Here is a small list of the gear I like to use for ham radio:
My main Transceiver is a Yaesu FT-950 (pictured to the left) This radio is in the mid range as far as price and features. The receiver though is where it really shines. I am truly amazed at how well it sounds on the air and as far as the actual operation and ergonomics of the rig go you can't ask for a better radio in it's price class. While most of the features (not all) are in menus still (which by the way I am used to!!) it is not all that difficult to figure out. Lately I have been using this on 6, with the sporadic E season in full swing 1200-1500 mile contacts with my KU4AB square and 50 watts is the norm. An excellent transceiver for the price. Used Price: 1050-1200 New in the box: 1300-1500. No onboard Power supply.
Pictured here is another Yaesu product that certainly does not need an introduction and has earned it's place at the top of any qrp operators checklist. The Yaesu FT-817ND has been my constant companion at work, the inlaws as well as mobile. Featuring a whole 5 watts of RF power output and all modes from 160-70cm. This rig runs from batteries and as I operate portable from time to time my 7ah gel cell goes nicely with it. I have a cheap eco-click camera bag ($8 from Walmart) that fits not only the radio but all of it's accessories perfectly. My antennas that I use with this are a W3FF budistick as well as a PAR-EF-10/20/40. If you are away from home and still want to play radio without dragging thousands of dollars worth of gear in the field this radio suits well. Used price 350-450 (non ND) New 599.99 (current market) *The "ND" adds a purple screen color option as well as the 60 meter band (channelized) The Final PA's are also reworked in the newer version of this rig making them less prone to failure.*
Pictured here is another star in the mobile and portable world. The Yaesu FT-857D is another transceiver that needs no interduction and has like the 817 made its mark on the mobile and portable world. Mine is used for portable and mobile ops with a simple long whip antenna and an LDG z-11pro auto tuner. Current deals on these new include a separation kit as well as free shipping from some vendors! Not bad. This is what people talk about when the term DC-to-Daylight rig is used. The radio is capable of a solid 100 watts from 160-6 meters and features 50 watts on 2 meters and 20 watts on the 70cm band. I like using this also for the VHF+ contests as it will do all modes on 2/440. Current market price used: 500-600 New in the box: 650-729 depending on vendor (check prices and deals currently offered by the manufacturer).Antennas! The most important part of the station. I have a few and due to space restrictions they are not all that spectacular. The good part is I still get out and work a ton of DX. I will start with the HF antennas and work my way up.
If you have ever punched my call sign into QRZ.com and looked at my profile you will see the antenna that almost 90% of the time made it out to you. And yes the fact that I am many floors up helps. The W3FF buddistick antenna is a great 40-2 vertical with a nice array of mounting options. I have used this thing everywhere! Next to my PAR this antenna is probably used the most. I have to say that even though it's considered a compromise antenna it gets me into Europe almost every day. The going price for these is around 125-150 used (depending on options) and around 199.00 new for the simple stick. Mine is not and never will be for sale.
Here is an antenna that will make you wonder if your QRP rig is putting out more than just 5 watts. The PAR EF-10/20/40 is probably the most versatile and efficient radiator I have used to date. It is a half wave end fed antenna with a wide variety of mounting options along with the ability to handle 25 watts. The owner Dale, made this one for me special as he was swamped with military orders and filters. He is a model for customer service and his product is the best in the business period. Every other antenna company needs to learn a lesson from Dale. I can not recommend this antenna enough. You will not see these on the used market. (no one wants to part with it) New they around 70 dollars and worth twice that amount.
