Looking for a base station radio covering HF, VHF and UHF - Icom IC7000, IC7100, Yeasu FT-991A or something else.

[KR4GVA]

New Ham, right now I am mostly on VHF, UHF and getting into AllStar via a RPi. I want to begin building a Base Station rig, mainly for VHF and UHF at first but moving to HF in the future. I am looking at a used Icom IC-7000, IC-7100 or Yeasu FT-991A. There may be better option out there and I am open to heating those suggestions.

Ken KR4GVA

 

[vagrant]

If you only use FM on VHF/UHF, perhaps get a mobile and later purchase an HF radio. I enjoy having a mobile scan various repeaters and freqs while I tune around on HF using a separate radio.

I also have a 991A, but I enjoy the ARRL VHF contests and SSB is often used for phone vs. FM only. The 991A also has a built in 3:1 tuner. If your HF antenna is so inefficient that a 3:1 tuner doesn’t allow the radio to operate, you’re doing it wrong,

A buddy uses his 991A mostly for VHF/UHF, but selected that radio as he is building an EFHW transformer and prefers an all-in-one. Multiple radios at the same time is not his thing. I enjoy five scanners plus two transceivers simultaneously myself. Listening has been my hobby long before I transmitted.

If you choose Icom, the 7100 is superior to the 7000. Also, as you are okay with a used radio, perhaps see what a local ham swap my have. I picked up a used 991 and 25A linear power supply in perfect condition for $400 recently. The 991 needed firmware updates and works fine. I now use it at home while the 991A is in a backpack for mobile/portable use. I also enjoy using FT8 and the USB port on the 991’s make it easy.

 

[AK9R]

If you only use FM on VHF/UHF, perhaps get a mobile and later purchase an HF radio.

This.

The problem with "shack in a box" radios is that if, let's say, the HF finals fail, you are completely off the air while you send the radio in for repair.

I own two of the radios on the OP's list. The IC-7000 is a nice size for a mobile, has a color display, but doesn't have the advanced DSP features that later Icoms have. The IC-7000 has been out of production for more than 10 years and the problem with older electronics is that they become unrepairable as crucial components, generally microprocessors, become unobtainium. The IC-7100 is not the newest design in the Icom line-up but is still in production. I think that Icom made some updates to the circuit boards a few years ago to use more easily-sourced components. The knocks on the IC-7100 is that it has a monochrome display and doesn't have the spectrum scope and waterfall that later Icoms have. With the IC-7100, you have to mount both the RF deck and the control head which can be a plus or a minus depending on your situation.

I have no inside info on this, so what I'm about to say is total speculation. Icom is on a bit of a roll recently. They released the IC-7760 as their almost-top-of-the-line HF radio (the IC-7851 is still in the catalog but unaffordable for most people). They updated the IC-7610 to keep up with component availability. And, they've made a major update to the IC-7300 and added new features that the market wanted. I would not be surprised to see Icom show a replacement for the IC-7100 at the Dayton Hamvention in May 2026 or Tokyo Ham Fair in August 2026.

As for the Yaesu FT-991A, I've never owned or used one. I know people who like them. In laboratory testing, the original FT-991 didn't fare very well. Don't know if the A version is any better.

 

[cavmedic]

Honestly, for starting out, get something with less bells and whistles for HF. The more they pack into the radios, the more confusing it gets for new operators. You will be bombarded with features and terms that will have you scratching your head and speding more time searching its function than actually playing radio.


Plus, in my opinion, the older rigs help you become a more proficient radio operator rather than just an appliance operator. .

 

[popnokick]

The ICOM 7100 is misunderstood and / or underestimated by most hams who don't have one. They look at the list of advantages it offers and think, "I don't do that mode (e.g. 2M SSB, digital modes, remote control)" or "My spouse doesn't care how big / ugly my radio is and whether I can put it away / set it up again quickly".... and a litany of other advantages that many say, "Doesn't apply to me". Here's my list -
- Runs 160-70cm in EVERY mode (SSB, CW, digital text modes (FT8, VARAc, etc.), digital voice (DSTAR)
- Full general coverage SW receiver
- Remote operation (with Win4Icom, ICOM RSBA2, Ham Radio Deluxe or others) from anywhere you have an Internet connection
- Remote head offers small alarm-clock size convenience for mobile mounting or small desktop footprint
- For RV / camper / trailer use the main radio body can be hidden away in a cabinet or luggage area with the remote head on the table or counter. XYL says, "Can't you get that thing off the table when we sit down to eat." You say, "No problem" and unplug the remote head, put it in the overhead cupboard and roll up the cable. Time to play radio again? No prob... pull the remote head out of the cupboard, plug it in, and set it on the table to operate. Same applies anywhere at home you want to have a rig that can be quickly "out of sight, out of mind".
- Has built-in "soundcard" modem. No external boxes / wires needed to do digital modes e.g. FT8, VARAc, Winlink, etc. A simple USB cable to your computer handles it all.
- Since you mentioned buying used, the 7100 can be had for well under $1K

I've had my 7100 for more than nine years and have used it all that time in every mode, analog and digital. No final RF amp problems or failures of any kind. ("Yah" you say, "but I don't do digital or 2M SSB or care about 160M." You do you.) The 7100 is ready for whatever mode you might want to throw at it. For anything it won't do in the digital voice modes there are inexpensive HTs that will handle every DV mode.

And people ask, "Why does ICOM still sell the 7100?"

 

[prcguy]

Avoid the Icom 7000, its got a terrible receiver. I bought three Icom 7100s not knowing anything about them except they were plug and play with Remote Rig boxes and highly recommended for remote control. After using them I am very impressed with the way they work and with their performance. The 7100 doesn't do anything special or different, its just a basic radio with no color screen but it just works great and the remote head is very well suited for base station use with its shape and internal speaker.

I got mine on sale for $675 each which appears to be a bargain as used ones can cost more now.

 

[KR4GVA]

If you only use FM on VHF/UHF, perhaps get a mobile and later purchase an HF radio. I enjoy having a mobile scan various repeaters and freqs while I tune around on HF using a separate radio.

I also have a 991A, but I enjoy the ARRL VHF contests and SSB is often used for phone vs. FM only. The 991A also has a built in 3:1 tuner. If your HF antenna is so inefficient that a 3:1 tuner doesn’t allow the radio to operate, you’re doing it wrong,

A buddy uses his 991A mostly for VHF/UHF, but selected that radio as he is building an EFHW transformer and prefers an all-in-one. Multiple radios at the same time is not his thing. I enjoy five scanners plus two transceivers simultaneously myself. Listening has been my hobby long before I transmitted.

If you choose Icom, the 7100 is superior to the 7000. Also, as you are okay with a used radio, perhaps see what a local ham swap my have. I picked up a used 991 and 25A linear power supply in perfect condition for $400 recently. The 991 needed firmware updates and works fine. I now use it at home while the 991A is in a backpack for mobile/portable use. I also enjoy using FT8 and the USB port on the 991’s make it easy.

I have a mobile already in my truck and I'm looking to set up a more permanent base station at home. You make some very good points about the 991A. Thanks for the advice!

 

[KR4GVA]

The problem with "shack in a box" radios is that if, let's say, the HF finals fail, you are completely off the air while you send the radio in for repair.

I have other radios that I could use should something like this happen. I am in agreement about the 7000. I didn't quite realize how old it was. I certainly don't want to end up with something that won't last or can't be repaired.

 

[KR4GVA]

And people ask, "Why does ICOM still sell the 7100?"

You sound like you could be a salesman for the 7100! And I don't mean that in a bad way. You are giving me even more to think about as I attempt to make a decision.

 

[KR4GVA]

Avoid the Icom 7000, its got a terrible receiver.

Done. I am marking that one off the list. The 7100 is sounding pretty good but the 991A has a bunch go good features as well. Decisions, decisions...

 

[K9KLC]

I got mine on sale for $675 each

Wish I could find two at that price, I'd most likely grab a couple. I had the chance to run the 7100 not long after they came out for a few months and really enjoyed it and the AH-4 tuner I had to go along with it. I do however do some D-star on VHF and UHF so that would help that decision for me personally.

 

[prcguy]

Another thing I found interesting with the 7100 is you can make a crossover cable for the mic jack that will turn two 7100s into an any band to any band repeater. The receive audio present on the mic jack is the perfect level to send back into the mic input of another 7100 and with the volume control around 30% the repeat audio level is perfect. The fun starts when you have a 7100 local to you and another that is remote, you can make a repeater on the exact same frequency so when traveling in the area with the remote radio you can talk back to your local friends on the same frequency from a handheld, etc.

 

[vagrant]

Also note that while the 7100 does not have a built-in tuner, it does have VSC ( Voice Squelch Control ) on AM, FM and SSB. Finding a 7100 for $675 would be nice. They often sell used for $750. Still, I agree with AK9R that the 7100 is perhaps overdue for a new version which we might see in 2026, or 2027 by the time we can buy it. Hopefully, they include a 3:1 tuner and other goodies.

VSC: "...the receiver checks received signals for voice components..."

 

[prcguy]

Also note that while the 7100 does not have a built-in tuner, it does have VSC ( Voice Squelch Control ) on AM, FM and SSB. Finding a 7100 for $675 would be nice. They often sell used for $750. Still, I agree with AK9R that the 7100 is perhaps overdue for a new version which we might see in 2026, or 2027 by the time we can buy it. Hopefully, they include a 3:1 tuner and other goodies.

VSC: "...the receiver checks received signals for voice components..."
View attachment 193360

The VSC works ok in the 7100 but not as good as in some military radios. If a new version comes out its gonna cost more.

 

[AK9R]

Finding a 7100 for $675 would be nice. They often sell used for $750.

I bought my first one for $650. It had been a hamfest door prize. The winner was more familiar with Brand Y than Brand I and couldn't figure out how to use the IC-7100 for FT8. I assumed that some operator confusion might have been involved, so I paid the man. It works fine for me on data modes.

Hopefully, they include a 3:1 tuner and other goodies.

I wouldn't hold my breath. An internal tuner would require a larger box and more money.

If a new version comes out its gonna cost more.

There is wisdom in your words.

 

[prcguy]

There is wisdom in your words.

That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I think I'm gonna cry.....

 

[AK9R]

That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I think I'm gonna cry.....