HF Radios & Antennas
Yaesu FT-891
My current HF transceiver at my home QTH. I use it in combination with a SignaLink USB to operate FT8 mostly, although it can also do any other modes or Phone if I so choose. It can be had for a fairly reasonable price, which is why I chose it.
The menus are a little cumbersome, although if you’ve ever operated a Yaesu before they are in the same style. The knob is very user friendly for spinning around the bands, with a variable friction adjustment to keep you from spinning away.
Yaesu FT-600/System 600
This is an interesting radio, and is my first personal HF radio. It was sold as a combination Commercial/Marine/Amateur radio, and can be switched out by changing a plug on the front. Mine has been set for Amateur, because obviously. It is 100W with no power control, and will do SSB/AM/CW. I am using an LDG Z11ProII Auto tuner for any goofy antennas I decide to connect.
Hy-Gain AB12-AVQ Vertical Antenna
Bought used at a local hamfest. It’s in the middle of my backyard with 3 random length radials. Only has 10-15-20m capability, but can receive not too bad on 17 and 12. I’m hoping to add more radios this summer as well as some sort of RF choke at the feedpoint to reduce the noise.
G5RV-Jr
My first antenna. Works fairly well in a quiet RF environment. Used it at my family’s cabin in Northern Wisconsin (remote location) and was able to get quite a few contacts. Even did the 13 colonies contest over 4th of July.
VHF/UHF Radios
- Kenwood TK-880
- Vertex Standard VX-180U
- Yaesu FT-60R
- Yaesu FT1-XDR
- TYT MD-380
- AnyTone AT-D868UV
- AnyTone AT-5888UV
- Baofeng UV-5RA
- Yaesu FT-2600
- Yaesu FT-8500