Wow! This is probably the best and most honest comparison of the current crop of portable HF radios on TH-cam! I couldn't agree more about your comments on the G90. There's a lot of snobbery and poorly informed comment on these radios. They are a solid and reliable option. One thing you didn't mention is the quality of transmitted audio. The G90 gets more unsolicited reports of excellent transmitted SSB audio than any radio I've tried. Also, it's good to see the Yaesu ft817/818 being left out of the discussion. It's a bit of a dinosaur compared to most of these and simply can't compete on features or quality. My personal radios of choice: Xiegu G90 and TX-500. Both of them are excellent for CW.
Thanks! Yeah, I feel like people look down their noses at some of these radios without ever having used them. Every radio has pros and cons. I just tell it like I see it. Thanks for watching!
Good video man! I agree completely on the Lab599 and KX2. They’re my two favorite. I daily carry my KX2, it stays in my backpack all the time. The Lab599 is a close second, only because of the lack of internal battery and speaker. But I grab that any time the weather isn’t great or if I’ll be somewhere harsh like the beach. I also had a G90 for a while, and it’s a fantastic radio too. I’ve also had an X5105 and an X6100, and it’s unbelievable that they’re made by the same company. The G90 is better than those in every way. All that to say, good video and I agree! 73!
Thanks for watching Aaron! Yeah, the KX2 and Lab599 are two totally different animals for different conditions. The KX2 is more convenient, and definitely nicer for CW. The Lab599 is better for when you don't know what the weather is going to do and don't want to have to worry about the radio. At the end of the day you can't go wrong with either.....so the correct answer (which you and I both did) is get BOTH! LOL
Great review! I haven't had QRP only radio for about 7-8yrs, since I broke my FT-817nd which I sold to a friend that had the skills to do repairs. Since then I've held on to two FT-857Ds and one FT-897D. My portable ops is mostly on my KLR650 motorcycle or in my car to a park where my walk is generally no more than a couple hundred feet. On my motorcycle its usually less than 10ft. I do mostly portable ops for HF as I live in a condo that has terrible QRM. Most of my portable ops is monthly QRP outing. ECOM is pretty big on my priorities so I do put a premium on 100W shack-in-the-box radios for portable NVIS operation. The only 100W shack-in-the-box radio I've parted with was my IC-706MKiig. I met a new ham that was visually impaired and the simplicity of the radio was a great match for him. As part of ECOM I do believe in backups, so your review has me thinking about a small 20W radio that I can fit on my motorcycle with my FT-857D. The thing that has turned my off on upgrading to a new radio is power consumption on recieve. Virtually all the newer SDR/direct conversion radios with waterfall displays are pigs on power consumption in recieve, especially 100W radios. The FX4CR might get my money as I am budget minded, but I could not disagree with the Elecraft KX3, Lab599, IC-705, or G90. th-cam.com/video/nShDYlZGKlc/w-d-xo.html
As a new ham studying for the General, this was great. I'm 99% on the g90 but if I can hold out the kx2 is the dream for all the reasons you mentioned. Great information!🎉. Kf0oqa 73
It's a great radio for the money! That's always my suggestion when someone wants an HF radio for general field use but doesn't want to spend several grand or wait half a year to get it LOL. Thanks for watching!
Very good video thank you Evan. Very honest, unbiased and very, very helpful. Yes, having only ventured into HF less than a year ago, my first HF radio was the G90. I have since acquired a TenTec Jupiter , an FT-891 and just recently an X6100. The G90 is still my favourite and most used radio. The X6100 only beats the G90 in one area in that it has an internal battery and is just so easy to pick and go in a hurry when "going-bush" if there might be an opportunity to play radio for an hour or so. Cheers Phil ZL2VYH
Just found your channel...great content and this video specifically helped me consider my options for getting into QRP portable rigs (already have QRO rigs for POTA and SOTA). Thanks and 73! De AF2V
Great video great comparison on rigs. Run the ic-705 only complaints no tuner and heavy but love it. Do a lot of prepper training and I always suggest the G90 for the money and ease of use.
Yeah, the 705 is probably the single most capable QRP rig on the market. I don't have one.....yet.....but it's on my short list for sure. Thanks for watching!
I've had many of these radios, FT817, FT817D, KX3 (twice), KX2, TX500, TruSDX. I've sold most of them and bought the same KX3 twice. I've still have the KX3. It may get joined by a FX4CR as it benefits from the small size and light weight. The KX2 had to go as I hated the VFO knob, the size and internal li-ion battery I miss.
I want to love my TX-500, but only just like it. OTOH, every time I switch back to my IC-705, I absolutely love that little radio. The 705 is by far my first choice for field ops because it's just such a pleasure to use; it's worth the extra ~1lb it weighs over the TX-500. And if you want to add 2M to your SOTA activation, now you're really comparing the size and weight of the 705 vs a TX-500+2M HT. In addition to the great audio quality on the 705, I've noticed it's less susceptible to birdies, impulse noises (solar charger clicks, car ignitions, etc). I think the TX-500 is cool, but I've been contemplating selling it, using the IC-705 for camping, POTA, Field Day, and replacing the TX-500 with something really, really lightweight for backpacking/bikepacking/SOTA work.
I own both radios, and I look at them as two different tools. The TX-500 is easier for me to pack, a heck of a lot tougher, and I worry about it less. The 705 is definitely a more full featured radio, and has amazing audio, a battery, and UHF VHF. I generally don't really use UHF/VHF. Around here the chance of making a POTA/SOTA contact on anything other than HF is basically none existent. Basically what I've found is that if I'm going to be doing stuff within say a quarter mile of my vehicle, the 705 is on the short list of radios I'm bringing. Anything further than that, and I'm probably not lugging that thing around. I think for most people the 705 is a better radio, but if I'm going to be out in snow or rain, the 705 is staying home LOL
Solid advice. I am a long time KX2 owner and got the truSDX for Christmas last year. I am primarily a CW and digital op. I Always do wonder about all the other choices out there. 73 de KJ5T
When my father passed away he left me his mint condition KX3. Under my situation would you still buy a KX2? Or would you buy a TX-500? Or would you just use the KX3 for POTA and SOTA?
First off, I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing a loved one. As to the question, I'm not sure there's a wrong answer. The KX3 is perfectly capable of doing field work, and has a MUCH better receiver than either the KX2 or the TX-500. Granted, it's bigger and heavier, but it's the best actual RADIO of the three. The KX2 is way more compact, and has an internal battery, etc. which make it great for field work where you want to take minimal kit. The TX-500 is a different animal. Way more rugged, and has a panadapter, but there's no internal battery or speaker (or tuner if that's important to you) and it has adapters for everything. I'd say if you already have a KX3, go out and give it a whirl. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. If you want something more compact or rugged after that, take a look at a KX2 or a TX-500. Thanks for watching!
Nice review, the FT817/818 is still near the top of robust operable rigs and they are 160m - 70cm. (I have an IC705, truSDX (super low RX current), Index Labs QRP+ and have had Elecrafts)
Interesting info. On my budget and planning to do alot of digital, I'm keen on the X6100 but the G90 plus a digirig would be a second choice. I may get the TruSDX, just to start HF digital as I don't have HF yet. Thanks for your opinions with these radios.👍🤠
The 6100 is a cool radio, and it does a lot. The one issue I've seen with it is that it's pretty easy to overload the receiver. Aside from that, it's a shack in a box that will pretty much do everything you could need it to do. Thanks for watching!
I love my G90. After a year I bought a "nicer" radio at about 4 times the cost. I was pretty disappointed at how much NOT nicer it was compared to the G90. The G90 is probably the best all around value in HF. I would also say that 20w is just about the sweet spot. I wish more radios would target this power level.
Agreed. You need to spend a lot more to get a better radio (like 3x as much). I also agree on power level. 20w is definitely the sweet spot for portable rigs. Thanks for watching and 73!
I've been running the KX2 for years. I looked at the TX500, but didn't want to give up functionality, although, I did like the ruggedness. But it didn't even have internal batteries, you had to buy an external battery box, an ATU, and a speaker. Also, it's big. Thin, but big. And expensive. I have both the KX1 and KX3 and they are both great radios. The only thing I don't like is the lack of water resistance.
I generally run resonant antennas, so a tuner is a non issue. Having an internal battery would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. Having used both radios extensively, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the TX-500 has much better audio and noise reduction. The KX2 is a more complete package, but in my experience the TX-500 is a better radio. I know that may not be a popular opinion, but I stand by it
Great review! I have the G90 and FT891 and FT818 but have always wanted a rundown on the Lab599 and the Elecrafts. G90 was my gateway into HF for portable and it's still hard to beat for the power to battery need and the features like you mentioned for POTA. How is the digital noise reduction on the FX4CR for SSB?
That's a good question, and I'm honestly not sure. I think I've made two SSB contacts on it, and I wasn't really paying attention. I'll see if I can fire it up today and make some SSB contacts and see how it performs and I'll let you know. Thanks for the questions and thanks for watching!
I just played with the digital noise reduction, It works pretty well as long as the signal is fairly strong. On weak signals it can make it a little choppy. I found that if it's a weak signal if I turn the DNR off and the attenuator on it tends to make it easier to copy.
I owned an IC705 but sold it as it never left the shack. If that beautiful touch screen ever got damaged you cannot use the radio. I now have an FT818 and the Xeigu X6100 which is a great radio for the price now the firmware has been updated.
Yeah, the 705 seems to be a radio that is the perfect radio for some people, but for a lot of ops who work in the field it's a tad too delicate. I'll probably still buy one, but I'm not sold on the durability yet. Thanks for watching!
As far as you know or hopefully have experienced, is there a standout best receiver among the QRP CW-only rigs out there? Or is the receive difference between something like a QMX and more expensive radios like the now unobtanium Penntek rigs or Mountaintoppers so little that I should consider other criteria more?
I've got a G90 and I love it. However, it is too heavy for some of the SOTA activations I do. So I bought a FX-4C and that's what I usually use on these hikes with 3000-4000 foot elevation gains. I think your advice is good for anyone who doesn't want to do these kind of hikes (or is seriously fit!). I used my G90 on Field Day and it kicked ass. The internal tuner is great. I've been thinking about the Xiegu X5105. What are your thoughts on that one?
I don't have any experience with it, but from what I've seen it's a pretty capable radio. The only potential issue might be with strong signals overloading the receiver. That seems to be a common issue with the 5105 and the 6100. If you can find one for the right price give it a shot. And yeah, lugging a G90 up a to a SOTA activation would suck lol. I'd be running the SW-3B for that kind of stuff (or the KX2 if I wanted to do SSB as well). Thanks for watching!
@@dangermandave67 Probably not. Really, the only two radios I own that don't really suffer from that are the Elecraft and the Lab599. Granted, they're both very expensive radios, so I would expect them to have better receivers.
For the TX500 and a resonant dipole antenna, what is your swr comfort level with out a tuner? At what swr levels does it start to become a concern to you? ( for cw and ssb) Thank you,
That's a good question. The radio will probably handle a 3:1 SWR, but I've always tried to keep it under 2:1. My linked dipole is just a tad over 1:1 on both 20 and 40 in the phone portion of the bands, and probably about 1.5:1 in the CW/Digital end. My EFHW is about 1.5: on 40, 20, and 15, and like 2.7:1 on 10m so I use a tuner if I need to use it on 10 (which I don't normally). The radio will start to cut power if the SWR is too high to protect itself.
The KX3 is an awesome radio too. In fact, it's a better radio than the KX2. The reason I chose the KX2 came down to size and internal battery. If I needed a radio that could serve double duty as both a field radio and my shack rig, a KX3 would have been the way to go. Thanks for watching!
this video would have been a million times better if the poster, Evan Thorson, had specifically named the manufacturer of each radio described. For every radio except the Elecraft I had to go out and google using the radio name to find out who actually builds each of these radios.
You're probably right. I should have. Here's another video where I discuss the manufacturers as well as the radios in a little more detail: th-cam.com/video/CQ4MYIu_R4c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3R0bHFP3PgZuFDZC
Hi there. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m trying to understand. The top two radios that you recommended are they mostly CW? Will I be able to talk on them using HF frequencies? I almost got the G 90 at one point, but I heard there were issues with reliability or durability.. like everyone else. I’m also looking for a mobile HFrig But need something that could fit in the pack that is durable
If I remember correctly, the only CW only radio in that video was the SW-3B. All of the rest of them are all mode radios, so they'll do voice, digital, and CW. Don't be afraid of the G90. It's an absolutely *fantastic* radio for the money. I've made thousands of contacts on it and had precisely zero issues with it.
Oh got it. I’ll rewatch the video. Love how small these radios are. These are QRP radios correct? How did you decide on low power radios vs 100W rigs? I’m looking for an HF/VHF/UHF field radio for emergency preparedness.
@@marctlm3636 QRP is nice because you don't need a ton of battery to power it. If you want one radio that will do everything (HF, UHF, VHF) and you want it to be easily field portable, an Icom IC705 is probably your best bet for a radio that is currently in production.
@@EvanK2EJT i’m wondering if this is something all noobs go through. In my mind, I’m thinking of 50 to 100 W rig that is portable and rugged and HF/VHF/UHF IS THE WAY TO GO for preparedness. I wonder if you initially thought this way, but also changed your mind as you became more experienced. If so, at what point does somebody in this space decide that QRP is a better option for preparedness. The qualities that I’m looking for are versatility, ruggedness, portability. I would love to be able to communicate with family members within my region as well as from across the nation. I will still have my FT5D with me as well.
@@marctlm3636 There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 100W radio. I own an FT-891which is a 100W field rig. The real issue is powering it. You need a much bigger battery, and it even draws more current on receive. 20w for a field radio is kind of a sweet spot for a field radio if I'm being honest.
Interesting video. It might be helpful if, as a primarily CW op, you explained what specifically you liked/disliked about each radio’s CW functionality. Also, why keep mentioning “built-in tuners” if you only use resonant antennas…
Describing what I like and dislike about each radio is what my QRP Head 2 Head series does.....in detail. As for tuners and resonant antennas, two things. First, I don't always run a resonant antenna. If I want to have band agility I'll run a random wire. Second, just because an antenna is resonant in one place doesn't automatically mean the SWR will be acceptable when you set it up in another place. I've had that happen. It's nice to be able to hit the tuner and make the radio happy. Thanks for watching!
I haven't.....but I'm going to go check it out now. Thanks for the info! Edit: I just checked it out. Holy cow....that thing looks awesome. I think I need one! Thanks for introducing me to it and thanks for watching!
Neither is produced anymore, but they both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd say either would make a fine QRP field radio if you could get it at the right price.
@@EvanK2EJT There are tens of thousands of FT817/818 and frequently available 2nd hand. The Chinese radios have a short production life and ZERO spares. The ICOM 703 is an excellent radio (Plus version) and the SGC SG2020 (again, the plus version). I had an FT817nd and sold it as I found the menu's annoying and bought an x5105 and an IC-705.
with the future of radio being digital IMO ALL radios need one USB digital connection and SDR , portable radios need decently rugged build, and you really want a min of 10 watts with 20+ being recommended. and you need a tuner. so with those criteria what does that leave? nothing that I know of. the market sucks. over priced stuff from the big names that is slowly being dragged into releventness from competition from china radios. but nothing I have seen tic's all the boxes. the new Xiegu X6200 is probably the closest to the ideal radio but sadly its only 8w on external battery. and yes the G90 is probably the best value in HF. Josh was talking about pota at the statue of liberty and I joked that a G90 would probably tune the statue itself.
I'm not sure I agree with all radios needing to be USB digital SDR's. Yes, if you're going to operate digital that's a definite plus. For little CW radios, that's not really super important (granted, the QMX ticks that box so I suppose it's possible). I absolutely agree though that a lot, if not most, of the radios on the market are lacking in some area and way overpriced. The closest thing I own to a "perfect" field radio would be the IC-705, but that lacks a tuner and is pretty large. My dream radio would have USB and Bluetooth digital, a color waterfall, internal battery, internal speaker, 20w, ruggedized, pin diodes for CW, and be reasonably small and light. Yeah, I know....it's probably not going to happen, but one can dream LOL. Thanks for watching!
True. I didn't think about that. Maybe I'll shoot a little addendum video to this so people can see what the displays look like and what info is presented. Thanks!
Elecraft is like Kenwood. Living off old people nostalgia that have too much money. Over priced and living on borrowed time IMO. I suspect the next generation is not going to have near the brand name dedication. You can get 90% of what you need for about 30% of the price. Not a winning long term situation.
Given that the G90 has become a best-selling HF radio at a third of the price of the KX2, I think that the hand writing is on the wall for the stratospheric pricing of the top tier radios. Sadly, as nice as the KX2 is as a portable HF radio, the asking price (and its availability problem) are both a budget buster and a non-starter for me. I would love to own an affordable QRP or 20 watt portable radio (~$450) with an onboard antenna tuner and internal battery that is made in the USA.
“My name is Evan and I have Radio Acquisition Disorder.” Everybody, “Hello Evan. You are among friends. Thank you for coming.”
LOL, that's definitely accurate. Thanks for watching!
Wow! This is probably the best and most honest comparison of the current crop of portable HF radios on TH-cam!
I couldn't agree more about your comments on the G90. There's a lot of snobbery and poorly informed comment on these radios. They are a solid and reliable option. One thing you didn't mention is the quality of transmitted audio. The G90 gets more unsolicited reports of excellent transmitted SSB audio than any radio I've tried.
Also, it's good to see the Yaesu ft817/818 being left out of the discussion. It's a bit of a dinosaur compared to most of these and simply can't compete on features or quality.
My personal radios of choice: Xiegu G90 and TX-500. Both of them are excellent for CW.
Thanks! Yeah, I feel like people look down their noses at some of these radios without ever having used them. Every radio has pros and cons. I just tell it like I see it. Thanks for watching!
Good video man! I agree completely on the Lab599 and KX2. They’re my two favorite. I daily carry my KX2, it stays in my backpack all the time. The Lab599 is a close second, only because of the lack of internal battery and speaker. But I grab that any time the weather isn’t great or if I’ll be somewhere harsh like the beach.
I also had a G90 for a while, and it’s a fantastic radio too. I’ve also had an X5105 and an X6100, and it’s unbelievable that they’re made by the same company. The G90 is better than those in every way.
All that to say, good video and I agree! 73!
Thanks for watching Aaron! Yeah, the KX2 and Lab599 are two totally different animals for different conditions. The KX2 is more convenient, and definitely nicer for CW. The Lab599 is better for when you don't know what the weather is going to do and don't want to have to worry about the radio. At the end of the day you can't go wrong with either.....so the correct answer (which you and I both did) is get BOTH! LOL
I love my G90. A great radio with an unbeatable internal tuner. Going out into the field with it and a 6 Ah battery is real good fun.
Yeah, the tuner in the G90 really is crazy good. I wish Xiegu made a stand alone tuner so I could use it on everything
Great review! I haven't had QRP only radio for about 7-8yrs, since I broke my FT-817nd which I sold to a friend that had the skills to do repairs.
Since then I've held on to two FT-857Ds and one FT-897D. My portable ops is mostly on my KLR650 motorcycle or in my car to a park where my walk is generally no more than a couple hundred feet. On my motorcycle its usually less than 10ft.
I do mostly portable ops for HF as I live in a condo that has terrible QRM. Most of my portable ops is monthly QRP outing.
ECOM is pretty big on my priorities so I do put a premium on 100W shack-in-the-box radios for portable NVIS operation.
The only 100W shack-in-the-box radio I've parted with was my IC-706MKiig. I met a new ham that was visually impaired and the simplicity of the radio was a great match for him.
As part of ECOM I do believe in backups, so your review has me thinking about a small 20W radio that I can fit on my motorcycle with my FT-857D.
The thing that has turned my off on upgrading to a new radio is power consumption on recieve. Virtually all the newer SDR/direct conversion radios with waterfall displays are pigs on power consumption in recieve, especially 100W radios.
The FX4CR might get my money as I am budget minded, but I could not disagree with the Elecraft KX3, Lab599, IC-705, or G90.
th-cam.com/video/nShDYlZGKlc/w-d-xo.html
This is a great overview on portable options. I picked up a G90 recently and love it. Just subscribed, thanks!
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
As a new ham studying for the General, this was great. I'm 99% on the g90 but if I can hold out the kx2 is the dream for all the reasons you mentioned. Great information!🎉. Kf0oqa 73
The KX2 is a better radio overall.....but it had better be at 3X the price LOL. Good luck on your General! Thanks for watching and 73
Great video, thanks. I ended up with the Xiegu x6100 after the latest firmware update. Steve KZ5MSE
Nice! A shack in a box makes a lot of sense if you're operating portable. Thanks for watching!
Purchased a Xiegu G90 approximately two months ago for POTA activation.👍
73 de N1XV
It's a great radio for the money! That's always my suggestion when someone wants an HF radio for general field use but doesn't want to spend several grand or wait half a year to get it LOL. Thanks for watching!
Very fair and neutral review, thanks!
73 Stephan
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Very good video thank you Evan. Very honest, unbiased and very, very helpful. Yes, having only ventured into HF less than a year ago, my first HF radio was the G90. I have since acquired a TenTec Jupiter , an FT-891 and just recently an X6100. The G90 is still my favourite and most used radio. The X6100 only beats the G90 in one area in that it has an internal battery and is just so easy to pick and go in a hurry when "going-bush" if there might be an opportunity to play radio for an hour or so. Cheers Phil ZL2VYH
Thanks! Yeah, the G90 really is an underrated radio. Thanks for watching!
FT-857D and the IC-705 are what I use, the 705 if I could only own one.
Yeah, the 705 really is kind of the do it all QRP radio. I want one
Just found your channel...great content and this video specifically helped me consider my options for getting into QRP portable rigs (already have QRO rigs for POTA and SOTA). Thanks and 73! De AF2V
There are a TON of options out there! Thanks for watching!
Evan! Nice overview. Thanks for putting that resource out there. See you out there. 73 de Bill
terrific Arsenal you have for communications enj0y 73
Jack of all trades, master of none, often times better than a master of one
Great video, thoughtful and thorough ! 73
Thank you and thanks for watching!
@ 4.50, well said. and i have a G90, excellent radio.
Great video great comparison on rigs. Run the ic-705 only complaints no tuner and heavy but love it.
Do a lot of prepper training and I always suggest the G90 for the money and ease of use.
Yeah, the 705 is probably the single most capable QRP rig on the market. I don't have one.....yet.....but it's on my short list for sure. Thanks for watching!
I've had many of these radios, FT817, FT817D, KX3 (twice), KX2, TX500, TruSDX.
I've sold most of them and bought the same KX3 twice. I've still have the KX3. It may get joined by a FX4CR as it benefits from the small size and light weight. The KX2 had to go as I hated the VFO knob, the size and internal li-ion battery I miss.
Yeah, the stock VFO knob is cheesy. I just put an aluminum knob on it and it's MUCH better. Thanks for watching!
@@EvanK2EJT It isn't just the knob, the VFO encoder is poor too, compared to the one in the KX3.
I want to love my TX-500, but only just like it. OTOH, every time I switch back to my IC-705, I absolutely love that little radio. The 705 is by far my first choice for field ops because it's just such a pleasure to use; it's worth the extra ~1lb it weighs over the TX-500. And if you want to add 2M to your SOTA activation, now you're really comparing the size and weight of the 705 vs a TX-500+2M HT. In addition to the great audio quality on the 705, I've noticed it's less susceptible to birdies, impulse noises (solar charger clicks, car ignitions, etc). I think the TX-500 is cool, but I've been contemplating selling it, using the IC-705 for camping, POTA, Field Day, and replacing the TX-500 with something really, really lightweight for backpacking/bikepacking/SOTA work.
I own both radios, and I look at them as two different tools. The TX-500 is easier for me to pack, a heck of a lot tougher, and I worry about it less. The 705 is definitely a more full featured radio, and has amazing audio, a battery, and UHF VHF. I generally don't really use UHF/VHF. Around here the chance of making a POTA/SOTA contact on anything other than HF is basically none existent. Basically what I've found is that if I'm going to be doing stuff within say a quarter mile of my vehicle, the 705 is on the short list of radios I'm bringing. Anything further than that, and I'm probably not lugging that thing around. I think for most people the 705 is a better radio, but if I'm going to be out in snow or rain, the 705 is staying home LOL
Solid advice. I am a long time KX2 owner and got the truSDX for Christmas last year. I am primarily a CW and digital op. I Always do wonder about all the other choices out there. 73 de KJ5T
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!
Missing QRP-Labs radio especially QCX mini monoband or/and new released QMX.
Thanks for video and good channel ❤.
Yeah, once they get the firmware on the QMX ironed out I'll snag one.
When my father passed away he left me his mint condition KX3. Under my situation would you still buy a KX2? Or would you buy a TX-500? Or would you just use the KX3 for POTA and SOTA?
First off, I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing a loved one. As to the question, I'm not sure there's a wrong answer. The KX3 is perfectly capable of doing field work, and has a MUCH better receiver than either the KX2 or the TX-500. Granted, it's bigger and heavier, but it's the best actual RADIO of the three. The KX2 is way more compact, and has an internal battery, etc. which make it great for field work where you want to take minimal kit. The TX-500 is a different animal. Way more rugged, and has a panadapter, but there's no internal battery or speaker (or tuner if that's important to you) and it has adapters for everything. I'd say if you already have a KX3, go out and give it a whirl. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. If you want something more compact or rugged after that, take a look at a KX2 or a TX-500. Thanks for watching!
@@EvanK2EJT thanks! This helps.
@@duanetucker No problem. Good luck!
For the price the FT891 is hard to beat considering you can QRP or use 100 watts. Is it bigger, yes but that’s not a concern for me. Im happy.
Yeah, it's a great radio. I'm hoping Yaesu comes out with a new field rig, because I'm a huge fan of their stuff. Thanks for watching!
Nice review, the FT817/818 is still near the top of robust operable rigs and they are 160m - 70cm. (I have an IC705, truSDX (super low RX current), Index Labs QRP+ and have had Elecrafts)
I'm hoping Yaesu comes out with a new QRP rig. I've always been a fan of their stuff. Thanks for watching!
Interesting info. On my budget and planning to do alot of digital, I'm keen on the X6100 but the G90 plus a digirig would be a second choice.
I may get the TruSDX, just to start HF digital as I don't have HF yet. Thanks for your opinions with these radios.👍🤠
The 6100 is a cool radio, and it does a lot. The one issue I've seen with it is that it's pretty easy to overload the receiver. Aside from that, it's a shack in a box that will pretty much do everything you could need it to do. Thanks for watching!
I love my G90. After a year I bought a "nicer" radio at about 4 times the cost. I was pretty disappointed at how much NOT nicer it was compared to the G90. The G90 is probably the best all around value in HF. I would also say that 20w is just about the sweet spot. I wish more radios would target this power level.
Agreed. You need to spend a lot more to get a better radio (like 3x as much). I also agree on power level. 20w is definitely the sweet spot for portable rigs. Thanks for watching and 73!
I've been running the KX2 for years. I looked at the TX500, but didn't want to give up functionality, although, I did like the ruggedness. But it didn't even have internal batteries, you had to buy an external battery box, an ATU, and a speaker. Also, it's big. Thin, but big. And expensive. I have both the KX1 and KX3 and they are both great radios. The only thing I don't like is the lack of water resistance.
I generally run resonant antennas, so a tuner is a non issue. Having an internal battery would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. Having used both radios extensively, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the TX-500 has much better audio and noise reduction. The KX2 is a more complete package, but in my experience the TX-500 is a better radio. I know that may not be a popular opinion, but I stand by it
Great review! I have the G90 and FT891 and FT818 but have always wanted a rundown on the Lab599 and the Elecrafts. G90 was my gateway into HF for portable and it's still hard to beat for the power to battery need and the features like you mentioned for POTA.
How is the digital noise reduction on the FX4CR for SSB?
That's a good question, and I'm honestly not sure. I think I've made two SSB contacts on it, and I wasn't really paying attention. I'll see if I can fire it up today and make some SSB contacts and see how it performs and I'll let you know. Thanks for the questions and thanks for watching!
I just played with the digital noise reduction, It works pretty well as long as the signal is fairly strong. On weak signals it can make it a little choppy. I found that if it's a weak signal if I turn the DNR off and the attenuator on it tends to make it easier to copy.
Would love to see you use the TR45L and give a good review of it.. thanks for the vids! I need to get it in gear and make some too..
I'll buy one eventually. Right now they're kinda hard to get. I definitely want one though! Thanks for watching!
I owned an IC705 but sold it as it never left the shack. If that beautiful touch screen ever got damaged you cannot use the radio. I now have an FT818 and the Xeigu X6100 which is a great radio for the price now the firmware has been updated.
Yeah, the 705 seems to be a radio that is the perfect radio for some people, but for a lot of ops who work in the field it's a tad too delicate. I'll probably still buy one, but I'm not sold on the durability yet. Thanks for watching!
Great video, Evan!
Thank you!
Love my G90
73 de KF4LBG
Thanks for posting this,very interesting,have a subscribe 😊
Thanks for watching!
Nice review!
@@Philip-KA4KOE Thanks! I appreciate it
I love my G90!!
It's definitely hard to beat for the money!
As far as you know or hopefully have experienced, is there a standout best receiver among the QRP CW-only rigs out there? Or is the receive difference between something like a QMX and more expensive radios like the now unobtanium Penntek rigs or Mountaintoppers so little that I should consider other criteria more?
The best ones will be superhets with crystal filters. The KX1, KH1, and CFT-1 come to mind as being the best I've heard.
I've got a G90 and I love it. However, it is too heavy for some of the SOTA activations I do. So I bought a FX-4C and that's what I usually use on these hikes with 3000-4000 foot elevation gains. I think your advice is good for anyone who doesn't want to do these kind of hikes (or is seriously fit!). I used my G90 on Field Day and it kicked ass. The internal tuner is great. I've been thinking about the Xiegu X5105. What are your thoughts on that one?
I don't have any experience with it, but from what I've seen it's a pretty capable radio. The only potential issue might be with strong signals overloading the receiver. That seems to be a common issue with the 5105 and the 6100. If you can find one for the right price give it a shot. And yeah, lugging a G90 up a to a SOTA activation would suck lol. I'd be running the SW-3B for that kind of stuff (or the KX2 if I wanted to do SSB as well). Thanks for watching!
@@EvanK2EJT Front end overload is something I've experienced with the FX-4C. Don't know if the FX-4CR is any better.
@@dangermandave67 Probably not. Really, the only two radios I own that don't really suffer from that are the Elecraft and the Lab599. Granted, they're both very expensive radios, so I would expect them to have better receivers.
For the TX500 and a resonant dipole antenna, what is your swr comfort level with out a tuner? At what swr levels does it start to become a concern to you? ( for cw and ssb)
Thank you,
That's a good question. The radio will probably handle a 3:1 SWR, but I've always tried to keep it under 2:1. My linked dipole is just a tad over 1:1 on both 20 and 40 in the phone portion of the bands, and probably about 1.5:1 in the CW/Digital end. My EFHW is about 1.5: on 40, 20, and 15, and like 2.7:1 on 10m so I use a tuner if I need to use it on 10 (which I don't normally). The radio will start to cut power if the SWR is too high to protect itself.
Thank you for sharing. Thank is a lot of good information.
@@luissanchez3214 No problem. Thanks for your questions, and thanks for watching
705 for the win
The 705 is a great radio for sure. It doesn't really suit my operating style, but for a lot of people it's the perfect QRP rig. Thanks for watching!
So all in all - KX2 is the only choice…:) but what about KX3? Is it badas ?
The KX3 is an awesome radio too. In fact, it's a better radio than the KX2. The reason I chose the KX2 came down to size and internal battery. If I needed a radio that could serve double duty as both a field radio and my shack rig, a KX3 would have been the way to go. Thanks for watching!
Do you have a link for the fold out feet stands for the FCX?
Absolutely. Here you go: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09M9X31RM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
@@EvanK2EJT thanks
this video would have been a million times better if the poster, Evan Thorson, had specifically named the manufacturer of each radio described. For every radio except the Elecraft I had to go out and google using the radio name to find out who actually builds each of these radios.
You're probably right. I should have. Here's another video where I discuss the manufacturers as well as the radios in a little more detail: th-cam.com/video/CQ4MYIu_R4c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3R0bHFP3PgZuFDZC
I will check it out.@@EvanK2EJT
Hi there. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m trying to understand. The top two radios that you recommended are they mostly CW? Will I be able to talk on them using HF frequencies? I almost got the G 90 at one point, but I heard there were issues with reliability or durability.. like everyone else. I’m also looking for a mobile HFrig But need something that could fit in the pack that is durable
If I remember correctly, the only CW only radio in that video was the SW-3B. All of the rest of them are all mode radios, so they'll do voice, digital, and CW. Don't be afraid of the G90. It's an absolutely *fantastic* radio for the money. I've made thousands of contacts on it and had precisely zero issues with it.
Oh got it. I’ll rewatch the video. Love how small these radios are. These are QRP radios correct? How did you decide on low power radios vs 100W rigs? I’m looking for an HF/VHF/UHF field radio for emergency preparedness.
@@marctlm3636 QRP is nice because you don't need a ton of battery to power it. If you want one radio that will do everything (HF, UHF, VHF) and you want it to be easily field portable, an Icom IC705 is probably your best bet for a radio that is currently in production.
@@EvanK2EJT i’m wondering if this is something all noobs go through. In my mind, I’m thinking of 50 to 100 W rig that is portable and rugged and HF/VHF/UHF IS THE WAY TO GO for preparedness. I wonder if you initially thought this way, but also changed your mind as you became more experienced. If so, at what point does somebody in this space decide that QRP is a better option for preparedness.
The qualities that I’m looking for are versatility, ruggedness, portability. I would love to be able to communicate with family members within my region as well as from across the nation.
I will still have my FT5D with me as well.
@@marctlm3636 There's absolutely nothing wrong with a 100W radio. I own an FT-891which is a 100W field rig. The real issue is powering it. You need a much bigger battery, and it even draws more current on receive. 20w for a field radio is kind of a sweet spot for a field radio if I'm being honest.
Interesting video. It might be helpful if, as a primarily CW op, you explained what specifically you liked/disliked about each radio’s CW functionality. Also, why keep mentioning “built-in tuners” if you only use resonant antennas…
Describing what I like and dislike about each radio is what my QRP Head 2 Head series does.....in detail. As for tuners and resonant antennas, two things. First, I don't always run a resonant antenna. If I want to have band agility I'll run a random wire. Second, just because an antenna is resonant in one place doesn't automatically mean the SWR will be acceptable when you set it up in another place. I've had that happen. It's nice to be able to hit the tuner and make the radio happy. Thanks for watching!
Have you seen the Sbit v2? 40 watt runs by a raspberry pi
I haven't.....but I'm going to go check it out now. Thanks for the info! Edit: I just checked it out. Holy cow....that thing looks awesome. I think I need one! Thanks for introducing me to it and thanks for watching!
Interesting, video I enjoyed this 73, kq4hcu
x5105 or ft817nd?
Neither is produced anymore, but they both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd say either would make a fine QRP field radio if you could get it at the right price.
@@EvanK2EJT There are tens of thousands of FT817/818 and frequently available 2nd hand. The Chinese radios have a short production life and ZERO spares. The ICOM 703 is an excellent radio (Plus version) and the SGC SG2020 (again, the plus version).
I had an FT817nd and sold it as I found the menu's annoying and bought an x5105 and an IC-705.
with the future of radio being digital IMO ALL radios need one USB digital connection and SDR , portable radios need decently rugged build, and you really want a min of 10 watts with 20+ being recommended. and you need a tuner. so with those criteria what does that leave? nothing that I know of. the market sucks. over priced stuff from the big names that is slowly being dragged into releventness from competition from china radios. but nothing I have seen tic's all the boxes. the new Xiegu X6200 is probably the closest to the ideal radio but sadly its only 8w on external battery.
and yes the G90 is probably the best value in HF. Josh was talking about pota at the statue of liberty and I joked that a G90 would probably tune the statue itself.
I'm not sure I agree with all radios needing to be USB digital SDR's. Yes, if you're going to operate digital that's a definite plus. For little CW radios, that's not really super important (granted, the QMX ticks that box so I suppose it's possible). I absolutely agree though that a lot, if not most, of the radios on the market are lacking in some area and way overpriced. The closest thing I own to a "perfect" field radio would be the IC-705, but that lacks a tuner and is pretty large. My dream radio would have USB and Bluetooth digital, a color waterfall, internal battery, internal speaker, 20w, ruggedized, pin diodes for CW, and be reasonably small and light. Yeah, I know....it's probably not going to happen, but one can dream LOL. Thanks for watching!
Would have been good to see the display on each , would have been less chat.
True. I didn't think about that. Maybe I'll shoot a little addendum video to this so people can see what the displays look like and what info is presented. Thanks!
@@EvanK2EJT thank you look forward to seeing that
@@chrissmith7655 I'm going to shoot it today. Hopefully it's uploaded and ready to go this evening. Thanks!
Elecraft is like Kenwood. Living off old people nostalgia that have too much money. Over priced and living on borrowed time IMO. I suspect the next generation is not going to have near the brand name dedication. You can get 90% of what you need for about 30% of the price. Not a winning long term situation.
Unfortunately I think you're correct. I like my KX2, but it should be an $800 radio, not a $1400 radio.
Given that the G90 has become a best-selling HF radio at a third of the price of the KX2, I think that the hand writing is on the wall for the stratospheric pricing of the top tier radios.
Sadly, as nice as the KX2 is as a portable HF radio, the asking price (and its availability problem) are both a budget buster and a non-starter for me.
I would love to own an affordable QRP or 20 watt portable radio (~$450) with an onboard antenna tuner and internal battery that is made in the USA.