Yaesu 2900 vs 7900

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retrofive

retrofive

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While this isn't really technically, I thought I would post up the difference in size between the two.Even with dimensions posted online I thought a little photo comparison would be helpful for those debating between the two and mounting locations. Couple pic as well with the seperation kit. Happened to have both in my hand and decided to take some pics. I was surprised how compact the 7900 is.

Anyway for those on the fence or want a reference. Feel free to add more info to this thread in regards to the 2 models.

:beer:
2011 - Dec - Christmas 020.webp
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The 7900r is definitely a very nice and compact unit. I wanted/needed a unit with the ability to separate the head unit, and the 7900r met that requirement with breaking the bank.

Installed one in my patrol in oz a couple of months back on my last visit. Install went very nicely, put the rig in my center console with a new hole for venting the airflow path.

ham1.jpg


Then used some locline mounted to the head unit separation unit bracket - allows me to adjust the angle etc. Bit of industrial velcro on the bottom of the head unit keeps it in place while allowing for direction adjustment and also provides some 'buffering' against vibration etc. Worked great on our trip into the bush.

Mounted the microphone on its bracket, by drilling a couple of holes into the instrument cluster pod.

ham2.jpg


The unit below the 7900r head is a home made trip meter computer and turbo timer. The rig to the left is a 5W UHF CB (equivalent to the frs/gmrs stuff here in the US).

cheers,
george.
 
The difference in size is because the 7900 has a cooling fan and the 2900 does not, it has a larger case with cast-in heat sinks instead.
 
Another difference is one is dual band (7900) and other is mono band with higher power.
Thanks for posting pictures, I am planning on going with the 7900.
Space is at a premium in my 3G 4runner
 
I bought the 2900 because I wanted something simple and tough.
 
yes, they look bulletproof. I gave up on searching for a used radio.
Everyone wants within 15% of a new price for either same unit 2-4 yrs old, or they give you a song and dance about how long they had it.
Then they get really upset when I try to offer a realistic price.
Example, some is selling a FT-1900 for $100 plus ship and 6% pay pay price premium.
I could get the same radio for around $125-145 new with warranty.
Ugh...
Elbert said:
I bought the 2900 because I wanted something simple and tough.
Click to expand...
 
I have the FT-7800 and FT-2800, same units just older models.

The Main points as I see it;
FT-7900 - 50W
FT-2900 - 75W

FT-7900 smaller buttons many features, more flexible, harder to learn and use.
FT-2900 large buttons few features, less flexible easier to operate.

FT-7900 dual band
FT-2900 2M only

I have the FT-7800 in my FJ60 where I'm more likely to want to use repeaters and will need the 70CM band. I will likely upgrade this radio to an FT-8800 at some point. (Actually just move the FT-8900 from the UZJ100 into the 60 when we sell the 100.)

The FT2800 is in my FJ40 where it is used primarily for 2M simplex comm in the trail, the large easy to use buttons and simple operation are an asset in those conditions. The extra power can also come in handy.
 
pillguy said:
yes, they look bulletproof. I gave up on searching for a used radio.
Everyone wants within 15% of a new price for either same unit 2-4 yrs old, or they give you a song and dance about how long they had it.
Click to expand...

I noticed the high used prices also. I want to pick up another mobile rig.

Currently I have a:
FT-7800R in my WRX
FT-857D in my 80

I want to move the 857 back into the house and put a 7800 into the 80. But I can't seem to find a good price on a used 7800, so I am kinda forced to buy a new 7900.

Has anyone else noticed that the prices of ham radios have gone up? I remember paying like $250 new for my 7800. Now the slightly revised 7900 is $320. I didn't see any holiday special pricing either.
 
The best prices on used radios will be through local's. I found a used I-Com for $25. It is an older radio without the PL tones but the PO installed a sub circuit that does 123 and 100, good enough for most repeater operation. I found it through a local 4x4 forum, the guy was cleaning out his garage. While it's not a great radio it's a great spare radio.;)

I found my FT-7800 used for about $50 from a guy who bought it used then upgraded to a FT-8800. I had to open it up and blow it out to clean the button contacts. It was also missing the mounting brackets and separation kit.


I guess the point is if you want a cheap radio you will need to;
find a local seller that doesn't want to screw with an on-line sale
find an older unit with less features
find one that has problems you know how to fix.
 
Rallyroo said:
I noticed the high used prices also. I want to pick up another mobile rig.

Currently I have a:
FT-7800R in my WRX
FT-857D in my 80

I want to move the 857 back into the house and put a 7800 into the 80. But I can't seem to find a good price on a used 7800, so I am kinda forced to buy a new 7900.

Has anyone else noticed that the prices of ham radios have gone up? I remember paying like $250 new for my 7800. Now the slightly revised 7900 is $320. I didn't see any holiday special pricing either.
Click to expand...

$319 was the best I found on HRO, their holiday special was $10 off and came with the seperation kit and free shipping. FWIW.
 
Rallyroo said:
Has anyone else noticed that the prices of ham radios have gone up?
Click to expand...

Other side of the coin so to speak; I happened to have two Yaesu FT-2800's (for the very reasons that rusty_tlc mentioned), and a local ham radio friend that knew I had them offered me $100 for one of them out of the blue. I was surprised because the 2800 has been replaced by the 2900, and it was less than $150 new. I ended up trading it to him plus some cash for a 30' retractable tower, but I still got $100 for it. So I guess the demand for used equipment is out there.


rusty_tlc said:
I found a used I-Com for $25. It is an older radio without the PL tones but the PO installed a sub circuit that does 123 and 100, good enough for most repeater operation. I found it through a local 4x4 forum, the guy was cleaning out his garage. While it's not a great radio it's a great spare radio.;)
Click to expand...

You can never have too many radios! :) I've said before that even a basic 2M radio is always good for something - a spare, a dedicated APRS rig, a dedicated base/weather station, etc.
 
I want dual band for sure
 
e9999 said:
I want dual band for sure
Click to expand...

Im really happy with my choice. I got everything installed today. Programmed in a couple repeaters on both bands and had good audio (just monitored a couple dispatches) :cool: Just a few more weeks till the exam is avail nearby to take :crybaby:
 
One thing to consider for the 2900 is that is a sealed unit so no dust or dirt gets into it. This point was brought to my attention from the rally car people and they recommend the radio for it's resistance to dust and it's toughness. Since we share similar road conditions it's something to consider but my 8900 is surviving just fine in my dusty old Runner. I have both the 2900 and 8900 and recommend them equally.
 
Does anyone know if either of these units can mount in a single DIN opening for a stereo? My 80 had the double DIN replaced with a single and now has an open slot under it. Ideally I'd like to install a HAM radio if it will fit and be enough room to breathe.
 
Wow, what a slacker. Didn't realize how much time has passed. Anyway they only offer the exam every couple months.....


Finally got to an exam this morning and passed the tech. :bounce::bounce2:
 
retrofive said:
Finally got to an exam this morning and passed the tech. :bounce::bounce2:
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your ticket! Post your call sign in the stickied thread when you get it.
 
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