|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
You can
write your own review of the Yaesu FT-8900R.
|
WD5CCW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 16, 2008 16:57
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Fun Rig
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I bought this rig with the purpose of extending my HT range while driving out in the county.
When my antenna came in, I scurried to put it up and start programming the frequencies into the 8900r. Since I have the Yaesu VX7R, I did note some similarities when programming, but of course I didn't have the 8900r hooked up to a computer for easier programming. But the instructions were pretty easy!
And for $350, I got a good deal and well pleased!
|
|
N4CQR
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jul 2, 2008 07:13
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Need A 4-Band FM Rig? This Is It
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
Bought one of these used, out of curiosity, more than anything else. I was looking for a 2M mobile and figured what the heck, go for 10 and 6m too. After I got it installed and paired up with a Comet SB15, (I don't need 10M FM) I could not be more happy. As mentioned below, memory management is awkward but considering the radio's amenities I can deal with it. Performance has been excellent. Expecially cross-band repeat - makes life around the office a bit more pleasant...
|
|
VE6BGM
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 16, 2008 12:56
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Memories
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I think the scanning function has a lot of options. One that I like in particular, is on One Bank Side of the memories, you can set the system to scan ALL frequencies. On the other side I can set it to scan only Preferential Scan. Thus, when it the city, if I do not want to scan out of town repeaters, I can set them up as non Preferential Scan. Then in the Menu, I can set either the left or right side to scan every memory frequency, or either side to scan only Preferential Scan or one side to scan all and the other just Preferential Scan. When I go out on a trip, then, again, I can set this up the same way if desired. Yes if you SKIP a frequency, it SKIPs it on both sides. I would like to see something like the old FT-90R where pushing skip quickly only would skip it until radio turned off. Generally, if I want to set the SKIP memory channel, I WANT it removed from both sides anyhow. If the interference or problem with the memory clears, I can go back to ALL SCAN or PREFERANCE SCAN. I do have radios with Band Scan but never use them anyhow. I find thes Preferential memory system on the FT-8900R just excellent. Programming with a program is required based on the large number of memories. Programming or changing information on a Memory is very easy as well. Have had this radio for 5 years and it is very flexable for my, and probably, most people's use. With lots of memory space, can set up a number of frequencies with, for example different PL, and using Preferential Memory can scan them all the time or only when required. I see no reason to give it a 2 based slowly on memory, as I think the memory system is great!
|
|
K9KJM
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Mar 16, 2008 02:42
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
POOR Memory management
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
The Yaesu FT-8900 functions well as far as it's radio features go....... Works about the same as the fine FT-8800 dual band. (Transmitter, Receiver, Intermod rejection, etc. All MUCH better than the (crummy) Icom 2720H radio.
But the 8900's memory channel management is a disaster!
Whatever you program into a memory channel on the left side of the radio also goes into the same memory channel on the right side of the radio. And vice-versa.
IF you try to then "skip" a channel for memory channel scanning on one side of the radio, That same data ALSO goes to the other side of the radio!
The 8800 does not program like this at all. The 8800 allows you to program whatever you want to the left side of the radio, AND whatever you want to the right side of the radio.
You can "sort of" get the 8900 to function as a true dual memory channel radio by using the "preferental memory" modes, But that is a far cry from actually being a true dual band radio that allows each side to operate on its own settings.
Unless you really NEED 6 or 10 meter FM, Avoid this radio and get the FT-8800!
(BTW, I have asked other owners of the 8900 how to get it to program like the 8800, And so far no one has been able to answer this question.
I also asked Yaesu tech support, And never did receive a reply from them.)
|
|
KC9KOW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 1, 2008 20:54
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Awesome Radio!
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
This is an update from when I first got the radio. Turns out that the problem was not user error, but something of a factory defect. Radio was sent back in great working order and has performed like a champ since!
I use this as a base station with a Comet GP-15 Tri-Band Vertical. I Have worked two FM contests with this rig, as well as constant use on both simplex and repeaters.
Always get great reports with the 8900-R for audio, and delivered power. One drawback is when using the crossband repeat function, you need to turn the unit off and then back on again or else your audio on transmit will be nothing but white noise.
Cross-Band repeat is 100% duty cycle on the 8900-R, so be sure to use it on low power per the manual suggestion. I have worked repeaters as far away as Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Plymouth, Indiana, and Kankakee, Illinois.
No problems with performance quality on IRLP or Echolink. No problems anywhere have I had. Great, solid radio that I will never sell!
|
|
N1UVW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 1, 2008 01:12
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Very easy to program
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I purchased my FT-8900r 2 months ago. I've had time to learn the programming of this radio. I think its very easy to program , I also purchased the Icom V8000 for 2 Meter 2 months before the Yaesu, and still can't figure it out!, don't get me wrong I love my Icom, but comparing the Quad band Yaesu for programming ease,theres no comparison. Ive learned the FT-8900r in no time.
Also, Theres a feature called "Smart Search", which when you're in a new area and not sure of local repeater or frequency's, it will search the band that you choose for frequency's, PL's , and offsets. I'll let you know if I learn of any glitches that I come across . For now I'll give it 5/5.
|
|
KC2RYW
|
Rating: 2/5
|
Jan 6, 2008 14:44
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
mystry freq loss
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
No problems until I lost a frequency,yes, just one. The radio won't recieve 146.655 unless it's tuned to 146.660. Verified all other freq;s, including other 2m are working properly but this particular one.Can't find a reason for it in the programming, use yaesu software,and there are no settings that appear to be able to control one frequency this way. 70cm,10m,6m and all other 2m workfine.Haunted maybe. Yaesu at a loss.
|
|
G0YAP
|
Rating: 4/5
|
Oct 12, 2007 13:41
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Just One More Thing..
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
Just to let you know off a little problem of all my 8900s. If you use the radio on x band all is ok till you switch back to normal. Then you get a loud hissing noise on the tx audio ( you cannot hear it but the rx station can). To stop this, just switch the rig OFF then back ON. All is then ok. Just a small bug and very easy to live with, just remember to off/on after x banding. :-) Ian G0YAP
|
|
KI4CRA
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 18, 2007 18:43
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great Radio!!
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
This is an update of my Feb 04 review. I am now on my 3rd or 4th FT-8900, can't rightly remember. Anyway, the others I had were sold for one piece of equipment or another. Well, about 8 months ago I finally was able to get my hands on another one, and I don't plan on getting rid of it. In fact I'm thinking of getting another one.
For me the 8900 can't be beat, it has great xmit and receive, you've got the cross band capabilities, this little rig has it all. Yea I've heard how its supposed to be a nightmare to program, never ran into that problem. Currently I have my 8900 in my (yes I still have it) Sport Trac, with the remote mount and a Comet UHV4 quad band antenna. Didn't really care for the last one I had, but thought I'd give it another chance, other than having to check the set screws 1 x month the antenna is a good performer for the 8900.
I have several friends who have the 8900, and they use theirs both mobile and as a base. I am defintely thinking of getting another one to go in my go kit. Just my thoughts guys. Hope to catch you on the air.
73 de Mark
AI4HO
|
|
W6PSA
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jul 23, 2007 00:57
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great Radio
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
|
This is a good radio. I've owned it for 7 months without a single problem. The only negative thing I can say is, the fan on the back of the radio hums (very low). It doesn't both me, but other stations can hear it when I'm leaning to close to the radio (2ft. or less). Other than that it's a good buy.
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
