The FT-991A is a good radio and I wouldn’t describe it as old! The only way you’d do better would be to drop a load of cash on separate radios for HF and VHF/UHF. 73!
@@M0JSX Thanks The G4KWT helped a huge amount with the development and design and build of my FT1500/Tiny TNC based aprs setup. We did find an audio level anomaly with received audio and had to run a separate audio cable from the front to the TNC. The switch / tnc box mounted on tje top looks awesome
I bought an FT1500M brand new in 2002 and used it for a decade mobile and still own it, 100's of hours used at 50 Watts and bomb proof...............I fully agree regarding your comments
Thanks for the informative video Jonathan, I like the way you make valid points clearly and simply. I'm a returner to amateur radio, so identify with older rigs . I still have my FT290 which was ubiquitous for new licensees at the time. I guess the modern version is the FT817&8, oldies but goldies in their own right. I fell in love with the Kenwood TS 2000 which has 2 metres and later came across a TS2000X, so now I have both and am looking forward to getting into 23cms. 73 G6XIB
The FT-290 really was an icon. I’m amazed at home many you still see at rallies and flea markets. 10 years ago I would have agreed with your remark about the FT-817, but I’m not sure the FT-818 is the go to anymore with the VHF/UHF mobiles from AnyTone and others being a little more appealing to the newcomer. 73!
Excellent video. So far gone straight into HF, I think the whole repeater side of things still scare me lol. Looks like a good radio to dip into 2m then . Aside, curious about that mixing (?) desk or similar just in shot .... Mark 2E0MSR.
Thanks Mark. Repeaters need not scare you. Most sit vacant a lot of the time, which is why we need to get more people onto VHF/UHF. As for the mixing desk it is a Soundcraft Series 10. I may have to do a video on the studio at some point. 73!
My FT 840 still gets the most use in the shack, simple to use great audio, and seems to receive better than my FT 2000 on the same antenna! Also, I still use my FT 1500 occasionally, brought from new and along with the 840 a keeper!!
I had a Yaesu 2m mobile nearly 40 years ago which was superb. Lot larger than radios of today but what I’m saying is the heritage of some manufacturers shine through. Thanks for posting 👍🏻
Thank you for this video! ... I love the old Icom IC-706 radio and I still miss (some kind of) my first HF-Radio, which I bought right after I got my full license, the Drake TR-7 ;) vy73 from Hamburg/Germany, Dietmar, DL4HAO
I’ve got the Yaesu Ft1802 sitting here in its box in a cup in the shack. Not had it out for a while, maybe I should try a bit over Christmas. Anyway, great to see you again still doing what you like. 73 de MW6PNW
Hi Jonathan, Great start buddy, Apart from an old TS 700, (which I still Have) & a new Yaesu 847 for a short while, I've always been an ICOM man. My first rig was an ICOM IC215 2 Mtr Crystal controlled rig, followed by an IC 240G 2 Mtr rig with Diode Matrix Frequency control, 24 Channels. I now have an IC746, a few handsets, 1 of which You sold me over the phone, an IC 2820 with GPS Board,(still New & Unused in its Box) & matching IC92D handset with GPS mic, an IC7000, & more recently, the IC7100 (Still New & Unused In its Box) which You also sold me. My all time favorite I think has to be the IC746, which I have also had since new. Once again Jonathan, Great Start m8. Your going to do very well. 73, Ray, M0RAY. Sittingbourne, Kent.
Nicely done Jonathan!! The Anytone 779 is a good shout as it comes pre programmed out of the box with 2 and 70 Repeaters and as a new licence holder it simplifies matters and enables you to get on the air without fuss. I also have a Yaesu 991 which is a good shack in the box covering HF and 2 + 70 and if HF is of interest - or might be - it can be recommended as covers C4FM and Wires X digital mode. 73 Neil
@@M0JSX I know what you mean I hesitated and bought the 991 2016 model and with the 2018 software update has a decent sweep waterfall and in all other respects is the same as the ‘a’ version but buying used was significantly cheaper. Keep up the great work and good to see you working with Calum and Mike 73 Neil
Interesting Video - Best of luck with your channel (Tip - You might consider relocating your script screen - present location is rather distracting to viewer)
Hi David, Kenwood remain very tight lipped about any new radios until they are ready to announce. I suspect they are working on something, but we’ll have to wait for them to release information.
I can’t say I’ve noticed any issues like that. The front end appears to be pretty bomb proof. I used one for APRS sat on 144.800 while operating further up the band. Didn’t even sweat.
Good question. The IC-2200 give that slight edge on output power (65W rather than 50) and of course can have the DSTAR unit fitted. The FT-1500 is physically smaller so might be the better option if space is a premium.
Thank you.
My 991a is getting older but I still haven't seen anything better. It does so much
The FT-991A is a good radio and I wouldn’t describe it as old! The only way you’d do better would be to drop a load of cash on separate radios for HF and VHF/UHF. 73!
My Kenwood TR-7930 has been my favorite 2m mobile. Its an early 80's radio, but works when my others haven't.
I’ve got a TR-9130 which I like for similar reasons
I have one with a TNC bolted to the top using those mounting holes.
Great radio.
Another ZTZ great idea!
@@M0JSX Thanks
The G4KWT helped a huge amount with the development and design and build of my FT1500/Tiny TNC based aprs setup. We did find an audio level anomaly with received audio and had to run a separate audio cable from the front to the TNC.
The switch / tnc box mounted on tje top looks awesome
I've owned the FT-1500M since new and agree that it's an absolutely stellar piece of gear.
Nice to know it isn’t just me! 73 Ivan
A Fantastic start to a new career, great revue and a great radio. 73 Jonathon, Here's to many more. Mat MW7CIH
Thank you Mat
I bought an FT1500M brand new in 2002 and used it for a decade mobile and still own it, 100's of hours used at 50 Watts and bomb proof...............I fully agree regarding your comments
Thanks. 73!
Fantastic Jonathan.
Thanks Tom
Thanks for the informative video Jonathan, I like the way you make valid points clearly and simply. I'm a returner to amateur radio, so identify with older rigs . I still have my FT290 which was ubiquitous for new licensees at the time. I guess the modern version is the FT817&8, oldies but goldies in their own right. I fell in love with the Kenwood TS 2000 which has 2 metres and later came across a TS2000X, so now I have both and am looking forward to getting into 23cms. 73 G6XIB
The FT-290 really was an icon. I’m amazed at home many you still see at rallies and flea markets. 10 years ago I would have agreed with your remark about the FT-817, but I’m not sure the FT-818 is the go to anymore with the VHF/UHF mobiles from AnyTone and others being a little more appealing to the newcomer. 73!
Excellent video. So far gone straight into HF, I think the whole repeater side of things still scare me lol. Looks like a good radio to dip into 2m then . Aside, curious about that mixing (?) desk or similar just in shot .... Mark 2E0MSR.
Took the same path as you, have little interest in 2 and 70 at the mo but im sure it will come. 73.
Thanks Mark. Repeaters need not scare you. Most sit vacant a lot of the time, which is why we need to get more people onto VHF/UHF.
As for the mixing desk it is a Soundcraft Series 10. I may have to do a video on the studio at some point. 73!
@@M0JSX please do! My other hobby is music making and recording, somewhat parked at the moment. Always interested in gear !!
My FT 840 still gets the most use in the shack, simple to use great audio, and seems to receive better than my FT 2000 on the same antenna! Also, I still use my FT 1500 occasionally, brought from new and along with the 840 a keeper!!
73 Julian!
I had a Yaesu 2m mobile nearly 40 years ago which was superb. Lot larger than radios of today but what I’m saying is the heritage of some manufacturers shine through. Thanks for posting 👍🏻
Thanks Mike
How about a video showing us hot to pair it with the MMDVM board?
I’ll add it to my video ideas list!
Thank you for this video! ... I love the old Icom IC-706 radio and I still miss (some kind of) my first HF-Radio, which I bought right after I got my full license, the Drake TR-7 ;) vy73 from Hamburg/Germany, Dietmar, DL4HAO
Thanks Dietmar! IC-706 is a super radio for the size
I’ve got the Yaesu Ft1802 sitting here in its box in a cup in the shack. Not had it out for a while, maybe I should try a bit over Christmas.
Anyway, great to see you again still doing what you like.
73 de MW6PNW
Thanks Paul. Maybe we should all do that over Christmas. Pull out and use the radios that have been sat lifeless for the last year!
Hi Jonathan,
Great start buddy,
Apart from an old TS 700, (which I still Have) & a new Yaesu 847 for a short while, I've always been an ICOM man. My first rig was an ICOM IC215 2 Mtr Crystal controlled rig, followed by an IC 240G 2 Mtr rig with Diode Matrix Frequency control, 24 Channels. I now have an IC746, a few handsets, 1 of which You sold me over the phone, an IC 2820 with GPS Board,(still New & Unused in its Box) & matching IC92D handset with GPS mic, an IC7000, & more recently, the IC7100 (Still New & Unused In its Box) which You also sold me.
My all time favorite I think has to be the IC746, which I have also had since new.
Once again Jonathan, Great Start m8. Your going to do very well.
73,
Ray,
M0RAY.
Sittingbourne,
Kent.
Thanks Ray. You definitely need to get the 7100 out the box. It’s a super radio and deserves to be used! 73!
I mostly use motorola gm350 radio on 2 meters.
Good choice. Motorola equipment is usually built like a tank!
👍🏻
Cheers Mike!
Nicely done Jonathan!! The Anytone 779 is a good shout as it comes pre programmed out of the box with 2 and 70 Repeaters and as a new licence holder it simplifies matters and enables you to get on the air without fuss. I also have a Yaesu 991 which is a good shack in the box covering HF and 2 + 70 and if HF is of interest - or might be - it can be recommended as covers C4FM and Wires X digital mode. 73 Neil
I was always tempted by the 991A, but never convinced myself to get one!
@@M0JSX I know what you mean I hesitated and bought the 991 2016 model and with the 2018 software update has a decent sweep waterfall and in all other respects is the same as the ‘a’ version but buying used was significantly cheaper. Keep up the great work and good to see you working with Calum and Mike 73 Neil
Interesting Video - Best of luck with your channel (Tip - You might consider relocating your script screen - present location is rather distracting to viewer)
It’s on the list! Thanks for the feedback
Jonathan, do you know if kenwood have any plans to update the ts590sg and even a replacement for the ts 2000. De mi0vko
Hi David, Kenwood remain very tight lipped about any new radios until they are ready to announce. I suspect they are working on something, but we’ll have to wait for them to release information.
Kenwood 480hx 200w
Hf-440 maybe 432 ?? I know it’s a mobile and puts out power 😉😉
TS-480 is a great radio, but they only cover HF/50MHz. Need a separate radio for 144/430. 73!
@@M0JSX I guess that all depends on the area. I prefer Hf but screwdriver antennas get pricey ☺️
Icom 775 DSP for me 😁 👍🏻
A super radio. 73!
Hi Johnathan, didn't know this radio existed, what's the front end like, is it sensitive enough and not suffer to much from close adjacent noise.
I can’t say I’ve noticed any issues like that. The front end appears to be pretty bomb proof. I used one for APRS sat on 144.800 while operating further up the band. Didn’t even sweat.
How would you compare this radio versus the IC2200?
Good question. The IC-2200 give that slight edge on output power (65W rather than 50) and of course can have the DSTAR unit fitted. The FT-1500 is physically smaller so might be the better option if space is a premium.
@@M0JSX thanks for your response Jonathan!
what are you looking at jonathan🙂
My script. I’ve learnt the lesson
What are you looking at?
We shall never know!