Best Ham Radio Base Station Under $1000 – 6 Best HF Transceivers 2020

Best Ham Radio Base Station Under $1000 – 6 Best HF Transceivers 2020

What is the Best HF Ham Radio Base Station for under $1000 for the new Ham Radio Operator in 2020? This list of 6 transceivers that I would recommend to new Ham Radio Operators who are on a budget. Comments welcome!

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50 Comments

  1. Wayne Gregg on May 3, 2021 at 5:42 am

    Its really disappointing that as a new tech, we are so limited to the frequencies we can talk on.
    10 meter only, and its only available during sun spots.
    Why even bother???



  2. Dominic Mazoch on May 3, 2021 at 5:44 am

    AM will have less output because it has both sidebands vs. SSB.



  3. Joe Framo on May 3, 2021 at 5:45 am

    Yas the 891 ones excellent



  4. Dominic Mazoch on May 3, 2021 at 5:45 am

    When I got my IC746 Pro, I got it on sale with the Icom power supply for $1600. The 746 is a good rig, but for the most bang for the buck, I think the 7300 hits it out of the ball park….



  5. orangeandslinky on May 3, 2021 at 5:46 am

    Thanks, this was helpful. I’m thinking of getting back into it. The price stopped me but you have give me ideas I could pull off.



  6. Scott Stellmaker on May 3, 2021 at 5:46 am

    Just ordered the Icom IC-7100 for my first HAM. Thanks for the Video!!!



  7. Jason howe on May 3, 2021 at 5:47 am

    under $1,000

    ICOM 718
    Yaesu 891 (special), 818, 817 (where available), 857 (where available)

    Note: anything currently under $800 or so is typically within the realm of uhf/vhf which can run from 150-750 on average in a mobile platform via yaesu, icom and kenwood

    though the only hf option in icom is 718

    most of you sub 1000 buck space fetch 1,000-1,950
    here

    What might be cheap to purchase with the US domestic market might not be available at the same in international market..

    I have only stated what is available yes we have sub $500 radios however most conform to uhf and vhf support anything with hf within exception of what i have stated typically excess of 1,200-20,000 pending on the desired options you wish to support..

    i don’t think yaesu or icom have discontinued models I betting that covid-19 has slowed the restock of certain models of radio and I suspect the vhf/uhf only options will not be available much longer either not because the obsolete it is because transporting product to shelves..

    If radios are obsolete why is a 25+ year old model still being same the 817/857 like icom’s 718 and its sister receiver..



  8. Joey Stratner on May 3, 2021 at 5:51 am

    OMG dude your videos are great but you have the most sickening backgrounds in your videos. You should be in a “radio room” or something.



  9. Bob Weatherford on May 3, 2021 at 5:52 am

    Been out of hf for years, but been ham for many. Just bought slightly used Icom 7300 based on your recommendation so thanks. Bought macdxlogger software to control it from dog park software and can’t wait to get on air. I appreciate your knowledge of newer rigs and helping me out. I was able to get slightly used 7300, ldg it-100 tuner and mfj power supply shipped for under $1000!,,



  10. dsonyay on May 3, 2021 at 5:58 am

    Can the LCD screen of the Icom 7300 be fed to a separate monitor?



  11. Esperanza De La Torre on May 3, 2021 at 6:01 am

    Thank you for this video sir!!! I’m studying for my General right now. Hope to take the test in 2 weeks. Sooooo excited and I want the ICOM 7300. Hopefully I can get it if I save all my pennies.



  12. Larry Truesdell Sr. on May 3, 2021 at 6:02 am

    I wonder why people say 2meter and 440 instead of 2meter and 70centimeter. Strange! Maybe because they don’t all use standard phonetics? lol



  13. Brad Kellison on May 3, 2021 at 6:03 am

    ic7100 replaced the iC-7000



  14. Jeremy Camp on May 3, 2021 at 6:06 am

    I got the Icom 9700 which is the VHF/UHF counterpart to this radio. I chose it over the competitive Yaesu model that also has HF/VHF/UHF but I just plain didn’t like it the way I like my FT-3DR anyway. So I’m still looking forward to also getting the 7300. It would be nice if Icom had a model like this that had more bands in this $1000-$2000 price point. The Icom IC705 would work for me if it wasn’t limited to 10 watts.



  15. Jorge Martinez de Hurtado on May 3, 2021 at 6:08 am

    As a starter HAM i have bought second hand solid units, and in good working conditions. I have been allways satisfied. What I did buy new is a verical Hy Gain av640 antenna, being an item I thought most important, than which rig I got. These are the ones I bought, for different operation modes: Yaesu FT950 (650 USD), Yaesu FT736R with 2m, 70 and 23 cm, (700usd), and a Yaesu FT897D (450usd).



  16. Brian Shanahan on May 3, 2021 at 6:09 am

    YOU made me change my mind like 5 times! LOL



  17. Doco KD7OCO on May 3, 2021 at 6:10 am

    The radio is but a minor part of the overall need and cost. So, show us a complete needs assessment of what a functional, non-digital, budget-able ham station/shack is: radio, antenna, peripheral accessories (tuner, SWR, batteries, power supplies, etal).



  18. Ted McArthur on May 3, 2021 at 6:12 am

    The FT 891 also has a built in sound card.



  19. Randal Olds on May 3, 2021 at 6:13 am

    I own a Yaesu 891, use it mobile OK radio, have had several other HF mobile rigs. This one just seems to be lacking on good noise blanker in mobile operation. Lots of features hard to do MOBILE DSP, ETC….One thing I was looking for was SWR meter as I use screwdriver antenna, one reseller told me it did not have one on board. It does in fact have SWR function just need to learn the MENU…



  20. Ham Radio 2.0 on May 3, 2021 at 6:14 am

    After recording this video, I learned that the Yaesu FT450D radio has actually been discontinued, but at the time of this recording AND at the time this video aired, you can still buy them brand new from Gigaparts and MTC. So they aren’t being made any more, but they are still available new until inventory runs out.



  21. Daryl Davis on May 3, 2021 at 6:15 am

    "If you shop at one that’s outside of your home state, you probably won’t have to pay sales tax."
    California: "Hold my guns, whips, and chains."



  22. Kirc Breden on May 3, 2021 at 6:18 am

    The IC-7100 absolutely DOES have a built-in sound card! I use it with my computer, interfaced with USB to perform FT8/4 MFSK128, OLIVIA, Winlink Packet, ARDOP, VARA. It is awesome! And easily portable too! 💯



  23. Mark Purnell on May 3, 2021 at 6:20 am

    Alinco SR8T is 160 to 10 meters, no 6m. 😀



  24. Aerial Heights on May 3, 2021 at 6:20 am

    8:14 No, HF only – no 6m on the Alinco.



  25. Levi WK9O Weather Spotter Elite on May 3, 2021 at 6:21 am

    What’s the point of your faces in your pics? But I like my alinco hf rig



  26. 닥터플레그 on May 3, 2021 at 6:21 am

    😍



  27. Brian Shanahan on May 3, 2021 at 6:23 am

    The icom ic-7300 only does 25W on AM !!! a lot of the radios seem to have max power 100W + on SSB etc and about half for AM. I wonder why also.



  28. Aerial Heights on May 3, 2021 at 6:23 am

    Since the RF gain is one of my most used controls on any of my HF rigs I’ve owned & used from the last 50 years, and even though I’ve described myself as an "Icom guy", I won’t touch one of their new rigs because they have dumped a true RF gain control for a *CB Radio type variable attenuator.*
    *It doesn’t bring up the S-meter to show how much quieting threshold is being selected,*
    *it doesn’t leave the stronger signals alone and show their true signal strength,*
    *it doesn’t quiet weaker signals and noise while making no changes to stronger signals,*
    *it’s not an RF gain, it’s just a CB-type variable attenuator!*
    – No thanks, I’m no longer an icom guy, I’m now a Yaesu guy, I’ve just ordered an FTDX-10 & a 991A.



  29. charles leskie on May 3, 2021 at 6:25 am

    I have had the FT-891 for a while now. I like the radio for several reasons. Unlike the 718 Icom, it does not need any filters. I used to have a 718 and the filters are solder in. and very very costly .. I don’t know if the Alinco has filters or not but I suspect not.

    Additionally, the radio is a perfect size for mobile operation and will work with the ATAS antenna. I also believe it makes a nice portable rig and can dial down to QRP making it a nice alternative to a IC 705 or ft 817/818 but you still have 100 watts on tap if needed.. It don’t have a built in tuner but the MFJ or the LDG can be purchased cheaply enough. I have used both of those tuners and they have a much wider tuning range than most built in tuners. A big advantage when using it portable with compromised antennas.. And of course it can function as a base rig as well.. In mobile configuration it don’t have 2 meter or 70cm but I like my FTM-400 for that purpose and it is sort of irrelevant to me. All in all I like it for it’s versatility..



  30. Joe Framo on May 3, 2021 at 6:27 am

    But the 718 doesn’t have 10 meter FM



  31. Gerald Scott on May 3, 2021 at 6:27 am

    Icom IC-718 hands down. But if you want a REAL radio, buy an old tube radio and rebuild it, like I did. That’s what AMATEUR radio is all about.



  32. Brad Kellison on May 3, 2021 at 6:28 am

    FYI Universal radio is no longer in business as the owners retired. In November 2020 the owners announced their retirement and the company will close sometime in 2021.



  33. Rusty Lee on May 3, 2021 at 6:30 am

    Great video. I think my tendency would be to start at the bottom of the price list and consider the features that I know how to use.



  34. Paul Aubuchon on May 3, 2021 at 6:30 am

    Great job Jason…I am learning for either the IC 7300 or the ft 991A …
    73 Paul k1YOU



  35. William Johnston on May 3, 2021 at 6:31 am

    Thanks Jason, I really appreciate you taking the time to do the run down



  36. CORYSart on May 3, 2021 at 6:31 am

    Thanks for posting all the videos. I have no license but I’m going to try next year. I know this comment may sound dumb but I want a powerful radio for both licenses but I want it built for dummies. Basic all the way. All those fancy lights and knobs all over the radio really intimidates me. I have an old radio shack portable police scanner and I still dont understand it. But it has the emergency broadcast channel so I keep it with my 💩hits the fan supplies. Im getting a CB soon because its dirt cheap but I know not very much going on with that technology. But this ham stuff has me so confused because it has So so so much going on. I’ve only ever met one ham guy locally so I’m surfing you tube trying to learn as much as I can. I’m watching the videos you have posted on the test.



  37. Don Elder on May 3, 2021 at 6:31 am

    You are leaving out that you also need a power supply at a cost of $120.00



  38. David Lindes on May 3, 2021 at 6:31 am

    10:07 – as for the lower wattage (40 watts) on AM, versus 100 on FM and other modes, is it perhaps a PEP thing? From wikipedia: "Assuming linear, perfectly symmetrical, 100% modulation of a carrier, PEP output of an AM transmitter is four times its carrier PEP; in other words, a typical modern 100-watt amateur transceiver is usually rated for no more than, and often less than, 25 watts carrier output when operating in AM." ?!? But… It’s been a long time since I’ve really thought much about this, and I definitely don’t know anything specific to this radio. I’m learning again, it was just a thought I had.



  39. jon ericson on May 3, 2021 at 6:32 am

    there some rule you can only go 40 watts on AM



  40. Iam Chum on May 3, 2021 at 6:32 am

    I love my 450D!



  41. Gary Finnstrom on May 3, 2021 at 6:32 am

    have they come closer to grandfathering tech into general my problem I have had 2 strokes 3 TIA’s and the memory is pretty well shot…I have been a tech since 1990
    i know it went in front of FCC couple years ago



  42. John Rieger on May 3, 2021 at 6:33 am

    Very helpful. I’m interested in putting an HF Rig in my pick up truck that has an all aluminum body. I’m not concerned about the mounting of the antenna but what is the best antenna? After watching your video I’m considering the Yaesu FT 891.. Thanks again KC1NXM a new ham……



  43. James Stamper on May 3, 2021 at 6:34 am

    The Alinco does NOT have 6 meters.



  44. jovine jovine on May 3, 2021 at 6:34 am

    Cómo puedo conseguir un HF Kenwood 520 usado barato



  45. Ryan Brewer on May 3, 2021 at 6:34 am

    I picked up my IC-7300 used for $741.00 from Universal Radio and I could not be more happy. If you need a tuner, and want to do digital, its the most easy to setup without needing a bunch of outboard equipment. Just plugin the USB and have a good power supply and you are off and running.



  46. jollyfe on May 3, 2021 at 6:39 am

    Thinking about getting an FT-891. I don’t have space for a “shack” and I want something portable. I cover 2M/440/YSF/Wires-X with an HT and a hotspot, so the 891 seems about right for my needs.



  47. G on May 3, 2021 at 6:39 am

    I ordered a 7300 over the DX10… the clincher was the 9700. Clever of Icom. Now I have a 9700 on order too. What a pairing. Some day I may add a dx101mp… but it’s not necessary



  48. James Skupien on May 3, 2021 at 6:39 am

    Love the 7300, but for a shack in a box the 7100 is hard to beat. the HF receiver is good, not great, the 7300 is better. BUT $759 after the rebate? and YES it has a USB audio in.



  49. Len Baddeley on May 3, 2021 at 6:39 am

    The IC 718, output stage is based on the Icom M700, it shares the same PA devices, and can be adjusted to give a full 150 watts of clean SSB signal out, do the microphone mod, add the optional DSP board, and you have a very capable radio. The IC 7100, has the same menu system as the IC7300, and also has a built-in sound card the same as the 7300. All HF Icom radios including the IC 7100, that have the 4 pin ATU connector on the back will interface with an Icom AT 120 to 140 marine band Auto ATU, also the Alinco EDX 2 will too, all these external auto tuner are very good, I would say even better that an SGC. The Alinco EDX2 can handle 200 watts PEP, the others being marine bases 150 watts, the pin out on the Alinco EDX2 are the same, as the Icom, you just need to change the 5 pin shell for a 4 pin shell as used on the Icom radios. Len G8LXI



  50. Tofeeh on May 3, 2021 at 6:40 am

    10:00 In AM modulation power distribution goes 50% into a carrier and 25% into each sideband. That gives an efficiency of 50% power times 80% modulation depth times maximum power of 100W. It ends up with 40W. In other words, if you would transmit SSB with 40W and AM with 100W both signals will have the same signal strength. but AM transmitter will have 4 times bigger emission factor. In the UK it is a small print in the Foundation Licence Manual. That only partially explains 40W.To see the full picture you have to put that information on top of radiowaves pollution. Limiting AM to 40W maximum gives the stable top-level of emission EMF. If you are a radio producer you are facing from one side restrictive regulation (i.e. requirements for homologation) and on the other side, you won’t sell a radio that has SSB and does not have AM dependles the fact that nearly nobody uses AM.