List of Amateur Radio Transceivers and Their Features

If you're new to amateur radio, you might be wondering what kind of equipment you'll need to get started. The first thing you'll need is a transceiver, which is essentially a combination of a transmitter and a receiver in one device.

A good amateur radio transceiver should have a decent frequency range, allowing you to communicate with other operators over a variety of frequencies. The Yaesu FT-450D, for example, has a frequency range of 29 MHz to 54 MHz.

Some transceivers are designed for specific modes of operation, such as single-sideband (SSB) or FM. The Icom IC-7300, for instance, is a popular choice for SSB operation.

When choosing a transceiver, consider the power output you need. If you plan on communicating over long distances, you'll want a transceiver with a higher power output, such as the Icom IC-7600, which has a maximum power output of 100 watts.

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Kenwood is a well-established amateur radio transceiver manufacturer, offering a range of products including the "TS" series, which cover the HF bands from 1.8 to 50 MHz. Their product lines also include the 100, 500, and 2000 series.

Kenwood's TS-820S, TS-590S, TS-850S, and TS-430S are all popular options among amateur radio enthusiasts. They also offer a "B" model, which is a transceiver without display or controls and is completely controlled by a remote computer or a separate control unit.

Retevis is another notable manufacturer, based in China and offering a range of hand held radios, including the RA89, RA685, RT87, RT95, and RT3S.

Here's a brief overview of some of Retevis' notable products:

Wouxun is a Chinese manufacturer founded in 2000, specializing in UHF/VHF radios.

Some transceivers are designed to transmit on specific frequency bands, like the UV-5R which can transmit on the 2 meter band between 136 and 174 MHz and on the 70 cm band between 400 and 520 MHz.

The UV-5R also features CTCSS and duplex operation for use with local repeaters, dual watch and dual reception, an LED flashlight, voice prompts in either English or Chinese, and programmable LED lighting for the LCD display.

The Kenwood TS-890S has a 7-inch TFT Color Display and includes 4 Filters, DSP, and an ATU for automatic antenna tuning.

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The UV-5R transceiver is designed to transmit on multiple frequency bands. It can transmit on the 2 meter band between 136 and 174 MHz and on the 70 cm band between 400 and 520 MHz. However, it's worth noting that 480 MHz to 520 MHz is not available in the UK to comply with Ofcom regulations and are blocked by the manufacturer.

The UV-5R also features CTCSS and duplex operation for use with local repeaters, which is a great option for those who want to expand their communication range. This feature allows for clearer communication and better signal quality.

One of the unique features of the UV-5R is its dual watch and dual reception capability. This means that you can monitor two channels simultaneously, which can be very useful in emergency situations or when working with a team.

The UV-5R also comes equipped with an LED flashlight, which can be a lifesaver in dark situations. This feature is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts or those who work in areas with limited lighting.

The transceiver also offers voice prompts in either English or Chinese, which can be a convenient feature for those who are not familiar with the device. Additionally, the programmable LED lighting for the LCD display can be customized to suit your preferences.

The Yaesu FT-991A is a powerhouse of a transceiver, covering a wide range of frequencies.

HF/VHF/UHF is where this transceiver truly shines, offering all-mode capabilities across these bands.

QRP transceivers are a great option for Amateur radio operators who want to operate with low power. They're available as commercial products, kits, or even homebrewed from published plans.

The UBitx (v6) is a popular QRP transceiver that can be built from a kit or homebrewed. It operates on the 3-30 MHz (HF) frequency range and has a maximum power output of 5-10 watts.

One of the most notable features of QRP transceivers is their low power consumption. The Small Wonder Labs SW+ kit, for example, has a maximum power output of just 2 watts.

If you're looking for a QRP transceiver that's easy to build, consider the QCX / QCX+ / QCXmini kit. It's designed for single-band operation and has a maximum power output of 5 watts.

Here are some key features of popular QRP transceivers:

These are just a few examples of the many QRP transceivers available. When choosing a QRP transceiver, consider your operating needs and preferences to select the best option for you.

The FlexRadio 8400M SDR is a powerful and versatile transceiver that's perfect for serious hobbyists and professionals alike. It's a base model SDR transceiver that covers a wide range of frequencies, from 1.8 to 54MHz.

This transceiver features a 100W output power, making it suitable for long-distance communication. It's also an all-mode transceiver, meaning it can handle AM, FM, SSB, and digital modes.

The 8400M has a 30kHz-54MHz receive range, allowing you to tune into a wide range of signals. It also features dual receive capabilities, which is useful for monitoring multiple frequencies at the same time.

One of the standout features of the 8400M is its 8in. touchscreen display, which provides a clear and intuitive interface for navigating the transceiver's settings. It also has HDMI and LAN connectivity, making it easy to connect to your computer or other devices.

The 8400M is powered by a standard 13.8VDC power supply, which is a common voltage for many transceivers. This makes it easy to integrate with other equipment in your shack.

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Handheld transceivers are a great option for amateur radio operators who want a portable and compact device. They're perfect for hiking, camping, or simply taking with you on the go.

Some popular handheld transceivers include the ID-51, ID-31 (DSTAR), and ID-52 (DSTAR), which are all digital modes. If you're looking for an analog option, you might consider the IC-2AT, IC-F4GS (UHF), IC-T70A (dual band), IC-T10 (dual band), or IC-T90A (tri-band).

Handheld transceivers are a popular choice for amateur radio enthusiasts and emergency communication purposes. They're portable and compact, making them easy to take on the go.

The ID-51 is a well-known handheld transceiver. It's a great option for those who want a reliable device with advanced features.

If you're looking for a DSTAR-capable handheld, the ID-51 and ID-52 are both good choices. They offer robust communication capabilities and are designed for long-lasting use.

Some handheld transceivers are analog-only, such as the IC-2AT and IC-F4GS. These devices are often more affordable and still provide good performance.

If you need a handheld that can cover multiple frequencies, consider the IC-T70A or IC-T10. These dual-band transceivers offer more flexibility and range.

For those who require a tri-band handheld, the IC-T90A is a viable option. It's designed for use in areas with limited frequency coverage.

Here's a list of some popular handheld transceivers:

The Kenwood TS-820S is a model of amateur radiotransceiver produced primarily by the Kenwood Corporation from the late 1970s into the 1980s.

This transceiver was the second of three hybrid (including vacuum tubes and semiconductors) models produced by Kenwood during the 1970s and 1980s, and was noted for its quality.

The TS-820S has a built-in power supply, so it can be plugged directly into a 120 V wall outlet.

Its functionality and new hybrid technology made it one of the most popular transceivers marketed to amateurs in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The TS-820S can transmit and receive on the HF 10-, 15-, 20-, 40-, 80- and 160-meter bands, and can receive WWV and WWVH on 15 MHz.

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It can use SSB, FSK and CW on all bands.

The TS-820S' power consumption is 57 watts (with heaters on) when receiving and 292 watts when transmitting.

The transceiver's peak envelope power output on SSB and CW is about 100 watts, and about 60 watts on FSK.

Its tubes are tuned manually, using the transceiver's drive, plate and load controls.

Here are the frequency ranges for the TS-820S:

Base/Portable Transceivers offer a range of features and power outputs. The Yaesu FTX-1 Series, for instance, includes both base and portable options with all-mode capabilities.

The Yaesu FTX-1OPTIMA model is a base/portable transceiver that covers HF/50/144/430MHz frequencies. It has a 5-100W output power and comes with a 4.3in. TFT display, field head, 100W amplifier, and 6400mAh battery.

The Yaesu FTX-1FIELD model is a portable option within the same series, offering 0.5-10W output power and a 4.3in. TFT display.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a base/portable transceiver:

The Yaesu FT-710 AESS is another base/portable transceiver option, featuring a 100W output power and a 4.3in. color TFT touch display. It also includes an external speaker and supports a range of digital data modes and modems for APRS.

The frequency range for amateur radio transceivers can vary, but some models cover a range of 144.0 MHz to 148.0 MHz.

These devices often support multiple emission modes, including AM, FM, SSB (LSB and USB), and CW.

Some transceivers have adjustable power output, with SSB and CW modes typically allowing for 12 Watts PEP, while FM and CW modes can reach 14 Watts.

In contrast, AM modes often have a lower power output, at 2.5 Watts.

Transceivers also vary in their frequency coverage, with some models supporting RX frequencies from 100 kHz to 56 MHz, 118 MHz to 164 MHz, and 420 MHz to 470 MHz.

Here's a breakdown of the power output for different emission modes in some transceivers:

Some transceivers also support digital modes, offering a range of options for amateur radio enthusiasts.

If you're interested in using your transceiver for amateur satellite communications, you'll need a full duplex rig. This means you need a radio that can transmit and receive at the same time.

The Yaesu FT-736R is a great example of a full duplex transceiver that's been used for many years for satellite communications, including working the space shuttle and ISS. It's an all-mode VHF/UHF radio that's still operational today.

For handheld transceivers, the Yaesu FT5D is not suitable for satellite communications because it's not full duplex. This means you won't be able to hear your own downlink.

Some handheld transceivers that are suitable for satellite communications include the KG-UV8H, KG-UV9P, and KG-Q332, all of which are full duplex. The Kenwood TH-D72 is also a classic full duplex HT used by many for satellite communications.

Here are some handheld transceivers that can be used for satellite communications:

Working with amateur satellites requires a special kind of radio. For handheld use, the Yaesu FT-736R is a great option, it's still operational after 30 years and is an all-mode VHF/UHF full duplex radio.

The IC-9700 is the only base station rig in production today that has both VHF and UHF and all mode capabilities. It's a great choice for satellite communications.

Handheld FM VHF/UHF radios need to be full duplex or have special satellite functions to be useful for satellite communications. The KG-UV8H, KG-UV9P, and KG-Q332 are examples of handheld radios that are in production and are full duplex.

The Yaesu FT5D is not suitable for satellite communications because it's not full duplex. The Kenwood TH-D72 is a classic full duplex HT that's been used by many for satellite communications.

Mobile FM VHF/UHF radios also need to be full duplex or have special satellite functions. The Retevis MA1, Yaesu FTM-300DE, Yaesu FTM-150R, Icom ID-5100, and Icom ID-5200 are examples of mobile radios that are in production and are full duplex.

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The Mobile Index is a crucial aspect of satellite and mobile transceivers. It's a measure of how well a device can receive and transmit signals in various mobile environments.

Mobile devices can be affected by signal strength, which can be influenced by the device's power output and antenna design. A good Mobile Index score indicates a device's ability to maintain a strong signal in challenging environments.

In general, a higher Mobile Index score is better, as it means the device can handle more interference and maintain a stronger signal. This is especially important for devices used in areas with high levels of interference, such as near large buildings or in urban environments.

For example, a device with a Mobile Index score of 20 can handle more interference than one with a score of 10. This is because the device with the higher score can maintain a stronger signal in the presence of interference.