IC-706MKIIG vs. Yaesu FT-897

[KD7TCV]

Comments and reviews please. I just can't decide which rig to go with. Thanks.

[KD7SKZ]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I have had a 706mkllg for over two months, GREAT radio and easy to use. every salesman at the portland HRO owned one. that sold me.

73's
bill
kd7skz

[kf4wns]

i have a 706, the detach face makes it easy for auto. i velcoed the face to my instrument panel, covers the tack but is hidden well and easy to use and see. can work 10m easy, 2m and 440 also,

[KC2GOW]

I have owned a 706mk2g for about 6months and it is a wonderful radio. I have a few worries about the yaesu ft-897. I run 6m-70cm alot through the radio and it works wonderfully.

73's
Andy Kc2gow

[trooper]

I just picked up an FT-897 to paly with 6 Meters in field. I like the two internal batteries and the size. Love the handle. I got the bolt-on tuner with it, and the setup makes an extremely nice package.

All the other hams at the Phoenix HRO own the 706 and were all happy with it. 'Proven Design' But it didn't have the portable features that I was more in the market for. The 706 is less expensive, and I have never used one; But I can tell you that all the other hams in the store were happy to help me put my new FT-897 together; And they all had good things to say about the internal assembly / parts & layout quality of the radio.

From what I gather, if this is going to stay in the truck, get a 706 and it will be a lot easier to mount. If you like to take the radio out and get her dirty, go with the 897. As a base setup, I would go with the 897, but It's a new product and there are a LOT of hams out there with proven results on the 706.

Loren B. Cobb / KD7PLU

IC-706MKIIG is fine as a mobile, but not so good as a base or field day radio with other radios nearby. The radio causes interference to other radios on certain frequencies. Amplitude increases greatly while tuning. Beyond that, it is a bargain & reliable.

[W7WV]

I had a MKII at one time and went to the 746. I now have a MKIIG. These are proven radios sets.
The yeasu is a new model, but I am sure it borrows from other current models.
I just got a MKIIG from Texas Towers with free shipping for &759 with the separation kit and that's hard to beat.

[k7cop]

I have an original Icom 706. I call it the IC-706MK-1.
It has served well, even after over 200,000 miles in a very rough 4x4 truck.
No failures, except I lost the FM TX portion early due to pilot error, (my fault). Once fixed, there have been no problems since.
I wish I had the updated MK-2G, but alas, the funding is tight in my radio world.
I use the Mk-1 witha bandhopper antenna here in Idaho and they work very well together. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[M3TMC]

706 work well !

[kg6oje]

Let me tag on here:

I am going to buy the 706mkiig OR the kenwood ts2000 this week. Both are great multi-band rigs.

My neighborhood regulations require I use a copper wire stealth antenna. I think I can string up about 64 feet which will cover 6m - 80m. The kenwood has a built-in antenna tuner. Does this fact make it wiser for me to get the kenwood?

Opinions?

[wx4bb]

I can't say anything pro or con about the Yaesu, but I am deeply devoted to both of my 706s. #The older one, a Mk II, rides on the dash of my trusty ol' van. #The younger one is the Mk IIg, which lives in my home shack. #Both have performed flawlessly and reliably, with hundreds of happy signal reports. #I couldn't recommend a better line of radios (and NO, I do not own Icom stock).

73s and happy hamming! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC9CEW]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ka3bis @ Feb. 09 2003,12:48)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">(and NO, I do not own Icom stock).

73s and happy hamming! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Maybe you should,because Icom is the best of the so called big three.

[K1FUB]

I'VE HAD MY 706MKIIG NOW FOR 2 MONTHS AND LUV IT.
IT MOUNTED WELL IN MY CHEVY ZR71 4X4. THE SEPERATION KIT (FREE) AND THE $759. PRICE TAG WAS A ADDED INCENTIVE TO BUY THE RIG. I USE THE HUSTLER ANT MAST WITH THE &quot;S&quot; SERIES TRAPS FOR LOW BAND MOBILE ON ALL BANDS &amp; ON VHF-UHF I USE THE DIAMOND SUPER GAINER 7900 WITH A HD 3 MAGNET MOUNT.[B] http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[KA5S]

I have had an IC-706 MK II (not G) for some time and was having a ball with it mobile. Then I bought an FT-817 and while on a trip, tried mobile QRP. QRP aside, it heard things I couldn't tell were there using the Icom. #That prompted me to order an FT-897 as soon as they came out, and I have not regretted it. The 897's receive perfomance is also superior to the 706 MKII. Whether it is better than a G, I can't say. #I also got internal batteries for out-of-the-car operation.

Disadvantages: The 897 faceplate is not remoteable and the rig itself is larger. The menu system is more complex and controlas are not as easy to use without looking at the display. It costs more than the Icom (at _today's_ prices). #


Cortland