Ask Michael, KB9VBR: What's the best HF radio for a beginner that's portable
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2023
- A viewer asks: What's the best HF transceiver for a beginner that's portable.
Like what you see? You can leave me a tip:
www.paypal.me/kb9vbr
KB9VBR VHF/UHF Antennas:
www.jpole-antenna.com
Become a patron! Unlock exclusive content at: / kb9vbrantennas
Support Ham Radio Q&A by shopping at Amazon: amzn.to/2kO6LH7
My Parks on the Air setup:
Transceiver: amzn.to/3lmHoei
Battery: amzn.to/3xBGgbv
Tuner: amzn.to/2ZCNM9l
Folding Table: amzn.to/3xFIp5Z
Throw Weight: amzn.to/32QW2nB
Video Production Equipment:
Camera amzn.to/32UaXNX
Lens amzn.to/31mmDrX
Wireless Microphone: amzn.to/3xFVBb4
Microphone: amzn.to/3daoAdq
GoPro: amzn.to/3pkmP30
Music by license:
www.premiumbeats.com
www.soundstripe.com
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Contact Information:
Questions, comments, or business inquiries may be directed to kb9vbr@jpole-antenna.com. If you wish for your product to be featured on my channel, please contact me.
#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #portablehamradio #besthamradio #radioforbeginners #Yaesu #FT891 #XeiguG90 - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
![[Full Episode] MasterChef Junior Thailand มาสเตอร์เชฟ จูเนียร์ ประเทศไทย Season 3 Episode 4](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/e7Oqqo90x_w/mqdefault.jpg)
I actually believe a QRP radio is best as a starter radio. Compact, power efficient and now with the new solar cycle taking hold,you'll be surprised at where you can reach. I started out with an ELAD FDM DUO, then I went to a Xiegu G-90, then to an ICOM 705. Now I just purchased a Yeasu 710 but I don't see myself taking that on a trip somewhere. QRP will teach you how to Play Radio
Yesterday I earned my Gold Hunter for POTA. The last three contacts were on 20 watts on the Xiegu G90 and the QRZ 12 days of winter. I have been learning the filter settings, and it is becoming my favorite radio. I love my Yaesu FT-891! I agree about the love for the challenge of low power operation. Also, the G90 is excellent for CW and has a non-transmit function. Moreover, while you are working phone, you can practice your CW. The price for the G90 dropped over Christmas, and I see it is back up in price again.Also, the Xiegu G90 seems to be manufactured by a "small business" in China, there are videos on youtube about them. Best!
I just got a Yaesu 991A - it is definitely more portable than I was imagining, it’s definitely more expensive but it does 2m/440. I have a separate Alinco 220mhz to cover that band too.
A lot of people gloss over the issue of budget. The G-90 was the best radio that I could afford and every time I use it I am thrilled that I chose it. 20 watts is typical only one S unit below 100 watts and while it is a llttle more challenging to break though pileups I think this "limitation" has made me a better operator.I get excellent signal reports and have made contacts as far as 2000 miles. 45 POTA contacts yesterday! Buying used is also a good option but it is hard for most new Hams to ascertain the operating condition of a used radio and so buying used has its risks.
You’re absolutely right about all that. For the 6 dB you gain by going to 100 watts you’ll suck the battery down real quickly unless your disciplined enough to operate low duty cycle, ie: less transmitting and more listening.
Xiegu G90 is the beginner radio I have. I really love it. And I was very surprised at the contacts I’ve made with only 20w!
Super vid. Great ideas. I'll watch this a few times before I can draw a conclusion. I appreciate the discussion.
I am a begginer to hf and not a rich individual. I can't afford to buy even a second hand rig. I am still saving some money to have an old ic735 to be fixed. Firtunately, a friend of mine gave me his hr2510, and with just a dipole, I'm starting to learn the ropes at least starting on 10 meters which is timely due to good conditions. Already have made contacts to Europe at a distance of more than 10,000 km. Hf is really fun. One day I'll have a full size rig, that's my goal. 73s everyone.
To avoid going broke, a lot of us built Heathkits as our first rigs. Unfortunately Heathkit is long gone. I sure miss those days.
KZ9V
Yeasu ft 891 !!! I can’t wait to figure it out
IMHO (and from an SSB only perspective) I really like the G90. I also have the FT818 and FT891. I have some SOTA friends and I think it comes down to what your mission is. G90 is light and sips power and reaches a little farther than the 6w on an FT818 (need the wincamp battery or you're still humping a battery along with it). G90 is like a no frills work truck that will take a beating, but with awesome filter control, antenna analyser, and tuner (another several hundred bucks!). Waterfall is nice for watching when you're either parked or scanning.
FT818 on the other hand is nice because you may need that UHF VHF for summit contacts and don't have an HT (and it's pretty tiny).
FT891 will be a heavier loadout but that DSP noise reduction is pretty insane. It makes the noise almost disappear but I learned alot from having to work with only the bare essentials with the G90. But, sometimes it IS nice to have the extra horses in the stable.
When we're not really hiking and weight and power is not a concern we drag out my buddy's FT991 to the park.
Everyone has a different mission, figure out what and where the bulk of your work will be, your allowable weight, and power reqs are and go from there.
I don't think there will be perfect radio to rule them all but I think it's sort of a good thing because you have an excuse to buy more! Pull out the tool for the job that's needed. 😆 73
I totally agree! That's why many of us had to build an addition onto the barn. We bought too many "horses". 🤣
KZ9V
I went with the IC-718 as my 1st radio, and I plan taking it out for pota as soon as I can.
Same here, the IC-718 is a great first rig. I used mine for over 15 years before upgrading.
The IC-718 is a very dependable workhorse. Although not really small, it is certainly not heavy and with the optional carry handle it is an easy portable rig as well as base.
I have a Yaesu 857D that I bought new and not used much until now. I can’t believe how much they are going for used now if you can find one. Very well built. I have seen a couple used ones going for more what I paid for new! Another alternative is the Xiegu X6100 but is only 20W on external PS. Cheers..
pretty sure the 6100 is only 10 watts
The Yaesu 857D has a cult following that, I believe, has overvalued the used price of that rig.
@@marcinmichigan2772 You are correct. Is 5W on internal battery and 10W on external PS.
I love the 857D. I moved up to the 891 and it's great too. Just HF and 6 meters though
I use ft891 for pota and portable to my summer cottage. Dave I built the 5 button box for sending out canned msg. Jim K1AZ
Michael used my home brew 5-button remote box last weekend during our MNQP adventure. He actually prefers it over his authentic Yaesu FH-2. 🤣
KZ9V
Are portable (for mounting in a vehicle) radios ruggedized for the vibration involved? Continuous use in a perhaps off-road vehicle is different use case from lugging a radio to a remote site for stationery setup intermittently.
John - KK7JBZ
The older Yaesu FT-100D makes a good portable radio, if you can find one. I've had one for twenty years or so.
Hello. If I get my tech license renewed, can I ask for any of my old call signs as a vanity call sign? Thanks for your time.
I have ft70de, and I was wondering the same, what's good hiking HF radio in 2023. Weight and compact size are the most important aspects. I can pack 7kg base weight for multiday trip and I don't want radio to be half of that. Budget would be in Xeigu x6100 range. Xeigu seems appealing because it includes battery and antenna box already, combined with packtenna EFHW, it looks appealing to me. But since it's Chinese radio, I have a mixed feelings. What other options do I have in similar price rang, or not that much expensive?
What's your opinion abou Kenwood TS-480sat? Okay, it's a bit old, but it's a great option too.
I've never used one, but I have heard good things about it. I've had experience with the TS-2000 and Kenwood's older rigs and have always found them to be quite solid.
Put protective rails on a 7300!
The used market has gotten way out of hand. Especially if you can’t buy one brand new because it’s not in stock.
Price is driven by supply and demand. Unfortunately, the supply chain for many products remains broken. I'm still waiting for the Chevy truck that I ordered 6 months ago...🤔
KZ9V
@@davewhite7679 that’s part of your problem, you ordered a Chevy. 😂 I know the whole supply and demand thing. Personally I don’t need it bad enough to pay more for used than brand new. Just requires a little patience, which is a seriously lost virtue these days.
It's crazy right now. I saw 2 used IC-7300 listings yesterday for $200 more than a brand new IC-7300 with a full warranty! Who's buying those radios? 🫢
KZ9V
@@davewhite7679 certainly not me!
Xiegu X6100, no contest.
Best price and has internal tuner.
Ft 897 perfect...look for an all mode instead of buying two radios
How portable “IS” portable? And what does “IS” mean? (LOL).
It the smaller the radio, the better, but how much size & weight is one ready to carry to make it “portable”…