WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Hi There

Looking at a all mode radio soon and trying to decide on which rig to get. I am hoping to mount it in the car with the option to move it into the office when at home for days.

Any tips or suggestions as to what rig you think or which one you would
choose.

Thanks

Check out the following links for reviews...

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/63 <--- Icom IC-706
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3046 <--- Yaesu FT-857

I have the 857 in my car and like it. The 706 does have a much larger display.

The 857 is let down by its woefully inadequate 200 memories. It needs more like 2000... otherwise, it's a great little rig.

On that note it is highly tuned for the amateur bands and if you want to use it as scanner its a bit deaf out side its TX frequencies.
Which I like because I don't want couriers and pagers breaking through.

Better off comparing the FT897 to the IC706

robbage wrote:Better off comparing the FT897 to the IC706

The 706 is closer to a FT857 for mobile type operations. ie size, detachable front. Maybe thats why those two were chosen for comments. Well that was my immediate thought anyhow.

The FT857 is cheaper and the IC706 looks like rising in price soon but the way things are going the Yaesu gear will no doubt be rising soon also.

A little larger perhaps, the FT897 would perhaps be better for use at home but the buttons and knobs seem small on both transcievers.

For me I would choose the FT897 purely as I want something capable of operating on internal batteries and intend to get one dropped down the chimney next month. I like Christmas, IC910H last year, FT897d this year.

If my choice was out of the 706 or the 857, my preference would be the IC706. Only because of appearance. I just don't like the look of the 857 with the large tuning knob on the side. At least the knob on the 706 looks in proportion and not what seems oversized on the 857. Not a good reason, but thats a big turn off for me. This from a person who hated the TS2000 when it came out because of the way it looked, and then when a friend bought one and I saw it close up I changed my mind. So I will admit I have not seen a FT857 operating and my opinion could change.

robbage wrote:Better off comparing the FT897 to the IC706

The 857 & 897 are basically the same radio in a different case.
The 897 can take batteries.

Someone just pointed out that on the Icom website they've finally posted this for the IC706 MKII G

This product is discontinued. Please check with your authorized Icom dealer for remaining inventory. (sic)

Now the IC 7000 is only several hundred dollars more than the 706 it is worth saving for the 7000. It's receiver is first class, the pass band tuning works really well and there are loads of other features that make it better than the 706.
Check out this you tube comparison on Digital Signal Processing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8l2_mqGbAM