Yaesu FT 90R

[K0DUF]

I am interested in a smaller mobile rig for 2 meters. I see that the FT 90R also listens to the aviation frequencies. Since I am a pilot, this appeals to me. Any one know the history of this radio; when last produced, price, quality? Also is there a better substitute for a low cost 2 M radio that will scan the aviation frequencies? It is to be used as a base rig primarily. brunyon@knoxy.net

[AD6ZU]

The FT-90 is certainly a small radio. The remote head will mount just about anywhere. There are problems reported by owners of heat dissipation (or lack thereof) and operating problems associated with it when operating at full power. It does not do cross band repeat, but it does do cross band split.

If all you want is 2 meters and aircraft receive, consider the Alinco DR-135 or ADI-147 which have AM aircraft receive for around $150. The Icom IC-229 (out of production) was capable of it and can be sometimes found for about $100 or less.

[w5zzq]

Do not like this radio. Gets extremely hot on high power. The tx. audio was not very good at all. Finally sold the thing. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Larry..

[KB1KIX]

maybe I bought it??? LOL.

I have one and have been very satisfied with it. The head does mount about anywhere (played with someone elses kit, need to get one myself).

It gets hot, but works fine (I don't plan on cookin' dinner on it anytime soon). I keep it on the passenger seat at the moment (well, for the past month) and I haven't burned through it - and I can ragchew!!!.

Sound? I've heard nothing but great reports on my signal quality - and I'm talking about hitting repeaters 20 miles away on low and mid-low power, so I don't know how someone can get bad signal reports outside of problems outside the radio chain.

I like it so much, I want to get another and put them both in my ARES go kits.

Jonathan

[W2NJS]

FT90R is an OK radio, but it got so hot on high-power transmit that it would shut down at times. #Also, the display washes out in sunlight when mobile, and contains very little info in addition to the alpha/numeric display. #I thought that the access to the functions was a shade more complicated than other similar radios I've owned.

I've now gone to Icom IC208Hs and am very pleased with them.

Tom, W2NJS

[ae4xo]

I like the ft-90. It DOES have 440 as well so I like that fact. The Scan feature is VERY fast. Faster than any of the 6 icoms that I have. The radio may get a bit warm, but I have not had it to shut down. I actually need to get another one.. but they closed them out!

Thanks!