About Wa7don
Yaesu FT-991a
The Yeasu 991a is also known as a “shack in the box”. It is a UHF, VHF and HF transceiver. It does not support the 220 band but it supports most others. This is a great radio and has a lot of features. I mostly keep this radio on 6 meters since we have a 6 meter repeater in our area. This radio does most everything.
Yaesu FTM-300dr
The Yaesu FTJM-300 is an assume radio. It has a nice color display and a duel band receiver; which means it can receive on two separate frequencies at a time. I usually monitor 146.520 simplex, which if you are traveling through Boise Idaho you can usually get some to answer a CQ. I also monitor one of our local repeaters. I actually have two of these fine radios. I use the second radio to connect to wires-x. This is a UHF/ VHF radio.
Anytone AT-578uv Plus
Anytone AT-D578UV Plus is a UHF/VHF DMR radio. DMR is a digital mode that has the ability to talk to hams world-wide via the internet through a repeater or hotspot (see the secito0n on digital modes). Anytone makes some if the finest Chinese radios on the market at a good price.
My Ham Radios
Yeasu FT-710 HF Radio
The Yaesu FT‑710 is a popular HF/50 MHz ham radio that’s great for beginners who want strong performance without being overwhelmed by complicated controls. It’s a modern radio that uses SDR (software‑defined radio) technology, which helps it hear weak signals more clearly and handle crowded bands better than many older radios
The FT‑710 has a bright 4.3-inch color screen that shows important information like frequency, signal strength, and a live spectrum scope. The spectrum scope is especially helpful for beginners because it lets you see where signals are on the band, making it easier to find activity
Yaesu FTX-1 All Band SDR Radio
The Yaesu FTX‑1 is one of the newest and most exciting radios in amateur radio today. It’s designed for hams who want one radio that can do almost everything—from HF all the way up to UHF—while still being easy to use, portable, and future‑proof.
For beginners, the FTX‑1 is appealing because it combines modern SDR technology, a simple touchscreen interface, and flexible power options that work both at home and in the field
Xiegu 6200 QRP Radio
The Xiegu X6200 is a compact, modern HF/50 MHz radio designed for hams who want something easy to carry, simple to use, and powerful enough for real contacts. It’s especially popular with beginners who enjoy portable operating like POTA, camping, or just learning HF without a big, complicated base station.
Yaesu FT-5dr C4FM/WiresX Radio
The Yaesu FT‑5DR is one of the most popular handheld radios among new and experienced ham radio operators. It’s compact, rugged, and packed with features—but still approachable for beginners who want a radio they can grow into.
If you’re just getting started in amateur radio, the FT‑5DR gives you excellent audio, digital voice capability, APRS, Bluetooth, GPS, and true dual‑band operation in one handheld device
Icom ID-52a Dstar Radio
The Icom ID‑52A is one of the most advanced handheld radios available today, but it’s also surprisingly beginner‑friendly. It combines traditional FM operation with D‑STAR digital voice, a bright color display, Bluetooth, GPS, and dual‑band capability—all in a rugged, easy‑to‑use package.
For new hams, the ID‑52A offers a smooth learning curve while giving you room to grow into more advanced features as your skills develop
Kenwood TH-D75a Dstar Radio
The Kenwood TH‑D75A is one of the most advanced handheld radios available today, but it’s also surprisingly approachable for beginners. It combines analog FM, D‑STAR digital voice, APRS, built‑in GPS, Bluetooth, and tri‑band capability (144/220/430 MHz) in a rugged, easy‑to‑use package.
For new hams, the TH‑D75A offers a smooth learning curve while giving you room to grow into more advanced features as your skills develop.
Yaesu FT-70dr C4FM-Wiresx
The Yaesu FT‑70DR is one of the most popular entry‑level handheld radios in amateur radio today. It’s affordable, rugged, and easy to use—yet it includes advanced features like C4FM digital voice, Automatic Mode Select, and a loud, clear speaker.
For beginners, the FT‑70DR strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and capability.
BTech 6x2 DMR Radio
The BTECH DMR‑6X2 is one of the most popular entry‑level DMR handheld radios in amateur radio. It’s affordable, rugged, and packed with features that help beginners learn both analog FM and digital DMR without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re new to ham radio or just getting started with DMR, the 6X2 is a friendly, flexible radio that gives you room to grow
VGC-N76 All Weather Radio - Analog Only
The VGC VR‑N76 (often casually called the N76) is a modern dual‑band handheld ham radio designed to be powerful, rugged, and extremely beginner‑friendly. What makes it stand out is how it blends classic HT operation with smartphone‑style features like Bluetooth control, GPS, APRS, and app‑based programming. If you're new to ham radio, this little device can feel like a big leap forward — in a good way.