Yaesu FT-991a Review Overview Demonstration HF/VHF/UHF/C4FM

[@ChoralSea]

I am an 80 year old disabled Vet first licensed in 1956. Imagine my surprise when I bought the 991A. I am still in the dark ages, Analog, and Simple hand key CW is my Forte'. I have unboxed this sweet little magic box and have it on-the-air. Programmed it with RT Software on my Apple IMAC. "Ca-Ching"! I am now using the manual and looking at You Tube for guidance. I did not need a tutorial on unboxing. Even at 80, I did this well. I stumbled on your Video and am reading the manual and watching your tutorial--pausing step by step to read then operate. Thank you for simple clarity and a comfortable voice pace. Too early to assess my ability to learn digital modes and advanced Receiver tuning technique. I already made the fatal error of tuning off frequency on an HF Net thinking I was in RIT. So much for nubby rig protocol. My first challenge seems to be remembering receive audio options. They built it and I will learn. I hope I can ask some dumb questions in comments for a while. First look: IMPRESSIVE

[@chriscuster3684]

Thank you for your service to our country! May God bless you. Please enjoy the radio...

[@blkupspilot]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Thank you SO MUCH

[@camphill]

Wish you made every radio video. Great cadence and no BS. Gigaparts should send every new rig your way.

[@cygrey]

Ham videos are just babble, babble, babble. Seems every video is at least 1.5 hours.

[@rumsin300]

Eric, very good video you put together. I just recently bought a new FT-991A and love the radio. Many features but I am going to read every word in every paragraph in the manual so that I can learn it! 😀. I just became a ham and this radio might be too much for me but I will take my time. Thank you,,

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

Good video. I was looking at many radios for my first, and I finally settled on this one. This video and others I have watched convinced me that this is the radio for me. So many features and I love the water fall to see where the action is. Perfect radio.

[@fotog54]

Q

[@edcate9615]

991A is the best HF radio I have had. I sold my FTDX1200 and bought this just for the C4FM I like it so much I got the FTM-100 and the FT1XD HF is clear and easy to use not a lot of tuning to clear up distant stations. Programming 2m/70cm is easy and to store and recall is very simple. No problems so far. 73

[@thormusique]

Awesome video, thanks very much! I've been interested in this radio since the original 991, but everyone I know has been so keen on the Icom IC-7300 that they wouldn't even talk about the Yaesu! But especially now with the 991A, I'm really loving this rig. I'd better start saving my pennies!

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Yeah Erica hope you and the family are doing well and thank you for sharing your video I know it's an older video but still you got some great products and a great presentation on all these radios you bring out thank you again Eric you're my best friend😊

[@richardjones7984]

Thanks for showing us the features that others don't. I'm definitely getting this radio once I get my licence.

[@kb2zya]

I love gigaparts ! Past 12 years I got all my rigs from them . I have a savings account with that rigs name on it . It's much smaller than I thought it would be.

[@loveshisharley]

Thanks GigaParts for helping with the radio for this review!

[@c.f.leffen2929]

Exciting video, Sir. You’ve helped me make-up my mind, as to which my next purchase will be- Yaesu FT-991A. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos!

[@w.rustylane5650]

It's either the Yaesu 991A or the ICom IC 9700. The IC 9700 has SHF which I will never use. I've made up my mind, I want the 991A Yaesu "shack in a box". I really want a 2 meter sideband and AM. I also want a 6 meter radio, so the Yaesu 991A is the best choice. Plus the fact that the IC 9700 is about $500.00 more than the 991A. Thanks for the videos on each radio. It helped me make up my mind. W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@christopherdcorran]

Just bought one. On the edge of my seat waiting. With shipping it's $1820 AUD Looking forward to better and easier access to the sky.

[@coltronex]

Just ordered one,this radio does everything I need it to, superb!!!

[@jeepadventures909]

Just an fyi, if you ever plan on doing the CAP mod to talk on GMRS the radio is locked down in the firmware and won't allow you. But the MARS mod is fairly easy and opens up 11 meters.

[@samiam9059]

Own the ftdx 1200 and it really receives.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Yes Eric you Jason and Josh are my favorite people on ham radio on KZbin😊

[@dannyshortwave]

Your videos convinced me to buy this radio over the Icom IC-7300. I love the extra bands VHF/UHF and was sold on System Fusion. Thank you for making this video. Have a good evening my friend. 73 de KD2ZZE.

[@1957ubersku]

Nice video, Eric. You really cover the highlights very well! I picked up a slightly used 991A from the gentleman that creates the Nifty Guides back in February. He had it long enough to make a guide for the 991A. I agree with you that there is so much to this radio, but it was easy to get up and going out of the box. And that's coming from a ham who's only been at this hobby for just over two years. I tend to over research things, and as it went, I was looking into an upgrade to my Yaesu 450D. I would drive the 30 minutes to my local HRO and play with all sorts of radios. Then they put this out. I was hooked. Features, benefits and price were all in my wheelhouse. I have had no issues except having to buy a certain brand of USB cable and a USB 3.0 card to get the radio and my PC to talk to each other. No big deal. Love this thing and glad I made the jump. 73s -Mark K7MWJ

[@thuff3207]

This is the only new radio that has HF/VHF/UHF built in so you can do SSB on VHF and UHF. This make the best way to work all bands.

[@patrickbaer7902]

Thuff Kenwood 2000 but yes it is 18 year old technology

[@M70ACARRY]

Thuff Icom IC-7100

[@news_internationale2035]

The 817-818 do those bands at low power.

[@Thomas-mi9mj]

Just got the 991A and love it!

[@antycyponek2706]

must have been your first radio ie lack of comparison/experience

[@astrayamatu]

3 years ago ^^

[@rtgideon]

Eric; Love your videos, always tons of information from you. I love the Yaesu 991A. Thanks to you. Randy. California.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Yes Eric it's a very nice radio and I like it because it does 2 m and 70 cm sideband

[@therealwolfspidertoo]

Awesome demo. I just got this rig and I know I'm gonna be on it a lot.

[@michaelschmidt6100]

awesome review. I'll be getting this radio after I get my license.

[@bigchew3149]

I have wanted the Yaesu FT-991A from the first time i ever saw one about 6 months to a Year ago Before I Even Had My License(just got them last Week) But Their is just something about that radio that i really Like !

[@tonysquibb]

You have made a very helpful video, I am now thinking of buying one. Thank you

[@nozefian]

Great video, so thanks for posting! Interesting, my UK version came with a pl-259 for HF and a n-type for vhf/uhf inputs. Also, I'm not sure if you are all aware, but you can swap the 4 large shortcut buttons visible on the screen within each band for any of the "F" (function) buttons in the function menu, which is really quite good. Lastly, just to note, you said they (other wires-x users) will know your location "IF" you have a GPS. Well, you can also manually enter your coordinates in the setup and they will see your location without a GPS (which is great assuming you are not moving around of course). It also allows you to see the distance they are from you on the display - which is pretty neat.

[@nrgia]

Yes. European versions come fitted this way. Too many european hams "feel" having N-Type for VHF/UHF is better. Ignoring all the hard studies and tests that say otherwise. I guess each to their own :)

[@macrossactual]

I got one of these in June and absolutely love it. The only "major" thing I hope they can address in a future software update is the complete omission of 222.

[@antycyponek2706]

@@frankwc0o it's not possible to magically materialize hardware with software 991a will never have 220

[@MichaelLitty]

Excellent review. This is now at the top of my wish list.

[@bparker86]

What a beautiful and well laid out rig. Love the fact that it has a spectrum scope " pan adapter, waterfall display what have you " and even tho I wouldn't run it for transmit at all.....I would so love to have one just to use it as my receiver. Great review man. Love your work

[@xarebabeba4486]

😊

[@Fr0ntSight]

If this radio had crossband repeat it would be the best radio ever. I can't believe it doesn't have that functionality. Great video.

[@tylerdean980]

Yeah, it’s not dual VFO. A dual VFO HF rig with waterfall and vhf uhf would be like 3k.

[@dustyrhodes1655]

Just bought this rig....havent even hooked it up. Great vid!!!

[@DonDegidio]

Eric, Many autotuners will take several seconds to tune a frequency for the first time, but once remembered takes only a second or two. Most likely the 991A had not seen that frequency, so needed more time to tune and store into memory. That feature is great if you only have one HF antenna per band. 73 WB3BJU

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I went back and forth today, same thing, even if i left it on 10m, go to 20, and came back, I hit retune it took the same amount of time, and the antenna is 1.3:1 on that part of 10. No big deal though.

[@HKey_Root]

Every day's a school day. Great stuff. Thanks.

[@championincharge]

Man talk about coincidence! I'm taking your ham course online up here in Virginia but I grew up near you in Sebastian! 73 -Brian

[@thameswater2561]

Well done great film on the 991a very well put over thank you, Regards from the UK.

[@jay-rus4437]

Ive got the USB connected to SDRPlay via OmniRig, and use the audio out to connect to a HEIL PRAS. Really happy with this setup

[@SirFrucka]

Just ordered one from DX Engineering! Was supposed to not be in stock until about July 29th, but was refreshing tabs and 5 popped into stock. Still out everywhere else. As of 6:59 PM Pacific 6/08/2022 there are two left. Hope I like it. Very little chance I wont.

[@mlr06121974]

Very nice radio. I’ve never had an HF rig. Had a icom 207H years ago. Shame on me 11 years without HF KE5MUG

[@Bob-zr6mr]

Love this rig.

[@JiSat]

Dude, you are the best.

[@vicrod74]

Good Review! My only CON is that it doesn't have an external monitor port for a bigger display. Other than that, this radio is golden! Excellent for new General Glass Hams, field day, or POTA.

[@marioazzolini4113]

Your reviews of the ICOM IC7300 and the Yaesu FT991A were very interesting and very detailed. Considering that both units are basically on the same price level, if you would have to pick one for mainly DX activities, which one would be your choice?

[@michealmihailovic4128]

My choice would be Icom i have a FT-991A what a pile of junk bought it new 6 months later waterfall failed volume control barely audible etc,etc just came out of repair shop after 3 months and still has issues .

[@jay-rus4437]

Picked up the 991 (not A version) from a local operator for $700. Hooked it up through the RSP1A SDRPlay. My personal opinion os that, for me, the waterfall isnt of benefit since I dont take it in the field and the SDR is much better than the display on the radio. Really nice radio. Am kind of an Icom fan, but this radio is really a good addition to the shack. One thing I will say is that I like the Menu setup. Radios like the Icom can be a bit of a search as to where a particular setup item might be. Its like trying to think like the software engineer that decided what sub-menu setting went under what menu. With this radio is it all in one list.

[@xe2ywi]

❤ LOVELY! BRAND NEW, SIMPLE AND EASY TO OPERATES

[@k.scottposson9987]

Go to HRO or another dealer and look at the 7300 and 991A side by side. I bought the 991A after going to HRO in NH, seeing and testing both.

[@TingILi]

The back panel introduction is very important, great video always you did it.

[@billc2054]

I hope after a great review & promotion that they let you keep that rig! =) I'm buying one slightly used from a fellow HAM 73's

[@joen8joe231]

Nicely done Eric. New general here and this is at the top of my shortlist

[@tylerdean980]

Did you get it? I just got one myself as my first HF radio. Like it so far. The scope is more usable in person than it looks on video. It is also a lot smaller than I imagined.

[@joen8joe231]

@@tylerdean980 YES! I got mine last week actually. First HF rig here too. I have an FTM400 and FT3D so I’m used to the menus . I setup with a Packtenna EFHW on 20m. I was quickly able to clean up noise and weak signals. I made a solid contact from San Diego to El Paso Tx with 40w. I’m hooked. I will be participating in the contest this weekend to see how it does. I love how small the rig is too so I can go do POTA. Very happy with it.

[@tylerdean980]

@@joen8joe231 Nice! I have the FTM-400 in my truck, but I don't have the FT3D yet. Probably my next radio. I haven't managed to make contact yet, my SWR has been too high. I need to move my antenna, but I haven't built up the courage to get back up on top of my shed yet. Just being able to listen to the HF bands is amazing to me. I'm not really in a hurry to move it, but I guess I should try and make my first contact on HF since I'm an Extra now.

[@joen8joe231]

@@tylerdean980 congratulations on your Extra. I just started reviewing the questions. What antenna are you using?

[@tylerdean980]

@@joen8joe231 It is a MFJ end fed half wave. I have a couple theories about the SWR, firstly, I have the antenna over the top of a shed with a tin roof. I think that's my first problem, and secondly, The only coax I have connected to the antenna is a small jumper. I had a local ham on a repeater tell me that a lead that short might not have enough capacitance to make the system efficient. And here I was thinking that the shortest possible run would minimize losses. I regret buying this antenna, not because it is bad, but because I recently learned about the sky loop antenna, and I actually am one of the privileged few that has enough space to put one up. Oh well though, I'm sure it would still make a great portable antenna. I actually had fun studying for the general exam, the extra not so much. It is a doozy. Try to get your upgrades before the fee goes into place. I am trying to apply for a vanity call sign, but it has been a bit of a headache.

[@patrickbaer7902]

Exxon video Eric I'm glad you touch down the power output on VHF and UHF 7/3 from W9 you KK Mervyn's St Croix

[@Swoop180]

This rig rocks! Very intuitive!!!

[@scottym50]

Thank you for the review. I've been on the fence on a new rig but you just made it easy. Ordered mine an hour ago. I have the FT-857D and it will be going up for sale. Thank you again for your video's.

[@kartikonurrakhmanto1830]

I love it FT 991A👍👍👍

[@curtmyersk2cwm477]

You certainly sold me. Nice video.

[@JeffDavis771]

Great video!!! Thank you. Found my next radio for sure!

[@Pacman163]

I got this radio and its a great radio! Love it! KB9HGI

[@pablogartze]

Awesome video thank you I’m considering to buy one of this FT991

[@HamRadioDX]

You won't regret it. Great rig!

[@opiewilcox7728]

So interested in getting in to ham. Wow it sounds so overwhelming

[@paulthebeardedchap.2562]

If you go through the MENU SETTINGS a few times and pre-set everything, (that's the Yeasu mindset) you will be a very happy camper.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Subscribed. Thanks for the videos Eric!

[@stocksj]

I think I’m looking at my next home base station.

[@K4MJV]

I can't afford one either BUT I just ordered one anyways. Who needs food?!!! I will be moving my FT-891 to the mobile. Thanks for the great video(s).

[@johannbrummer6764]

I cannot find a video on the cat control of this radio. Please make one!

[@N2LRB]

Thanks for the video. I am thinking about getting this radio for 2M/70cm SSB and HF portable work. Though I am mainly interested in VHF/UHF SSB.

[@helpAmerica1]

Can't use it on 6 M ssb unless you like the back ground noise. I bought a Icom 551 Old but it works with a squelch...

[@andhanwer]

@@helpAmerica1 are you saying squelch is not available while in ssb ?

[@brady-kj7gft392]

I am really considering buying this radio, however before I go out and purchase it I want to make sure that I will be able to listen on the air band without the Mars mod. Thank you, 73s!

[@ericpattersonk8eep953]

Great video. I really want this radio

[@HJCF0520]

Excellent review!

[@teashea1]

your best video -----nicely done

[@michaeldavidheit]

My only complaint now is I AHAVE TO GET ONE .... thank you for your video, sir, it really presented me with the information I needed to make my choice. Now to find the $$$ to make the purchase.

[@redfonzie21]

KJ4YZI from N2JZS... Hey, I've really been liking your videos since I found you through KZbin's suggestions. You are really down to earth, easy going, very easy to follow, not over our heads. I just got a 991A myself, just started looking into videos about it to learn about the functions and such. Great overview! I'm wondering if you've gotten a 991A yet? If so, have you produced any further, more in-depth videos of your personal rig? That was great that Gigaparts loaned you one back in 2017 but there's only so much you can get into with a loaner rig. Your video just now is the very first time I've ever seen WirseX demonstrated, actually the first time I've heard of it beyond "Oh, this one has WiresX" - to me that sounded like some kind of antenna tuner without an explanation! Anyway, I'm going to keep watching your videos now that I've subscribed. Wish you the best with your channel, and 73s in real life and OTA. Take it easy, man. Zach, N2JZS - God Bless

[@carpman4767]

Nice video..Great radio as I bought one..

[@jackplace5665]

What I found strange about the 991a is the Sweep Button. Unless you push it and hold it down for at least three seconds, you will not see that beautiful waterfall do its thing. To my knowledge, this is not explained in the manual. For over 6 months, I was wondering why the display was not looking like what I seen on KZbin videos. Once I pressed and held the sweep soft button everything changed.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

God I would love to test drive one

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

I ha e considered some cheaper options, but feel I should hold out and save money for something better. I am looking at the FT 991A and the Icom 7300! Thanks for the video it helped with my research.

[@mw7gwr580]

What caused the display to scatter at 18:17?

[@davequick3373]

What power supply are you using with the 991a? Thanks for another great video!

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

So maybe I should keep my ftm 500 for my home base vhf/uhf and get a Ft710 it seems to have some newer features!

[@LiquidtravelPhotography]

can you point me to the 2 antenna you mentioned at the beginning of this video?

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Absolute fantastic 👍 video thanks Erick 73 from kb2uew

[@viggo48sam]

En super radio❤️🇩🇰

[@johnmagee2394]

Hi Eric, I am thinking on Buying the Yaesu FT991A when you used C4FM on this Radio where you using a Hot spot or was it Direct to the Repeater, THanks .

[@michaeldavidheit]

Were you able to keep the radio long enough to make any attempted contact via WinLink system? Simply curious if it would do well in that system. I like digital modes and want to be able to do everything this rig seems to offer.

[@gotobassmsn]

If it does do remote control through USB, please do a video on that?

[@RAMAKRISHNARAOKAKIVizag]

Nice demo. I am using Alinco hf rig with external Signalink modem. But stuckup with digital modes since most of the software are not free. My question is, is FT 891A is with builtin software also so that i can straight operate digital modes like psk 31, rtty, etc. ?

[@robertoellison348]

IT IS WELL PASSED 2:00 A.M. ON THIS 01-18-2010, AND I AM WATCHING THIS FOLLOWING YOU IN LEARNING ON THIS NEW FT-991A HOW TO OPERATE ON WIRES-X,, I GOT A CONTACT ON AMERICA LINK TO A GUY IN FORT MCCURRY ALSTRAILA.. THAT WAS SO COOL.. I FEEL I WILL HAVE EVEN MORE FUN WHEN I GET THAT DANG HF TICKET.. I BETTER GET BACK TO MY STUDY MANUEL.. 73S..FROM N3NDX..

[@KOAOutdoors]

Hey Eric, brand new to HAM radio and purchased a Yaesu FT991a. Can you make a video about how to use Winlink with the "radio" internal sound card, via USB cable ? I've watched about 90 % of your videos. Great stuff ! KE0THO

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi Kirk, this guide may help setting up the 991 for USB soundcard operation - radioaficion.com/news/ft-991-digital-communications-with-only-a-usb-cable/

[@patrickslevin6424]

How can you stand reviewing this rig and not being able to keep it?? This is a great rig, I got mine 3 days ago and the HAM experience just got so much better.

[@jay-rus4437]

Like this radio so much that Im considering a second to monitor one antenna oriented for N/S and one for E/W orientation. Which ever has the better RX and/or TX is the one I will use

[@edwingallardo6957]

Nice job

[@mikepansini4904]

Right on! Yaesu finally caught up with the IC-7200 with the internal sound card. The Yaesu SCU-17 has operated fine for my 1200 but it is an additional cost and multiple wires. Ham Radio Deluxe does not operate SPLIT for my radio and they have known for two years and still no fix for the problem. HRD will make the radio split but the waterfall will not operate split. Wonder if this radio will work with Ham Radio Deluxe and actually properly send a split signal and see it in the waterfall?? Yaesu has a great punch for audio. The internal tuner is slow the first time used on a frequency and new antenna with the FTDX-1200. Is the waterfall on this 991A better or the same as the FTDX-1200?

[@JD9RX830]

Great review Eric! Other than the 2m/440 and wires, which do you like better for just HF. The FT991A or IC-7300? I recently got my general and when I save up, I want something similar to these two radios. Thanks and 73, K4TDT

[@andhanwer]

just for HF go with Kenwood 890

[@jozefbezan2501]

@@andhanwer Kenwood TS 890S- 3600€.Danke 73.

[@tonycantrell9547]

great video

[@stephenchung]

What happened when the touchscreen spoil??

[@sidaytona]

I'm seriously considering purchasing the 991A for my base 2 meter/70cm band TX/RX and RXing in general after this great walk thru video. Two questions - What do people se up a home Power supply and is this chirp programmable?

[@ts440s]

Would you still recommend this radio in almost 2025?

[@barrykery1175]

Thanks for the demo. Good video. I think the FT991A is a great little do all radio. For basic functions, it's easy to use. BUT, I found the memory channels not laid out well as well as the menu functions. I think Yaesu could have done a better job with this radio. Barry, KU3X

[@tahlfishman4257]

Ty for showing me the back

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Can you turn the waterfall completely off and just leave it as a band scope?

[@edwardtatro5294]

Eric, Hi from Palm Bay FL. Thank you for the great review on this rig. I think I’ve made up my mind on buying this rig. One question do you think it would be good for an apartment dweller? Thanks again de KC1FLG!

[@kg5pte]

Hi do you have a video on using this radio with WSJT FT 8 ?