Choosing among ham radio transceivers starts with a use-case split: do you want a radio described as tested working for HF, a working 2-meter FM mobile set, or a vintage unit for restoration? These four choices cover those paths, and the listed prices span a $305 spread. The right pick depends less on one headline number than on whether you want operating features or a repair project.
Quick take
The working-use paths are the Yaesu FT-890 and YAESU FT-3000M, while the Yaesu FT-101Z and Kenwood TS-820S are restoration-oriented. The FT-890 is the HF choice; the FT-3000M is the 2-meter FM mobile choice. Both vintage radios are marked "For parts or not working," so their power-up descriptions do not equal confirmed operation. Between them, the Kenwood has the lower listed price, while the FT-101Z fits a buyer focused on that specific vintage Yaesu model.
Listed-price comparison
The absolute spread between the lowest and highest listed prices is $305. The price bars show where each radio sits within the four-product range.
| Radio | Listed price | Price bar | Buying signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-101Z | USD 220.00 | Powers up; needs work | |
| Kenwood TS-820S | USD 145.00 | Powers up; otherwise untested | |
| Yaesu FT-890 | USD 450.00 | Tested working; HF | |
| YAESU FT-3000M | USD 299.00 | 2-meter FM; working |
Decision matrix
- HF priority: The Yaesu FT-890 is the direct fit. Its title identifies an HF amateur transceiver, says "Tested Working," and mentions a mic and DC cable.
- 2-meter FM mobile: The YAESU FT-3000M is the specialized choice. Its description lists 70 watts, 81 memories, four power levels, and wideband receive across 110-180, 300-520, and 800-900 MHz, less cellular.
- Vintage restoration at the lower listed price: The Kenwood TS-820S pairs its vintage format with an original AC power cable, but its digital display does not come on and testing stopped at power-up.
- Vintage restoration around a specific model: The Yaesu FT-101Z is identified as "powers up, needs work," with a condition of "For parts or not working."
Product notes
Yaesu FT-101Z Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver
The Yaesu FT-101Z makes sense as a hands-on restoration candidate. "Vintage" and "needs work" appear in the title, and its condition is marked "For parts or not working." That gives a clear reason to choose it: the FT-101Z model itself is the focus, rather than a generic working-radio purchase. The limitation is equally direct-powering up does not establish operating performance, and the stated condition places it in a repair-oriented lane. Choose it for the model and restoration brief; skip it when confirmed operation is essential.
Kenwood TS-820S Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver
The Kenwood TS-820S is the lower-priced vintage route and includes the original AC power cable. It powers up, which gives a restoration project a defined starting point, but the digital display does not come on and no testing was done beyond power-up. The condition is marked "For parts or not working," so the limitation is not subtle: the radio's operating performance is unconfirmed. This is the sensible match for a buyer who wants the TS-820S model, its included cable, and a repair project. It is not the match for someone prioritizing confirmed operation.
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver
The Yaesu FT-890 is the direct match to the HF use case because its title explicitly says "HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver" and "Tested Working." The same title names a mic and DC cable, while the description says it works and is tested. The limitation is its used condition and its HF focus, which makes it a less direct fit for shoppers specifically seeking 2-meter FM mobile operation. At $450, it is the highest-priced choice here. Select it when the HF format and tested-working description matter more than choosing a restoration unit.
YAESU FT-3000M 70 WATT TRANSCEIVER HAM RADIO
For a 2-meter FM mobile setup, the YAESU FT-3000M is aimed at a specific operating role. The description lists 70 watts, 81 memories, twin cooling fans, four power levels, and wideband receive in several ranges. Those details give a concrete reason to choose it for that format. The limitation is also specific: the radio is centered on 2-meter FM, so it is not the direct HF choice. It is described as used, in good working condition, and sold as is. At $299, it occupies the middle of the four listed prices.
Final recommendation by use case
- HF operation: Choose the Yaesu FT-890 for the HF format.
- 2-meter FM mobile use: Choose the YAESU FT-3000M when that stated operating role fits your station.
- Vintage restoration with a lower listed price: Choose the Kenwood TS-820S for its vintage format and repair brief.
- A specific vintage Yaesu restoration: Choose the FT-101Z at its $220 listed price when a hands-on project is the goal.
The split is straightforward: the FT-890 and FT-3000M fit the working-use paths, while the FT-101Z and TS-820S are repair-oriented choices. Start with operating mode or restoration goal, then use the listed price to break a tie.
