Great video as usual! I bought the IC-7300, but not long after there were features on the FT-991A that I wish I had so I ended up buying the 991A as well.
I have an ICOM IC 7300 and a Yaesu ft817nd, equally happy with both. But I am a QRPer and spends a lot of time on the little Yaesu. Though conditions are pretty poor, I still make good contacts with 4 watts SSB including one to 9N1CA in Nepal sitting in Chennai India.
Like you guys in Texas, we have a weekly 2m USB net up here in Alaska every Saturday at 9:30 am (AST) that is a blast! All mode, all band radios ROCK! I use the IC-7100 as my VHF/UHF and D-Star radio and an IC-7300 for HF. Love your channel, keep up the good vibes! 73, KL7CA
It can be good for a beginner (or maybe anybody) to seek out a ham club to join, or just get advice. Also, there is often access to good used equipment at good prices as club members sometimes upgrade their equipment and have perfectly good used equipment for sale. You will likely find quite a few of what I call "points of intelligence" on any ham subject, equipment or otherwise, in such clubs.
In addition to missing the 590SG sound card you have also missed a couple of key features. The 590SG has an antenna out facility allowing antenna sharing for an SDR panadapter (mutes on Tx), the 590SG with an SDR panadapter makes the 7300 waterfall look like a toy. The 590SG also comes with FREE VOIP remote software, no need for Rigblaster or similar hardware and no need to spend money on software as with the Icom. It works very well and isn’t difficult to set up. The Kenwood ARCP software is almost identical in operation to the set unlike the Icom dogs breakfast software that is RS-BA1.
Kenwood fanboy, eh? Nothing wrong with that. The features you mentioned here weren't missed because this video wasn't an in-depth analysis of each model. Also if the Kenwood line was so great, you'd think they'd still be in production. I included this model because, at the time, it was still available and in the price point that matched the theme of the video. The video IS targeted towards New Hams, as I also mentioned, and most of them wouldn't care about the features you spoke of. Regardless, now I am somewhat happy that I didn't push this radio more in the video since they are no longer available.
I also omitted to say that the 590SG has 2 comms ports, very useful when you want 2 applications talking cat to the radio, e.g. SDR console and FL digi.
Got my ham license about 6 years ago. Only now have time to explore ham radio life. Don't ask me anything about my knowledge of ham radios because I have forgotten everything. Am 75 yrs old and retired. Have a one time chance to buy a ham radio ( budget is 2100$), not counting an antenna (budget is about 500$ for antenna). What should I buy??
Have added a Kenwood ts590sg and a xeigu g90 now. Great radios and find what you said is exactly true. Have an mc60a mic also and hope to continue with this setup. 73 de vu3mes Satyan
Thanks again for not stopping to talk and meet me at the Orlando Hamfest this year , you were " to busy " your excellency. Been a licensed amateur before you were born and young jokers like you are the main reason that us old HAMS aren't too excited with the new world order ...
@@HamRadio2 you would think that they would. I bought a USB B to USB A cable and plugged it in downloaded flrig and ft8 and js8call and away I went. The newer model 590sg you can hook up a panadapter like sdrplay right into the DRV port on back of radio and change a setting in the menu and have a full spectrum display!
FT-DX3000 is an awesome Radio... I loved mine, hated to sell it, but wanted to upgrade to a flex and could not keep both! I have a flex 6400 and it is super!!! The Xverter with 2meters is awesome...
I've been considering the Flex and using my Mac as the operating platform. I'm also considering the SunSDR and saw your intro video on it. Curious if you have used the SunSDR more and how you like it compared to your Flex. Thanks for your videos and nice job with the TROLL.
Thanks for commenting. For me, I like the FlexRadio better, but the margin is close. ExpertSDR is quite nice also. I had to send that radio back so I didn't have another chance to tinker with it, but I now have their QRP version so I plan to play with that soon
@@HamRadio2 I do remember setting this up on the old model my dad had. That was indeed the selling point for him back in 2012. I dont think it was near as easy as my yaesu was. I remember "driver" issues. lol
If you buy the Flex radio can you make it also handle VHF/UFH like the ft-991a? I really want to have an all in one rig but I LOVE the features of the Flex.
I have a 220MHz transverter kit that I am going to build and add to the Flex. So yes, that is coming...just gotta find time to do it! lol - great idea though.
The Kenwood TS-590SG DOES have a built in sound card. I know because I own one. I also had a FTDX-3000. It has an excellent receiver but I hated the ergonomics on it.
IMO, wideband SDR is the way to go.. rigs similar to the ANON 100D with two independent receivers is hard to beat for about 2K. Very similar to the FLEX, but cheaper. 16 bit converter, 150 MSPS.. HF thru 6. What seperates the SDR men from the boys is running the CW Skimmer App, and decoding ALL CW on the band into displayed characters. My second favorite has to be the IC-7300, but it can't run CW Skimmer or do directional receive.
I know I am going to get a lot of crap about this but the Elecraft KX3 needs to be in this list. Yes, I know it's QRP but what a radio! At one time I owned the FT991a and the FTDX3000. I picked up a KX3 and sold the others after 3 months. That's all I have to say about that.
Nope, no crap at all. THIS video isn't about QRP. but overall you are correct. I own a KX3 and it is a fantastic radio. I'll likely do another video soon about QRP rigs, right now I am just trying to keep the categories in-line
@@joshuarubin37 There are other options for 100w amplifiers besides the KXPA100 like the Xiegu XPA125b. Another popular option is the Hardrock 50. It's not 100w but it integrates with the KX3 almost as well as the Elecraft amp. That being said a KX3, PX3, and KXPA100 combination makes a great base station but is way out of the "Below $2000" range for this video.
@@HamRadio2 Actually the shipping was cheaper. I was going to get this radio from a city 3 hours away from me. It was a couple hundred dollars more, shipping was 40$ more, and was going to take longer to get to me some how. So i bought it from the US. haha
Alright...looking at these options I have a question when it comes to the 6400. Can a Flex be run directly connected to a PC or Laptop or is it "wireless" control only? If wireless only then it does not make sense for me to consider as an HF option since my router is on a different level and side of the house from my shack. Comments with help or a link to give me some better info would be appreciated! 73 KC1MFH
Anthony, I mentioned that in the last video. Best HF under $1000. You really can't get into HF for much less than $500, and I mention those radios in that video
Anthony - with the advent of color screens and touch screens, there are a TON of excellent radios without those features on the used market. I've seen $10K radios on ebay for under $2K, and what were once top radios in the middle price range going for under $1K. Some are only for a few hundred dollars.
I guess if you wanted to get nit-picky, this list also doesn't include electricity to run the radio or the house to put it in. No, the video was just for the radio only. There is always going to be other things you need to run the radio. Power supply, headset, a desk to put it on, etc. The FTDX-10 wasn't out when I recorded this. I want to give it a run before including it in a list.
When ever I buy a new radio, I have to tell the wife it only cost me HALF of what I really spent! Otherwise we'd have had to part company a long, time ago! P.S. She does the same to me, on her jewelry buying! 😉
Oh ok. Awesome. Thank you. I will go check that out. Sorry, I'm new to all this and I missed that part. Trying to learn as much as possible and you have helped with that a lot in your videos. Also watching your licences courses for both tech and gen.
Unless that radio negates ALL of these radios....which it doesn't (I know several people that returned theirs for defects) then your statement is short sighted.
My God who has $2000 worth of expendable income to spend on an amateur radio? Certainly not me I am a retired Vietnam era veteran and barely make it through each month. And this is why a lot of people can’t get into the hobby. I don’t have that kind of money to spend on a radio. This is ridiculous
Dude we aren't even to the top yet. Many more radios out there that cost lots than this list. BUT...my first video started with radios around $500 (again this is HF radio) so what is the issue? I've given you choices from about $480-$2000
I appreciate all that you and others are doing for the hobby. As for those who don’t want to or cannot spend this kind of money there are other options, used equipment some clubs have swaps or estates they help liquidate. And to your point for HF the entry point do a new radio is about $500 but you could do SDR of echolink on an IPhone if you just want to get on air.
Ham radio is not, and has never been, a "cheap" hobby. But one of the good things has always been, as new gear is released, as it inevitably is, and people who can afford it, buy it, as they inevitably do, perfectly good older gear then becomes available at a reduced price. There should be no stigma to either having a new IC-7851 or new-to-you IC-751A or a vacuum tube rig. Some Elmers will even "loan" rigs to new Hams.
@@DennyInDurham I couldn't agree more. I think this notion that "everything in Ham Radio should be free" cheapens the hobby and devalues it. This is the greatest hobby in the world and it should be regarded as such. Thinking everything should be cheap or free is backwards.
I have ham radios 3 of them 2x handheld and one mobile I don’t have license yet.but I get the excited when someone talks about sports cars or bikes but come on 3000k for a radio!!!!! Are you sleeping in gold bed cover up with golden blanket.I understand everyone have a hobby but 3000k for a radio! Peoples did you lost your minds !
@@HamRadio2 Sixty years ago I lusted after a $1150 Collins KWM-2 (Google what THAT is in today's dollars). Nothing has changed, other than great technology is now available a lot cheaper (relatively speaking).
OK, explain this one to me, it is not 2021 so are you predicting the future? How can these be the best of 2021 if we are not in 2021 and even the radios that may be planned are not out for review yet. And considering your testing for reviews consists of you clicking the mic a few times and then you declare as "The best radio." or "A great radio" when you didn't even test it. Total click bate.
Great. So, you are new to UA-cam? Nothing wrong with that. 1. When 2021 hits in about 2 weeks, you aren't going to see a mass-release of a bunch of new radios. There might be some here and there throughout the year that release 1 at a time, but with production down right now due to the pandemic, the releases are all getting pushed back or cancelled. 2. It is spelled YOU'RE not "your" 3. This is not a review video. This is an overview. I have other videos in my 500+ library which talk about several of these radios and are more of a "review" than this one is (the word "review" was never used in the title either) Glad you liked the video!
Just bought the 991a, can’t wait until Friday to open the box up!!
Great video as usual! I bought the IC-7300, but not long after there were features on the FT-991A that I wish I had so I ended up buying the 991A as well.
Thanks for watching!
I’m torn between the 7300 and 991a. Besides VHF/UHF what’s the major feature you found missing on the 7300?
@@alp6475 Much better receiver
@@alp6475 There is also the IC-7100, which is an all-band radio should you want an Icom.
@@HamRadio2 Which one is much better? Which aspects are better?
The Kenwood TS-590sg has a sound card also. It is a great radio for blind hams when you add the VSG 1 voice module.
I've seen a TS-2000 with the voice module. Those work well
@@HamRadio2 I know, you sold me one. lol. I use my TS-590sg on FT8 just with a USB cable and a PC.
I have an ICOM IC 7300 and a Yaesu ft817nd, equally happy with both. But I am a QRPer and spends a lot of time on the little Yaesu. Though conditions are pretty poor, I still make good contacts with 4 watts SSB including one to 9N1CA in Nepal sitting in Chennai India.
Like you guys in Texas, we have a weekly 2m USB net up here in Alaska every Saturday at 9:30 am (AST) that is a blast! All mode, all band radios ROCK! I use the IC-7100 as my VHF/UHF and D-Star radio and an IC-7300 for HF. Love your channel, keep up the good vibes! 73, KL7CA
I'm looking at the FTDX 10. Thanks for the video's, very informative.
I have the 991A, but a friend has the FTDX-10. It's an excellent choice especially if you live near noise sources. 73
Best bang for your limited bucks is the FT- 991A. No contest
I got my IC7300 in 2017, when it was $1200. No regrets!
Good coverage. I still fire up my Flex-1500 once in a while.
The Yaesu FTDX-10 is 1698.00, and it's a great rig under 2K.. But it might not of been available when you did the actual recording. Worth a look.
Looking forward to trying that rig, but it hasn't been released yet
@@HamRadio2 Guess you weren't watching HRO's twitter. They posted a video earlier today saying its now available in store.
It can be good for a beginner (or maybe anybody) to seek out a ham club to join, or just get advice. Also, there is often access to good used equipment at good prices as club members sometimes upgrade their equipment and have perfectly good used equipment for sale. You will likely find quite a few of what I call "points of intelligence" on any ham subject, equipment or otherwise, in such clubs.
In addition to missing the 590SG sound card you have also missed a couple of key features. The 590SG has an antenna out facility allowing antenna sharing for an SDR panadapter (mutes on Tx), the 590SG with an SDR panadapter makes the 7300 waterfall look like a toy. The 590SG also comes with FREE VOIP remote software, no need for Rigblaster or similar hardware and no need to spend money on software as with the Icom. It works very well and isn’t difficult to set up. The Kenwood ARCP software is almost identical in operation to the set unlike the Icom dogs breakfast software that is RS-BA1.
Kenwood fanboy, eh? Nothing wrong with that. The features you mentioned here weren't missed because this video wasn't an in-depth analysis of each model. Also if the Kenwood line was so great, you'd think they'd still be in production.
I included this model because, at the time, it was still available and in the price point that matched the theme of the video. The video IS targeted towards New Hams, as I also mentioned, and most of them wouldn't care about the features you spoke of. Regardless, now I am somewhat happy that I didn't push this radio more in the video since they are no longer available.
@@HamRadio2 Yes, the TS-590SG is still available and one of the best hf rigs on the market. Ivan VE7IVN
I also omitted to say that the 590SG has 2 comms ports, very useful when you want 2 applications talking cat to the radio, e.g. SDR console and FL digi.
Got my ham license about 6 years ago. Only now have time to explore ham radio life. Don't ask me anything about my knowledge of ham radios because I have forgotten everything. Am 75 yrs old and retired. Have a one time chance to buy a ham radio ( budget is 2100$), not counting an antenna (budget is about 500$ for antenna). What should I buy??
Thank you for this video. Great info!
Thanks for commenting
Have added a Kenwood ts590sg and a xeigu g90 now. Great radios and find what you said is exactly true. Have an mc60a mic also and hope to continue with this setup. 73 de vu3mes Satyan
Thanks again for not stopping to talk and meet me at the Orlando Hamfest this year , you were " to busy " your excellency. Been a licensed amateur before you were born and young jokers like you are the main reason that us old HAMS aren't too excited with the new world order ...
OMG! I'm so sorry! I completely missed the sign you were holding with my name on it, asking me to stop and talk to you. Can you forgive me?
I have a kenwood 590s and it works on digi modes without extra hardware.
Interesting. They should advertise that. This radio has been out so long, that surprises me.
@@HamRadio2 you would think that they would. I bought a USB B to USB A cable and plugged it in downloaded flrig and ft8 and js8call and away I went. The newer model 590sg you can hook up a panadapter like sdrplay right into the DRV port on back of radio and change a setting in the menu and have a full spectrum display!
This is a great tip. Thanks!
Dude thanks for sharing 👍🏻
No problem 👍
FT-DX3000 is an awesome Radio... I loved mine, hated to sell it, but wanted to upgrade to a flex and could not keep both! I have a flex 6400 and it is super!!! The Xverter with 2meters is awesome...
Thanks for sharing
Why FTdx10 not in your list.. there is any drawback?
At the time of this recording, it hadn't been released yet
@@HamRadio2 thanks
#MNHR
Team replay for the win!
Great video man. Personally I dig the 991a.
I've been considering the Flex and using my Mac as the operating platform. I'm also considering the SunSDR and saw your intro video on it. Curious if you have used the SunSDR more and how you like it compared to your Flex. Thanks for your videos and nice job with the TROLL.
Thanks for commenting. For me, I like the FlexRadio better, but the margin is close. ExpertSDR is quite nice also. I had to send that radio back so I didn't have another chance to tinker with it, but I now have their QRP version so I plan to play with that soon
Great review the trouble is they are more expensive in the UK.
Just FYI: The Kenwood TS590SG does have built-in sound-card. Great video and always enjoy. 73 de 8P2k
Seems like an old radio to have a feature like that.
@@HamRadio2 I do remember setting this up on the old model my dad had. That was indeed the selling point for him back in 2012. I dont think it was near as easy as my yaesu was. I remember "driver" issues. lol
Hmmm I might need one of those flex radios. I like the remote option since I live in the city.
If you buy the Flex radio can you make it also handle VHF/UFH like the ft-991a? I really want to have an all in one rig but I LOVE the features of the Flex.
You can add transverters for multiple bands, yes
@@HamRadio2 thank you, any that you would recommend? new show idea? :)
I have a 220MHz transverter kit that I am going to build and add to the Flex. So yes, that is coming...just gotta find time to do it! lol - great idea though.
The Kenwood TS-590SG DOES have a built in sound card. I know because I own one. I also had a FTDX-3000. It has an excellent receiver but I hated the ergonomics on it.
IMO, wideband SDR is the way to go.. rigs similar to the ANON 100D with two independent receivers is hard to beat for about 2K. Very similar to the FLEX, but cheaper. 16 bit converter, 150 MSPS.. HF thru 6. What seperates the SDR men from the boys is running the CW Skimmer App, and decoding ALL CW on the band into displayed characters. My second favorite has to be the IC-7300, but it can't run CW Skimmer or do directional receive.
Yaesu FTDX10. $1600 or so and should be released very soon. Since this is for 2021 I would at least mention it.
Ft991A,ts590sg,dx3k……no flex radio but had the others
I know I am going to get a lot of crap about this but the Elecraft KX3 needs to be in this list. Yes, I know it's QRP but what a radio! At one time I owned the FT991a and the FTDX3000. I picked up a KX3 and sold the others after 3 months. That's all I have to say about that.
Nope, no crap at all. THIS video isn't about QRP. but overall you are correct. I own a KX3 and it is a fantastic radio. I'll likely do another video soon about QRP rigs, right now I am just trying to keep the categories in-line
Wish there was a simple, cheap way to get the kx3 to 100w for base use. The rest of their line is so expensive.
@@joshuarubin37 There are other options for 100w amplifiers besides the KXPA100 like the Xiegu XPA125b. Another popular option is the Hardrock 50. It's not 100w but it integrates with the KX3 almost as well as the Elecraft amp. That being said a KX3, PX3, and KXPA100 combination makes a great base station but is way out of the "Below $2000" range for this video.
I have a FLEX 3000 - Love it. But if you don't include the price of a computer and monitor it doesn't really equal an apples to apples comparison.
Just bought the Yaesu 991A the other day. Sadly for me, it cost closer to 1500$ in Canadian maple money.
Yeah that is true of everything up there though, right? I know that shipping to Canada from here is expensive
@@HamRadio2 Actually the shipping was cheaper. I was going to get this radio from a city 3 hours away from me. It was a couple hundred dollars more, shipping was 40$ more, and was going to take longer to get to me some how. So i bought it from the US. haha
Do you have any videos on the ftdx101d or MP?
What about. Yaesu FT DX 10?
That radio hadn't been released at the time of this recording
Living outside the US, am I still able to get the rebate?
8P6RC
I think it depends on your country
Alright...looking at these options I have a question when it comes to the 6400. Can a Flex be run directly connected to a PC or Laptop or is it "wireless" control only? If wireless only then it does not make sense for me to consider as an HF option since my router is on a different level and side of the house from my shack. Comments with help or a link to give me some better info would be appreciated! 73 KC1MFH
When will you be doing the extra class?
It is being recorded now
Forgot the ftdx10 I think I know why ? Bc it’s going to take over #2 on the Sherwood list under the ftdx101d/mp which is #1 ☺️ KC3ONO
what about a ham on a budget?
I hoped you talked about the IC-7300 instead of just the price
Sorry. Typed that as reply instead of "comment". Lol.
Anthony, I mentioned that in the last video. Best HF under $1000. You really can't get into HF for much less than $500, and I mention those radios in that video
"what about a ham on a budget?" wrong hobby.
Anthony - with the advent of color screens and touch screens, there are a TON of excellent radios without those features on the used market. I've seen $10K radios on ebay for under $2K, and what were once top radios in the middle price range going for under $1K. Some are only for a few hundred dollars.
¿ And ts-890 ?
That rig is over $2000
I was hoping the 6400 made the list.... :)
Indeed
$1999 + computer + monitors, hardly under $2k - surprised the FT-DX10 wasnt in the list
I guess if you wanted to get nit-picky, this list also doesn't include electricity to run the radio or the house to put it in.
No, the video was just for the radio only. There is always going to be other things you need to run the radio. Power supply, headset, a desk to put it on, etc.
The FTDX-10 wasn't out when I recorded this. I want to give it a run before including it in a list.
When ever I buy a new radio, I have to tell the wife it only cost me HALF of what I really spent!
Otherwise we'd have had to part company a long, time ago!
P.S.
She does the same to me, on her jewelry buying! 😉
Just make sure you don't end up in the hospital. Your wife may sell your rig for half the price you told her...
I hoped you would talk about the IC-7300 more rather than just the price.
I have videos that already do that
ua-cam.com/video/fu7MPD66kZg/v-deo.html
Oh ok. Awesome. Thank you. I will go check that out. Sorry, I'm new to all this and I missed that part. Trying to learn as much as possible and you have helped with that a lot in your videos. Also watching your licences courses for both tech and gen.
@@johnlynch175 No worries at all, thanks for the comments and for watching.
Someone on Facebook just received their FTDX10 thus making this video obsolete in less than 24 hours.
Unless that radio negates ALL of these radios....which it doesn't (I know several people that returned theirs for defects) then your statement is short sighted.
You missed the ICOM IC-705 for ~$1,300.00
I did not. This video wasn't about QRP rigs.
What about the SUPER Baofeng? LOL
My God who has $2000 worth of expendable income to spend on an amateur radio? Certainly not me I am a retired Vietnam era veteran and barely make it through each month.
And this is why a lot of people can’t get into the hobby. I don’t have that kind of money to spend on a radio. This is ridiculous
Dude we aren't even to the top yet. Many more radios out there that cost lots than this list. BUT...my first video started with radios around $500 (again this is HF radio) so what is the issue? I've given you choices from about $480-$2000
I appreciate all that you and others are doing for the hobby. As for those who don’t want to or cannot spend this kind of money there are other options, used equipment some clubs have swaps or estates they help liquidate. And to your point for HF the entry point do a new radio is about $500 but you could do SDR of echolink on an IPhone if you just want to get on air.
Ham radio is not, and has never been, a "cheap" hobby. But one of the good things has always been, as new gear is released, as it inevitably is, and people who can afford it, buy it, as they inevitably do, perfectly good older gear then becomes available at a reduced price. There should be no stigma to either having a new IC-7851 or new-to-you IC-751A or a vacuum tube rig. Some Elmers will even "loan" rigs to new Hams.
@@DennyInDurham I couldn't agree more. I think this notion that "everything in Ham Radio should be free" cheapens the hobby and devalues it. This is the greatest hobby in the world and it should be regarded as such. Thinking everything should be cheap or free is backwards.
I have ham radios 3 of them 2x handheld and one mobile I don’t have license yet.but I get the excited when someone talks about sports cars or bikes but come on 3000k for a radio!!!!! Are you sleeping in gold bed cover up with golden blanket.I understand everyone have a hobby but 3000k for a radio! Peoples did you lost your minds !
Too bad you had to spend 5 minutes of the video explaining the why your choices (price) to the bean counters....
If I hadn't, the question certainly would have come up
705? 🤔
This video was about full powered rigs
FRANK TANK !!
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡
Flex radios are more than $2000 because you have to buy a computer to use it!
Who doesn't own a computer already? Welcome to 2022
Hahah 2k for a radio. People have forgotten what the hobby is about.
$2k is nothing. Some are upwards of $6k-$10k
@@HamRadio2 Sixty years ago I lusted after a $1150 Collins KWM-2 (Google what THAT is in today's dollars). Nothing has changed, other than great technology is now available a lot cheaper (relatively speaking).
OK, explain this one to me, it is not 2021 so are you predicting the future?
How can these be the best of 2021 if we are not in 2021 and even the radios that may be planned are not out for review yet.
And considering your testing for reviews consists of you clicking the mic a few times and then you declare as "The best radio." or "A great radio" when you didn't even test it.
Total click bate.
Great. So, you are new to UA-cam? Nothing wrong with that.
1. When 2021 hits in about 2 weeks, you aren't going to see a mass-release of a bunch of new radios. There might be some here and there throughout the year that release 1 at a time, but with production down right now due to the pandemic, the releases are all getting pushed back or cancelled.
2. It is spelled YOU'RE not "your"
3. This is not a review video. This is an overview. I have other videos in my 500+ library which talk about several of these radios and are more of a "review" than this one is (the word "review" was never used in the title either)
Glad you liked the video!
The touch and feel of a big knob !!!! Ummmm
Get off the price and tell me what's good.
If you can’t afford a $1,000 radio you should not be in ham radio…