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How to choose your first transceiver and what to look for in 2018
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- Опубліковано 20 бер 2018
- In this video we cover how to choose a transceiver, specifically addressing the questions a new Ham may have, as well as what the minimum features you should expect in 2018.
We cover perhaps the two biggest questions a new ham has:
1) Should I buy a 'shack in the box' and,
2) Whether a landscape & waterfall is essential
Additionally, different sub interests within the hobby and how they affect your purchasing decisions are covered, such as portable operation, HF & 2M/70CM, and digital modes.
We hope you enjoy the video, and please do ask any questions and list your own tips in the comments; they're there for discussion and we'll attempt to do our best to reply promptly and to each and every person :)
73, Jarrad VK3BL & Ben VK3HBN
All really good points. As a new HAM earlier this year, 2020, I got my Tech and just prior was looking for a radio. I chose the ic-2730a for the truck to get me onto local repeaters, but also to have true dual receive in vhf/uhf (as the 7610 has in HF). Loved the radio so much that I built a second one into a custom go box that I built (can see it in my QRZ). Next I bought an SDRPlay RSP1A as a good trial into HF. Allowed me to listen to any band I want, and also taught me a lot about how to operate and HF radio by using the functions to tune in frequencies....noise reduction, noise blanker, notch filters, de-emphasis etc etc. Lots of fantastic options to get into the hobby. Personally, I love the SDR. I use it to listen to phone, to decode psk31 etc, and to use as a receiver for aviation radar. Ive enjoyed the hobby so much that I got my General in July, and then my Extra in August
One note from a new ham that has been really active the past 6 months. I personally think that a waterfall os a HUGE deal. It makes getting to solid frequencies much easier for us new operators. With that being said, I think the 7100 connected to and sdrplay is way up the list 😁
73
K5JRX
One quick comment regarding the “shack in the box” options. The Yaesu FT-991a is a really good option for that, it’s got all HF bands, and 2 meter/70cm bands as well, has a USB and LOTS of features for an “entry level” all in one box. At under a grand, that is a good starting point for a beginner base station I think. It’s not as good as the 7300 on HF, but as you mentioned the 7300 doesn’t have 2 meter. Having said that, I just bought the ic-7300 and the ic-9700 to go with it! ;)
I wish there were more shack in a box mobiles. I really enjoy Yaesu radios, and I would quite like a mobile like the IC-7100 that did C4FM. Right now I have the FTM-400 in the truck, but I like the idea of a shack-in-a-box more than having multiple radios in a car and multiple microphones and everything else. But I really want C4FM because I have a base station that does that mode, and I enjoy the idea of inter communication. But I will say, if the IC-7100 ever does reach end of life, I'd snap one up right quick, if they go on sale.
Great video with a wide array of radios and types. I also enjoy how you describe the whys of certain radios, such as missing usb connection, etc. This video created a new subscriber. Thanks
Thanks for the guide.
USB connectibity is a must for modern rig. I just started exploring HF, and a basic 100W rig is starting point. Why? THe 100w can goes to QRP, but QRP rig with 5-15W cannot QRO to 100W. :)
After few months playing with IC-7300, now, I am controlling my rig using laptop and smartphone. I can QSY, change mode, select memeory, change mic's gain, RF power level, compression level, ... using laptop, without need to see or touch the rig anymore.
I also can record the QSO's or audio from broadcast station, straight to the laptop, and can replay it back and TX on the air.. :) Very nice, if someone want to hears how his signal/voice received at my station.
So, any rig with built-in soundcard and controls using USB is a must, at least, for my needs
Thank you.
Bahathir 9W2GNU, 73.
Dear Bahathir, thank you so much for being a long time supporter of our channel, and your very insightful post. It puts into written word much of my own experience that I didn’t manage to convey in the video! :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Jarrard nice video, I’ve been a ham for 43 years but been inactive fo the last 8 years and going to get back on the air, I’m struggling with a choice between the 7610 or the FTDX101d/mp.. I know you done videos on both so which would you recommend, going to do CW and SSB? I’m also looked at the 890s but I know it’s not an SDR. I’ve considered buying both or a 7610 and the 7300. Tnx KB8ZF
A few zoomed in shots of these radios would have been helpful.
Always enjoy your video's - good job.
Thanks. It took me awhile to get my Yaesu FT-950 connected to my computer. My next radio will have USB for sure and certain. Thanks for the video. I will subscribe.
You're welcome :) Just make sure the USB also carries Audio - some of the entry level Yaesu models don't. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Very much appreciate the reviews. I'm a new ham so you're helping me out here a great deal. If I can make a tiny request though... If you could mix in some closeups of the radios and maybe add some text overlays of the models and maybe some features it would be ll the more helpful. ;)
Dear Bob, unfortunately we’re not in the position too as the radios in the shack are strongly biased towards Jarrad VK3BL’s operating interests and preferences. Aside from the key features such as USB connectivity for audio and data, and IF DSP (all the Icom’s shown feature this), until you develop your own unique ‘taste’ for the hobby you won’t know exactly which parts of it you wish to pursue. Given this, I’d recommend you look at the Icom IC-7100 for your first radio. The Yaesu FT-991A is a good package too, but USB for digital modes requires purchasing an additional piece of hardware. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Might I also recommend the Yaesu 897D "shack in the box" that new hams can pick up for about $750 USD that also covers all the bands but at 100 watts output. It can also be used as portable or mobile! Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us! 73's KD9JEO
I can't remember if I mentioned that in the video or not - I think I did briefly. It was actually my first HF transceiver purchase, and to be honest, it didn't float my boat! It was just too small for me to use, and I only ever used it as a base station radio. As such, I ended up parting with it.
All that said, I know of many, many operators who absolutely adore the FT-857D, and they still sell reasonably well to this day. The kinds of people who get the most out of them in my opinion are those who only want a single radio mounted in their vehicle, or who tend to operate portable doing field days and park activations.
I'm sure there are also a few Hams who don't want a big shack, and they much prefer having the very compact FT-857ND sitting on their desk.
It might also have something to do with the fact I'm primarily a DXer, and henceforth always tend to be spinning the big knob; if you're more of a 'once a week sked' kind of guy, then perhaps you wouldn't find the ergonomics an issue.
The moral of the story of course is that there is a radio for everyone! And I do agree, at that price, they are a bargain. I'd personally suggest spending a bit more and going with the much newer IC-7100 that has a remote head, IF DSP & USB control + audio for digital modes however, unless operating mobile and/or portable is your thing. But thats just me; the point of the video is to encourage people to consider their needs, try out different radios and buy the one that suits them best :).
What do you like most about the FT-857ND?
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
David Fodor Yaesu 857D is by far the biggest POS transceiver I have ever owned and used. You can’t give me another one for FREE. I wrote a really negative review on eHam that pretty much says it all. Pure Garbage.
Thanks for this Jarrad. It was a very useful video and demonstration on the various radios. I am fairly new to the hobby and have an IC 7300 that I am really enjoying. I also have an 857D that I am yet to really play with - the 7300 is much easier to get up and running with for the novice, for sure. I wonder if you could do a video on how best to use the 857D radio? Cheers for all you do mate. Cristian
Dear Christian,
One of my first radios was the FT-857D, but unfortunately I no longer have it. The best tips I can offer is make use of the RF gain as per our video on how to get the most out of a transceiver, and aim to use it mobile.
I ultimately sold it because I didn't use it portable much. I tried it in my diesel truck but the injector noise was somewhat annoying when moving, and being a compact pickup I didn't have much dash space to mount it ergonomically. It did however work very well with the ATAS-120A antenna, and I managed a 55 from New Caledonia in the South Pacific :)
The guys who get the most out of the FT-857D tend to set them up at national parks, run approximately 30 watts into a "link dipole" and pair them with a high capacity LiPo cell. The ones from www.hobbyking.com are very popular.
Of course, it would also make a welcome addition to the shack for 2M & 70CM SSB usage. In this case, I would suggest programming in your favourite repeaters, as well as your national call frequencies for SSB & FM. Set the squelch just right, and you can have it scanning away for traffic and/or some rare 2 & 70 SSB DX.
Thanks for the kind words and enjoy your radios,
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
I appreciated your presentation.
Thanks :). Its not perfect but the main theme is to get a first rig that suits your needs and lets you explore as much of our wonderful hobby as possible :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I took a quick look on the Yaesy web site and the FT-991A, their latest 'shack in a box' has a USB connection. I attached a quote from their web page - it looks like a good rig - that said, I'm a fan of Icom architcture.
USB Capable
The FT-991 can be connected to a computer using a USB cable for CAT control and firmware updates, or the use of an integrated SCU-17 Interface Unit to support USB Audio In/Out, TX Control (PTT, Key, Shift).
Michael 73
VA6XMB
Dear Michael, Unfortunately the Yaesu website is a little misleading - the USB Interface only provides control, not control & audio, so if you want to use it with digital modes you still need to get the external SCU-17, which is a real pity with the FT-991. That said, still a very popular radio, but I'd only put it above the IC-7100 if System Fusion / C4FM is your thing; the band scope doesn't come close to the IC-7300 and IMHO is more of a gimmick on the 991. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & Team :)
Hey, Jarrad! Another great vid with a lot of great info. I don't have brand loyalty, but I did end up with 3 Yaesu radios, I think only b/c of convenience. For me, getting into QRP after receiving my ham license wasn't a big deal, b/c I spent 25 years doing SWL. In fact, I spend more time listening than anything else. I am learning CW, and in my experience, CW DX is a cliche, depending on season, band, time of day, solar activity. I am having a blast. 73 de KI7BSW.
Dear Randall, thanks for the lovely feedback. I dare say your many years LISTENING will be a great asset to you working DX with CW. Just remember, you only need to know your call, 5NN and TU 73 to get in the log ;). Cheers, Jarrad VK3BL
In the US the 7100 has a price that is several hundred dollars more than the 7300, and the 7200 isn’t readily available.
The pricing (and availability) of radios world wide is a strange thing. The IC-7200 is not available full stop any more in VK. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Thanks for the excellent video. So, when using the TS-590SG with an SDR Play (for example) you'd have to connect to your PC and use Omni rig so each receiver would track each other. Is that correct? 73
Hey there Jarrad, thought ur video was well done. But I've a question...back in early 80's a friend's dad had this big base Ham radio in his house ( in the US) and he was always talking on it. One night I asked him just where his friend was located at..since the accent was not of anyone local), turns out the friend was living in Australia. So my question is...what would I need to buy today that could reach overseas without a repeater ? during a time the Grid should go down? Would the Radio and antenna be way to costly in money to afford buying something today that my friend's dad had and still uses today with just a big antenna on top his roof to communicate overseas...I don't recall the model or brand name of his Ham Radio and his antenna just looked like a big TV antenna, so if you can suggest a base Ham radio /antenna that could work without repeaters would be great.
Thank you for this Nice video Jarrad. I have only License from 2015, but I have the 7300, the IC 725 (Old one) and the Yaseu 817 and a lot of handholds. The best from LB1NH from Oslo Norway. :-)
Dear Arild,
You really can't go wrong with the IC-7300 and suspect you'll have a lot of fun and good memories with that rig!
I too have a lot of handhelds - mostly Yaesu myself but we've also got some Icoms. I've been meaning to do an FT-70DR vs FT-2DR video for ages now; so much to do so little time!
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
How do you like the Palstar Auto Tuner? Been thinking of getting one but people saying the non autos tune better and don’t break. What’s your opinion?
Sorry mate you are taking rubbish about the Yaesu FT817. At the bottom of the solar cycle, its going to be "hard going to make voice contacts". At the bottom of the solar cycle with an FT818 and a very simple indoors wire loop antenna (Wonder-loop), I've talked across Europe on HF bands from by home QTH in the North of England. Next up for me is learning Morse so I can transmit with my MLR3B. If you don't like the radio fine, but disclaim that before offering suggestions. In the UK where a foundation license is restricted to only 10 watts, this radio is a great 1st choice.
Which transceiver is the best for the competition?For the SSB competition.
Thanks for the advice Jarrad I'm torn between a used 897D and a new 7300 73 Craig VK4CDB
Thanks Jarred, great info, subscribed! One question and one request for you:
1. What are those speakers with the yellow cones? (Nice looking and look like high end?)
2. Can you do a video on deciphering what kind of digital signal you hear? Aka, I hear beep beep b-e-e-p, I know it is CW. But what do the other modes jt65, rtty.... all sound like so I can put the correct mode on when I hear one....
1. Krk Rokit series..basic studio monitors.
You should do a video of cb radio 😃
What about the Yaesu FT-991A? Shack in a box, USB, waterfall, full power … Has a good DSP. I don’t know the DSP is on the AF or IF. Just about the same price point as the IC-7300 + UHF,VHF.
Dear Ross, I only recently learnt the 991A has a built in SCU-17 so also supports audio over USB; that makes it a very very attractive radio in my opinion and one I'll organise to review on the channel sometime! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
I am studying for my F-call at the moment. I’m interested in HF as I use to love chasing skip on 27mhz back in the day and I have been listening to HF on my RTL-SDR USB receiver. A radio I have been offered is a Kenwood TS570 s/g. I know its not a modern design BUT it has built in ATU and SWR meter and is capable of 100W. Whats your opinion on this radio? I do also have a 2m/70cm FM only radio to hit the local repeaters.
Thanks for a great explanation of considerations for a first choice option, It
is now August 2019 and I was told by a distibutor here in Canada that his ICOM 7100 are now special order only because they have stopped production, I wonder if you might have any insight on this info, I was kinda leaning towards the 7100 for the exact reasons you mentioned. Thanks very much , Mike VE9MWB
The IC-7200 is made by Icom not Yaesu; and the IC-7300 has an SD card in the front, not the mythical 'usb card' opps! -Jarrad VK3BL :)
So what model is the Yaesu then? Still can't figure it out.
One item you failed to address up front is COST. This turns out to be the big deal for newbies as well as old timers. I own the Icom 7300, my previous rig was TOP drawer... until it wasn't. It was an Icom 751 I bought new in 1984. My new rig is an embarrassment of riches. More for less than ever before.
We tried to address 'cost' in a subtle manner by showing and talking about radios of different price classes. If you can afford it, the IC-7100 is probably the best 'all round' first radio as it is quite versatile in what it offers. Of course, if you KNOW HF is your thing, nothing beats the IC-7300 for the money. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I feel cost is irrelevant in this video. If he talks more detailed about cost or actual values, the video is immediately "dated".
I prefer his method of informing me, and let me do the digging on costs. This goes for any hobby.
The Yaesu FT 891 has the USB and bigger controls and 100Watts. What are your thoughts on it?
I've heard great things about it but not tried it myself, but I should at some stage as we've been offered a loan for a review. Apparently, it has lovely audio. Regarding the USB, I'm under the impression it only allows CAT control and doesn't provide audio in and out which is unfortunate; if it did, I would probably have one in my truck! 73, Jarrad VK3BL
No there is no audio through USB indeed so requires additional external interface and cabling… But this was intended mostly as a mobile rig. I have one for last year or so and used for portable different kind of activations. Audio is not perfect and DSP is doing job but not as good as many others. Anyway do not forget the low price tag. It's a kind of FT817ND but for HF only and 100W plus modern DSP and yes very compact and light package. Actually my main rig for portable when power supply is available for 100W out and happy with that. Not a best choice for SOTA… better go with FT817ND or KX2/KX3 when weight is one of the main concerns (have them too).
My first TRX - RADIO-76 )))
Do you really need to have a lot of radios to get into the hobby? I often see hams having more than 1 radio in their shack.
Not at all! I worked my first 100 countries using an FT-101E and I remember it fondly. Over time, a Ham tends to build up a collection if ‘bitten by the bug’. Plus, a lot of the gear is there as ‘props’ for the videos :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
@@RateMyRadio I'm curious. FT-101 or IC-7100? I'm not interested in anything besides the normal phone bands. Portability and desk space is nice but not needed. To me it seems price wise I end up around the same with a 101 or 7100.
I Love My ft817nd
The little 817 (or 818) is an iconic radio and something every shack can benefit from having around. High power is nice, but I have found the most memorable contacts are the surprise ones that come with low power and random antennas, such as a 59 QSO I had between Cambodia and Brunei using a tin roof as one half the antenna and a 'counterpoise' hanging out the window as the other! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Can I say oh my. I haven't been on amateur radio and probably about 15 years. I have a Kenwood 850. Not even sure if it even works. Want to get back into it again but oh my the technology is just mind-boggling. What the hell would you do. Thank you 7 3 KQ4CD
Dear Paul, you have a lot of fun! My first 100 were worked just a few years back using an FT-101E, so I can say even in this day and age you can still do it with the classic gear. That said, the new toys can be a lot of fun. I'd check out the IC-7300 if you want to get involved again, dollar for dollar its an AMAZING rig with everything you can dream of. As a bonus, the 850 should still pick up some good coin :). 73, Jarrad
This is a video as many others. Always the same technical blabla without any idea what are the problems of people that want to start this hobby. HOW TO USE AT THE BEGINNING A TRANSMITTER having obtained recently the license Explaining what and why the practice is when transmitting. Explaining this is much more usefull than only listening.
Franklin Postma that's outside the scope of this video, I have seen videos about etiquette and what to do on YT and so on, not on this channel as this is my first video here. But I absolutely think a video should be what the posted topic is, not other stuff.
Why did you not talk about the cost of each radio?
Icom vinder do they pay for this ?
Another great video Jarrad. I'm a subscriber and really enjoy your channel - relevant content. If a person went with an HF rig, what would you recommend as a good VHF/UHF rig. It looks lIke you have at least one in your shop
Michael 73
VA6XMB
Dear Michael,
It really depends on what you're looking for. If its just for repeaters (FM), it mainly comes down to which digital voice mode you prefer: Yaesu's System Fusion, or Icom's DSTAR. I'm a System Fusion guy, as it is probably the easiest of the bunch to use, as well as the best sounding. To boot, if you want to setup internet linking, the Wires-X system is very easy to get running and talk to others around the world.
If 2 & 70CM SSB is your thing, the only new choices I would look at currently are the IC-7100 & FT-991A; all the bigger rigs are somewhat outdated, and usually quite pricy. Second hand, the Kenwood TS-2000 might be worth a look, or an IC-9100 if you see one at the right price.
Sooner or later Icom should release the IC-9700, which is basically an IC-7300 for 2&70. Thats what I'm saving my pennies for (hopefully its not insanely priced), and in the meantime the IC-7100 is more than good enough. Thats the thing about the IC-7100; if you do decide to move to a dedicated HF rig, its still a great radio to have round the shack.
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
How are you using your computer? Is it better to have a Windows or a Mac and the reason?
My Ham radio usage is all PC based; however I much prefer a Mac for general computing. The shack has a little Lenovo pc up the top which I usually Remote Desktop into when running digital modes. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
My question is a bit off your subject-but can you recommend the Kenwood TS 2000/2000X?
They are now a very old design, and I haven't really had much to do with them. That said, there is a loan TS-2000X in the shack, so watch out for our upcoming videos and see what you think :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
@@RateMyRadio very old design,you must be joking
I don't think it would be a firmware update more likely hardware update and I DONT think they are going to going to come out with new model . I just think its not going to happen. Any way I am still going to save for it... uug 4 months … it's worth the wait. DE kd6erp 73's
You can do it with an external touchscreen that supports 'mouse as usb' for the touch functionality already.... its just that not all of the on screen options are 'mouse select-able' with the current firmware. So I don't see why they couldn't do it, but I don't see it happening either. Having dual receivers in the one box is definitely worth the wait! :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Great video. Have you ever produced a video on WSJT-X?
Michael VA6XMB
Thanks Michael! Not specifically as most people seem to get a hang of it quite quickly, and most questions are related to specific rigs not operation anyway. That said, it has featured in quite a few of our videos. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Suspiciously no Kenwood radios....best build quality !
No Kenwood????
Kenwood got da audiooo.....this guy must like 144 & up .....
I love my Kenwood, if they come out with the waterfall real time, I’m gonna look into it
I thought the subject of the ic 7610 having the ability to use a external touch screen monitor in the future ( firmware update ) was a dead horse …. ( NOT GOING TO HAPPEN ) if I am wrong LET ME NO PLEASE .
I personally can’t see it happening without a major firmware revision
We all don't have $1500 plus .
the year 2098?
Most important thing is that it does not say Yaesu on it and that it does not have a touch screen on it.
Omg he's British
Erm....no. Aussie.