Is There A Difference Between 100 Watt & 20 Watt Radios?

Could A 20 Watt Radio Be Just As Good As A 100 Watt Radio?
What Should You Buy? Yaesu FTDX-10 Or Icom IC-7300
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#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

[WealthyMindwaves]

In fact, with the right conditions, it’s entirely possible to communicate around the world with just 5 watts. I started doing this when I was 16, using a GE CB radio. Nowadays, I’m using a $200 SDR, and once again, I’m working with just 5 watts. Modern SDRs have incredibly advanced filtering capabilities, allowing you to tweak bandwidth and other settings, which makes a huge difference.

My biggest challenge now isn’t power—it’s noise: RFI, grounding issues, and other interference. I’m focusing on solving these problems before adding an amplifier (which is still under construction). After all, what’s the point of having high power if you can’t hear anything? This is especially true for me, living in Africa, where the number of hams is very small.

[KHWI]

When I use my 705 at 10w in Hawaii, I usually get around 20-25 QSOs. When I use my 7300 at 100w, I'm getting 150-250 QSOs in the same amount of time. Power is important when working more than a single hop.

[bobkonkel]

It was fun to work you for this video. There really was very little difference in the signal! POTA Bob KD9TQH

[John_AiD]

A borrowed G90 without noise reduction made me decide to buy an FT-891. The inability to clean up the receive signal was a big decider in and around my home. I find on POTA in an isolated park I use zero noise reduction in most cases as the noise floor is nearly nothing. I think a G90 would be great there. The built in antenna tunner is a huge advantage.

[bayamateurradiogroup]

Great video Mike. One of the things rarely talked about on the transmit side is audio quality. This is so important, especially with lower powers. A well set up audio with 20W can be better than poor audio on 100W. Clarity and punch are the way forward, especially on SSB. Ian. G0VGS

[thuff]

Mike what you displayed is why I moved from noisy radios like my 817 to a KX2 that just made listening a pleasure.

[wmps]

Well done Mike. Not controversial at all. Just nicely presented with valid viewpoints.
73, Marc, W4MPS

[bevo]

Great video. One comment. As I understand it, the Xiegu G90's internal speaker is less that 2/3 the size of the ICOM 7300's internal speaker. Assuming that's correct, the little G90 speaker is bound to have a different signal response (EQ) than the one in the 7300. That can make a huge difference in the noise you hear. I wonder what it would sound like if you bypassed the speakers and went straight to the board. Thanks for the video!

[jhnmartinez]

This was a faint idea. Thank you so much for the detailed answers and actually showing a live demonstration!

Excellent channel!

[henry]

Awesome video!! One of your best ones to date IMHO. That 7300 to G90 comparison sure explained a lot to me and has changed my mind about QRP transmit power.

[Kinetic]

One comment is that receive can be improved even further with properly set RF gain control. The way Yaesu implements RF gain seems better than Icom’s, but the distinction is more about how it reflects visually on the meter for the Yaesu.

The G90 likely needed its RF gain turned down some, and in my opinion the RF gain works best on the newest firmware—but it’s got nowhere near the granularity and functionality of the dx10.

Even though I prefer the dx10, there’s something quite satisfying about using the g90. That tiny screen gives you a ton of information all at the same time.

[Brent_NBDW]

Mike, not that you ever make a bad video, but this one was def one of the best Monday Mailbag videos. I run a 7300 at home also, coicidentally about to send it off to repair the multi-function knob which operates the notch filter and it’s imperative to have it in working order because that filter is INVALUABLE! Great job, appreciate the hands-on you did in this. 73 buddy 🤘

[nyi]

Spectral purity and transmitter phase noise are two factors in comparing transmitters but I agree it’s all about the receiver. And thanks for adding that the 20 watt signal might not be heard in some band conditions. Just like a 100 watts may not be heard but the 1000 watt station will be at times.

[BlessedLaymanNC]

That was the best explanation of power differences I've heard someone give. As for the demonstration of the receivers, you had perfect timing. I don't know if you caught it, but when you turned on noise reduction, there was a qso that could not even be detected without it. (at least over the computer.)

I love your videos, keep up the good work.
72/73 N4PGW

PS If you want to prove the noise reduction, etc, give us a demonstration during field day. That's where the radios are put to the test.

[keithhawkins]

I have had them both and kept the ftdx 10. Once you have it set very little changes needed. 7300 is a good radio but was able to get a better quality sound from the Yaesu. Just my thoughts playing with both

[Philip-KAKOE]

1.2 S units between 20W and 100W on a perfectly calibrated S meter using the old Collins standard. But I am not aware that any such radios exist.

[WHJBill]

I used to have a 7300 but sold it when I got my FTdx-101MP and I still have a 705 and use it for POTA (as well as my old G90) and I agree with you on the menus. The 7300 and 705 are pretty much the same. The FTdx-10, FTdx-101, and FTdx-101MP are likewise pretty much the same among their new. Yes the menu on the Yaesu are "different", but they really aren't that hard to use once you get to know it. Also, I rarely have the need to constantly make setting changes on a day to day operation, so for me, the clarity of RX is king for me. To each their own.

[vicmiller]

Thanks Mike for a very good vid. I hope it helps those who have had the same question. You exibited the results very well, and quite frankly I wanted to see a recived audio comparison for a long time between the G90 and any other rigs like the 7300. I own 2 7300s and a 705 (I Love them by the way) and have looked at the g90 and others for lower food chain type radios.I was just very curious and based on what I just heard, I will be sticking to my higher end stuff. Thanks again and 73, I hope to one day get to meet up with at one of the many HAM fest I attend. I have made contact via ft8 and feel honored to have you there in my log. Now to to get you via Voice some day. take care, Vic de KE8JWE.

[ivanrivera]

Great video! New HAM since 7/29 and still looking to buy my 1st base station. This really helped give me some direction.

[jasonsnyder]

From the desk of WV3V, ALL of my POTA/SOTA activations have been with 20 watts or less, period. I don't own a portable rig with 100 watts and if I did, I guess I would use it for POTA. I like the challenge and it's not for everybody. 12, 15, 20 contacts during an activation is OK with me. Making 100's of contact would also be nice but that's not what I am after. I am after the joy of going portable, limited power, antennas and, working for it. Again, that's what makes it a hobby, and to each their own. It's OK to like QRP, and it's OK to like QRO. For me, it's about having fun doing it. -Jason, WV3V