was using Tube Type Base stations then. I am on a budget but would love to get back in SSB. I’m drawn to the 991a because of its versatility. Of course, having the Yaesu HT technically gives some VHF/UHF capability. Albeit with an external antenna. I could stretch my budget to one of these two or perhaps you have another recommendation, even used would be worth a try. Thanks again and any advice and words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. 73 ke8ysi
I couldn't decide too! I like VHF/UHF, so I've bought FT-991A, then I've come to Icoms and IC-7300, but I couldn't sell the Yaesu, ... so ... kept BOTH!!! :-D
The Yeast 991A is a Much better Radio for the Home base because it have also VHF and UHF Digital Voice Modes to, I use Yeasu Radios, I have a Ft 817 and a FT5D,
I have sent my 991A into Yaesu three times for repairs. I run almost entirely FT8. From time to time the 991A will just quit transmitting, for no obvious reason. Factory resets, reprogramming, switching computers, etc. do not fix the problem. I also have an IC-7100. It sits in the shack runnng FT8 for months at a time, with never a problem. I also really like the intuitive controlls on the Icom-7100. I plan to sell the 991A and buy an IC-7300.
Well this is a Hard one, I have a 7300 and love it, I Was keeping an eye on the 9700 dang that’s expensive that being said I’m also a Fusion user and own a Ft300 and Ft2d and I can see my self not getting something that does not C4FM, so I pulled the trigger and bought the 991a only for UHF/VHF all mode for $1000 a consignment radio at Hro. I hope My wife does not notice.
Nice quick overview, but I wish you had touched on more of the features of each rig. There is so much more to each, I would have enjoyed your take on some of the other features. Thanks. JT
I have owned my 991A for about a year and a half now and have sent it in for repair 3 times and will be sending it yet again to repair the USB port but I have to say I would NEVER sell it. I love this radio even though it is so fragile..
i have them both there is very little vhf and uhf activity here in England so i use the ic7300 most and like it better here there is no band restrictions only power restrictions in England for the class of license you hold
What is your opinion to have separate HF and VHF/UHF tranceivers? which equipment you would recommend for such setup? I am actually looking for something frugal on energy consumpltion for may /MM station on my yacht
I have ben into /had Radios for 35+ years but just recently became a ham & i bought the Yaesu Ft-991 (Open Box) because of the Deal i found & i really Enjoy it im just a tech (for Now) so the VHF/UHF is my main Use as well as c4fm/Wires X I Really do Like All The Buttons an all that & really have not had to RTFM to learn how to use it for the most part other than a quick YT video a time or two..lol. i would say this is my First Real Radio/Big boy Radio so to speak..lol. i have had a lot of fun with it & also as Just a Tech The Icom-7300 Would Not be a Good Buy For me No Matter What Price !
I am Very Curious to What your problem with the USB Was..I Think i am having trouble from mine with drivers , cables Or The Port its self i am Un Sure ! But i Programed mine with the USB cable & RT Systems software Then i went to make some changes after 2-3 weeks & it was like the drivers was gone so i uninstalled & re installed Tried 2 Different Cables & 2-3 Different Computers All With No Luck ! The Only Thing I Care About Is Programing it..I Think I Can Still Do This With That DB9/RS232 Port But not 100% Sure !
Totally disagree, I have the 991A and the FT-DX10 and these radios are far superior to the ICOM in my opinion and from the research and testing I did personally. I made the choices based on how they responded to me per operations. I see a lot of operators choose the 7300 because of the scope.... The scope cannot be put to a monitor and you have no VHF/VHF or air band. Also, ssb on VHF/UHF... this is a game changer......as well as Fusion.... So, you can watch any video like this and the final choice will be up to you as the consumer. I have no issue with the scope of the 991A it shows signals.... that's its purpose.... The DX10 I have is incredible... And its 100 off right now.
@Al Coholic Just the front end of the DX-10 alone for me is worth the extra price. The external monitor/3DSS and other misc. items are really great to have. I will be very interested in seeing what other mods other than pin 6 for MARS will be discovered when the actual service manual is released. I am not putting ICOM down but just like Yaesu better becuase they are more in tune to the HAM community in my optinion.
I think they both have they’re good points and bad points. The 991A is more versatile for sure, but it’s a shame that it’s a Yaesu. I’ve personally have had nothing but issues with their radios. Be cautious if you operate legal limit power with another radio in the shack and the 991A is anywhere near by. There’s a video that documents the problem. I’m trying to understand why everyone loves SDR’s if they suffer from front end overload? Maybe they have benefits that outweigh that issue. @Ham Radio DX thanks for the comparison.
Currently own both and great radios - the obvious differences means keeping both makes sense [for now]. But IMHO one wins out by a long shot, the other is in a 'tactical' box and used for /P. That one will be 'retired' once an amp to go with the IC-705 arrives!🤔 ICOM all the way 👍🏼
Great review! I’m new to HF and curious what would be a good HF antenna if I do not have a tower (and live on a 1-acre lot with a couple of 30’ trees near my shack in the house). For VHF/UHF I run a Diamond X50, so I plan to purchase the 991a.
@@HamRadioDX The 991a has a built-in tuner, so I'd go with an 80/40/20 off-center fed dipole (OCFD) ... the most bands for the buck. Quieter than an end-fed wire, and more bands than a straight dipole
I've set up a FT 991A for a friend. The audio adjustments isn't as straightforward as my IC-705. They're more in depth and it take a while longer to set up, especially if one never used a Yaesu HF radio before. Icom, on the other hand, it's just mic gain, treble, bass and compression. Icom radios are more user friendly compared to Yaesu. Ever try programing a repeater into a Yaesu FT 991A? That information isn't in the manual. I had to look it up on UA-cam. One would think that they would put that in the manual, after all, it's an all band radio. Both radios are hard to come by here in the States. I don't have the space for a base station radio here at home. If I were to get one, I'd get the IC-7300, hands down.
@@pale_2111 ok thanks. I was just wondering as I haven't unpacked my brand new 991A and the RTSystems programming cable is on its way in the mail. I'm a total noob, so I've been relying on their software to get me this far ;)
I programed a 991A for a friend. The TX Audio isn't as straightforward as my ICOM IC-705 and takes a while to set up. I like to program my radios manually to learn about them as well.
@@HamRadioDX I like to listen and talk on AM. The 7300 on AM set to the widest bandwidth had audio similar some of the better tube radios of the past. It has the best sounding AM of all the Ham Radios I have played with. I don't think the 991A has as wide a bandwidth selection as the 7300. Most probably don't care about AM but if you enjoy shortwave, AM broadcast band or just listening to Hams using AM on 75m you won't be disappointed with the 7300.
@@HamRadioDX I had a few Icom radio's, 756Pro, IC-706MKIIg, IC-7200, IC-7100 and IC-7300. Only the 706 and 7100 stayed longer than half a year. I get very tired from the audio of Icom radio's. Can listen for hours to many other radio's but not the more modern Icom's. Have a FT991A for 1,5 year now, had a 7300 beside it but that one gone back to the dealer after half a year for a trade in to a FTdx10. Both the 991A as the FTdx10 sound way better to me than the 7300. Definitely a good radio but not build for my ears/brain... 😉
Don't have Either and I and I'm thinking about the shack in the Box just because the 2 m side band. Thanks for presenting both units severely interesting yeah it's still on the fence. And for what it's worth I'm using a DX Commander. Great antenna. Was in your country back in 1966 is sex for the coral sea is of a coral sea celebration, And at that time they were still working on the opera house when we went under the bridge, Just my 2 cents. Turn off the air for almost 20 years and add all this technology as wreck in my brain birdie badly trying to keep up with it. NBA74 years young it makes it difficult sometimes. Thanks for the video I watched You are UA-cam several times and I get lost in some of the conversations that you and your cohorts put on. Thank you I'm 73 KQ4CD Paul
Wow! 9 whole minutes to conclude the obvious from start about HF or HF+VHF? Not a beep on performance or on how do they compare regarding operation & ease of use? How can one even think to be assisted with this poor review?
I enjoy my FT-991A. I am trying to fine tune my Heil PR-781 with the parametric eq on my Yaesu FT-991A. Getting closer to where I need it. Any suggestions 🤔
Check out N4HNH on you tube he has a great video where to start with the parametric eq for the Yaesu radios. I think Bob Heil has one on the Heil website and explains the why for the settings. But they are both just starting points will need to work with a friend to get it fine tuned to your voice/ mic/ operating style.
@@chiphungerford Thank you. Bob Heil has my microphone at his house now. Tests out perfectly fine. For some reason I can't get good reports from my friends on 75 meters but it should work well. I have faith in Heil Microphones so it must have something to do with my Parametric EQ on my 991A. Bob is going to assist me with it. Dr. Heil is a good man and very helpful to the music and ham communities. I will check out N4HNH channel. Thanks again 73
@ Greg Lopez KT4RAM, Good Luck with the mic, Dr Heil has done a great amount for both Ham Radio and the Music industry. Check him out on Ham Nation, ua-cam.com/video/-jGUHJ9xrGI/v-deo.html . Josh from Ham Radio Crash Course picked the show up and it has great content on ham radio including Bob Heil on some of the shows with great description of what he was thinking when designing some of his mics and how to tune them to the radio based on your style, rag chew, contesting ,etc..
so you made a 10 min video reading us the spec sheets of both radios but basically giving us no opinion on eithier . well done . quality youtube content
@@bradl2636 Well you didnt really .. you did 9 mins of specs and then pretty much said get what you fancy ... there not even in the same class of radio.. maybe compare the 7100 and 991a ? at least there same .
I have both the 7300 and the 991a. They are nearly equals. That being said, I find myself using the 7300 most of the time because, to me, it’s just easier to use.
I have the 7300 (and an IC-705). One thing I love LOVE about the Icoms is the ability to store settings on a SD card and seamlessly switch back and forth w/o having to do a deep dive into the menu settings every time you decide to transition from, say, FT8 to SSB. Curious, does the FT-991a have a similar setup????
Apparently the IC-7300 is HIGHLY prone to blowing it's finals. I have no idea how much a new set would cost, but I assume they are not free to replace or repair.
Haven't heard anyone having trouble with 7300 finals. I know the early 991s blew finals because they weren't biased right at the factory. Here is a youtube video of Kevin Loughin talking about it, replacing them and showing the proper bias voltage setup. ua-cam.com/video/pg_ric2_Bq4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=KevinLoughin I think the newer ones are fine but if I bought an older one I think I'd check the bias adjustment.
BIG Problem with the FT-991a --- It's on backorder with all of the vendors --- has been for the past 4 months, and NO definitive future ship date --- just HOPE dates. Because of that, I changed my order from an FT-991a to the IC-7300
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It appears that you failed to mention the receiver types on these. The FT-991A has a triple-conversion super-het receiver with an SDR front end. The IC-7300 is a pure ADC SDR. This might be a big talking point to some. The IC-7300 has a better receiver than the FT-991A. The FT-991A does not suffer from RX overload like the IC-7300.
This video should have been 3 days long with lots of people arguing and taking sides then finally just staring at one another in disgust.
Is the 7300 and 991A that divisive? 😂
Just got a 7300 because I have used it at FD with my club. Love it. Also have a 7100, 706m2g. Have 2 yaesu HT.
You can't compare these radios together, totally different frequency allocation.
Icom don't have a radio with the same spec as the 991.
For HF IC-7300 is a no brainer, had the 991 and hated it and it's screen.
Currently have the IC-7610 and IC-9700 which are two fantastic radios.
That's because the Icom 705 and 7100 have wider band coverage than the Yaesu 991
I have both radios. I have been an ICOM user for many years and I LOVE the human interface on the IC-7300. It is intuitive and so simple to find what you want to change that I hardly ever have to refer to the manual.
I bought the Yaesu FT-991A because the local repeaters change to a C4FM capable machine and I thought it would be nice to be able to use that mode. After receiving it I thought the interface was absolutely horrible. I have owned it about a year and the manual is already dog eared from me constantly have to look up how to use its features. For that reason, I never use it for HF and relegate it to VHF/UHF/C4FM only. It may have great specifications and VHF/UHF functionality, but I really regret buying that radio. On the plus side, the C4FM mode is easy to operate. I bought an ICOM ID-5100 to get D-Star capability for the vehicle and that mode is a bit harder to use.
Fair call. The yaesu interface is far from interactive. My manual is the same. Mate has the 7300 and loves it
Usability is the only complaint I've ever had with yaesu radios. They are undoubtedly incredibly equipment, and very robust. However they are a notorious P.I.T.A. to operate. They're about as un-intuitive as any radio I've ever used.
IC7300 is not direct copmetition for FT-991 because of its uniq features.
I have the FT991A, I love it. My favorite mode is CW, the 991A has the APF (Audio Peak Filter) button for CW which works great. Also, I love having the option to do 2 meter SSB and CW :)
I do enjoy my 7300 because it’s so easy to use. I bought a 991a and had it briefly, but having to look up every function via a long numbered menu list got tiring. Sure after a lot of use I’d get used to it, but I didn’t have to do that for the 7300. So I sold the 991a and hello 9700.
The menus I'll admit are definitely longer in the 991A. Menu's don't really worry me (I like pushing all the buttons).
I've had an IC-7300 for about 6 months. It was a huge upgrade from my TS-570S, particularly as I mostly work digital modes. The Signalink and my botched up CAT control cables went back into the parts box. I'd love something to cover 2m and 70cm but that would be a hard sell for the wife. Cheers, VK3TTT
991A x2 one for home and one for mobile
I looked at both and decided on the 7300. I like the form factor better and ultimately did not want an all-in-one radio. I picked up a 9700 for my VHF/UHF needs. I like ICOM’s base radio line better for the shack radios. It’s a different story for mobile and HT. I have a FT-3DR for my HT and I am going to pick up a FT-400XDR for mobile use.
They are a solid choice for sure!
Yaesu also release firmware updates for the 991/A series from time to time. I like my FT991 but I agree the menus are a little tedious. I do like having 2m/70cm all mode to play with and am having trouble justifying a 9700 here in the NT where distances are vast and operators are few. All that aside I would happily take an Icom 7300 and a 9700 if I had the cash. 73, Phil VK8MC
The 2m 70cm question is where I’m getting hung up… as a newbie I have no experience yet on these bands in Australia and I’m wondering if they are actually used much? I recently purchased a two-pack of GME TX6160’s for UHF 80 channel CB use in Australia and between Perth (big city) and Esperance (13000ppl) and points in between most channels were deserted. We can pick almost any channel except 3 and 4 (repeater use) for conversation. In Esperance today we were with a client and had channels 5 and 52 entirely to ourselves. Compared to my memory of the 70’s of how busy CB channels were I’m shocked.
Thanks for a good comparison based on personal experience. A bonus for UK amateurs is that the IC300 has capability for the 4m band allocation. In some parts of the country, 4m is more popular than 6m.
After about 2 years studying the two, I finally bought the Yaesu FT 991A and am very happy so far.🖐🏼🎙73's kd9oam
Great stuff! Hope you enjoy your purchase!
I like Yaesu FT-991A!!
At 10:10, DSTAR is also found in the Icom ID-5100. Does dual RX, even has a diplexer built into it so it can act as a local repeater with a dual band antenna. Work in the back garage with the 440 handheld and the 5100 repeating out on 2m. Capable little radio.
“Need to have one of these in your shack?” Almost... I think you nailed it Hayden, but I went one further... both need to be in the shack! Separating these two great radios is like being asked which child you love the most!
I enjoy them equally, just for different reasons.
Good video - all good points made - as usual, Hayden. Thank you!
Peter, VK3ACZ
Good call! All of the rigs! Thanks Peter
@@HamRadioDX
I have both but I love the IC-7300, the 991a is OK but so clunky to operate. For digital modes I have FTM-400XDE (C4FM) and a IC2820 (D-Star). One advantage for the 7300 is 4m support which is missing from many others (incl 705, & 7610!). In the case of the 991a it can do C4FM on HF bands if required, it's the only radio that can to my knowledge. That is good for 10m and above on sporadic E. de HA5RV
HLTW TeamReplay for the win.
Great stuff here mate. Think I'm going with both for the answer 991a for portable and 7300 for home.
Just ordered one from DX Engineering! Was supposed to not be in stock until about July 29th, but was refreshing tabs and 5 popped into stock. Still out everywhere else. As of 6:54 PM Pacific 6/08/2022 there are two left. Hope I like it. Very little chance I wont.
Pros of Yaesu: VHF&UHF, APF for CW (it's quite useful for very weak signals), for someone its DNR might be better than Icom's NR, ZIN for zero-beat a CW signal works much better than Icom's Auto-Tune
Pros of Icom: *mature* waterfall (due to SDR, actually useful), much better screen, better UI controls ergonomy, SD card (recording, fw update, ...), audio spectrum graph
Yaesu FT-991A suffers from many UI-related flaws that might annoy you:
1) pre-recorded CQ messages cannot be auto-repeated -- each CQ is a touch-button press
2) F-menu is messed (e.g. playing CQ messages is few pages from "BK-IN" (which switches whether these go on the air or not))
3) main menu has 150 entries, no hierarchy, you will be scrolling and scrolling
4) too many functions for only one multi-knob -- if you press anything that might be adjusted (contour, width, shift, DNR, key speed...), knob turns to adjust this thing, you have to switch it back to e.g. tuning or memory stepping again and again... would be nice if e.g. in memory mode it would automatically switch memories and in VFO mode it would tune in coarse steps... and we should huve another multi-knob for the rest
5) not well handled tuning steps -- you have fast or fine and the "fast" can be adjusted by "5/10" button how fast it is -- basically you'll keep pushing the FST button, because Fine tuning is normally usable for tuning and for jumping elsewhere in the band, you need Fast; Icom has progressive tuning, it's very handy, you just rotate the main dial faster and it will move much faster
The progressive tuning is used by Icom for everything -- so for reducing power from 100 to QRP, just rotate the multiknob fast and you're there -- on Yaesu, one multiknob click is one watt less, so from 100W to 5W it's 95 clicks. Yaesu FT60 has a cool feature -- with lower power set, you can press F and PTT and you transmit with full power (to try if I break in)... This would be nice on 991 too -- click on PWR button and you toggle 100w and the previous lesser value... There are so many UI things that Yaesu might fix!
I have both and the 991a is less noisy than the 7300 which doesn't offere VHF and UHF nor the better audio control and menu options.
I own both at the moment..FT-991 (not A). I also own an ftdx10, which I like way better than the 7300. I may sell both the 991 and the 7300 and pickup a 991a for the scrolling waterfall.
I'll have to see if I can get my hands on a FTDX10 for review one of these days
@@HamRadioDX it would be well worth your time!
@Al Coholic Depends on the version... The EU version (but maybe others too) can be set to UK region and that opens 60 meter and 4 meter.
I have both Yaesu FT 897 and 991A. Both of them lose against my old Icom IC-751A in HF mode. Looking back, I should have bought a separate HF and just consider VHF/UHF dual band radios.
Ic7300 noises rx.
Near future 991a owner once it is shipped. Love my 857D so the 991a was an easy win. But with the exception of the larger display and record feature I was very tempted.
When u hook up your 991a to your laptop you can unlimitedly record and play back anything perfectly clear
I have both. I use the IC-7300 more as it looks good next to my IC-9700. I was going to use the Yaesu for my RV but have decided to just see vacations as getting away from everything, including Ham Radio. LOL
The Icom twins!
A big difference between the two is that 7300 is it's SDR based , a newer technology, verses the 991A superheterodyne traditional technology .
I have both. I also have the IC-9700 and IC-7610. All great radios. 73, KE8NQL
What a shack you must have! Nice!
Surely an IC-7100 is a better comparison to the FT991A I have the FT991A for VHF and UHF and often find myself using as an HF rag chew radio as the receive audio is better ! Also the IC7300 in UK has 70MHz TX/RX which it is very good at
an IC-7100 is a good choice
Nice little comparison there Hayden.
I have both the 991 not the A and the 7300 and in fact two of the 7300's
The 991 is an awesome radio, but I prefer the 7300.
The 991 just leaves me stone cold.
Although in saying that, I have just taken it back out its box and using it for 2m ssb.
So hopefully get some value out of it for a change
Both great radios!
new to ham I have no radios yet and looking for help to work out what one to buy
I reality and they are not that similarly. One has 2M and 70M in one radio. The 7300 has a very nice display but don’t take it to field day. Simply if you do you may not hear a anything.
I keep changing my mind... now I think I want the FT991A. I still need to save up so more homework to do. Thanks for the info Hayden. ✌️🤓
I have a 7300, and love the menus and display, plus it look better together with the ic-9700. Yea the Yeasu is a newer radio with the last new tech.....again, dont like the menus and the look of the new Yaesu line
If I had it to do over again, I'd have saved up some more money to buy the FT-991a. I really like that it has VHF/UHF as well as HF/6m
It's got some really nice PC interface options I'm excited about too. Including working with stuff like WSJT-X.
Yaesu is a conventional receiver whereas the IC7300 is and SDR receiver...
I have the 991A love this radio it has VHF/UHF which is a plus when you don't have alot of room. I also like it has C4FM which I don't only use with my hotspot but there is a group of guys on 29.250 on C4FM Its also nice having 2m ssb I thought about buying a 7300 since i have never owned a Icom in my life but I love all my Yaesu radios!
I have one iCom... and it's broken and nobody wants to fix it. My FT-991A rocks.
Using the 7300, because of the 4m band
Great video, I'd be pleased with either radio to be honest. I think I just don't know enough to know what I don't know.
I know!
Excellent video Hayden, I like the FT-991A a lot, but prefer to add the IC-9700 to my IC-7300 as well. Thanks, Hayden.👍
Yeah I had no issues with my 991A when I had it. It was a solid choice for a shack in the box rig
The ICOM is all DSP where as the YAESU so not.
Great video! I've got the FT-991a so I can work all bands and modes. I wanted the IC-7300 originally but since I wanted VHF/UHF as well and would have to get the IC-9700 on top of that. I decided to start with the FT-991a and if I keep doing stuff with VHF/UHF I might give the IC-9700 a try.
I am really surprised Icom has not put together a full power SDR HF/VHF/UHF radio to compete with the FT-991a.
73s Ben
Imagine a 100W HF-70cm radio built similarly to the Icom 705, like a IC-706 but with the waterfall etc. It would be amazing!
@@HamRadioDX It would sell like crazy. Hopefully they have something in the works.
The IC 7300 would have limited appeal for me as it only operates on one band I normally use. The IC 9100 would better meet my needs. Have you ever got your hands on one to check its frequency stability for digital work?
Got the 991A last week. I'm a relatively inexperienced ham however I don 't find the menu system daunting at all. I think most people can learn it fast as the options are labelled well and you can scroll through the options fast. I chose the 991A because I live in a block of flats and I don't yet have the option to put up a large antenna for HF. I can put up a 6m/50MHz antenna though. I made some contacts using FT8 on the 2m band which was fun. Clearly the better radio given my living situation.
991A was a great radio when I owned it! Enjoy!
I'm not to the point where I'm ready for something like this. I'd like to get my general first, but... I think I'd probably go for the 991A.
Good luck for your General test Lionel.
Just purchased a 7300. So far.... I love it! I'm having a lot of fun with it and my DXC Classic ABV. Thanks Hayden!
Glad you enjoy it! How is the DXC Classic performing for you Thor?
@@HamRadioDX Well, I only have a fan dipole here at my QTH to compare it with. It was my original antenna. (I’m a nube!) The DXC out performs the fan dipole 75% of the time. The DXC is my “go to” antenna now. I occasionally flip the antenna selector switch over to the dipole just to compare, but I usually end up switching back to the DXC. DX contacts seem to happen more easily the the DXC than the dipole. Is that a coincidence because of improving propagation?? 🤷🏻♂️. This is the best analysis I can give you!! 😂. But I’m very pleased with the DXC. Hope to make a contact with you some day Hayden! 73!
@@thork0tjt515 Great stuff mate, glad your system is performing so well for you. We'll make contact soon that's for sure. 73 mate
I have a Yeasu 991a. I love it. I use it mostly on HF 40M. Wiresx now an then. I have also have a FTM400DR that I use Wiresx.
I’ve never used WiresX. I’ll have to have a go one day. My FT-991 was a great rig
My feeling are that the 991a is different radio the yaesu 710 is more similar to the 7300.
FT-991A does everything i want and does it well. I may get a 7300 one day as a backup radio. Hexbeam antenna is next on my shopping list.
Ooooh Hexbeam, that will be cool!
comparing apples to oranges!
I own the Icom-IC 7300 since Tuesday. I’m still waiting for a commercial portable antenna, I have attempted to connect simple wire (speaker cables) but haven’t heard anyone so looking forward to getting the real antenna and setting it up in assorted picnic locations and mixing it with camping when it gets warmer.
Does the FT-991A sold in JAPAN Tx frequencies exactly match the version that was sold in Australia? I’m aware that a number of Yaesu models sold JDM do NOT exactly match US/Aus band plans.
FT-991A .....and by the way, there are firmware updates here, too. More capability in the Yaesu model here vs the 7300. That's where my money is.
Thank you for your excellent comparison.
I just got my General recently and have been using a Yaesu VX-6R. There’s a 2 Meter Repeater within a quarter of a mile from my house so that’s nice. I used to operate on SSB 40 years back. To say things have changed really doesn’t cover it. Everyone was using Tube Type Base stations then. I am on a budget but would love to get back in SSB. I’m drawn to the 991a because of its versatility. Of course, having the Yaesu HT technically gives some VHF/UHF capability. Albeit with an external antenna. I could stretch my budget to one of these two or perhaps you have another recommendation, even used would be worth a try. Thanks again and any advice and words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. 73 ke8ysi
I couldn't decide too! I like VHF/UHF, so I've bought FT-991A, then I've come to Icoms and IC-7300, but I couldn't sell the Yaesu, ... so ... kept BOTH!!! :-D
The Yeast 991A is a Much better Radio for the Home base because it have also VHF and UHF Digital Voice Modes to, I use Yeasu Radios, I have a Ft 817 and a FT5D,
I have sent my 991A into Yaesu three times for repairs. I run almost entirely FT8. From time to time the 991A will just quit transmitting, for no obvious reason. Factory resets, reprogramming, switching computers, etc. do not fix the problem. I also have an IC-7100. It sits in the shack runnng FT8 for months at a time, with never a problem. I also really like the intuitive controlls on the Icom-7100. I plan to sell the 991A and buy an IC-7300.
Thank you.
Well this is a Hard one, I have a 7300 and love it, I Was keeping an eye on the 9700 dang that’s expensive that being said I’m also a Fusion user and own a Ft300 and Ft2d and I can see my self not getting something that does not C4FM, so I pulled the trigger and bought the 991a only for UHF/VHF all mode for $1000 a consignment radio at Hro. I hope My wife does not notice.
You shouild buy an ICOM 7300 along with an ICOM 705. That way, you have all the bands covered as well as portable.
Nice quick overview, but I wish you had touched on more of the features of each rig. There is so much more to each, I would have enjoyed your take on some of the other features. Thanks. JT
991A
I have owned my 991A for about a year and a half now and have sent it in for repair 3 times and will be sending it yet again to repair the USB port but I have to say I would NEVER sell it. I love this radio even though it is so fragile..
i have them both there is very little vhf and uhf activity here in England so i use the ic7300 most and like it better here there is no band restrictions only power restrictions in England for the class of license you hold
What is your opinion to have separate HF and VHF/UHF tranceivers? which equipment you would recommend for such setup?
I am actually looking for something frugal on energy consumpltion for may /MM station on my yacht
I’d recommend separate transceivers but it all depends on what you can afford. Mobile VHF/UHF radios double up as good base station radios too
I have ben into /had Radios for 35+ years but just recently became a ham & i bought the Yaesu Ft-991 (Open Box) because of the Deal i found & i really Enjoy it im just a tech (for Now) so the VHF/UHF is my main Use as well as c4fm/Wires X I Really do Like All The Buttons an all that & really have not had to RTFM to learn how to use it for the most part other than a quick YT video a time or two..lol. i would say this is my First Real Radio/Big boy Radio so to speak..lol. i have had a lot of fun with it & also as Just a Tech The Icom-7300 Would Not be a Good Buy For me No Matter What Price !
I am Very Curious to What your problem with the USB Was..I Think i am having trouble from mine with drivers , cables Or The Port its self i am Un Sure ! But i Programed mine with the USB cable & RT Systems software Then i went to make some changes after 2-3 weeks & it was like the drivers was gone so i uninstalled & re installed Tried 2 Different Cables & 2-3 Different Computers All With No Luck ! The Only Thing I Care About Is Programing it..I Think I Can Still Do This With That DB9/RS232 Port But not 100% Sure !
anyone want to trade my ic 705 for your ft991a?
Totally disagree, I have the 991A and the FT-DX10 and these radios are far superior to the ICOM in my opinion and from the research and testing I did personally. I made the choices based on how they responded to me per operations. I see a lot of operators choose the 7300 because of the scope.... The scope cannot be put to a monitor and you have no VHF/VHF or air band. Also, ssb on VHF/UHF... this is a game changer......as well as Fusion.... So, you can watch any video like this and the final choice will be up to you as the consumer. I have no issue with the scope of the 991A it shows signals.... that's its purpose.... The DX10 I have is incredible... And its 100 off right now.
@Al Coholic Just the front end of the DX-10 alone for me is worth the extra price. The external monitor/3DSS and other misc. items are really great to have. I will be very interested in seeing what other mods other than pin 6 for MARS will be discovered when the actual service manual is released. I am not putting ICOM down but just like Yaesu better becuase they are more in tune to the HAM community in my optinion.
can a shack in a box be as good on HF as a dedicated hf radio?
I think they both have they’re good points and bad points. The 991A is more versatile for sure, but it’s a shame that it’s a Yaesu. I’ve personally have had nothing but issues with their radios. Be cautious if you operate legal limit power with another radio in the shack and the 991A is anywhere near by. There’s a video that documents the problem.
I’m trying to understand why everyone loves SDR’s if they suffer from front end overload? Maybe they have benefits that outweigh that issue.
@Ham Radio DX thanks for the comparison.
I cured the R-1005 problem with an A/B shorting antenna switch on the front end of the FT-991A.
I was going to go with the 991 but I already had an excellent 2m 70cm rig in my shack so I went with it's big brother and went with the 7300.
IM THE 1000th likee
Awesome!
IC 7300 and IC 7900 IS VERY GOOD RADIO...
Currently own both and great radios - the obvious differences means keeping both makes sense [for now]. But IMHO one wins out by a long shot, the other is in a 'tactical' box and used for /P. That one will be 'retired' once an amp to go with the IC-705 arrives!🤔
ICOM all the way 👍🏼
Does the Yaesu FT-991a have a built-in soundcard like the Icom radios?
Yes it does
STOP SAYING "HAICHE".......FFS it's "AICHE"
I’ll say whatever I want thanks champ
@@HamRadioDX Right on Bud
I use a ft 991 for c4fm
fantastic review my friend thanks 73 from kb2uew
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!
On 100 RF power on my icom 7300 I only get 55 Watts on sideband , why ???
What power meter are you measuring with? Remember that SSB will need to be read with a peak meter, not averaging. Cheers
@@HamRadioDX Yes I am measuring it with a peak meter reading, even on RTTY it gives me 55 watts ...
991A voice keyer doesn't work in FM mode
Oh, that's interesting. I never used the voice keyer on my 991 in FM, only SSB
Great review! I’m new to HF and curious what would be a good HF antenna if I do not have a tower (and live on a 1-acre lot with a couple of 30’ trees near my shack in the house). For VHF/UHF I run a Diamond X50, so I plan to purchase the 991a.
Hi Ray, a simple dipole or end fed half wave (which is a dipole fed at the end) will suffice, have a look on my channel I’ve done some antenna videos
@@HamRadioDX The 991a has a built-in tuner, so I'd go with an 80/40/20 off-center fed dipole (OCFD) ... the most bands for the buck. Quieter than an end-fed wire, and more bands than a straight dipole
I've set up a FT 991A for a friend. The audio adjustments isn't as straightforward as my IC-705. They're more in depth and it take a while longer to set up, especially if one never used a Yaesu HF radio before. Icom, on the other hand, it's just mic gain, treble, bass and compression.
Icom radios are more user friendly compared to Yaesu. Ever try programing a repeater into a Yaesu FT 991A? That information isn't in the manual. I had to look it up on UA-cam. One would think that they would put that in the manual, after all, it's an all band radio.
Both radios are hard to come by here in the States. I don't have the space for a base station radio here at home. If I were to get one, I'd get the IC-7300, hands down.
Did you try using the RTSystem programming software?
I did not. I've done it manually. Looked up a video on how to set up the TX Audio on the radio and set it up the same way.
@@pale_2111 ok thanks. I was just wondering as I haven't unpacked my brand new 991A and the RTSystems programming cable is on its way in the mail. I'm a total noob, so I've been relying on their software to get me this far ;)
I programed a 991A for a friend. The TX Audio isn't as straightforward as my ICOM IC-705 and takes a while to set up. I like to program my radios manually to learn about them as well.
Any comments on the receivers and the quality of the receive audio. Same for the transmit audio.
When I had the 991 I had no issues with the TX/RX audio. Same with the 7300 it’s great for me but perhaps different for others with different tastes
@@HamRadioDX I like to listen and talk on AM. The 7300 on AM set to the widest bandwidth had audio similar some of the better tube radios of the past. It has the best sounding AM of all the Ham Radios I have played with. I don't think the 991A has as wide a bandwidth selection as the 7300. Most probably don't care about AM but if you enjoy shortwave, AM broadcast band or just listening to Hams using AM on 75m you won't be disappointed with the 7300.
@@HamRadioDX I had a few Icom radio's, 756Pro, IC-706MKIIg, IC-7200, IC-7100 and IC-7300. Only the 706 and 7100 stayed longer than half a year. I get very tired from the audio of Icom radio's. Can listen for hours to many other radio's but not the more modern Icom's. Have a FT991A for 1,5 year now, had a 7300 beside it but that one gone back to the dealer after half a year for a trade in to a FTdx10. Both the 991A as the FTdx10 sound way better to me than the 7300. Definitely a good radio but not build for my ears/brain... 😉
I bought both, lol!
Haha nice!!
Don't have Either and I and I'm thinking about the shack in the Box just because the 2 m side band. Thanks for presenting both units severely interesting yeah it's still on the fence. And for what it's worth I'm using a DX Commander. Great antenna. Was in your country back in 1966 is sex for the coral sea is of a coral sea celebration, And at that time they were still working on the opera house when we went under the bridge, Just my 2 cents.
Turn off the air for almost 20 years and add all this technology as wreck in my brain birdie badly trying to keep up with it. NBA74 years young it makes it difficult sometimes. Thanks for the video I watched You are UA-cam several times and I get lost in some of the conversations that you and your cohorts put on. Thank you I'm 73 KQ4CD Paul
Wow! 9 whole minutes to conclude the obvious from start about HF or HF+VHF? Not a beep on performance or on how do they compare regarding operation & ease of use? How can one even think to be assisted with this poor review?
Glad you liked the video!
Finals fail in the 991 and 991a. Seen 2 with display failures just outside of warranty. Yeasu is not the company it used to be.
"Haych?"
Australian’s say stuff weird
the 7300 in not a all mode radio as the 991a is. why I-com did this boggles the mind. I want the 991a.
I enjoy my FT-991A. I am trying to fine tune my Heil PR-781 with the parametric eq on my Yaesu FT-991A. Getting closer to where I need it. Any suggestions 🤔
I haven't used that mic or EQ'd a FT--991A before... but I guess just keep playing ;)
Throw out the Heil and get the md-100 or md-200. My Heil is in the lower desk drawer and will stay there as punishment for wasting my time. Good luck
Check out N4HNH on you tube he has a great video where to start with the parametric eq for the Yaesu radios. I think Bob Heil has one on the Heil website and explains the why for the settings. But they are both just starting points will need to work with a friend to get it fine tuned to your voice/ mic/ operating style.
@@chiphungerford Thank you. Bob Heil has my microphone at his house now. Tests out perfectly fine. For some reason I can't get good reports from my friends on 75 meters but it should work well. I have faith in Heil Microphones so it must have something to do with my Parametric EQ on my 991A. Bob is going to assist me with it. Dr. Heil is a good man and very helpful to the music and ham communities. I will check out N4HNH channel. Thanks again 73
@ Greg Lopez KT4RAM, Good Luck with the mic, Dr Heil has done a great amount for both Ham Radio and the Music industry. Check him out on Ham Nation, ua-cam.com/video/-jGUHJ9xrGI/v-deo.html . Josh from Ham Radio Crash Course picked the show up and it has great content on ham radio including Bob Heil on some of the shows with great description of what he was thinking when designing some of his mics and how to tune them to the radio based on your style, rag chew, contesting ,etc..
so you made a 10 min video reading us the spec sheets of both radios but basically giving us no opinion on eithier . well done . quality youtube content
Can’t please everyone I guess. Glad you liked the video!
Where is your video @Persil68?
The recommendations came at the end. Maybe watch the entire presentation before dropping nonsense snide remarks..?
@@bradl2636 Well you didnt really .. you did 9 mins of specs and then pretty much said get what you fancy ... there not even in the same class of radio.. maybe compare the 7100 and 991a ? at least there same .
I have both the 7300 and the 991a. They are nearly equals. That being said, I find myself using the 7300 most of the time because, to me, it’s just easier to use.
I have the 7300 (and an IC-705). One thing I love LOVE about the Icoms is the ability to store settings on a SD card and seamlessly switch back and forth w/o having to do a deep dive into the menu settings every time you decide to transition from, say, FT8 to SSB. Curious, does the FT-991a have a similar setup????
Apparently the IC-7300 is HIGHLY prone to blowing it's finals. I have no idea how much a new set would cost, but I assume they are not free to replace or repair.
I haven't heard of that, maybe early models? Interesting though. Lots of 7300 owners out there
Thats a load of horse peup.
Haven't heard anyone having trouble with 7300 finals. I know the early 991s blew finals because they weren't biased right at the factory. Here is a youtube video of Kevin Loughin talking about it, replacing them and showing the proper bias voltage setup. ua-cam.com/video/pg_ric2_Bq4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=KevinLoughin I think the newer ones are fine but if I bought an older one I think I'd check the bias adjustment.
All I can go on is what I see on the 'net, this is just one example I found ua-cam.com/video/KE2HSjgxyUY/v-deo.html
BIG Problem with the FT-991a --- It's on backorder with all of the vendors --- has been for the past 4 months, and NO definitive future ship date --- just HOPE dates.
Because of that, I changed my order from an FT-991a to the IC-7300
The FT-991a is in stock tight now at Ham Radio Outlet.
Gee another you tuber doing a review.... sleepy town...
Gee another dumb comment from a LID… 😴😴. Glad you liked the video!