Station Details
Welcome to a refreshed look at my amateur radio station. Over the years my equipment lineup has evolved quite a bit, with new additions for HF, VHF, UHF, DMR, and portable operating. Some radios have stayed with me for many years, while others are new arrivals that have quickly become favourites.
Base Station (Main QTH)
My main HF radio at the home station is now the Yaesu FT-DX10, a compact but incredibly capable SDR-based transceiver. Its superb filtering and clean receiver make it my primary rig for HF work.
I still keep the Yaesu FT-897D on the desk as a reliable multi-band, all-mode backup. Paired with the LDG YT-100, it continues to be a versatile and dependable station radio.
The recently repaired Yaesu FT-8900R is again part of the station lineup after replacing its failed RD70HVF1 PA transistor. It now provides quad-band FM coverage (10 m / 6 m / 2 m / 70 cm) both in the shack and occasionally in the car.
To expand VHF capability, I’ve also added the Anytone AT-588, giving me 70 MHz (4 m) FM coverage.
The Yaesu FT-857D, remains still one of the best all-band/all-mode mobile rigs ever produced.
Another new addition to the setup is the Anytone AT-D578UVIII Plus, providing robust DMR, analog FM, APRS, and full VHF/UHF capability and adds digital voice modes.
Field Operation (Portable)
Portable operating continues to be a big part of the hobby for me. I now have several options depending on weight, power requirements, and operating style:
- Xiegu G90 – a modern 20-W HF portable radio with a built-in tuner and great receive performance that has become a favourite for field work.
- Yaesu FT-817ND – my go-to QRP radio for truly lightweight portable work.
- Yaesu FT-857D – when I need more power or full HF-to-UHF capability outdoors.
With the LDG Z-11Pro II tuner and various portable wire antennas, this collection gives me flexibility for parks activations, SOTA-style outings, or casual operating outdoors.
Handheld Radios
My handheld collection has expanded to cover both analog FM and digital modes:
- Anytone AT-D168UV – another dual-band DMR/FM handheld.
- Anytone D878UV Plus – full-featured DMR/FM handheld with APRS.
- Baofeng UV-5R Mini – a tiny, inexpensive HT for general use.
- Icom ID-51 – my main D-STAR handheld.
- Yaesu VX-7R – waterproof handheld ideal for rugged use.
- Yaesu VX-3R – ultra-compact dual-band HT.
- Anytome AT-288 – 4M band HT.
Together, they provide excellent coverage for local repeaters, digital talkgroups, and event communications.
Digital Voice & Hotspots
To support digital modes at home and on the go, I’ve added multiple personal hotspots:
- DMR BrandMeister hotspot
- DMR TGIF Network hotspot
- D-STAR hotspot
These give me reliable access to worldwide nets, talkgroups, and digital networks regardless of local repeater coverage.
Legacy and Discontinued Gear
Some radios remain part of my collection even though they’re no longer current models:
- Yaesu FT-897 / FT-897D
- Yaesu FT-857D
- Yaesu FT-817ND
- Yaesu VX-7R / VX-3R
- Yaesu FT-8900R
Despite their age, they continue to be solid, reliable performers with plenty of life left in them.
Closing Thoughts
This mix of HF, VHF, UHF, digital, mobile, and portable equipment allows me to operate virtually anywhere and explore every part of the hobby. From home DXing to mobile DMR and lightweight QRP in the field, each radio plays its part.
I look forward to meeting you on the air!
73 de Kevin (M0TBX)