Opinions on Yaesu FT-991

[2W0IWM]

Hi everyone,

Big hello from me, as this is my first post here.

I'm thinking of buying a new transceiver for my shack, as for reasons beyond logic, I sold almost all my gear to move to another country... Long story!

The 'adventure' appears to be coming to an end, so I will soon be back in the UK. On a positive note, it means I can buy a new radio.

I'm wondering what the present opinions are on the Yaesu FT-991? I've read a mixed bunch of reviews on the web, so I would love to hear from any owners here. It's appeals to me as I could use it as home, and possibly mobile (or even /P?) as I used to with my 897D.

Alternative ideas welcomed.

Cheers,

Ian (2W0IWM).

[K7SGJ]

Hi Ian. I can't comment on the rig because I don't know anything that particular radio. However, I did want to say hello and welcome you to the Island.

[W2NAP]

I think it is a ugly ugly ugly rig. I wouldn't give 50 cents for one.

to me looks matter.

[K7SGJ]

I think it is a ugly ugly ugly rig. I wouldn't give 50 cents for one.

to me looks matter.

Haven't been around a mirror lately, huh? :stickpoke:

[2W0IWM]

Hi K7SGJ, thanks for the great welcome. I found the forum by accident. After quite a bit of reading on the forum, I'm glad I joined. Great place.

I'd agree it's not the prettiest radio in the world W2IBC, but I'm drawn more towards function I guess. Any alternative suggestions? I wish it was 50c :) I hate to think how much it would cost here, given the cost of cell phones etc.

Ian

[NQ6U]

Being an Icom man more or less by default (used Icom radios keep coming my way at prices I can't pass up) I don't know much about the 991 either but I'd like to join La Rata in welcoming you to The Island. First drink for newbies is always on the Vatican's tab so, Barkeep, give this man the adult beverage of his choice, and make it the top shelf stuff.

[KG4CGC]

[PA5COR]

Welcome Ian.
Can't say any usefull things about the new radio, I just have the older FT100, FT 847 with Collins filters and the FT 2000 - D I'm using now as main radio.
Reading Eham reviews won't help you a lot either, too much Yaesu haters writing bad reviews and too much Yaesu lovers that will only give high marks....

Complex radio's like the FT 2000 - D need at least 3 to 4 months intensive use and tinkering before you have set things right and understand the workings of the radio, so any review that is done after a month is bogus.

In my view it is a relative expensive radio for a DC to 70 cm set, but if it floats your boat, go for it.
I still remember I paid over 3000 euro's or 6200 dutch guilders for the FT 847 with extra Collins filters..... and have had 18 years fun with it, still in use as spare set.

Does it need to be a new transceiver?, a set for use at home with a deep menu driven transceiver will become annoying, my FT 100 was good for use in the holliday season in France, but I would not use it at home as main transceiver, for that a bit larger front driven knobs is a lot easier, like a good FT 847, or something similar.
I only bought the FT 2000 - D for the 200+ watts output on HF and 6 meters, and the controls on the front, the 152 settings in the menu are most one time set and forget items...

It also has Class A setting to drive the Heathkit SB-1000 amplifier.
Best thing to do is being able to use the transceiver for a few hours to get the hang of it.
Don't decide too fast... and good luck with your choice to make.

Cor

[W2NAP]

got to agree with Cor, if you want something small. dc-day roll with a FT-100 or a IC-706mk2g. yes it would be used but also be cheaper. you can get them for around 400-650USD FT-847 is also a sweet little rig, but its also a bit more pricey on the used market around 1k USD

[ad4mg]

Ian,

First, welcome to our little slice of the internet! There is an active discussion of the '991 over on QRZ:

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...st-Impressions

A couple of guys have the radio and offer some interesting comments.

Cheers!
Luke