Station Details
Welcome to a closer look at my amateur radio station. Over the years I’ve built up a collection of equipment that allows me to operate at home, in the car, and out in the field. Much of it is based around Yaesu’s versatile all-band rigs, paired with LDG tuners and a selection of antennas.
Base Station (Main QTH)
At my home station, reliability and flexibility are key. The heart of the shack is the Yaesu FT-897D, an all-mode transceiver covering HF, 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm. When paired with the LDG YT-100 automatic tuner, it becomes a true “shack in a box,” equally at home on SSB, CW, and digital modes. Antennas include a home-built doublet for HF and a Hustler vertical, giving me options depending on band conditions.
Also in use at the QTH is the Yaesu FT-8900R (European model FT-8900E), a quad-band FM transceiver that covers 10 m, 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm. This radio normally travels with me in the car, but when it’s not mobile, it fills a useful role in the shack.
Mobile Operation
Operating from the car requires compact gear with solid performance. My go-to setup is the Yaesu FT-857D, a remarkably small all-mode HF/6 m/2 m/70 cm transceiver. I often pair it with the Yaesu ATAS-120 screwdriver antenna, which provides convenient band switching on the move. The 857 has been discontinued in recent years, but it remains one of the most flexible mobile rigs Yaesu ever produced.
Field Operation (Portable)
For field days, parks activations, or just operating outdoors, I again turn to the FT-857D, this time combined with the LDG Z-11Pro II tuner. The Z-11 is compact, efficient, and designed with portable use in mind, offering low standby power draw and fast memory tuning. With a variety of portable antennas, this combination gives me reliable multiband capability wherever I set up.
Handheld Radios
No station is complete without a good set of handhelds. My collection covers a range of use-cases, from ultra-compact to rugged waterproof gear and digital voice:
- Yaesu VX-3R – a shirt-pocket-sized dual-band HT with wideband receive.
- Yaesu VX-7R – waterproof, magnesium-cased, and tough enough for outdoor use.
- Icom ID-51 – a dual-band handheld with full D-STAR digital voice support.
- Anytone D878UV Plus – a modern dual-band handheld supporting DMR as well as analog FM.
Legacy and Discontinued Gear
Like many hams, part of my station history involves rigs that are no longer in production but remain iconic:
- Yaesu FT-897 / FT-897D – once the ultimate portable “shack in a box.”
- Yaesu FT-857D – one of the smallest all-mode mobile rigs ever built.
- Yaesu FT-817ND – the legendary QRP all-band, all-mode portable.
- Yaesu VX-7R and VX-3R – rugged and ultra-compact HTs that still hold a place in many go-bags.
- Yaesu FT-8900R – Yaesu’s quad-band FM mobile, now classed as a “legacy” radio.
Even though production has ended, these radios remain highly capable and continue to serve me well.
Closing Thoughts
This mix of radios, tuners, and antennas allows me to operate across HF, VHF, and UHF bands whether I’m at home, mobile, or portable. Each piece of equipment has its own history and strengths, and together they form a versatile and enjoyable station.
I look forward to meeting you on the air!
73 de Kevin (M0TBX)