Choosing among ham radio transceivers comes down to a practical fork: do you want a vintage repair project, or a unit described as working? Band coverage then separates an HF-focused radio from a model explicitly labeled HF/VHF/UHF All Mode. The prices span a wide range, but condition and the exact title wording should drive the first cut.
Quick take
Start with condition before comparing radio names. A repair-oriented purchase and a used unit described as tested working serve different shoppers. Once that fork is clear, use the named bands, included accessories, and listed price to narrow the field.
Listed-price comparison
The listed prices span $145 to $738.20, a $593.20 spread from the Kenwood TS-820S to the FT-897D. The bars indicate price position only.
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-101Z Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver | $220.00 | |
| Kenwood TS-820S Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver | $145.00 | |
| Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver | $450.00 | |
| FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver | $738.20 |
Decision matrix
Use these filters to match the radio to the job:
- Restoration status: The FT-101Z and TS-820S are marked "For parts or not working." The FT-890 and FT-897D are marked used, with their titles or descriptions stating tested working.
- Band scope: The FT-890 names HF. The FT-897D explicitly names HF/VHF/UHF All Mode and lists HF from 160m to 10m, plus 6m, 2m, and 70cm.
- Accessory cue: The TS-820S description includes the original AC power cable. The FT-890 title includes a microphone and DC cable.
- Repair detail: The FT-101Z title says it needs work. The TS-820S powers up, but its digital display does not come on and no further testing was done.
Product notes
Yaesu FT-101Z Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver + AC Cable (powers up, needs work
The FT-101Z is the direct match for a shopper who specifically wants a vintage Yaesu restoration project. Its title says it powers up and needs work, while the condition is marked "For parts or not working." That makes the model a repair-oriented purchase rather than a straightforward working-radio choice. At $220, it sits above the Kenwood TS-820S and below the two used working units. The concrete limitation is the repair status: the title itself says work is needed, so the FT-101Z should not be treated as ready for normal operation. Choose it when the FT-101Z model and vintage format matter more than an immediately usable setup.
Kenwood TS-820S Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver (powers up, otherwise untested
Kenwood's TS-820S has the lowest listed price at $145 and a clear restoration profile. It powers up, includes the original AC power cable, and is identified as a vintage ham radio transceiver. The useful caution is equally specific: it is otherwise untested, and the digital display does not come on. Its condition is "For parts or not working," so the lower entry price comes with a hands-on repair brief rather than a working-use expectation. This is a natural pick for a shopper seeking a TS-820S restoration candidate and willing to work around the display issue. The limitation is not cosmetic alone; operational testing has not gone beyond power-up.
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working
The Yaesu FT-890 is the HF-focused choice whose title explicitly says tested working. It is described as used and includes a microphone and DC cable in the title, giving the setup a clear accessory cue. At $450, it occupies the middle of the four-price range. For a shopper prioritizing a working HF transceiver over a restoration project, the FT-890 is a direct fit. Its limitation is that it remains a used unit, and its title identifies HF rather than the HF/VHF/UHF All Mode wording attached to the FT-897D. Choose it for the FT-890 model, the HF designation, and the tested-working description; do not choose it if broader band wording is the deciding requirement.
FT-897D HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Radio Transceiver Amateur Radio 100W
The FT-897D matches the specific combination named in its title: HF/VHF/UHF All Mode operation and 100W. Its attributes list HF from 160m to 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm, while the description says it was tested and confirmed working properly. That makes the model relevant when those bands and modes matter in one transceiver. The limitation is price: at $738.20, it is the highest-priced entry here. It is also used, with scratches and signs of use described. Choose it for the explicit band-and-mode combination; the higher listed price and used wear are the tradeoffs.
Final recommendation by use case
- Repair bench with a specific Kenwood target: Choose the Kenwood TS-820S Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver.
- Vintage Yaesu restoration: Choose the Yaesu FT-101Z Vintage Ham Radio Transceiver.
- HF setup with a tested-working description: Choose the Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver.
- HF/VHF/UHF All Mode setup with 100W in the title: Choose the FT-897D.
The main decision is straightforward: the Kenwood and FT-101Z are for shoppers prepared to handle restoration language, while the FT-890 and FT-897D are the choices described as tested working. Between those working radios, the FT-890 is the HF-specific route, and the FT-897D is the match for its explicitly named multi-band, all-mode configuration.
