A reader asked this morning:
“[W]hat’s the toughest HF QRP transceiver on the market? I want a rig with good field performance and features, but I what I really want is something rugged…something that might survive falling off a rock or log while I’m doing a little SOTA.”
It was a no-brainer to me: either the lab599 Discovery TX-500 or Yaesu FT-818/817.
I feel lucky in that I’ve acquired a number of excellent QRP transceivers over the years. Most of my field-worthy radios are acceptably rugged, but the TX-500 and the FT-818/817 really stand out.
The Discovery TX-500
The Discovery TX-500 was designed from the ground up to be a rugged, weather-resistant portable radio that could operate in challenging environments (think the extremes of Russia where it’s manufactured).
If I’m heading outdoors and it could rain or snow? I’ll be grabbing the TX-500 for sure. It’s a brilliant portable radio
Yaesu FT-818 or FT-817
While the Yaesu FT-818/817 has no serious weather-proofing, it does have an incredible study chassis like the TX-500 and was obviously designed for outdoor use. Both of my FT-817NDs have side rails and with those in place, I really feel like it would easily survive falling off a rock or log. In addition, I’ve heard stories of the FT-817 surviving some hard falls–that goes a long way for me. No doubt, it’s a study little rig!
The X5105: A close runner up?
I’ll admit that the Xiegu X5105 feels like a very study radio as well. The chassis is made of an aluminum alloy and feels rigid. Mine has a polycarbonate screen protector. I also like the fact that its buttons and the main encoder are all low-profile. It’s still pretty new to me, but it’s obvious Xiegu designed the X5105 to be rugged. If it fell off a rock during a SOTA activation, I wouldn’t worry too much.
Admittedly, I feel like the X5105 wouldn’t be terribly weather-resistant–the buttons are somewhat recessed and the button openings are quite large, likely allowing water intrusion. Of course, I haven’t cracked mine open yet (it’s still under warranty and is sealed), so I’m assuming there’s no effort to stop water intrusion internally.
Do you need a “rugged” transceiver?
That’s up to you.
One of my favorite portable transceivers is the Elecraft KX2. I’ve taken it everywhere. I’ve dropped it, it’s rolled off my clipboard, I’ve got caught in the rain with it, and I’ve even slid and fallen on my backpack when it was stored inside. I wouldn’t classify the KX2 as a “rugged” transceiver, yet it’s survived all of this without even sporting side rails (like its bigger brother, the KX3).
At the end of the day, if you like to operate in extreme conditions, put ruggedness at the top of your priority list. Otherwise, simply protect your transceiver in transport with a good waterproof case or padded/waterproof pack. If you’re worried about rain or water, bring a rain jacket or portable fly/canopy to protect you and your rig during operation.
Did I miss something?
What radios do you consider to be some of the most rugged on the market? I’m certain I’m overlooking some. First hand experience would be most welcome! Please comment!
Wrong!
Clansman RT320 HF transceiver, 3W to 20W, built in manual tuner.
There are a load of rugged military HF transceivers out there. I’d love to find a Clansman someday! It’s on my wish list.
I suppose I was referring to radios currently on the amateur radio market.
I love the Clansman series as a collector but it’s HEAVY, needs 24-28 volts DC and so on. It was a fine HF radio for a squadie, with many mates ALONG ON PATROL with him to spread his load across many backs/legs. However, for a prepper/trecker, carrying everything in a rucksack in on his back and who likery is not as fit as a Royal Marine, a hardened QRP rig , wire antenna and the skills to go with it, really shines in the Size, Weight and Power (SWAP) equation.
Something to consider –
RadioRay
It’s not an HF rig (and I don’t own one), but I know the Yaesu FT-60 is up there as far as rugged HTs go.
It is. I’m planning to buy myself one. I bought two last year for my daughters when they passed their Tech exam.
KO6DEF
Yeah that’s my first handheld. It has great features but it’s also made of cast aluminum I think. Another radio is the xiegu g 90. It’s my hf rig and it’s a piece of heavy and resilient aluminum that I’d think would survive being dropped. Probably a radio I’d grab when SHTF happens.
Nice post Thomas.
I do like the ruggedness of my 817 and it’s proving good value with the Windcamp 3aH battery for SOTA.
I have ‘concerns’ about the wisdom of having radios with large screens – surely the screen, while highly desirable for many reasons, becomes the weakest point in the chain from a ruggedness perspective?
On that basis alone, for me, the tiny screen of the 817 is a huge plus out of all those you have mentioned in this post.
Those big screens can be an issue in terms of ruggedness. There are ways to protect them and I’d certainly do that for ones like the IC-705. I’ve seen some pretty clever 3D printed side rails and screen cover. (Need to find the link!)
73,
Thomas
I have to agree with the comment about big LCD screens being a weak point/liability from a ruggedness standpoint. I say this having one ruined a shiny new H-P 32SI calculator when I dropped a screwdriver and of course, the tip hit square in the middle of the display!
Nice post. I would add the CommRadio CTX-10 as rugged QRP HF transceiver.
That’s true–it’s pretty rugged especially with 3rd party side rails.
Just received a 817nd I bought off of that QTH classified site you mentioned in a prior QRP’r. It has the 500 cw filter in it. The portable zero side rails arrive Saturday.
de AD8EV
You will have an excellent little rig there! It really sings with the 500 Hz filter.
Cheers,
Thomas
Hello,
I agree 100% with G7DDN, about the tiny screen , which is a huge plus out, just the way it is built.
Speaking of ruggedness, just check the numerous You tube Channel of Peter VK3YE. I like all his very instructive videos.
Peter did many antenna test on the beach with is FT-817, and all kind of home made antennas.
Sometime in these videos, you can see many close-up of his 817, You’ll understand the ruggeness of this transceiver.
I love so much this one , in 20 years now, my third one is the new FT-818ND, and this time I put the 300Hz cw filter which made cw copy more confortable.
73 Michel,
I have an SG 2020 that is built like a tank. Variable output to 20W.
I was just thinking of side rails for my new KX2, in order to keep it ‘safe’ from ‘me’. And your blog article jumped out at me. Maybe I don’t need them now……
Thanks Thomas for all the answers!!
73
wb8yxf
Oh, you will love the side rails if you go to the field or handle the KX2 very much. In my case it’s in a backpack anywhere from FLA to NH
both as a fixed station or on a picnic table somewhere and the attached key option and auto tuner make portable operation quick and easy.
Hi Thomas,
You said: I’d certainly do that for ones like the IC-705. I’ve seen some pretty clever 3D printed side rails and screen cover. (Need to find the link!)
73,
Thomas
Here is the link, check You Tube Video: by KM9G,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUEhg8oF-g0
And another one:
https://hamgear3d.com/ic-705-protective-frame/
Finally it is available from:
https://www.etsy.com/ca-fr/listing/962338343/couvercle-decran-amovible-icom-ic-705
73, Mike VE2TH
The QRP’er for 58 years.. DIT DIT
I’m late to the party, but my vote is for the 857D
For the life of me, I can’t see why Yaesu discontinued the 857 and 897 without releasing a replacement. The 991 just doesn’t cut it.
FT 897 was the perfect radio for QRP, QRO or anything in between. Very portable, one or two slide in batteries or a built in power supply. I really wish someone would make a similar model.
The PRC320 is brilliant for USB comms out in the field with a Humvee
Backpackers will need several waist belts to spread the load out
I have mounted various radios on my Alice Pack including the PRC25 for 6m activity
So use cases vary but get a 818 a 705 and a 320 and a MTBR for the cargo pocket
Or add KX rigs as desired
John VE3IPS. CQ Parks
I see that no one remembers the PENTEK TR-45 LITE. Don’t you like the vintage front panel?, or the metal protective handles?. I think this TRX deserves to be highlighted.
73′ Peter