ICOM 706 MK1 or Yaesu FT 450 (with built in ATU). Opinions please.

[astradyne]

Which is the better radio to own/use.

[Samalex]

i would say the 450 as the 706mk1 is long in the tooth. Unless its been well looked after.

450 is new tech with more bells and whistles. covers up to 6m
706 covers more freq upto 200mhz if i mind and 10w on 2m

depends on ur uses and type of operating bith are good in different ways would depend on cost as well as age and condition

[MrWeetabix]

The MK1s are a tad deaf on 2m if I recall. if you're not bothered about that and you get it at a good price, then they are brilliant mobile radios for HF, I'd prefer something more substantial for the shack though

I reckon that the 450 with a separate 2/70m radio is a better combo for shack ops for sure.

The 450 looks cooler as well! ha

[ROTEL240]

Be wary of the 450at as some of these are prone to a buzzing noise on tx as i found out but i sorted it with a easy mod the later 450d is ok and doesnt have the buzz...

[MW6ZAN]

Hi there im running an icom 706mk2 as a base radio works a treat on hf but two meters its quite deff have checked it against my yeasu ft 7900 and the icom is approx 6 s points down with the pre amp on in my opinion if the icom is in a good condition then go for it the yeasu ft 1900 2 meter rig is around the 110 pounds mark get that for vhf win win all round.

[CBR1100XX]

I would go for the 450 and a cheap 2mtrs radio , is 70cm used in your area ? as it's not up here .As has been said the MK1 is getting on and remember you'll need to buy an external ATU ( unless you have one or a resonant ant ) . I have a 450D here and it works well and great for taking portable .

[Admiral]

I've never owned or used a 450 so can't comment on that, but my 706mk2g works very well on 2m, I've no idea how it works on 70cm as there's no one on analogue around here, but it works fairly well at receiving 446

I use mine as homebase, and I use the separation kit which is brilliant for me, I could never see the point of them until I got one, I can stick all the ugly bits out of the way and just have the head on show (senses a PLL02A joke coming along soon).

The 706 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, so they are going to start getting some old age related serious errors.

[Buick Mackane]

I can stick all the ugly bits out of the way and just have the head on show (senses a PLL02A joke coming along soon).

Dunno much about either radio as iv'e never owned one personally. But heres some known issues with the FT-450 that i found online..

Optical Encoder: A number of users have cited problems developing with the optical encoder. Per these citations, Yaesu has fixed the issues promptly for units still under warranty.

CW Key Jack: Some users have reported problems with the CW Key Jack failing

Weak Antenna Tuner: Users report that the internal antenna tuner is weak, and only capable of tuning a 3:1 SWR antenna or better.

[CBR1100XX]

" Weak Antenna Tuner: Users report that the internal antenna tuner is weak, and only capable of tuning a 3:1 SWR antenna or better "

I believe this is standard on most HF transceivers although some are better than that .

I've heard of the earlier models having some issues with the Optical Encoder but no problems here , yet . Another expense you can be looking at with the 706 is optional filters and if you're looking for the separation lead WoW do they go for silly money .

Can't comment on the CW Jack as I don't use it .

Depending on your budget it might be worth looking at a new 450D ( £499.99 new , two years hassle free warranty , bugs how Kenwood only do one year .

[Transwarp]

I've had my FT-450D a fair while now, nice bit of kit for the money, I have no complaints with it. I've had a couple of older icoms in the past and they were ok too but can't comment on the 706 as not had one.

The FT-450D has a built in ATU but it's nowhere near as a good as a dedicated ATU like an MFJ for example.