Icom 7300 vs Yaesu FT991A vs FTDX10

[SpaceForceCmdr]

I'm looking to get on the HF bands, and was hoping to start of with a low-cost radio (LOL). I'm quickly learning that this stuff isn't cheap. I am new to this hobby, but figure it's probably better to spend a bit more and get a quality rig, rather than cheaping out. To be blunt, my options for an antenna suck. Yard is very small, and there are powerlines and feeders running over it. So for now at least, I'm thinking a 20m dipole up in the unfinished section of my attic is about the best I can do. So, that said, what do you think about these 3 radios?

My main interest is making far away contacts, but I'm sure I'll also do local stuff. The FT99 stands out to me because it can do everything. I have an X30 antenna for UHF/VHF, and I like that the transceiver can have two antennas connected. I think it can monitor the airband, which is another thing I enjoy. However, the other two radios have bigger displays, I think. Coming from using and SDR on my computer, the waterfall and seeing the signals visually is something I really like. Thanks for the advice!!

 

[FreqNout]

I'm looking to get on the HF bands, and was hoping to start of with a low-cost radio (LOL). I'm quickly learning that this stuff isn't cheap. I am new to this hobby, but figure it's probably better to spend a bit more and get a quality rig, rather than cheaping out.

Welcome to the hobby. All three are good rigs. Any antenna is better than no antenna. You may also wish to look into operating remotely given your limited antenna options. One of the sites I have tried is remotehamradio.com. It can give you a quick way to get on the air. Plenty of ways to enjoy the hobby. Have fun.

Edit: This thread should really be in the Amateur Radio section.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Thanks! Well, the FT99 may be a moot point at the moment. Looks like it's out of stock everywhere!

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

BTW that remote radio site looks interesting, but I could see that getting expensive with per-minute charges.

 

[littona]

I don't know the other radios, but I can say that the IC-7300 is a solid radio. It does everything I need it to do with ease. I'm mostly doing FT8/FT4 and SSTV, but I do occasionally do voice. I like having the USB connection directly to the PC. Less add-on's required. The internal tuner is okay. It doesn't have as broad of a range as the tuner in the Xiegu G90. I have an MFJ-1984MP EFHW antenna and it'll only tune 80/40/20/15/10 meters. The G90 would tune everything, but it's only a 20W radio and the receiver isn't near as good.

 

[AK9R]

I'd stay away from "shack in a box" radios. They may seem like a good idea, but if one section of the radio fails, you are completely off the air while it gets repaired. And, you are paying extra for 2m/70cm CW/SSB capability that you will probably never use.

An HF-6m base radio, like the IC-7300 or FT-dx10, plus a dual-band 2m/70cm FM mobile radio will serve most people's needs. They can both be powered from the same power supply.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

I think I'm going to go with the FT-DX10. The FT99A is out of stock everywhere, apparently. The DX10 is probably a lot more than I need, and I'm not sure how good my results will be because I'm stuck with an indoor antenna for now, but we'll see. I am going to buy a new house at some point, so maybe down the line, I can rig up a better antenna.

 

[vagrant]

I enjoy the ARRL VHF contest three times a year and other SSB stuff so I enjoy the 991A, otherwise the FT-DX10 would be my choice for HF only over the 7300. Still, the display on the 991A works well enough ( for me ) to dial something in, but it pales in comparison to the 7300 or the DX10 display.

If I only had an indoor antenna option I am doubtful I would use it. I would drive/ride/walk to a park and enjoy some HF action with a battery, radio and a wire, if not a fun weekend camping. The substandard TX/RX of an indoor antenna would be off-putting. Hmm....you know I guess I should give my loop a try indoors using FT8 and some low watts. I might be surprised....or perhaps I figured correctly. I don't know until I try.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Thanks! I'm hoping it works out somewhat decently, but I guess if things are terrible, I can always try transmitting with the digital modes which I think work with even a very low signal (?) or even CW, but I would need to learn it!

 

[littona]

Thanks! I'm hoping it works out somewhat decently, but I guess if things are terrible, I can always try transmitting with the digital modes which I think work with even a very low signal (?) or even CW, but I would need to learn it!

FT8 is almost magical how well it can pull signals out of the dirt. There are a lot of folks that use loop antennas (and others) indoors that get good results. CW, now that's another learning curve altogether. To me that's like learning another language and I don't think my brain is up for the task!

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

That's good to hear. I think if even if the transmitting part is a disaster, I will still be able to do things with the radio, which is good =) I have been curious about the digital modes. CW is neat, but I've been trying to learn a bit of it, and yeah, it's like another language. I sometimes listen to the audio lessons at work when I have a few minutes to spare, but it's an ongoing thing, haha. I have a lot of respect for those who can send and copy CW at any speed. I guess you get used to it eventually, but it's very foreign now! Hey, at least I know SOS, haha. And "hi".

 

[ka1njl]

I have all three and I think the ft-dx10 is the best of them. My 7300 is very nice and I’ve made a lot of contacts with it but the hf/vhf/uhf all mode capabilities of the 991a make it a full featured “shack in a box”. I think you can’t go wrong with any of them and I expect to continue enjoying mine for a long time.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

The FT-DX10 has arrived I don't have my dipole yet, so I just hooked it up to the random wire I have upstairs (just to see how receive sounds), and it seems nice. I'm definitely going to need to spend some time reading the manual, but I think I figured out the basic functions. Reception wise, I kind of like the sound of my HF+ Discovery SDR a little better, but that could just be because I haven't played with the settings on the DX10 enough (also, I'm, listening to my SDR in stereo with a pair of Audio Engine A5 speakesr). The Yaesu DNR does seem really effective, although voices can sound a bit unnatural. Anyway, this thing really is one slick piece of tech. Looking forward to learning all the ins and outs.