My primary radio is a Yeasu FT-991A.
My backup radio is a Yaesu FT-857D.I also plan to use this radio for mobile and portable operation.
My third radio (was my first) is a now 25 years old Yaesu FT-840 which I purchased in 2015 on Ebay for $400. I really love this radio, it performed flawlessly and is simple to use. I realized after purchase that it was MARS modified. A perfect radio for a new HAM radio operator. I have not used this radio in few years but plan to set it up at my business.
I use an AT-200Pro II antenna tuner – Great tuner for up to 200W radio. Note that my new Yaesu FT-991A has a built in tuner so this turner is only used with my FT-857D.
For digital mode I use SignaLink USB. I have one setup for my FT-857D and another for my FT-840. The FT-991A as a built in sound card so it connect directly to my computer via a USB connection.
For power supply, I use a 30A Astron and for backup a 30A MFJ.
Following hurricane Irma, I purchased a Uniden Bearcat BCD996P2 Phase II Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. This provides me with the ability to monitor emergency response during hurricane or other crisis.
My portable radios
I own a Yaesu FT3D which I use mostly for APRS and satellite work. While I’m still learning it, I’ve made several APRS contact via the International Space Station with my FT3D.
For Satellite repeater communication I opted for the full duplex cross-band repeater capable Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus. As with the FT-3D, I use and dual band Arrow antenna for satellite communication.
I also had a APRS Digipeater/Igate located at my business. The setup was an MFJ 30 Amp power supply, a dedicated Yaesu FT 2980 transmitter set on 144.390Mhhz and a Microsat WX3IN1 Plus 2.0 connected to my internet router and my radio. The Tram 1480 antenna was about 25′ from the ground. In 2021 the antenna took a direct lightning strike destroying the radio, router and Microsat WX3IN1 Plus 2.0. I have all the replacement ready to go but the antenna. I am currently trying to figure out how to protect my equipment before setting it up.
For Satellite repeater communication I opted for the full duplex cross-band repeater capable Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus.
And my finally, for rugged “on the go operation”, the “waterproof” Yaesu VX-6R 2m/220/70cm FM Heavy-Duty Tri-Band Ultra-Compact FM radio. That’s the radio I’ll take while going fishing or to the beach!
I just finished setting up a used but somewhat powerful computer dedicated to radio operation. I previously used a laptop which will now be used for mobile and portable operation.
Other related radio tools – For Antenna Analyzer, I use an MFJ 259C covering 30 KHz – 230 MHz as well as a RIGEXPERT AA-230 ZOOM.