[Yaesu] FT890 vs FT900

[Augie (Gus) Hansen]

John Geiger wrote:
> Other than the remotable faceplate, are there any
> other major differences between the FT890 and FT900?
>
> 73s John W5TD
>
>   
I've had both rigs. They are almost identical (case size, internal 
circuitry, ATU if installed). The FT-900 adds direct band-selection 
buttons on the base unit (they are not accessible when you remote the 
head, of course).

The display quality was a big consideration for me. The FT-890 display 
is fine for use in the shack, but it washes out easily in even low light 
levels. I found it mostly unusable in portable/mobile situations, 
especially here in the bright Colorado sunshine. The FT-900 display is 
clearly visible day and night under all lighting conditions. Both radios 
have good receivers and good audio on both RX and TX.

I sold the FT-890 and kept the FT-900 for backup and portable use. The 
detachable head is certainly a plus for mobile installations, although 
I've never used mine mobile (I use an IC-706MKIIG for that because of 
the VHF/UHF coverage).

Gus Hansen
KB0YH