FT-2900R vs. FT-2800M

[KJ6BDP]

Hi all~

I'm looking at picking up my first 2m mobile and am looking at the FT-2800M & the FT-2900R and am trying to figure out what the difference is between the two. So far, all I can tell is the 10w difference on high-power and about $35.

Is there any reason to spend the extra $35 for the 2900 or are they essentially the same radio?

FYI, this will be used as both a base station and mobile for a while.

Thanks,

Mitch
KJ6BDP

[NR7J]

The FT-2900R is similar to the FT-2800M (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/2800.html), but adds a Memory Only mode and provides 10 watts more.


I would buy the 2800. :)

[KJ6BDP]

The FT-2900R is similar to the FT-2800M (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/2800.html), but adds a Memory Only mode and provides 10 watts more.


I would buy the 2800. :)

Ok, so the 2800 is basically operating in VFO all the time?

[NR7J]

Ok, so the 2800 is basically operating in VFO all the time?

My 2800 does VFO and memories. I don't understand the meaning of memory only mode on the 2900. Best thing would be to download the manual and read about it.

73, NR7J

[KJ4CMG]

I'd save the $35.00 and get the 2800M, but I already have one and am completely satisfied with it. I am a little lost on the memory only mode as well.

[KJ6BDP]

I have the 2800 manual in PDF, but can't find the manual for the 2900... google didn't help me here either. If anyone knows where the 2900 manual is posted, I'd appreciate the link.

There were a couple of guys on eham that own both and like the improvements in the 2900: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/8281

Thanks everyone.

[K4JC]

I believe the "Memory Only" mode means that you can program the radio to only operate on what you have programmed into memory, effectively locking out the VFO function. Of course you could change it back via a menu setting. It's probably aimed at situations (such as a setup at an emcomm location) where you want only certain frequencies used, and someone unfamiliar with the radio could otherwise accidentally screw it up.

[KF5CQJ]

HI
I own the FT-2800M and It does have a feature where you can lock out the VFO mode for memory only! So, again what is the difference other than the newer model number and RF output!
Get the FT-2800M! Save the $35 dollar toward your next rig!

[PH5E]

Here are the specs of the Yaesu FT2800 and FT-2900 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/compare/4277,4514) side-by-side. Anyone have either of these rigs? I'd love to have a review on my site :)

[KC0REY]

Living where you do, and I have traveled through your area quite a bit, a dual band rig may be a better choice. You have allot of UHF activity in your area and a FT-7800 would only cost you a few bucks more.

[KJ6BDP]

Living where you do, and I have traveled through your area quite a bit, a dual band rig may be a better choice. You have allot of UHF activity in your area and a FT-7800 would only cost you a few bucks more.

I've been having this same debate with myself for a little while now. I own an FT-60R dual-bander and have been scanning a bit on the 440. There is some activity, but a lot of it is restricted due to the military's Pave Paws missile defense system. Most of the hams in the area that I've met so far, don't do much in the UHF bands... but the idea of something like the FT-8800 and cross band repeat still seam somewhat appealing.

Anyway, for now I think I'm going to stick with the basics on 2m.

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. It seems that the 2800 is a darn good rig that will serve me well. And so far, I can't seem to find a reason for the extra 10w in the 2900... can that extra 10w really make any difference besides just bleeding my TX over into nearby frequencies?

[KC0REY]

It shouldn't bleed over and if it were too then something is wrong with the radio....10 watts will make very little difference. Barely noticeable. My buddy has one of those 75 watt rigs. WHen he gets noisy at 50 watts he kicks it up to 75W and we can hear him again....for about 2 more miles.

[KD8HYU]

Anyone with a 2900r been having any interference problems with their HF rigs like I have with the 2800m??

I just upgraded here in June and have had the 2800m in the shack since the first part of 2008 with out a problem. Finally got a Icom 718 from a local buddy for my first HF rig and noticed that when I was keyed down on the 718 or the LDG Z-100plus was tuning up the 2800 would go a little nuts. Numbers randomly coming up on the screen, getting into menus and / buzzing.

Just curious since my bday is coming up and the wife wants to know what I want so I thought about getting a new one.

[KJ4OAZ]

i just purchased the yaesu ft 2900 i got it earlier yesterday so i havent used it much but from wat i have used it its a good radio i just need a better antenna for it im using a tram 5/8 mag mount antenna be4 i got it i was using a radioshack one it seemed to have wrked better tho..... im just now gettin into ham so i dont know much bout the activity i think i had my license bout 2 months now so i need some help on the activity....

73s
issac
kj4oaz

[AE5JU]

Here are the specs of the Yaesu FT2800 and FT-2900 (http://rigreference.com/rigs/compare/4277,4514) side-by-side. Anyone have either of these rigs? I'd love to have a review on my site :)

Looking at your side by side, the 2800 also has the WX channels, including weather alert. Switch to the WX by pressing P4 button on the mic.

Essentially all you get is 10 w more on the High power setting. They switched the positions of the power and nuclear option buttons.

[VA7DBC]

This is out of the Ft-2900 manual:

MEMORY-ONLY MODE
Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a “Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO and Home Channel operation are impossible. This may be particularly useful during public-service events where a number of operators may be using the radio for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired.
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn it off. Now press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key while turning the radio on. The VFO and Home Channel will now be disabled.
To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.
The FT-2900R’s scanning capability provides the operator with many convenient methods of rapid frequency navigation.

This is out of the Ft-2800 manual
MEMORY-ONLY MODE
Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a “Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO and Home Channel operation are impossible. This may be particularly useful during public-service events where a number of operators may be using the radio for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired.
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn it off. Now press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] and [D/MR(MW)] keys while turning the radio on. The VFO and Home Channel will now be disabled.
To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.

So not much difference, continue not to understand the "Additional" feature.

Please note I did try a Ft-2900 and the only flaw I found was that the volume does not turn completely off on a counter rotation of the volume control. For some that may be alright, but used in a shack setting, personally it would drive me insane as I can not multitask well. I can only deal with one set of audio at a time...Probably just me.

Cheers and 73s

VA7DBC

[N9TYK]

Anyone with a 2900r been having any interference problems with their HF rigs like I have with the 2800m??

I just upgraded here in June and have had the 2800m in the shack since the first part of 2008 with out a problem. Finally got a Icom 718 from a local buddy for my first HF rig and noticed that when I was keyed down on the 718 or the LDG Z-100plus was tuning up the 2800 would go a little nuts. Numbers randomly coming up on the screen, getting into menus and / buzzing.

Just curious since my bday is coming up and the wife wants to know what I want so I thought about getting a new one.


I would think that it is just a problem with excess RF, not the radio in particular.

[AE5JU]

Anyone with a 2900r been having any interference problems with their HF rigs like I have with the 2800m??

I just upgraded here in June and have had the 2800m in the shack since the first part of 2008 with out a problem. Finally got a Icom 718 from a local buddy for my first HF rig and noticed that when I was keyed down on the 718 or the LDG Z-100plus was tuning up the 2800 would go a little nuts. Numbers randomly coming up on the screen, getting into menus and / buzzing.

Just curious since my bday is coming up and the wife wants to know what I want so I thought about getting a new one.


I have almost the same setup... Icom 718 with the newer LDG IT-100 tuner, and FT-2800M. Not having this problem.

I do have a choke balun ("ugly balun") up at the feedpoint of the HF antenna, but nothing on the separate J-pole hooked up to the 2800.

Paul
AE5JU

Edited to add: Now this is a helpful hint... when you are trying to check in on both an HF net and a 2-meter net on the same evening, make sure you use the correct microphone for the particular net you are trying to check in. Just a suggestion.

[KM3F]

Looking at the reference given for the two models, the two things that stand out is the reciever sensitivity and the IF filter attenuation.
I would take the 2800 over the 2900.
One reason is a friend has a funny action with his 2900 near a repeater that has 6 and 2m linked, such that his radio shuts off recieve audio for some reason when both repeaters are on the air. When he gets away lowereing the signal level he has no problem.
I think it is some form of IMD causing it in his model where my 2800 does not experience this right under the repeater transmitting antennas.
Don't know if this is an unknown find in design but not many will be in this type of position in overall use.
Another consideration is using the radio mobile at long distances.
The better reciever sensitivity would be better as well as using a 5/8 wave antenna.
I am currently experimenting with a loading hat in the middle of my 5/8 wave and find it tends to improve the ability to hear at longer distances from the repeaters but not enough yet to make a 'great' difference.