HF Radio - Saving Money

The most obvious way of savng money on HF radio is to buy used gear. But there are a couple of serious options that give you a brand new radio with a warranty. For many, these two examples may well fall into your budget limitation. Even more so if you have a part exchange item. Peter G3OJV discusses the options.

Your UK Ham Radio Store

Xiegu G-90

Yaesu F710

[drjtgill]

My G90 has served me well for about three years so far. Last year the main tuning encoder started acting erratically. I found a replacement encoder and, even with my poor soldering skills lack of experience working with circuit boards, I was able to successfully replace the encoder. The radio now performs like new. All for about $10 US! I’m very pleased with the radio.

[johnk]

I find it interesting that, owning a large radio shop, you could pretty much own any top of the range transceiver you wanted. But you opt for the diminutive and budget friendly FT-710. Speaks volumes for that rig. Although I do own a FTDX-10, I am really an Icom guy - 7610, 7300, 705, 9700, 7100, 7000, 703 + etc etc. But, seeing how you like the 710, I might just get one for portable type work. Thanks Peter

[anthonypeet]

Just this week bought a g90 from you probably the best buy I have made . Very impressed by radio .

[TheFretman]

I’ve had the G90 for about 3 months now and I’m very pleased. I’ve used it mainly for FT8, but have made contacts on all modes. The auto tuner is fantastic. It’s my base station.

[AlvinMcManus]

I have an FT-710 and using your video on reception I was able to pull an Australian station out of the hash on 10 meters. (I'm in the SCV district, CM97). I couldn't break through the pile up of booming stations with my barefoot unit and the DX Commander Classic, but I heard him and a few of the QSO's clear enough to copy callsigns. The RF Gain tip was a revelation because I had not considered the effect on the ACG, Thanks for that tidbit. 73 KN6ZVI
🙂

[mikewalsh]

Thanks for getting in depth with the g90. You have convinced me to purchase one.

[mikesmith]

Hi Peter, Thanks as always for another excellent video. I don't own either of these transceivers, but they both look extremely impressive and should fit many requirements of home based, transportable / alternative location and portable operation. It really is remarkable how much radio we can get for relatively modest outlay these days - especially when compared to cost and expense of many other pass-times / hobbies. As radio amateurs, we are truly spoilt for choice in all price ranges and categories. The FT-710 is extremely tempting with fantastic receiver performance, comprehensive facilities and a very capable internal automatic matching unit. Thanks again for your very clear presentation. 73, Mike, M0MTJ

[davidportch]

Great advice as usual Peter... they both look like excellent value...

[youtubeaccount]

The Yaesu FT-891 is a good affordable way to get on the air (if you don't need a tuner)

[harryszwergstatt]

I agree 100 %
These two TRX are the best You can buy for a low budget. And they works well, of course 👍

[randallbargar]

I will add my name to the list of satisfied G 90 users. I recently got back into the hobby after a 20 year absence and this rig was my choice.

[Rabbit-Stu]

I am new to the hobby. I love my g90. Did my first pota activation yesterday with it.

[mfrs]

I passed my foundation in 2020 and spent a lot of time researching which HF set was going to be my first. I was not disappointed when the G90 arrived and its still my go-to HF set today. I've used it for ssb voice, FT8, sstv, RTTY contests and even FM repeaters on 10m. I always get great audio reports from the G90.
Great video Peter!
Ben
de M7FRS

[brettmate]

Hi Peter,
I have the Xiegu G90. It is a great little radio and yes the ATU will tune up a fence wire. It's only struggle is AM broadcasting stations if nearby receiver overload occurs.
But still for value for money hard to beat.
Love my G90.
Brett
VK2BMT

[EIDP]

Hello Peter - Thank you for a really-really great and informative video. I have the G90 and I have to say its one great rig. I use mine mobile and am always surprised with the great reports especially on the quality of the audio. On CW the filtering of the G90 is amazing, as for floor noise I find it very quiet, especially reducing the RF Gain and increasing the Audio Gain, if you balance both of the gains the quality of the received signal is amazing.
The Yaesu rig you mentioned would be one I would seriously consider if considering a new rig. 73's

[jameswilkinson]

I have a G90 and I recently picked up an FT-710 as well. I love both, but I will say that I’ve been surprised at how similar I find the two radios to be. I’d say that if you’re just talking about making contacts, the G90 is 90% the radio the 710 is. The 710 is of course more enjoyable to listen to for prolonged sessions, out of the box at least.

[bobcatskrieman]

Good video, as always sir..
I own a G90 for 3-4 years now. I recently purchased their amplifier. Both works well together, I also purchased the Quantum SDR M3+ for the G90 (hope to receive it soon) however I wished did save a couple hundred dollars more to purchase a 100 watts HF radio rather than what I did. Either way it all works well, maybe someday…

[derekjuliescott]

Use the g90 in the works van with a tank antenna on the towbar its a challenge but have worked the states and overseas regular. Going to try a mag mount next with a 90cm loaded cb antenna.

[stevewheatstone]

Hi Peter, G90 superb value, I have owned one in the past. I have a 101d and actually am considering a 710 instead to reclaim my desk space. Maybe the FT-891 is another interesting choice, granted no tuner but a great radio. 73 Steve

[nicks]

Been waiting for a new Icom as, although I like the look of the DX10 and 101MP from Yaesu, the menu system seems clunky and I love the Icom interface. Not sure the new Icom will be for me though - I was hoping for a pure SDR and my understanding is that this is a hybrid. Bit of a shame, considering the price. I like the look of the 710 because of the pure SDR technology and the similarity to the DX10 and 101MP in the Sherwood rankings.