Jason, the IC-7100 is an absolutely fantastic radio. It's super easy to use, has loads of features, and I love mine. But it does not have an internal tuner unfortunately. 8:35 73 de VE3GKT
I have two FT 891s , one for the SUV and one mounted in a manpack with all accessories and battery. I think the FT 891 the best buy for the buck plus it has some of the best digital sound processing out there.
I bought the 991A a couple of months ago for POTA. I have been using the 891. Even though the 891 is an awesome HF radio I so much prefer the 991A. It was around $1000. Keep up the great work. I have been a subscriber since I first started studying for my licenses. That was in 2019. Thank you for leading me through the process.
Kenwood - I'm a new ham and had been searching for a great radio for several months. My elmer was helping me and he came upon a used, one year old FT-991A. I couldn't resist and bought it at about $900.00, it came with everything, plus two mics and it is housed in a waterproof box. I feel like I got a really good deal. I just haven't hooked it up to antenna yet because I am in the market for buying one. Thank you for sharing Jason.
Wow....have prices dropped since a year ago, I saw both the ICOM and Yaesu models run under $1000 with rebate. I selected the Yaesu FT-710, it has an excellent receiver, but the best portable HF rig in terms of weight is the FT-891, which I also have.
Weight and form factor aside… which of the FT891 and FT710 has the lowest Rx current draw in real world use? Which of these two do you use the most for POTA/parking lot use (not SOTA)?
Kenwood - My backup SHTF radio is the FT-897D. It has an attached LDG tunner and has a bay where you can add either batteries or a power supply. I've used this for a few POTA activations before I went QRP with the IC-705 and the G90. I keep the 897 in a pelican case with a 10-80m end fed and an Ed Fong roll up 2m/70cm antenna. This along with a LiFEPo4 battery and solar panel is my grab and go box.
Kenwood, great video thanks for the info. I’m currently studying for the Technician. I am trying to educate myself and your channel is a great help for the hands on and practical use of ham radio. Thank you for the hard work!
kenwood- I am using my icom 7300 for portable and POTA. works great on LiFePO4 battery. have a few. like how I can drop power way down . normally run 50% will drop more for FT4 and FT8 . fan does not run much on reduced power. I forgot my antenna analyzer and remembered Eric from ham radio concepts had a video on a SWR graph mode for the 7300. re watched on phone. set it up . and made it easy for tuning antenna . 7300 does FM repeater's 10 and 6 meter with PL tones. even a AGM battery ran my 7300 just fine. with that type keep over 12V . DX commander sent me some cut length for 3/4 wave mono band for the 2024 expedition portable . for 6/10/11/ and 12 meters. saving up and extra DX 10 wire. also DX 50 green wire for my dipole . I had to down load softwire from icom . did not come with CD . I have used GMRS/MURS in parks but contacts do not count but still fun. even some CB SSB . 73's
Kenwood, I am new to ham radios and enjoyed watching your suggested best picks for POTA. I currently have the Yeasu FT5DR HT to start and I am now looking for a mobile unit that I can use in the truck or in the house. Based on your suggestions here I think I am leaning towards the FT891 with the optional tuner, and YES, I am excited to go try POTA once I get my Technician license. Hopefully, be testing next week.
Hi Jason, I realize this video is two years old, but the best radio for 100 watts for POTA is the FT-710. It blows away the 7300 in quality, price and #4 on the sherwood list for reception. While the FTDX-10 is a better radio but oh so close to the FT-710. Thanks for your great videos.
Wow - LOTs of good information in this video. Thanks, Jason! I should point out though that at 8:36 you said that the IC-7100 has a built-in tuner. It actually does not. I wish mine did! :)
Kenwood- I am kind of Surprised the FT450 didn't make the list. I use it for POTA and I find it to be a great radio. It is rugged, good size, and can find them used for a decent price. It make a great first HF radio as well.
Kenwood. I just came back from activating a park using my Yaesu FT-891. It has served me very well. One consideration I consider important for POTA is how long will my battery power any given radio. A 20AH battery will power the FT-891 long enough to wear me out first. Oh, and since you mention Kenwood, the TH-K20A is one of the best HTs out there. It has the greatest two qualities an HT can have, simplicity and durability
I've run my 7300 on a 9ah battery and activated a park. I wasn't there all day, but an activation only needs 10 contacts. But yes, usually I will take my 15 or 20ah battery and it lasts all day
Kenwood - with 100w amp options... the idea of a POTA, with optional SOTA setup is appealing. Sometimes you get to a place and then decide to setup at the top of the hill... in this case, 10w at the top may be better than 100w at the bottom / pota area. If this is the case, then 705/KX3/KX2 (heck maybe even the HL2+ some day.. see the 30w option being considered...). Good that you went right into it :-)
I started with a second hand 857d, worked great for sota. Have since gone to an elecraft kx2. You don't need 100W, i rarely went over 20W with the 857 and the kx2 only does 12. More power does help when your chasers/hunters are in a noisy residential environment though. Interesting video. Thanks
Kenwood - I have used both the ic-7100 and Ic-7300 for pota. I really miss a waterfall using the ic-7100, when looking for a clear freq. on a crowded band. Ic-7100 douse not have a built in tuner, but LDG has some great options. My ic-7100 is my pota current rig of choice, because I can set the main radio with most of the cables out of the way and just have the control head with Mic and the loging computer in front of me.
Kenwood, haven't tested any yet-new ham couple weeks 😁, eyeing 991a and ft-100, there are so many radios and equipment to look at-little overwhelming, really appreciate your time comparing the radios-helps layout the field of equipment
Kenwood: I have the Yaesu FT857d and I just absolutely love it for POTA. I use the Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet mini TIA kit and the combination creates a fantastic easy to transport kit for on the go. Thanks for your video and 73!
Kenwood, I have two 991s. I have one in the shack and one that has earned me two Kilo awards in POTA. I owned a 7300 for almost a year and ran it side by side with a 991a and was able to filter better, and pull in weaker signals with the 991a. I was able to switch back and forth between the two radios on the same antenna for almost a year. The 991a beat the 7300 hands down. Great video as usual. Thanks for all you do for our awesome hobby. W2GPR
I have an IC-7000 that survived more than a decade in my Jeep. It survived to serious car crashes (the second one totaled the Jeep). Neither crash was my fault (for those who wonder), and it has totally been drenched with condensation. It still works flawlessly save the internal clock battery is dead.
I use my FT-891 for portable ops at 50 watts and for a second base station. The DNR works great. After adding a Signalink and tuner, it costs about $950. I needed small so I got the 891. My main base rig is an IC-756 Pro III.
KENWOOD - My primary 100w POTA radio is the ICOM IC-7300 and it is hard to beat. I have also used a Yaesu FT-991 (pre-"a") and an ICOM IC-7100 with good results. Perhaps they added it later but my IC-7100 does not have an internal tuner. The OpMan has instructions for connecting AH-4, AH-740, AT-180, etc. external tuners which can be controlled from the IC-7100. It does have a USB port on the base but I've never used this radio for digital modes. I wish it had an internal tuner and that the scope worked a little better but I agree with your recommendations. All those you listed are excellent for POTA.
Kenwood---- Jason I still use my old 706 mk11G. Just a fantastic radio With the comet ca-uv all band antenna Worked the world running to work and back with it Great show gonna get a 7300 one of these days
Kenwood. I'm just about to pull the plug on a Yaesu FTDX 10 because you honestly presented the best unbiased review of it over the ICOM 7300. Oh, currently I use Yaesu 891 in the field, and a Yaesu 450D in the shack... all bought used. Speaking of Kenwood, I've the TM-V71A in the shack for 2m/ 440. Thanks for all you do. :)
Kenwood. Interesting video. I've been using the Icom 706II for years and years; don't know when I got it. Had a Yaesu 857 later but sold it; the 706 was much easier to use. Lots of mobile use, first on the old County Hunters Net, which eventually fell apart (the net controls tolerated but did not welcome new operators--it had to be done their way). Then POTA came along and re-energized portable and mobile operations, with a better website--those spots are a great help, and I have used the 706 in 18 Iowa parks so far. Main problem currently: I can't transmit on 15 meters. Have tried it with several antennas, so know it is the radio and not the antenna. Haven't found others with this problem, may give up and get an 891.
@@Frankh77 I'd never pay the new price for one, I think I got a pretty good deal on this one. Once you figure out all the little secrets this radio has it's an awesome radio but there is a bit of a learning curve.
Kenwood. I am looking for a HF radio and this video was very helpful. I am taking my General exam on June 16th and want to know what the best bang for the buck will be. Thank you for taking the time to do this video.
Great video. FT-897 does not have a tuner built in. The box on the left side was an optional tuner. The Yaesu optional tuner didn't have a wide tuning range but LDG made a version that has their usual wide tuning range though it is not quite as stylish in appearance but fits in the same alongside configuration. The FT897 is quite unique in that it has space for large batteries internally and would run 30 watts on those original optional batteries. You can fabricate your own even better battery pack to fit inside these days from lithium cells or RC packs that could handle full 100 watts. There was also an optional compact custom AC Power Supply that would fit in the battery tray. So when equipped with the internal AC supply and the LDG tuner it was in a class by itself for a small portable shack in a box radio with built in handle that had AC and DC capability and a wide range tuner. The D variant added 60 meters, earlier versions of the Yaesu models (817, 857, 897) prior to the D did not have 60 meters. You didn't mention it but most of these older radios used crystal filters which are hard to get now for CW or narrow SSB filtering. The newer radios starting with the IC-7000 don't use separate crystal filters anymore since they have excellent IF DSP based adjustable filtering. The IC-706 series didn't have 60 meters but could be opened up to go there. 73 de w6akb. Kenwood :)
My Ham Shack was only clean for visitations announced well in advance, otherwise, it was in a state of organized chaos relating to the complexity of the current project involved, LOL. I enjoyed your video and I have only owned a few Kenwood radios, most were Heath Kit, Ten Tec, Yaesu, and Icom over the last 40 years with a little bit of Hammarlund & Johnson Viking Valliant sprinkled in for my Novice Station in 1979. My first HT was a 1.5-watt Yaesu FT-1 if I remember correctly, I could be wrong but used it mobile for several years on a magnetic mount 5/8~ while going to college.
Kenwood: I did my first Pota activation a few weeks ago with the Ft891. I like it because it fits in my backpack even with a ldg tuner in the bag for justin. I bought it cheap but sort of broken ( wouldn't turn off without pulling the power ), and fixed it. It had a failed component on the main board. It took some time to figure it out, but it was a learning experience, and the part cost less than 10 bucks after shipping from digikey. I have a ft-991 (non-a) that I picked up a year ago for around 700 used from a local ham, and I used it on the beach last year, and it was awesome. Both with a wolf river coil. I'm afraid to take my 7300 into the field.
IC-7300 is my POTA radio. I had the FT-857D but that was the nosiest little radio I ever owned. Solid S6 noise floor where I go camping in the Mtn's of AZ. The IC-7300 has a 0 noise floor with the exact same set up (same antenna, power supply, antenna location, etc...). Absolutely love the IC-7300...
Kenwood. Glad I watched, I do have 3 of your choices, the IC-7300, IC-7000, and the IC-706MkIIG. I like your observations. Also have a Kenwood TS-830S that was my first radio. It doesn't do mobile very well. Thanks also for the mention about the RV Radio group since we full-time. Got to check them out.
Kenwood .. I have a Kenwood TS 480SAT that's good for mobile and portable, 100watt, detachable head and I do digital modes with a pi and usb sound card.... been good to me.
Kenwood's not going to be at Dayton this year, either. The 897 did not have an internal tuner, but again, LDG makes a fantastic tuner that plugs right into the back of the radio and has a very wide tuning range.
The 7300 is a great choice for POTA. Add a 20ah Bioeno battery and you are good for a weekend. The 7100 does NOT have a built-in antenna tuner. It can use the ICOM AT-180 tuner that you can use with the 706 series and 7000. The 7100 also can do DSTAR on VHF, UHF and on all HF bands. Another good choice for mobile POTA. Kent - KQ4KK
Kenwood - I used the FT DX 10 for POTA - Love it. I also use it in the shack more than I thought I would. My other shack radio is the DX 3000 which I really like, but the receive features on the DX10 is hard to beat. Only thing I wish it had (not so much for POTA) is a receive antenna jack. I do use that on the 3000. Thanks for the great video Bryon - W9CYA
Kenwood: I use the 706 series radios, have more than one for my POTA activations and field day. Really enjoyed this list of radios for POTA, I know better receivers are out there than my 706 series, but I can't bring myself to give up the 706.
Kenwood...would love it if the 480HX was still manufactured. Now I use the ICOM 7000 with Chameleon MPAS and Bioenno 20AH for portable work. Really love this combo. The radio with the MPS 2.0 just plain works for me. Also, thank for the Chameleon MPAS Video. I bought it based upon your demo!
Kenwood, I have the 7100 almost got the Yaesu 991a. I am happy with my rig currently as my base. Have not had the experience with POTA as a newer ham as of this past December.
I'm with you on the IC-7000 Jason. My old rig has been everywhere on the Buddipole mini DXpeditions and has never had a problem. I really need to buy another one just in case. 73, my friend Danny WZ1P
Kenwood, Thanks for this video. I’m getting ready for Hamvention and in the market for a used rig. This was very informative ( knowing which rigs have built-in sound cards is very helpful). Hope to see you there!
Kenwood** lol…yeah I watched it all. I have the 991a and feel it’s a bit large for a POTA radio, am considering The FT891 but also looking hard at the IC706 MkII ……Thanks for a great review
Kenwood-I’ve just bought a Yaesu FT891 for backpack portable,I know the menu is an arse ,but for power per £,I agree with you that it’s in a class of one 😊
KENWOOD. Hi Jason. Just a comment. Not enough kudos for the 7100 Noise blankingand reduction is as good or better than any rig I've heard. D-Star on HF. 500 memory channels. I have ran the radio as portable mobile and base. It just kick ass. Cheers mate. Keep up the good work Pete VK3TQ
Kenwood: Great Video! I currently use a Yaesu 891 for portable activation, however I've been very much tempted to use my DX10 from my ham shack and try it out on the field. I really like the portability of the 891, but I can't stop raving about the functionality of the DX10. The DX10 front end is (IMHO) probably one of the best out on the market, today. I may save up to buy another DX10 for portable use.
Kenwood. Great choices imo, I'd like to pick up a 7300 or ftdx10 at some point, between jobs at the moment though. I use my Kenwood ts-570d for pota and hike in sota, with battery box, antenna and accessories the pack comes in around 35lbs. I'm kind of crazy, but I enjoy the workout(for now). I do plan on picking up an ic-705 or similar when the budget allows for sota.
Kenwood: I use the IC-7100 in the vehicle and in the house. I do not do POTA or SOTA. If I were to buy a radio today, I might buy something different. Thanks for the video and 73 de VA6RC
Kenwood. I have the FT-857D. I use it for my shack radio and also take it portable. I have the Heil BM-17 headset with the hand switch to go with it but I don't use it all the time.
Kenwood.. I have the FT-897 with the 2.1 INRAD SSB filter and it work well, especially out away from town noise. However, hearing a FTdx10 in person really showed me how the receive quality and filtering has come a long way over the last decade(s).
Kenwood. I use the 891. Great rig but I wish it had an active/live/tunable spectroscope - you can only see a snapshot. The thing i do really love about it though is the ability to remote mount it. It pairs well with PocketRxTx on Android too, so you can have it remote mounted and have 1 cable go to your tablet for a larger screen... Now if only someone could invent a Bluetooth data module for it. I'll bet you did do some dusting after that guy's comment though 😂😂 I like a clean shack too... But mine is also only ever clean for about 20 minutes after I've cleaned up.
Good Video - Fortunate enough to have the FTdx10 and absolutely love it. Had nothing but success with it as my Base at the QTH, in the RV, and for POTA. K0KWH
Kenwood - Jason, de W5EXJ. Great presentation. I currently use an FT-857D and a ATAS-120A which is all in the car, so makes it easy to drive to a park, make many contacts and head out. I'm currently thinking about updating things, thinking about a Little Tarheel II antenna and still thinking about new radio, maybe a FT-891, but still researching. Re: comment about your shack ... It looks fantastic, you have everything in its proper place, even the dust! Keep up the great work!!
Kenwood, I have an 857d I use as my home station, recently acquired a x6100 for portable still waiting for a nice weekend to get out with it and try a POTA activation it's still cold 🥶 in NY
Kenwood. I have an Icom 7300 as well as the Yaesu 857d just to name only a few. I have used the Icom 7300 for portable and POTA. I am in our RV for activations but have found that I have to use a lot of ferrite chokes with the Icom 7300 so it doesn't mess with the RV refrigerator. That is of course only 100 watts. I mostly use my Kenwood 480HX 200 watts out and it rarely interferes with the refrigerator in our RV without the chokes but I just leave them on the coax. P.S Your Shack doesn't look messy or dusty to me.
I currently use either Ft-857 or Ft-857D for pota. The 857D it in a Hardened systems commander box. The 857 is mounted mobile in my truck. I am looking to get a 891 to mount mobile since I don't need another 2m 70cm in my truck.
Kenwood. I have an 857 in my pickup and a at-120 antenna. one button press and it tunes the AT-120. That is a very busy radio... it does everything. but it is pretty menu intensive.
Kenwood// I really like and appreciate your videos and IMO this is your best one. Also, thanks for the POTA contact, I worked you a couple weeks ago. #veryInformative
Kenwood… I use a 7300 for my POTA activations along with my Wolf River Coils w/17ft whip. All those radios are great choices. Doesn’t matter what you use just get out and activate and have fun!!
Kenwood x2, 😆. I have a 991A as my base and I love it.LOVE IT. Just got a 891 on ebay for pota lol. Glad I did before you made this video. It's hard to stay ahead of you as a new ham to save money on stuff lmbo.
Kenwood, just now getting to see your video at 21:25 central. I have an Alinco Dx70TH HF/6m 100w that I'm exploring using to do POTA with. It's a boss on voice and I've had compliments on It's sound. Have a new speaker ordered for it because it's just that time in it's life. I also have a Kenwood TS-440 that I'm doing repairs on and it's gonna be Shack only. There's my 2 cents. Ya'll have a good one and as I say on FT8, Have a great day tomorrow! 73, Woody-K5NLR
Kenwood, I have the 10 on the bench & the 891 in the mobile, would love to do some POTA with it once i pass the General, great radio. I'm searching for a FT100D missed out on one recently for $500, kicking myself. Great content, love you videos, I learn alot being a new HAM, thank you.
Kenwood. Speaking of Kenwood, even though it's quite heavy, I plan to use my TS-590SG for POTA activations...at least, the ones I can drive to. It's an A1 transceiver and still in production. It has built in sound card and the built in tuner has quite a broad matching range. I have a Yaesu FT-891 but I don't like the ergonomics on it. On the '590SG, every function you're likely to use is available via a knob or button push on the front panel...very convenient.
Kenwood, should they come back full swing into production, needs two things: more TH-D74As and some kind of portable to compete with the IC-705 or similar. I'm very happy with my IC-7100 and would recommend it for new hams looking for a starting shack in a box.
Kenwood. I plan to use my 7300 for POTA. I have taken it to use in RV and it is easy to move and set up. Even used it set up in my Pick up bed with portable Antenna. Excellent video for solid info on possible POTA radio. 73 NM5SP
Kenwood - Excellent reviews thank you Jason. I have had an IC706MkIIG followed by the IC7000 and more recently the IC7300 all of which have been superb radios none of them I have used portable. For portable use I have an FT817 (quite old now) and a recent purchase of the Xiegu X6100 both of which I use QRP.
Kenwood// the FT 991a is looking like something to meet my needs. Finding old Yaesus is rather difficult, but learning about some other radios like the Ranen Q900 (which is a demilitarized TBR-119) are also piquing my interest. All bands, all modes is important to me.
I'll be retaking the technician exam next month on a third Sunday and the general exam next following month. I want to run portable radio to chew the rag and do cw to work hf, vhf/UHF radio for POTA and SOTA on a budget. I can careless about sdr and fancy things with internet and radio. I just want the challenge to make comes anywhere
kenwood is something I dont have. I use FT891 for POTA. I have used also IC 7200. depending what I will be doing will determine which I like better at the time. some times the 891 is menu heavy. but with practice you get usedf to it. 7200 is the one if you like it more simple. depends what mood I am in. Both work well.
GA Jason, I've had a Kenwood radio, BUT don't think it would be as good as some of the Icom radios for POTA. My home radio is an older model of the big ICOM, BUT since it doesn't do FT have a sound card... I've chosen an IC-7300 exclusively for FT. I own 3 FT-857D's one in my car, had one in my XYL's car, and one in a bag radio for travels on the road. Used to be a corporate pilot and have operated from Vancouver, BC St. Maarten many times, Turks & Caicos... The 857D is lightweight and with a power supply, LDG-100 tuner, a screwdriver, and buddy pole or wire antenna you're in business! Have a 897D but haven't taken it to the mountains for some QRP, parks or Summit's, again, a great radio with lots of possibilities.
Kenwood, Good Video, have not yet done POTA but thinking about trying some this summer. Lots of good choices here wish, Yaesu still made a 857 with the newest features, not to big but HF / UHF / VHF or add 40 watts of UHF / VHF to the 891 and pair it with an ATAS antenna that would be sweet
Kenwood - Great video! I have the FT-891 and IC-7200 (picked them both up used for great prices) You mentioned that the IC-7200 has a built in tuner... I am using the ic-7200 on FT8 as I type this and it does NOT have a tuner. It has a button on the front to activate a tuner ( I have mine connected to a LDG Z-100Plus ).
The icom-7200 does not have a built in ATU. I use the LDG IT-100 which I keep mounted to the top of the radio. First HF I ever bought and have been very happy with it.
Kenwood!!!!!!!! I myself have an FT-891 and love it, but, I'm looking for a base radio to leave in the home shack. I found an Icom 746 pro for sale for $695 but don't know if i want that or another IC 718 like i use to have and sold (I was young and foolish).
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Best radio, is the one that you can afford to do what YOU want it to do. Everything else is just a wish list.
Jason, the IC-7100 is an absolutely fantastic radio. It's super easy to use, has loads of features, and I love mine. But it does not have an internal tuner unfortunately. 8:35
73 de VE3GKT
I wish Yaesu made a competitor to the IC-705 BUT with 20w. I would totally buy that. Those older radios are sweet! Thank you for the video!
I have two FT 891s , one for the SUV and one mounted in a manpack with all accessories and battery. I think the FT 891 the best buy for the buck plus it has some of the best digital sound processing out there.
I have the ft-891 its a great radio. I also have a G90 if I want a waterfall and also a Heathkit HW-8 if I want to go QRP old-school lol
I bought the 991A a couple of months ago for POTA. I have been using the 891. Even though the 891 is an awesome HF radio I so much prefer the 991A. It was around $1000. Keep up the great work. I have been a subscriber since I first started studying for my licenses. That was in 2019. Thank you for leading me through the process.
Kenwood - I'm a new ham and had been searching for a great radio for several months. My elmer was helping me and he came upon a used, one year old FT-991A. I couldn't resist and bought it at about $900.00, it came with everything, plus two mics and it is housed in a waterproof box. I feel like I got a really good deal. I just haven't hooked it up to antenna yet because I am in the market for buying one. Thank you for sharing Jason.
That's great
Wow....have prices dropped since a year ago, I saw both the ICOM and Yaesu models run under $1000 with rebate. I selected the Yaesu FT-710, it has an excellent receiver, but the best portable HF rig in terms of weight is the FT-891, which I also have.
Weight and form factor aside… which of the FT891 and FT710 has the lowest Rx current draw in real world use? Which of these two do you use the most for POTA/parking lot use (not SOTA)?
Kenwood. The ICOM 7100 does not have a built-in tuner and the sound card is questionable. Still a good radio. I have one at home and one in my truck.
Kenwood - 891 and 7300. One you did not mention is the FT-450D. I have really enjoyed the 450D also.
I don't have much experience with that one.
Kenwood - My backup SHTF radio is the FT-897D. It has an attached LDG tunner and has a bay where you can add either batteries or a power supply. I've used this for a few POTA activations before I went QRP with the IC-705 and the G90. I keep the 897 in a pelican case with a 10-80m end fed and an Ed Fong roll up 2m/70cm antenna. This along with a LiFEPo4 battery and solar panel is my grab and go box.
Kenwood, great video thanks for the info. I’m currently studying for the Technician. I am trying to educate myself and your channel is a great help for the hands on and practical use of ham radio. Thank you for the hard work!
Kenwood - I have both the FT-891 and the Icom 706MKIIG and make a great POTA/SOTA radio. I like the receiver and filtering on the 891.
kenwood- I am using my icom 7300 for portable and POTA. works great on LiFePO4 battery. have a few. like how I can drop power way down . normally run 50% will drop more for FT4 and FT8 . fan does not run much on reduced power. I forgot my antenna analyzer and remembered Eric from ham radio concepts had a video on a SWR graph mode for the 7300. re watched on phone. set it up . and made it easy for tuning antenna . 7300 does FM repeater's 10 and 6 meter with PL tones. even a AGM battery ran my 7300 just fine. with that type keep over 12V . DX commander sent me some cut length for 3/4 wave mono band for the 2024 expedition portable . for 6/10/11/ and 12 meters. saving up and extra DX 10 wire. also DX 50 green wire for my dipole . I had to down load softwire from icom . did not come with CD . I have used GMRS/MURS in parks but contacts do not count but still fun. even some CB SSB . 73's
Kenwood, I am new to ham radios and enjoyed watching your suggested best picks for POTA. I currently have the Yeasu FT5DR HT to start and I am now looking for a mobile unit that I can use in the truck or in the house. Based on your suggestions here I think I am leaning towards the FT891 with the optional tuner, and YES, I am excited to go try POTA once I get my Technician license. Hopefully, be testing next week.
Kenwood studying for general and researching for pota. I appreciate your content.
Hi Jason, I realize this video is two years old, but the best radio for 100 watts for POTA is the FT-710. It blows away the 7300 in quality, price and #4 on the sherwood list for reception. While the FTDX-10 is a better radio but oh so close to the FT-710. Thanks for your great videos.
Wow - LOTs of good information in this video. Thanks, Jason!
I should point out though that at 8:36 you said that the IC-7100 has a built-in tuner. It actually does not. I wish mine did! :)
Kenwood- I am kind of Surprised the FT450 didn't make the list. I use it for POTA and I find it to be a great radio. It is rugged, good size, and can find them used for a decent price. It make a great first HF radio as well.
Kenwood. I just came back from activating a park using my Yaesu FT-891. It has served me very well. One consideration I consider important for POTA is how long will my battery power any given radio. A 20AH battery will power the FT-891 long enough to wear me out first. Oh, and since you mention Kenwood, the TH-K20A is one of the best HTs out there. It has the greatest two qualities an HT can have, simplicity and durability
I've run my 7300 on a 9ah battery and activated a park. I wasn't there all day, but an activation only needs 10 contacts. But yes, usually I will take my 15 or 20ah battery and it lasts all day
Kenwood - with 100w amp options... the idea of a POTA, with optional SOTA setup is appealing. Sometimes you get to a place and then decide to setup at the top of the hill... in this case, 10w at the top may be better than 100w at the bottom / pota area. If this is the case, then 705/KX3/KX2 (heck maybe even the HL2+ some day.. see the 30w option being considered...). Good that you went right into it :-)
I started with a second hand 857d, worked great for sota. Have since gone to an elecraft kx2. You don't need 100W, i rarely went over 20W with the 857 and the kx2 only does 12. More power does help when your chasers/hunters are in a noisy residential environment though. Interesting video. Thanks
Kenwood - I have used both the ic-7100 and Ic-7300 for pota. I really miss a waterfall using the ic-7100, when looking for a clear freq. on a crowded band. Ic-7100 douse not have a built in tuner, but LDG has some great options. My ic-7100 is my pota current rig of choice, because I can set the main radio with most of the cables out of the way and just have the control head with Mic and the loging computer in front of me.
Kenwood, haven't tested any yet-new ham couple weeks 😁, eyeing 991a and ft-100, there are so many radios and equipment to look at-little overwhelming, really appreciate your time comparing the radios-helps layout the field of equipment
Kenwood: I have the Yaesu FT857d and I just absolutely love it for POTA. I use the Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet mini TIA kit and the combination creates a fantastic easy to transport kit for on the go. Thanks for your video and 73!
Kenwood, I have two 991s. I have one in the shack and one that has earned me two Kilo awards in POTA. I owned a 7300 for almost a year and ran it side by side with a 991a and was able to filter better, and pull in weaker signals with the 991a. I was able to switch back and forth between the two radios on the same antenna for almost a year. The 991a beat the 7300 hands down. Great video as usual. Thanks for all you do for our awesome hobby. W2GPR
I have an IC-7000 that survived more than a decade in my Jeep. It survived to serious car crashes (the second one totaled the Jeep). Neither crash was my fault (for those who wonder), and it has totally been drenched with condensation. It still works flawlessly save the internal clock battery is dead.
I use my FT-891 for portable ops at 50 watts and for a second base station. The DNR works great. After adding a Signalink and tuner, it costs about $950. I needed small so I got the 891. My main base rig is an IC-756 Pro III.
KENWOOD - My primary 100w POTA radio is the ICOM IC-7300 and it is hard to beat. I have also used a Yaesu FT-991 (pre-"a") and an ICOM IC-7100 with good results. Perhaps they added it later but my IC-7100 does not have an internal tuner. The OpMan has instructions for connecting AH-4, AH-740, AT-180, etc. external tuners which can be controlled from the IC-7100. It does have a USB port on the base but I've never used this radio for digital modes. I wish it had an internal tuner and that the scope worked a little better but I agree with your recommendations. All those you listed are excellent for POTA.
Kenwood---- Jason I still use my old 706 mk11G. Just a fantastic radio
With the comet ca-uv all band antenna
Worked the world running to work and back with it
Great show gonna get a 7300 one of these days
I love my 705MKIIg
Kenwood. I'm just about to pull the plug on a Yaesu FTDX 10 because you honestly presented the best unbiased review of it over the ICOM 7300. Oh, currently I use Yaesu 891 in the field, and a Yaesu 450D in the shack... all bought used. Speaking of Kenwood, I've the TM-V71A in the shack for 2m/ 440. Thanks for all you do. :)
Kenwood. Interesting video. I've been using the Icom 706II for years and years; don't know when I got it. Had a Yaesu 857 later but sold it; the 706 was much easier to use. Lots of mobile use, first on the old County Hunters Net, which eventually fell apart (the net controls tolerated but did not welcome new operators--it had to be done their way). Then POTA came along and re-energized portable and mobile operations, with a better website--those spots are a great help, and I have used the 706 in 18 Iowa parks so far. Main problem currently: I can't transmit on 15 meters. Have tried it with several antennas, so know it is the radio and not the antenna. Haven't found others with this problem, may give up and get an 891.
I haven't heard of that problem
Yaesu Ft-100d they are great to about the same size as ft-891. 73 great show
That was a good one too
Kenwood TS 990 is my mobile rig for POTA. Yes, it's in my motor home. Been thinking about a TS 480hx for my truck but they only come up occasionally.
Ha! I guess you can use anything in a motorhome
I was going to jokingly say TS990! Is it worth the cost, or more prestigious?
@@Frankh77 I'd never pay the new price for one, I think I got a pretty good deal on this one. Once you figure out all the little secrets this radio has it's an awesome radio but there is a bit of a learning curve.
Kenwood , thanks for a great video. I’m studying for my General license. Thinking of the G90 for my first HF radio . 73 to you .
Kenwood - I got interested in Ham radio after watching videos focusing on SOTA. Thanks again for the informative video!
Thanks for watching
Kenwood. I am looking for a HF radio and this video was very helpful. I am taking my General exam on June 16th and want to know what the best bang for the buck will be. Thank you for taking the time to do this video.
Great video. FT-897 does not have a tuner built in. The box on the left side was an optional tuner. The Yaesu optional tuner didn't have a wide tuning range but LDG made a version that has their usual wide tuning range though it is not quite as stylish in appearance but fits in the same alongside configuration. The FT897 is quite unique in that it has space for large batteries internally and would run 30 watts on those original optional batteries. You can fabricate your own even better battery pack to fit inside these days from lithium cells or RC packs that could handle full 100 watts. There was also an optional compact custom AC Power Supply that would fit in the battery tray. So when equipped with the internal AC supply and the LDG tuner it was in a class by itself for a small portable shack in a box radio with built in handle that had AC and DC capability and a wide range tuner. The D variant added 60 meters, earlier versions of the Yaesu models (817, 857, 897) prior to the D did not have 60 meters. You didn't mention it but most of these older radios used crystal filters which are hard to get now for CW or narrow SSB filtering. The newer radios starting with the IC-7000 don't use separate crystal filters anymore since they have excellent IF DSP based adjustable filtering. The IC-706 series didn't have 60 meters but could be opened up to go there. 73 de w6akb. Kenwood :)
I picked up a IC 7000 at a hamfest last month for 525 it had issues found out about the fuse problem bought a new power cord off Amazon works great
Great price!
My Ham Shack was only clean for visitations announced well in advance, otherwise, it was in a state of organized chaos relating to the complexity of the current project involved, LOL. I enjoyed your video and I have only owned a few Kenwood radios, most were Heath Kit, Ten Tec, Yaesu, and Icom over the last 40 years with a little bit of Hammarlund & Johnson Viking Valliant sprinkled in for my Novice Station in 1979. My first HT was a 1.5-watt Yaesu FT-1 if I remember correctly, I could be wrong but used it mobile for several years on a magnetic mount 5/8~ while going to college.
Kenwood: I did my first Pota activation a few weeks ago with the Ft891. I like it because it fits in my backpack even with a ldg tuner in the bag for justin. I bought it cheap but sort of broken ( wouldn't turn off without pulling the power ), and fixed it. It had a failed component on the main board. It took some time to figure it out, but it was a learning experience, and the part cost less than 10 bucks after shipping from digikey. I have a ft-991 (non-a) that I picked up a year ago for around 700 used from a local ham, and I used it on the beach last year, and it was awesome. Both with a wolf river coil. I'm afraid to take my 7300 into the field.
IC-7300 is my POTA radio. I had the FT-857D but that was the nosiest little radio I ever owned. Solid S6 noise floor where I go camping in the Mtn's of AZ. The IC-7300 has a 0 noise floor with the exact same set up (same antenna, power supply, antenna location, etc...). Absolutely love the IC-7300...
Kenwood. Glad I watched, I do have 3 of your choices, the IC-7300, IC-7000, and the IC-706MkIIG. I like your observations. Also have a Kenwood TS-830S that was my first radio. It doesn't do mobile very well. Thanks also for the mention about the RV Radio group since we full-time. Got to check them out.
Kenwood .. I have a Kenwood TS 480SAT that's good for mobile and portable, 100watt, detachable head and I do digital modes with a pi and usb sound card.... been good to me.
That is a nice model
Kenwood's not going to be at Dayton this year, either. The 897 did not have an internal tuner, but again, LDG makes a fantastic tuner that plugs right into the back of the radio and has a very wide tuning range.
The 7300 is a great choice for POTA. Add a 20ah Bioeno battery and you are good for a weekend.
The 7100 does NOT have a built-in antenna tuner. It can use the ICOM AT-180 tuner that you can use with the 706 series and 7000. The 7100 also can do DSTAR on VHF, UHF and on all HF bands. Another good choice for mobile POTA.
Kent - KQ4KK
Kenwood - I used the FT DX 10 for POTA - Love it. I also use it in the shack more than I thought I would. My other shack radio is the DX 3000 which I really like, but the receive features on the DX10 is hard to beat. Only thing I wish it had (not so much for POTA) is a receive antenna jack. I do use that on the 3000. Thanks for the great video
Bryon - W9CYA
Kenwood: I use the 706 series radios, have more than one for my POTA activations and field day. Really enjoyed this list of radios for POTA, I know better receivers are out there than my 706 series, but I can't bring myself to give up the 706.
I still have mine too
Kenwood...would love it if the 480HX was still manufactured. Now I use the ICOM 7000 with Chameleon MPAS and Bioenno 20AH for portable work. Really love this combo. The radio with the MPS 2.0 just plain works for me. Also, thank for the Chameleon MPAS Video. I bought it based upon your demo!
480HX is a nice radio
Kenwood, I have the 7100 almost got the Yaesu 991a. I am happy with my rig currently as my base. Have not had the experience with POTA as a newer ham as of this past December.
Kenwood… I just finished my go box and chose the FT-891 for it. Very happy with it.
I'm with you on the IC-7000 Jason. My old rig has been everywhere on the Buddipole mini DXpeditions and has never had a problem. I really need to buy another one just in case.
73, my friend
Danny WZ1P
Kenwood, Thanks for this video. I’m getting ready for Hamvention and in the market for a used rig. This was very informative ( knowing which rigs have built-in sound cards is very helpful). Hope to see you there!
Glad it was helpful!
Kenwood** lol…yeah I watched it all. I have the 991a and feel it’s a bit large for a POTA radio, am considering The FT891 but also looking hard at the IC706 MkII ……Thanks for a great review
Kenwood-I’ve just bought a Yaesu FT891 for backpack portable,I know the menu is an arse ,but for power per £,I agree with you that it’s in a class of one 😊
KENWOOD. Hi Jason. Just a comment. Not enough kudos for the 7100 Noise blankingand reduction is as good or better than any rig I've heard. D-Star on HF. 500 memory channels. I have ran the radio as portable mobile and base. It just kick ass. Cheers mate. Keep up the good work Pete VK3TQ
Kenwood: Great Video! I currently use a Yaesu 891 for portable activation, however I've been very much tempted to use my DX10 from my ham shack and try it out on the field. I really like the portability of the 891, but I can't stop raving about the functionality of the DX10. The DX10 front end is (IMHO) probably one of the best out on the market, today. I may save up to buy another DX10 for portable use.
Kenwood. Great choices imo, I'd like to pick up a 7300 or ftdx10 at some point, between jobs at the moment though. I use my Kenwood ts-570d for pota and hike in sota, with battery box, antenna and accessories the pack comes in around 35lbs. I'm kind of crazy, but I enjoy the workout(for now). I do plan on picking up an ic-705 or similar when the budget allows for sota.
Good choice!
Kenwood: I use the IC-7100 in the vehicle and in the house. I do not do POTA or SOTA. If I were to buy a radio today, I might buy something different.
Thanks for the video and 73 de VA6RC
Kenwood- I am just starting out my journey thanks for your recommendations POTA is my top to do list
Wonderful!
Kenwood. Im going down the rabbit hole with HF again. I’ve only done 2m/70cm.. looking at the G90
Kenwood. I have the FT-857D. I use it for my shack radio and also take it portable. I have the Heil BM-17 headset with the hand switch to go with it but I don't use it all the time.
Kenwood.. I have the FT-897 with the 2.1 INRAD SSB filter and it work well, especially out away from town noise. However, hearing a FTdx10 in person really showed me how the receive quality and filtering has come a long way over the last decade(s).
Kenwood. I use the 891. Great rig but I wish it had an active/live/tunable spectroscope - you can only see a snapshot. The thing i do really love about it though is the ability to remote mount it. It pairs well with PocketRxTx on Android too, so you can have it remote mounted and have 1 cable go to your tablet for a larger screen... Now if only someone could invent a Bluetooth data module for it.
I'll bet you did do some dusting after that guy's comment though 😂😂 I like a clean shack too... But mine is also only ever clean for about 20 minutes after I've cleaned up.
Good Video - Fortunate enough to have the FTdx10 and absolutely love it. Had nothing but success with it as my Base at the QTH, in the RV, and for POTA. K0KWH
KENWOOD….. thanks for the video. I’m researching to buy my first radio for my shack, this video was very helpful.
Kenwood - Jason, de W5EXJ. Great presentation. I currently use an FT-857D and a ATAS-120A which is all in the car, so makes it easy to drive to a park, make many contacts and head out. I'm currently thinking about updating things, thinking about a Little Tarheel II antenna and still thinking about new radio, maybe a FT-891, but still researching. Re: comment about your shack ... It looks fantastic, you have everything in its proper place, even the dust! Keep up the great work!!
Kenwood, I have an 857d I use as my home station, recently acquired a x6100 for portable still waiting for a nice weekend to get out with it and try a POTA activation it's still cold 🥶 in NY
Kenwood. I have an Icom 7300 as well as the Yaesu 857d just to name only a few. I have used the Icom 7300 for portable and POTA. I am in our RV for activations but have found that I have to use a lot of ferrite chokes with the Icom 7300 so it doesn't mess with the RV refrigerator. That is of course only 100 watts. I mostly use my Kenwood 480HX 200 watts out and it rarely interferes with the refrigerator in our RV without the chokes but I just leave them on the coax. P.S Your Shack doesn't look messy or dusty to me.
RV Ham Radio - are you familiar with rvradionetwork.com ?
@@HamRadio2 I had not heard of this one specifically. Thank you. I will definitely check it out.
I currently use either Ft-857 or Ft-857D for pota. The 857D it in a Hardened systems commander box. The 857 is mounted mobile in my truck.
I am looking to get a 891 to mount mobile since I don't need another 2m 70cm in my truck.
I just purchased a preowned 991A with the sp-10 speaker for $750. It’s in great shape.
Kenwood. I have an 857 in my pickup and a at-120 antenna. one button press and it tunes the AT-120.
That is a very busy radio... it does everything. but it is pretty menu intensive.
"Kenwood" I have the I-com 7100 and also have the FT991A not sure witch one too use for POTA, Rodger W5RKA-AG as of oct 1st 2022.
Both of those are great POTA rigs.
Kenwood// I really like and appreciate your videos and IMO this is your best one. Also, thanks for the POTA contact, I worked you a couple weeks ago. #veryInformative
Kenwood… I use a 7300 for my POTA activations along with my Wolf River Coils w/17ft whip. All those radios are great choices. Doesn’t matter what you use just get out and activate and have fun!!
Using FT-991A, IC-7100, and Baofeng UV-5R ... LOL! Love it BTW 😁
Moving to the Plano area soon! 👌
Kenwood x2, 😆. I have a 991A as my base and I love it.LOVE IT. Just got a 891 on ebay for pota lol. Glad I did before you made this video. It's hard to stay ahead of you as a new ham to save money on stuff lmbo.
Kenwood, just now getting to see your video at 21:25 central. I have an Alinco Dx70TH HF/6m 100w that I'm exploring using to do POTA with. It's a boss on voice and I've had compliments on It's sound. Have a new speaker ordered for it because it's just that time in it's life. I also have a Kenwood TS-440 that I'm doing repairs on and it's gonna be Shack only. There's my 2 cents. Ya'll have a good one and as I say on FT8, Have a great day tomorrow! 73, Woody-K5NLR
Kenwood. Very timely, Have the 7300 for home - kind of leary about taking it out. Thanks for the info.
Kenwood, I have the 10 on the bench & the 891 in the mobile, would love to do some POTA with it once i pass the General, great radio. I'm searching for a FT100D missed out on one recently for $500, kicking myself.
Great content, love you videos, I learn alot being a new HAM, thank you.
PA1JFR Kenwood, I have and use both the IC7000 and the IC706MkIIg. Great rigs.
Thank you for your video.
Kenwood. Speaking of Kenwood, even though it's quite heavy, I plan to use my TS-590SG for POTA activations...at least, the ones I can drive to. It's an A1 transceiver and still in production. It has built in sound card and the built in tuner has quite a broad matching range. I have a Yaesu FT-891 but I don't like the ergonomics on it. On the '590SG, every function you're likely to use is available via a knob or button push on the front panel...very convenient.
Kenwood, should they come back full swing into production, needs two things: more TH-D74As and some kind of portable to compete with the IC-705 or similar. I'm very happy with my IC-7100 and would recommend it for new hams looking for a starting shack in a box.
Kenwood.
I use a Alinco DX 70TH, I can crank the power down and do QRP with a smaller battery.
My POTA rig will be my favorite one, the Icom IC-7200. I keep it in a Falcon II bag
Kenwood. I plan to use my 7300 for POTA. I have taken it to use in RV and it is easy to move and set up. Even used it set up in my Pick up bed with portable Antenna. Excellent video for solid info on possible POTA radio. 73 NM5SP
Kenwood - Excellent reviews thank you Jason. I have had an IC706MkIIG followed by the IC7000 and more recently the IC7300 all of which have been superb radios none of them I have used portable. For portable use I have an FT817 (quite old now) and a recent purchase of the Xiegu X6100 both of which I use QRP.
Kenwood// the FT 991a is looking like something to meet my needs. Finding old Yaesus is rather difficult, but learning about some other radios like the Ranen Q900 (which is a demilitarized TBR-119) are also piquing my interest. All bands, all modes is important to me.
I like the idea of mobile rigs for chewing the rag, I plan on getting one with a straight Key to do anything portable
FT-891 and IC-7000 are my 100w radio's and plenty of qrp ones now. Great video Jason!
I'll be retaking the technician exam next month on a third Sunday and the general exam next following month. I want to run portable radio to chew the rag and do cw to work hf, vhf/UHF radio for POTA and SOTA on a budget. I can careless about sdr and fancy things with internet and radio. I just want the challenge to make comes anywhere
kenwood is something I dont have. I use FT891 for POTA. I have used also IC 7200. depending what I will be doing will determine which I like better at the time. some times the 891 is menu heavy. but with practice you get usedf to it. 7200 is the one if you like it more simple. depends what mood I am in. Both work well.
GA Jason, I've had a Kenwood radio, BUT don't think it would be as good as some of the Icom radios for POTA. My home radio is an older model of the big ICOM, BUT since it doesn't do FT have a sound card... I've chosen an IC-7300 exclusively for FT. I own 3 FT-857D's one in my car, had one in my XYL's car, and one in a bag radio for travels on the road. Used to be a corporate pilot and have operated from Vancouver, BC St. Maarten many times, Turks & Caicos... The 857D is lightweight and with a power supply, LDG-100 tuner, a screwdriver, and buddy pole or wire antenna you're in business! Have a 897D but haven't taken it to the mountains for some QRP, parks or Summit's, again, a great radio with lots of possibilities.
Good night all ,Saluts from Brazil
Kenwood, I love tge 897d specifically cause of low power draw. Make it great for field work. Thanks for video !!!
Love the Kenwood 599 Twins behind you on your intro. They were my first radio!
get the d model
Kenwood, Good Video, have not yet done POTA but thinking about trying some this summer. Lots of good choices here wish, Yaesu still made a 857 with the newest features, not to big but HF / UHF / VHF or add 40 watts of UHF / VHF to the 891 and pair it with an ATAS antenna that would be sweet
Kenwood - Great video! I have the FT-891 and IC-7200 (picked them both up used for great prices) You mentioned that the IC-7200 has a built in tuner... I am using the ic-7200 on FT8 as I type this and it does NOT have a tuner. It has a button on the front to activate a tuner ( I have mine connected to a LDG Z-100Plus ).
Kenwood? :-) IC-7100 with a built in tuner??
The icom-7200 does not have a built in ATU. I use the LDG IT-100 which I keep mounted to the top of the radio. First HF I ever bought and have been very happy with it.
Kenwood!!!!!!!!
I myself have an FT-891 and love it, but, I'm looking for a base radio to leave in the home shack. I found an Icom 746 pro for sale for $695 but don't know if i want that or another IC 718 like i use to have and sold (I was young and foolish).