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Matt Hamilton

I'm in the market for a mobile HF radio.

Nothing fancy. Something rugged, durable, reliable, and reasonably sized that can be tossed in a bag alongside a Linux tablet for the purposes of running js8call. Doesn't need 20w, SDR, or anything crazy.

Two is one and one is none, so I'll be buying at least two of whichever I end up getting. Cost is a consideration.

I want the Nokia.

Any recommendations?

No one ever got fired for buying Yaesu.
Yaesu FT-857D if you want full data modes and 100W.

They have the FT-817ND and FT-818 for ~5W output.

Yaesu products are tough as hell, as far as build quality. The only thing I don't like about them is their menu system. But if you set up CAT control then it's totally fine.

@tyler thanks. "tough" is the main thing I want. Don't need anything close to 100w, and while it wouldn't be bad to have, I don't need vhf/uhf. Also, looks like the FT-857D is discontinued.

I'll look into other Yaesu radios though.

https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/HF_ALLMODE_CATALOG_ENG_2021.pdf

Looks like the FT-818ND is what you are looking for.

I want one myself for my backpack.
Seems like it's hard to find though except for eBay. Weird.

@eriner

I have the old K1, but have always kept an eye on Elecraft. This is a cool little package, perhaps outside your price parameters:

https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-edgewood-package

elecraft.comKH1EDGE_KH1 Edgewood Package

@adam Thanks.

@tyler recommended the same, so that's probably what I'll go with (if I can find one).

The Xeigu x6200 is also attractive, a little more than the K1 recommended by @vandys, but more expensive (2x!) than the Yaesu.

Probably less durable, but I *think* you can run Linux (and thus js8call) from a microsd card using the built-in display, so that might eliminate the need for a tablet all together.

But with durability and cost being the top priorities, the FT-817ND seems to win out.

@eriner @tyler @vandys

I have a crap ton of mobile rigs, and though I love my KX2, the robustness and versatility of the 817 just can't be topped. Sure the wattage is meager, but the fact you can also screw on a rubber duck and do FM is just awesome. I've even had good results on 80m with a wire at night with the good ole boys.

I received the first lightning transaction on HF on my 817. Its the best.

Lightning transaction? Please elaborate.
Love my IC-705.
Bluetooth means you can connect without cables to your tablet/PC. It's certainly not as rugged as the Yaesu.

Heard good things about the Lab599 Discovery TX-500
Yeah it looks cool and has a lot of features, but the price is just...... Well. Might as well get a full featured all band 150w base station.
I've been developing a program that lets you text chat with ardop over all bands much like JS8Call but much much faster.

I also contribute to the ardopcf modem.

After it's bulletproof I plan to add file transfer and "groups/nets"
@tyler @eriner @vandys @adam Yeah, I'm thinking you're the comms guy in my SHTF team. I can add value with 4 additional mouths to feed, poor family rucking skills & a baby. Glad to make this deal. 🤝🏻