Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Yaesu FT-7900R

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-7900R
Reviews: 72MSRP: 329.00
Description:
The Yaesu FT-7900R Dual Bander operates on 2M and 70CM. High power output is featured with 50 watts on 2 meters and 45 watts on 430 MHz. CTCSS/DCS Encode/Decode is built in. Over 1000 memories are available. It is WIRES compatible. The FT- 7900R well designed front panel provides simple, safe operation. The FT-7900R is ideal for the amateur who does not require cross-band repeat as found on the FT-8800R and FT-8900R. The FT-7900R has excellent receive range covering 108 to 520 and 700-990 MHz (less cellular).
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.yaesu.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00724.4
N9XV Rating: 2009-06-19
Great radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am very happy with this radio!

As I understand it from what I've read, the 7900/2900 series is suppose to be more rugged with a parts line and design that follows suit with the Vertex line of mobile radios.

The pricing seems to be in the $265 range give or take. A lot of features for the price. Besides the normal 2-meter/70-Cm use, I wanted a quality VHF/UHF receiver with lots of memories. Although many public service agencies are going "trunked", there is still a large variety of activity out there to be heard on VHF/UHF. By the specs, this receiver is generally more sensitive than other rigs I've looked at. Front end seems very solid. I hear only frequency I'm tuned to and not all the intermod junk along with it. I live within ear shot of a hospital and when they transmit EMS comms, my Radio Shack scanner would basically shut down whereas the Yaesu showed no signs of overloading. I've not discovered any self generated birdies either. The receive audio volume is very remarkable in this rig. With the volume more than 1/3 the knob setting, you need industrial ear protection! I use a Jetstream mobile type speaker on the radio desk and often look over at the radio and think - WOW, is that audio really coming from that little radio! It easily drives a robust set of "boom box" speakers as well. The transmit audio is likewise very solid. With proper spacing from the mic, audio is very distinct and stands out in my opinion over other rigs audio. With a given receiver volume, I can always pick out A Yaesu rig over anything else. The audio just seems to punch through when the others are are a bit to soft. This rig programs with the ADMS-2K software also. The menu system is easy to use.

The general interpretation of the keys on the front panel of the radio are;

A momentary key-press, refers to the TOP item on the key.

A long (1/2-second) key-press, refers to the BOTTOM item of the key.

Example;

for the BAND/SET key (the word BAND above the word SET), a momentary key-press will change the operating band whereas a long key-press will enter the main menu and allow navigation via the dial/VFO knob to change a setting. Once you "dial-up" the desired setting. A momentary key-press saves the setting and a long key-press exits out of the menu.

Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Kevin
W7EVL Rating: 2009-06-10
Rock Solid! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was in the market for a decent little rig without a lot of bells and whistles to fuss with while driving, but enough power, for a good price. I had my sights set on the FT-7800R. As it turns out just before my purchase at Ham City up pops the FT-7900R on their site. I decided on the FT-7900R and I am quite happy. The cost was $259.95, delivered very quick and packed well. The separation kit was included and had all the length to it one could need.

I got it all hooked up with a Comet CA-2X4SR in the pickup. The SWR was through the roof. After some inspection I found a trace of solder on the antenna plug of the antenna causing the problem. The SWR was flat after removing that; really flat, I was impressed. I made some contacts and all of them had very good reports. Low and High power, from 10 to 50 miles away everything was good. The audio was reported to be quite well too.

Going through the radio with the manual wasn't really difficult at all. The most important options are right up front. Getting really familiar with this radio has been pretty easy. I really like the back lit buttons. I think that is a must for a mobile only rig and kept me from getting the FT-8800R for a full time mobile rig. Did ya hear that Yaesu? Don't get me wrong, I'd like one, but not when I have to glance down and push a button. The receive and scan functions are impressive as well. The audio is loud and the fan is very quiet. The four power levels all read just as they are promised on my meter save a watt or two. The DTMF mike that came with it is terrific as well. And as in a true mobile rig one can adjust / change just about everything with just the mike in hand. One can also get the CT-39 packet interface cable for less than $10 new. The radio has a 6-pin mini-DIN jack in the back. The cable has the 6-pin wired on one end and the other end is 'loose' for your needs; you need to wire that end.

All in all I am very happy with the rig. I haven't owned it for very long. If I run into any trouble I'll post it. I think reviews are very important. It's a rock solid little rig. And for it's price it is a great buy. I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks!